Immerse yourself in the tradition, heritage and creativity buzz of this charming West Midlands Town. Discover the unusual delights and fun interactive activities in Stourbridge.
Surrounded by the forests and hills of the Worcester countryside is the lively market town of Stourbridge. Feel the creative flair and tradition of the town which have been an essential part of its history and brought forward into modern-day. Fill your time with browning the quirky independent shops and delving into the town’s history during the Industrial Revolution. Unwind in the idyllic green spaces, cosy English pubs and at the innovative eateries.
Hop on a train to Stourbridge Town or Stourbridge Junction, which has direct links from Birmingham Snow Hill or Birmingham Moor Street.
Learn about Stourbridge’s history and heritage
Delicate and intricate creations crafted in blazing red 1200°C furnaces by skilled workers have been a staple of Stourbridge’s industrial heritage for 400 years. Glass production here gained a prominent and crucial role in this industry, earning a reputation for some of the finest glassware in Britain. The likes of Thomas Webb & Songs plus Stevens & Williams became known worldwide for their products.
Stourbridge Glass Museum's iconic cone has always been a hub for the craft. Take a look inside and learn about the history, processes and significance of the town’s glassblowing expertise. Through interactive digital displays, live demonstrations and thought-provoking exhibitions, you’ll gain a deep insight into one of the world’s most important glass-making centres.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00.
Distance from station: 1.6 miles
Chill out in the pretty park
Offering the perfect relaxation space to pause after a busy day on your feet is Mary Stevens Park . Watch the world go by, admire the blooming flowers and befriend the resident ducks of Heath Pool in this tranquil green area.
Enter through the elegant grade II-listed gates into the perfectly preened gardens. Tuck into a picnic at a sunny spot, stroll through the orchard area or let off some steam with some tennis or croquet. There’s also an outdoor gym, a children’s play area, a cafe, toilets and disabled facilities.
Opening hours: Seven days a week, 09:00 to 18:00
Distance from station: 0.8 miles.
The Lace Guild
Inspiring textile enthusiasts, fashionistas and craft lovers, The Lace Guild puts on regular exhibitions, workshops and courses for all things lace. This age-old craft has remained a symbol of elegance and beauty in fashion around the globe. When lace was invented remains unknown, but it’s believed to have existed for centuries.
Stourbridge is home to the headquarters of The Lace Guild. Here, you can browse the library of books filled with lace techniques, admire over 15,000 lace-related artefacts and try your hand at lacemaking.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 15:00.
Distance from station: 1.4 miles
Ruskin Glass Centre/ try your hand at a new craft
Focusing on the current use of the old-age glass-blowing techniques is the collection of small businesses at the Ruskin Glass Centre . Stroll around the contemporary exhibitions and galleries, book yourself onto an educational program and pick up some unique handcrafted art. Beginner, intermediate and advanced glass-focused workshops frequently take place in the Transparent Glass Studio here, as well as seasonal events, theatre performances and pop-up stalls.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 until 16:00, except for Wednesdays when the glass studio closes at 14:00 and Saturdays when the cafe closes at 15:00.
Distance from station: 1.2 miles
Hagley Hall
Set in 350 acres of well-kept parkland, surrounded by the Worcester countryside, is the timeless and elegant 18th-century Hagley Hall , owned by the 12th Viscount Cobham. Step inside and notice the tall pillars, classical elements and grand appearance which are typical of Palladian houses. Wander through the library, drawing room, gallery and dining room, which are decorated with chandeliers, period features and grand fireplaces.
Explore Hagley Park and stumble across a hidden castle, picturesque deer park, ancient woodland and pristine gardens. Stop for some refreshments at the cafe, visit one of their seasonal events or book a tour of the grounds.
Opening hours: The park is open from 09:00 to 17:00 seven days a week. Hagley Hall is open for tours only during selected times throughout the year.
Price: Entry into the cafe, picnic and patio area is free. Beyond here, it costs extra to access Hagley Park and have guided tours. For more details visit the Hagley Hall website.
