I want to know the real Black Country tour please!

[Northern Lass]

Hi folks.....I want to experience the Real Black Country Tour
Go to the very Heart of the Black Country!

"Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote
The droughte of March hath perced to the roote
Than longen folk to goon on pilgrimages"

Geoffrey Chaucer Prologue to the Canterbury Tales

I have passed through these towns and villages that sit in the "Black Country" on my way to or from somewhere.
But I want to find out why this area is SPECIAL and go out and about and sample the essence of its difference.

I know that quite a few of our members either live or were born there or have ancestors originating from there.

So perhaps you can tell me what to see and sample in an area so steeped in history, heritage and personality.

A starting point could be Wolverhampton and from there perhaps Wednesfield, Willenhall, Walsall, Darlaston, Wednesbury, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Smethwick, Old Hill, Rowley Regis, Blackheath, Netherton, Brierley Hil, Stourbridge, Dudley, Tipton, Bilston...I have missed some I am sure....these are just an idea.

I intend to go out and about when the better weather comes and see all the places that you think I should see.
I will not be content until I know what makes this region tick!
Show me the Real Black Country ......warts and all!

So which village should I visit and why?
This will be a thread we can add to from the best walks, best pubs, basically the best that the Black Country has to offer.
I am even thinking of hiring a canal boat and doing the black country canals......so I need to know what to see and where to see it!
and of course watering holes along the way!



this topic will be moved to theBlack Country history section later hopefully with a ready made tour guide

[mallosa]

..er... can I come?

[Northern Lass]

..er... can I come?

Well of course!

[Rob]

Isn't this a good idea!! I'm amazed where it all comes from!!
I'll have a think about some good places but at the moment i'm busy searching!!

[mallosa]

This is a great idea,as I am not from the area, I can't wait!!

[Northern Lass]

Isn't this a good idea!! I'm amazed where it all comes from!!
I'll have a think about some good places but at the moment i'm busy searching!!

Thanks Rob! your help would be brilliant xx

[Jimmy]

This should be a good start to the tour,


http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/pubs/ind ... Pub=dudley

[a5baggie]

The Black Country Museum,

how life was, old fashioned sweet shop, fish and chips
and a real ale pub, who could ask for more??

[Northern Lass]

Yes pubs are a great idea

like The Old Swan in Netherton, better known as Ma Pardoes

Phot of Ma Pardoes from our Gallery

The pub retains that old fashioned decor, it is like stepping back in time.....I love it! It has been designated a Grade II listed building.

The landlady was Doris Clare Pardoe (born 1899)she owned it until her death in 1984, aged 85 years old
Apparently it still brews beer on its own premises


rite that one is on the list

which ones do you recommend on that list Jimmy? all of em?

and a5 deffo the Black Country museum at Dudley ....not been yet

[Jimmy]

I don't know never been to any in Black Country, my local is the Penny Black in Kidder, I shall be there about 6 tonight.

[Rob]

That's where the guy who invented the stamp used to drink!! Rowland Hill!!
You pass the pub on the way into Kiddy coming from Halesowen don't you? Is that the one Jimmy?

[Jimmy]

Its in the Bull Ring at the end of Church St, in the town, Swan Centre.

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/pubs/pub ... umber=2907

[Northern Lass]

So getting back to Black Country things to see when I put me walking boots on!

What else is there whilst I am in Netherton please......come on tell me!

[Silver surfer]

St Andrews Church then round the "razza" and onto the "Sounding Bridge". It's been so long since I've been there, have almost forgot what its like. Oh, and if you want to keep fit, a stroll round Lodge Farm and then up Highbridge Rd and onto St Andrews from there. A real killer. Now I can remember that, but then again I only had little short legs at the time.

[Northern Lass]

I got them! short legs!

that is great SS.... you coming with us?
yes?
good!

of course the church! .....wot is the razza??? and wot is the sounding bridge ???
and that bumble hole place is great too!