Tipton/Dudley

 Who knew that this town just outside Birmingham, will offer so much for families!

We first headed to the Dudley Canal Tours and Caverns. It had timed tours which cannot be pre-booked and I didn't want to take the risk of it getting booked up. While waiting for our tour to start, there was a little museum which was very information about the canal history around the area. For a little museum, it had plenty to offer for kids too. When our canal boat arrived, we donned hard hats and got ready for the tours. Our boatman was great! He was so funny and gave us great tidbits about the canal history. He took us through 2 tunnels before we came to the caverns. The boat has light so you won't be in the dark. We came across limestone mines and mine shafts. We also stopped in the way a few times to watch the history of the mine and listen to a mini music concert. Yes, you read that right! A music concert which was grand in the environment we were in. 2 people will also be able to try an old job of moving the boat along the tunnels using your legs! So be ready! The tour took 45mins overall.

Then we headed to the Black Country Living Museum which was literally right next to the canal tours. The museum is great for big and small. It is also where most of Peaky Blinders was filmed.  When we went there, the Jubilee celebrations were on so there were parades with Queen Victoria and parades. As we are in the Black Country, it was quite industrialised and some of these machinery are still working which was fascinating. There are also historic characters walking around. The reconstructed shops are so good and you can also buy from some them like the confectionery, bakery, chip shop. You can also take a tour of the museum by hopping on an heritage vehicle which is free. We also took a lesson in an old classroom equipped with blackboard and a teacher with a stick. Beware naughty children! There's also demonstrations of a few skills such as chain-making. Do check the timetable at the entrance. There's also a park for kids to let loose.

Overall, it was a great family day out which didn't break the bank!