Dudley Canal & Caverns

Dudley Canal & Caverns See the network of underground canal routes that helped form the industrial Black Country and marvel at the fantastic Limestone Caverns.
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We offer family, group, school and corporate boat trips along the Dudley Canal. Enjoy a 45 minute trip through the network of tunnels and limestone caverns, or meander the waterways of the Black Country on a longer 2-hour, 3-hour or 6-hour journey. Our history goes back to 1963 when the Dudley Canal Tunnel Preservation Society was formed to protect the tunnel, and in particular to oppose the Railw

ay plans to block the Tipton Portal with an embankment. In 1970 the Society became the Dudley Canal Trust. In 2015 supported by European Regional Development Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund and Biffa Award alongside other funders we opened our new Portal building, complete with restaurant, shop, exhibition gallery and learning space. We cater for over 80,000 passengers per year and any trading surplus is used to help maintain the Tunnel and Dudley Canal and its environment.

Something different is happening in June 🌙We're running Twilight Tours on two Saturday evenings - 13th and 27th June at ...
02/06/2026

Something different is happening in June 🌙

We're running Twilight Tours on two Saturday evenings - 13th and 27th June at 6pm, 7pm, or 8pm. You'll drift into the caverns as the sun begins to set, with music and light adding to the atmosphere. It's relaxed rather than educational - just a chance to experience the tunnels in a different way.

Whilst here, enjoy some food from our food vendors, ice-cream stall or head to the bottle bar for a little tipple. Or bring your own picnic and settle by the canal. Either way, it's an evening that feels different.

Book now: https://dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/events/twilight-tours/

31/05/2026

Imagine legging through this 250 year old tunnel… 🦵

From 1775 to 1778, Lord Ward, the Earl of Dudley, created his own canal and tunnel network from the Birmingham Canal to his limestone mines in Tipton. All now accessible thanks to our friends Dudley Canal & Caverns ✨

30/05/2026

The gift shop's packed with bits and bobs you won't find anywhere else 🎁

Canal-themed gifts, local products, and plenty of things the kids will try to convince you they absolutely need. Worth a browse before you head home.

There's still time to book the home ed creative workshop on 1st June 🎨Kerri Williams is running it - she's a nationally ...
28/05/2026

There's still time to book the home ed creative workshop on 1st June 🎨

Kerri Williams is running it - she's a nationally recognised heritage artist and genuinely knows how to bring out the creativity in young people. Your kids will paint a ceramic mug or slate to take home, all materials included, ages 10+.

If you want to make a full day of it, bring a packed lunch and add a boat trip into the tunnels for just £5pp. It's a day out without the hassle of planning something complicated.

£40 for one adult + one child (£20 per extra child).

Book now: https://dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/home-educators-canal-art/

27/05/2026

Water safety activities are happening in the Biffa Gallery this week 💧

We've got 'Float vs Sink' demonstrations, 'Reach, Throw, Don't Go' exercises, and learning about cold water shock and identifying dangers along the towpath. It's all included in your boat trip ticket, so if you're here this week, stick around for a session.

Tomorrow is also the last day our Education Officer Jennie will be running specialist water safety workshops at 12pm and 1pm in conjunction with CRT if you want something more in-depth.

We look forward to seeing you there!

https://dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/underground-experience/

Tipton Fire Station are here tomorrow from 1-4pm 🚒They're running water safety demonstrations and practical activities. ...
24/05/2026

Tipton Fire Station are here tomorrow from 1-4pm 🚒

They're running water safety demonstrations and practical activities. 'Float vs Sink' demonstrations, 'Reach, Throw, Don't Go' exercises, learning about cold water shock and how to identify dangers along the towpath.

If you're wondering what to do with the Bank Holiday, this is a good shout. It's free to attend, no booking required, just turn up. The kids will love it.

We hope to see you there!

23/05/2026

The weather's looking brilliant for the week ahead, the gelato is ready to be scooped and we can't wait to see you 🚤

The refreshed Underground Experience launches today with NAVVY leading family tours in the mornings and our skippers running historical tours in the afternoons. Mining history, 428 million years of geology, and water safety activities in the Biffa Gallery - all included in your ticket.

On Monday 25th May, Tipton Fire Station are here from 1-4pm running water safety demonstrations. Free to attend, no booking required.

Plus, on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th, and Thursday 28th at 12pm and 1pm, our Education Officer Jennie is running water safety workshops in conjunction with CRT.

Whether you're coming for the boat trip or just popping in for the fire crew demos, it's shaping up to be a busy May Half Term.

Book your boat trip: https://dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/underground-experience/

21/05/2026

Hot weather + gelato + underground boat trips = your May Half Term sorted 🚤 🍦

We've got new gelato on site just in time for the sunshine, and the refreshed Underground Experience launches this Saturday!

Two versions are running throughout the week. Mornings are led by NAVVY - our robot navigation character delivering the tour interactively for families. Afternoons are historical tours with skippers and crew for audiences who want more depth.

After your boat trip, the Biffa Gallery has water safety activities included in your ticket. Plus, on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th, and Thursday 28th at 12pm and 1pm, our Education Officer Jennie is running water safety workshops in conjunction with CRT. Tipton Fire Station are also here running demos on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May.

Book now - it's shaping up to be a busy week: https://dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/underground-experience/

We are so excited to have Tipton Fire Station run a water safety afternoon on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May, 1-4pm 🚒They...
20/05/2026

We are so excited to have Tipton Fire Station run a water safety afternoon on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May, 1-4pm 🚒

They'll be here on site running sessions around water safety - things like identifying dangers along the towpath, understanding cold water shock, and learning what to do in an emergency. There's practical activities including 'Float vs Sink' demonstrations and 'Reach, Throw, Don't Go' exercises using throw lines and reach poles.

It's one of those afternoons where the kids are learning something genuinely important without realising it because they're too busy getting stuck into the activities.

It's free to attend, no booking required, so just turn up on the day.

We hope to see you there!

Looking for a day trip from Birmingham that doesn't involve driving for hours? We're only 25 minutes away 📍Straight up t...
19/05/2026

Looking for a day trip from Birmingham that doesn't involve driving for hours? We're only 25 minutes away 📍

Straight up the A457 or a quick train to Tipton, and you're here. Underground boat trips through 428-million-year-old limestone caverns, Black Country heritage, and a coffee shop by the canal to sit and enjoy afterwards.

You leave the city, see something you can't experience anywhere else, and you're back home in time for tea. No massive planning, just a day out that's right on your doorstep.

Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who's running out of ideas for the weekend and wants something different without the hassle.

Book your trip: https://dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/

Address

501 Birmingham New Road
Dudley
DY14SB

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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