A museum in the West Midlands has taken top honours as the best large visitor attraction in England, beating out some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including theme parks, castles and royal residences.
The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley has been named “Large Visitor Attraction of the Year” at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. The annual awards recognise the top performers in the English tourism industry.
The museum, which covers 29 acres, offers a vivid, hands-on journey through 250 years of industrial history. Located in the heart of the region that helped power the Industrial Revolution, it recreates life in the Black Country — an area known for its foundries, furnaces and distinct local dialect.
Visitors can stroll along cobbled streets, visit recreated shops and pubs, and speak with actors in period dress who bring the region’s past to life. The experience gives a close-up look at how soot, steam and steel helped shape modern Britain.
The attraction recently completed a £30 million redevelopment — the largest investment in its history since it opened in 1978 — further enhancing its immersive exhibits and facilities.
This surprise win highlights a growing appreciation for industrial heritage and the stories of working-class communities that helped build the nation.
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