Broadfield House Glass Museum
Crystal glass has long been synonymous with the history of Wordsley (and the local towns of Stourbridge and Brierley Hill). It dates back to the 1600's when refugee glassmakers from the Lorraine settled in the area. Using the plentiful supplies of coal and clay they made window glass and bottles.
The 1800's saw the invention of lead, or crystal glass and the development of the world famous industry was born.
Several factories still produce glassware and the skills of the workers can be seen first hand during factory tours run by local manufacturers. However, much of the glass making history is captured at the Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford.
The Black Country Living Museum
One of the most interesting places to visit, only a short journey from Kingswinford, is the Black Country Living Museum.
Historic buildings from all over the Black Country have been moved and rebuilt at the museum to create a tribute to the traditional skills and enterprise of the people that once lived in the industrial heart of Britain.
Meet the characters in the original shops and houses, ride a tramcar, catch a "Midland Red" bus, take a lesson in the Victorian school house or explore an underground coal mine. It makes a fascinating day out for the whole family.
There are a variety of traditional craft demonstrations always on display, from sweet making and glass cutting to metal working.
And to complete a perfect day out, enjoy a pint in the "Bottle and Glass" public house.
The Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway own and operate 16 miles of track that runs through the glorious Shropshire and Worcestershire countryside from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster.
Steam trains operate every weekend throughout the year and daily between May and October (please check the current timetable!).
You may have never travelled on the line but you will recognise it instantly - with regular appearances on film and TV.
In the weeks before Christmas join one of the "Santa Specials", an intensive service of special trains from Kidderminster to Arley with presents for all children (aged 1 to 15).
Himley House & Country Park
Built in the 1740's for the Earl of Dudley, this Grade II listed building is open to the public during the spring and summer months with an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions.
The grounds surrounding the hall, originally landscaped by Capability Brown, are open all year round and form part of the larger Baggeridge Country Park.
Ironbridge
Ironbridge is the birth place of the Industrial Revolution.
Ironbridge and the Ironbridge Gorge are situated in the valley that changed our world. Only 200 years ago it was filled with the sounds and smells of early industry. Smoke once filled the firery sky, sulphur fumes rose from furnaces, tumult issued from the forges and foundries - this was the workshop of the world - and one of the most polluted environments in the world. Today it is a deeply wooded, tranquil and beautiful valley, full of museums and monuments of supreme historic importance - now classified as a World Heritage Site.
The area offers not one, but nine great places to visit; The Ironbridge & Toll House, The Museum of the Gorge, Darby Houses, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Broseley Pipeworks, Jackfield Tile Museum, Coalport China Museum, The Tar Tunnel and The Blists Hill Victorian Town.
How to get about using public transport...