Another Bank Holiday approaches and it also marks the start of Half-Term. This list of free activities in the Black Country will keep the family happy and busy.
1 – Bantock House Museum – Wolverhampton
The former Bantock family home is a hidden treasure with carved oak paneled rooms, tiles and period furnishings inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, jewellery, toys and dolls which tell the history of Wolverhampton.
The house is surrounded by parkland and gardens, and although the cafe serves delicious homemade food, you are more than welcome to have a picnic.
Click here to find out more.
2 – The New Art Gallery – Walsall
Works of renowed artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and Matisse will take your breath away in a visit to this beautiful gallery in the heart of Walsall. The gallery presents a variety of Historic, Contemporary and Modern art in the forms of painting, sculpture, photography and more. Until the 11th of February, a collection of pieces from the Tate Collection are being shown in the gallery.
The gallery also has activity packs for children up to 12 years old, you can ask for those at reception.
Click here to find out more.
3 – Forge Mill Farm – West Bromwich
At the Forge Mill Farm, in West Bromwich, you can see a variety of farm animals as well as a children’s play area, a farm trail and good access to Forge Mill Lake.
This farm started as a slitting mill for iron in the Sixteenth Century, later becoming a flour mill and until 2012 it was home to a herd of pedigree Jersey Cows. The remains of the mill can still be seen on the side of the building.
For more information, click here.
4 – Free swimming for under 16’s and over 60’s – Tipton, Smethwick, Oldbury and Cradley Heath
Throughout the school holidays, children aged 16 and under who live in Sandwell can swim for free at Tipton Leisure Centre, Smethwick Swimming Centre, Langley Swimming Centre in Oldbury and Haden Hill Leisure Centre in Cradley Heath. You have to register here to get your membership and collect your card on your first visit to the leisure centre of your choice.
If you’re 60 or over, you can swim for free throughout the whole year, everyday until 1pm.