A former leather-making and machinery town, Walsall still has museums showcasing traditional skills and local craftsmen creating intricate leather designs coveted by fashionistas and royals around the world. Walsall is also home to fascinating art galleries, a beloved football team and peaceful recreation areas.

Things to do

Known as the “Leather Capital of Britain”, Walsall features more than 90 leather factories churning out handbags and leather accessories to royals, including the Prince of Wales and the Queen. Visit the Walsall Leather Museum, housed in a Victorian-era factory, where you can view leather saddles and goods made for the Royal Family. Pick up some Walsall-made leather items in the gift shop, then stroll gardens filled with traditional tanning trees.

The Walsall Lock Museum boasts a re-created workshop from the 1900s, complete with a working forge and machinery. In the workshop, costumed guides teach you ancient arts, such as rag-rug making. Head over to the Aston Manor Road Transport Museum for a comprehensive collection of historic trams, buses and trucks.

Hop aboard a heritage steam train ride on the Chasewater Railway, then walk over to Walsall Arboretum for a picnic. If you’re travelling with little ones, they’ll love the water park and duck feeding. In the evening, catch a concert or theatre production at Forest Arts Centre.

Admire the Garman Ryan Collection at the New Art Gallery in downtown Walsall, before dining in the on-site Costa Café. If you’re lucky enough to visit Walsall during football season, snag some tickets for a Walsall Football Club game at Bescot Stadium.

Getting around

Buses, coaches, taxis and bike hires provide transportation around Walsall. You can also pick up a rental car at Birmingham Airport, about 20 kilometres away.