Dudley, situated in the West Midlands County, has a history that dates back to the medieval times - the Anglo-Saxon era. In fact, its name originates from Old English Duddan Leah (which means Dudda’s clearing). It lies to the north-west of Birmingham and to the south-east of Wolverhampton.
Dudley was once famous for its limestone, iron and coal industries and because of the heavy and polluting industries and the thick, black smoke emanating from the iron forges, it became a part of the Black Country. Today, the town of Dudley is a flourishing retail, commercial and leisure center and its focus is on a modern development.
Thanks to its numerous attractions in and around the town and the easy availability of TravelCar car rentals, enjoying the many sights in a leisurely fashion is possible.
Pricing & availability
Dudley is a wonderful town and attracts visitors from all over the world. The best way to enjoy it is to avail of TravelCar’s self-drive car hire Dudley. Not only can you tour the entire town at your own pace but you can also stop to explore places and start when you’re done. This flexibility is a must in any ‘sightseeing schedule. The fact that TravelCar pick-up and drop-off points are situated at such convenient locations does away with the pain points and hassles of using a rental car. That it offers cheap car rentals that cannot be matched by other providers and provides you with the car of your choice, is the stepping stone to a wonderful driving experience. Recent vehicles have an all-inclusive insurance and TravelCar offers all types of car rentals. Its car rental UK has earned a reputation for providing premium services with the TravelCar guarantee of comfort and safety.
Ease of service
TravelCar’s online car rental booking service is seamless and hiring a car can be accomplished in just a few clicks. The rental provider ensures that visitors get what they want by way of extra features or add-ons. TravelCar- the best car rental in Dudley focuses on making things easy for customers at all stages of the hiring process. You can get the car of your choice, the best deal possible and enjoy the comfort and revel in the car’s safety features. TravelCar affords the same priority to all its customers- regardless of whether they hire the car for a couple of days, a few weeks or a few months. It is a rental provider that has the stamp of reliability while providing services to young and old alike.
Great customer service
Traveling across the city should never be a hassle and TravelCar believes that its car rentals can offer travelers the most competitive prices, the best discounts and genuine savings. You can compare car hires across the car rental spectrum for cars ranging from the economy and compact to luxury and special, while making a choice. Your car rental preference is just a few clicks away with TravelCar. We give you the TravelCar guarantee that all our cars are comfortable to drive and assure you that your trips in the city will be safe and memorable. The customer service staff, armed with local knowledge, will help you with your choice and recommend the best and cheapest option, given your personal requirements. We, at TravelCar, believe that travelers should have a good driving experience and our budget car rental Glasgow is a good way to enjoy your trip. Our highly trained staff works hard to make your trip a success. Rely on TravelCar to do a good job of its car rental service.
All visitors to Dudley prefer rental cars to public transport and different people have different needs. The budget-conscious individual needs an economical and fuel-efficient car that’s easy to handle and TravelCar’s Mini, Economy or Compact car is just the thing for them. Of course, families and large groups would prefer TravelCar’s roomier and more spacious intermediate or Full-size car. If you’re used to driving stylish affairs, then TravelCar’s Luxury or Special Car would be a perfect choice. Given its standing in the car rental space, that the car rental provider can cater to the tastes of many, comes as no surprise,
The borough of Dudley with its fascinating attractions is just waiting to be explored-
Black Country Living Museum
If you want to turn back the clock and take a peek at the past, then this 26-acre museum is for you. Historic buildings have their space here and you get an idea of what life must have been during the industrial revolution. Get a glimpse of the world’s first steam engine, visit an underground drift mine, live a day like a coal-miner or just drift through the museum’s Canalside village. You can also get a dose of 1930s cinema, ride on the fairground of yesteryear, participate in street games or even take a school lesson- an Edwardian one.