Distance from station: 3 miles – you can catch the number 318 bus from the Stourbridge Interchange to Hangley Paramount Showrooms, which takes approximately 10 minutes.
Stourbridge Town Hall
From the outside, Stourbridge Town Hall retains a traditional and historic appearance with its Renaissance-style architecture and soaring tower. But within the four walls are lively and creative performances from well-known and up-and-coming actors, comedians and musicians. You can also catch a cinema screening or a family show. While you’re there, stop by the public library or grab a drink at the bar.
Opening hours: The general building is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, but evening shows usually start at 19:30.
Distance from station: 0.4 miles
Treat yourself to some retail therapy
Break up your day with a shopping spree in the boutiques, big brands and pop-up market stalls. Ryemarket Shopping Centre is in the heart of the town, where you’ll find the latest tech, beauty buys and fashion for every type of style.
For quirky independent retailers, speciality shops and vintage finds, head to Stourbridge High Street and pop into The Thrift , Doolally and Bella Boo . Grandad’s Attic is a hidden gem in the town where you can get your hands on unique, retro antiques.
Opening hours: Ryemarket Shopping Centre is open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 - 18:00 and Sundays, 10:00 - 16:00. The high street shops are open around 10:00 - 16:30.
Distance from station: All within 0.5 miles.
Kinver Edge Rock Houses
Perched on the Staffordshire hills surrounded by wildlife and woodland are unusual red homes carved into the limestone rock of Kinver Edge. It’s recorded that people lived in these special lodges of the Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses from 1777.
Inside the restored Holy Austin houses, you can catch a glimpse into what life was like living here – one of the residents is thought to have been a white witch. Walk through the moonscape tunnels with curious carvings of Nanny’s Rock to the Iron Age hill forts with far-reaching views of the countryside.
Opening hours: It varies throughout the year but generally, the Garden and tea room is open 11:00 - 16:00 the Rock Houses 10:30 - 16:00 and you’re free to roam the countryside at any time.
Distance from station: 5.1 miles - you can catch the 242 bus from Meddins Lane.
Eat & drink
Fill up on mouth-watering comfort foods, classic pub grub and dainty, freshly baked cakes. For breakfast, brunch and lunch, visit the quaint Mom N Co Cakes tearoom or Stuffed . The Glassworks offers a modern British menu with sharing plates and burgers using locally sourced ingredients.
You don’t have to look far for a warm and welcoming traditional British pub in the town’s centre, like The Crown Inn . For something more modern, you can tuck into creative dishes with a craft beer at gastropub The Duke William .
Opening hours: Breakfast and lunch eateries are generally open around 9:30 - 15:00 and the pubs are usually open between 12:00 to 23:00.
Distance from station: All within 1.5 miles.
Stourbridge Canal
Follow the five-mile towpath along the grassy verges lined by rustling trees at Stourbridge Canal . Coal and other essential supplies during the town’s thriving glass industry years were transported along the water after the canal was built in 1779. Walk past the glass-making cone and the flight of 16 black and white locks. Walk over the stone bridges and soak up the picturesque views from Brierley Hill.
Opening hours: Anytime you wish to visit.
Distance from station: 1.9 miles
Stourton Village & Castle
Explore the ancient parish of Stourton, which is surrounded by natural beauty with a river running through its centre and dotted with historical landmarks. It’s also home to the imposing grade II-listed Stourton Castle , which was built in 1110 and is believed to have been a mediaeval hunting lodge. Mary Queen of Scots spent some of her childhood here and the room in which Cardinal Pole was born in the property remains preserved.
Opening hours: You can visit the village at any time but the castle is restricted to special events.
Distance from station: 3 miles – you can catch the 242 bus from Stourbridge Interchange.
Handy tip: When you travel with West Midlands Railway, you can get exclusive 2FOR1 deals, 1/3 OFF savings and many other great discounts available at UK’s top attractions.
Take a day trip to Stourbridge and save money with off-peak tickets. You can purchase your ticket via the West Midlands Railway app.
