Walking Trails
We have a number of self-guided walks for you to explore the history and heritage of the borough which we hope you will enjoy.
NEW - Interactive cultural trail
A new interactive trail which connects 20 points of interest across Dudley's town centre has just launched. It allows anyone to engage in a text exchange to find out about Dudley's History, Art and Culture by simply sending an SMS or scanning a QR code that can be found on posters and artworks displayed in shop windows across the town. Conversations will vary with every engagement and will include fun facts and insights about iconic Dudley landmarks and famous people.
In Dudley the posters will appear in windows near to local points of interest and have been programmed to chat about the culture and history of the local area. As part of the trail you will also find a series of beautifully illustrated artworks of the town, courtesy of the Dudley Peoples Archive. Can you find them all?
You can use the map below to find all of the points of interest around the town or can simply keep your eyes peeled and if you see a poster, scan it and chat to find out more! Some signs may also release special discounts for shopping in the stores displaying the signs.
All messages are anonymous. Standard network rates may apply.
All conversations are powered by a chatbot platform called Hello Lamp Post. A chatbot is a software application used to automate conversations and interact with the public through a messaging platform. This platform has been designed to encourage people to engage with the town centre and streets in a different and playful way via chats over text. It can share key local information, messages or facts, whilst increasing local participation and engagement within the local area.
The landmark illustrations were commissioned by Dudley Council via the Dudley Peoples Archive Project which explores and celebrates Dudley’s rich heritage and vibrant present through photography, art, publications and stories.
Dudley People's Archive - a project by Fused in collaboration with CoLab Dudley and DMBC. Artwork design by NewTasty.
The Dudley Time Trail
This self-guided Dudley town centre trail of 30 bronze ground plaques is in three parts: Castle Street and Dudley Market Place (approx. 45 mins); an optional detour from the Market Place to Upper High Street and Top Church (approx. 10 mins); and the vicinity of Coronation Gardens (approx. 25 mins).
The Time Trail starts and ends in front of the Earl of Dudley statue on Castle Street. Each of the plaques along the trail contains information that will help you answer the questions on the leaflet. Each of the numbers refers to a location on the map. You can download a copy of the Time Trail leaflet below. We hope you enjoy the Dudley Time Trail.
The Stourbridge Canal and Glass Quarter Heritage Trail
This self-guided Stourbridge Canal and Glass Quarter Heritage Trail is in two parts: The first part of the walk starts from the Bonded Warehouse in Stourbridge to the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley is approximately 1.5 miles and should take an hour and a half on foot; an optional extended walk from the Red House Glass Cone, along the canal heading towards Brierley Hill before returning to the Bonded Warehouse is approximately 5 to 6 miles and should take around 3 hours to complete non-stop.
The self-guided circular walk tells the history and heritage of the Stourbridge Glass industry and the importance of the canal network and geology connected with the glass industry.
You can download a copy of the heritage trail leaflet below as well as a detailed Stourbridge Canal and Glass Quarter Heritage Trail too. We hope you enjoy the Stourbridge Canal and Glass Quarter Heritage Trail. Accompanying this leaflet is a short film showing some of the highlights from this walk.
Other Walking Trails
Brierley Hill Walking Trails
Halesowen Walking Trails