Dudley Castle and zoo
Dudley Castle was formerly a motte and bailey castle- made from earth and timber- subsequently rebuilt as a stone fortification. It was then demolished and rebuilt again in the 13th century. Later the tower was demolished partly and the interior buildings were destroyed by fire. The ruins have been preserved and part of the moat now houses a part of the Dudley zoo. Entry to the castle is through the zoo. The moat is inhabited by water-fowl and seals. The zoo has lions, tigers, snakes, chinchillas, Asiatic bears, chimpanzees, and many other furry creatures. There are more than 1300 animals in the zoo. You can also get on to the Land train, take a fair ride or have fun at the adventure playground. The restaurant will appease those hunger pangs and on your way out, you can pick up a souvenir at the gift shop...
Baggeridge Country Park
This is located close to the Black Country and is sure to thrill nature lovers. A small gauge railway runs around the park (during summer) and you can have a pleasant ride and enjoy the beautiful countryside at the same time. The adventure playground is bound to keep children busy and active. In addition, there are many walks- the Easy Access Walk, the Toposcope Trail, the Baggeridge Circular Walk, Baggeridge Woodland Walk and more.
Dudley Canal and Limestone Mines
If you want to discover years of history, then explore the underground waterways and experience the tropical shallow sea that formerly covered the land and created fossils. Lifelike constructions and immersive light and sound displays add to the atmosphere. Explore the limestone caverns that are over 400 million years old and learn about the local mining tradition.
Red House Glass Cone
Have you ever wondered about the glassmaking industry and how glass was blown into different shapes? Here’s your chance- You can watch demonstrations of glassblowing during weekends or holidays and get an idea of how it was all done before. Go on a journey of exploration to the craft studios, participate in craft activities and pep yourself up with a cup of coffee at the coffee house. Don’t forget to visit the Tudor Crystal, the Webb Corbett visitor Center and the Ruskin Glass Center.
If you ever wanted to have a shot at golf, this 18 Hole Mini Pro Golf Course at Kidderminster is a great place to show off your skills. It’s great fun and the best part is you don’t need to be a pro or have any experience at all. This is said to be the World’s first Chip and Putt golf course and is set against a beautiful riverside setting. There are true bunkers, mini fairways, tees, and wonderfully manicured greens to satisfy the regular golfers. If you don’t own golf equipment, it doesn’t matter--you will be provided with bits of equipment.
Chase Distillery
This is a genuine single-estate distillery in the United Kingdom. Potatoes grown on the farm are distilled and made into Chase vodka. You can actually get a glimpse of the whole process - starting from the mashing of potatoes to the fermenting and distilling, not to mention the bottling. You can view the rolling potato fields, cider apple orchards and get to know what raw ingredients go into the making of spirits and actually pick up a bottle on your way back.
Didcot Railway Centre
It has a huge collection of carriages, wagons, locomotives and other artifacts that show why the Great Western Railway was the foremost one in the 1940s. This center was not only a former engine-shed but also a locomotive stabling point in Didcot. Today, the site has been preserved and converted into a living railway history museum.
Avebury
Located in the village of Avebury in Wiltshire is a Neolithic henge monument that contains three stone circles. This prehistoric site contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world and is about 7 miles from Marlborough and Caine. The monument sits on a low chalk ridge that is about 160 m above sea level and is slightly elevated above the local landscape.
Stratford Butterfly Farm
Another great visitor attraction near Dudley- the tropical environment is simulated inside large greenhouses, where you can find flying birds, fish, butterflies and even running water. Insects and spiders are found living in glass displays.
There are three main sections
Driving time by the road just 59 minutes via M5
Though there are public transport options, the best way to get around Dudley and closely areas is by hiring a rental car.
Speed Limits for cars in the UK
| Motorways | 70 mph |
| Dual carriageways (roads divided by grassy areas or barriers) | 70 mph |
| Single carriageways (undivided roads) | 60 mph |
| Built up urban roads | 30 mph |
| Built up area near schools | 20 mph |
| Road with sharp bends | 50 mph |
The national speed limits apply in Dudley as well and you would have to drive on the Left side of the road.
Those entering Dudley from a European Union Country- existing license is valid in Dudley
From outside the EU- license is valid for 12 months from the date of entry in the UK and you can drive any small vehicle
Insurance is a must--at least third-party insurance