Walsall Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History

    Walsall was first mentioned in a document from 1002 as ‘Walesho’. In 1219, Walsall started to hold a weekly market every Tuesday and this market still takes place today. During the Industrial Revolution, Walsall was transformed from a small village to an important manufacturing town with a population of over 86,000.

  • 2. Now

    Walsall remains a large industrial town. It is located to the east of Wolverhampton and northwest of Birmingham and is part of both the West Midlands and the Black Country.

  • 3. Events

    Walsall has a range of events throughout the year including Rosie’s Charity Walk and Festival, Wasall Beer Festival and Blackwood Picnic in the Park. One of the most popular local festivals is the Black Country Boating Festival which is held every September. This festival brings the community and people from further afield together to raise money for both local and national c...Read moreharities. The fun filled festival offers over 200 different trade, charity and boat stalls. Read less

  • 4. Attractions

    The New Art Gallery was opened in 2000 and displays a number of works from famous artists and sculptors including Jacob Epstein, Constable, Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet and Turner. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

  • 5. Things To Do

    The Walsall Museum is dedicated to the history of the local area and has a permanent gallery called ‘The Changing Face of Walsall.’ The Museum offers a range of activities for all ages during the year. The Walsall Leather Museum celebrates Walsall’s most famous industry and displays leather related goods that have been made in Walsall including saddles, shoes, gloves and ...Read morebags. There is also a ‘contemporary design’ exhibition that shows the work of contemporary leather designers. Read less

  • 6. Business

    The town’s local limestone quarry helped the town become very prosperous during the Industrial Revolution. Walsall has been the home to many different industries such as coal mining and metal working, but in the 19th century when the coal mining industry stopped in the area, the town became famous for other trades. Over the years Walsall has manufactured a wide range of produ...Read morects including buckles, chains and saddles. Walsall remains famous for its leather industry and still makes leather goods for the Prince of Wales and handbags for the Queen. Read less

  • 7. Transport

    The first railway line in Walsall was built in 1847. The town’s proximity to Birmingham means that there are excellent transport links to the west and the rest of the UK. The M6 and the M5 are easily accessed from the town and offer easy routes down to London and up to Scotland.

  • 8. Entertainment

    Britain’s first Wurlitzer theatre organ was installed at Walsall’s New Picture House in 1925 and Walsall still keeps its local community entertained with shows and events. The Grange Playhouse offers theatrical performances throughout the year and the nearby Birmingham NIA and NEC have famous stars performing all the time.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks

    A famous local Walsall landmark is the Barr Beacon, which is the highest point until the Ural Mountains in Russia. Historically the hill is where beacons have been lit to warn of impending attacks or to celebrate occasions.

  • 10. Interesting Fact

    Many famous people who have been born in Walsall, including supermodel Erin O’Connor, Slade frontman Noddy Holder, Olympic athlete Mark Lewis-Francis and Coronation Street’s Audrey Roberts, Sue Nicholls.

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Walsall Events

  • 01 July 2013 - 31 July 2013

    Blackwood Picnic in the Park

    Every July Blackwood Park hosts a fun filled picnic with a variety of activities for all of the family to enjoy.

  • 01 July 2013 - 31 July 2013

    Rosie’s Charity Walk & Festival

    Rosie’s Helping Hands charity was set up by Karen and Sean Ross in memory of their daughter Rosie who was tragically murdered in 2001. The charity celebrate Rosie’s legacy by supporting local charities and working to offer improved resources and facilities for child

  • 01 September 2013 - 30 September 2013

    The Black Country Boating Festival

    The Black Country Boating Festival is a boat gathering and community festival that is held every September. The event is completely run and organised by volunteers and aims to raise money for local and national charities. Over the years the event has raised more than £

  • 30 November 2012 - 18 April 2015

    Premier Inn

    The Premier Inn Walsall is in a fantastic location at the heart of the Walsall Waterfront. A vibrant canal side position offering excellent transport links to the M6 and featuring a Brewers Fayre restaurant within the hotel. Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK's best va

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