Walsall Leather Museum
Latest Reviews
This museum gave a fascinating insight into the importance of the leather industry in Walsall's industrial history. Our group of 33 was split into 2 groups, and the 2 guided gave us a real insight into the working lives of men and women employed in the leather industry in the 19th century and into the importance of present-day Walsall in the production of very fine saddles. We were later let loose to emboss our own leather key rings before enjoying delicious tea and cake in the cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
took my cousin , who is from Blackpool, round museum. I think our 'guide' was called Ian. He was very knowledgable and shared where many 'sayings' originated from to do with leather. Made a very enjoyable morning. We made key rings and purchased lovely cards from the shop. All staff were very pleasant and helpful. Highly recommend a visit...free too!! well done Walsall
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I knew my Mom would enjoy walking around here and neither of us were disappointed, it was even better than I thought.... very interesting and some great displays. We were greeted my a lovely lady on reception,( who’ name I can’t remember) but very nice and helpful. We got to make some keying’s with another lovely lady and I can’t remember her name.... but I do remember Keith, he was doing some sewing and asked if we had some spare time, which we did so, He gave a great talk on different leathers and where they come from. His knowledge of the leathers was unbelievable, so interesting and I learnt a lot.... could have sat there for longer. Credit to you all, my Mom has been telling everyone what a fantastic place and a must.... definitely worth a visit and we’ll be going again. Thanks again to all the staff/ volunteers you do amazing job, it’s people like you that contribute and make the visit worth while.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours at the museum. I had emailed in advance asking for info on my great grandfather's saddlery business, and on arrival was given some background paperwork helping my family history research. The exhibits tell the story of Walsall and leather in an easy to understand way with lots of pictures, samples etc. Well worth it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice bit of local history. Very interesting and lots to look at. Nice little shop. Very friendly staff that couldn’t do enough for us. It’s free to go around and there is a donation box on the wall. Worth a visit. Loved making a key ring.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was short on time when came here so didn’t do it justice but looking at the limited displays, obviously all of leather hides and products made from, it didn’t hold my attention too much. I was given a colourful brochure listing all the events and activities they hold and here there is a lot going on between May & November. Their cafe is closed due to staff being unable to work the coffee machine!! But we got a good hot cup of tea and a packet of biscuits each for £2.50...can’t really grumble!
Would visit again just to smell the leather!!
Would visit again just to smell the leather!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This museum is a little gem. Very friendly knowledgeable voluntee staff, who have actually worked in the leather industry. They are happy to share their wealth of knowledge. Hands on so great for kids. This museum is a credit to the history of the leather industry in Walsall. Easy parking on Day st pay and display. Or if you like free at Tescos if you spend £5. McDonalds across the road so great day out for the kids.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to take the family to learn about past, very helpful and friendly staff and great activities for the kids.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went with family and friends to be educated on walsall leather making saddles etc.
Walsall was well known and still is for it's leather factories so the museum in itself was very entertained in showing us from start to finish in saddlery business. Also handbags.
I just love the smell of leather
Walsall was well known and still is for it's leather factories so the museum in itself was very entertained in showing us from start to finish in saddlery business. Also handbags.
I just love the smell of leather
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A museum in a historic building in the heart of Walsall.. Informative and friendly staff who knew all about leather making in the area. Good to know it still exists in the local area. Good to have a momento to take home that you make yourself.. Car park alongside the museum £1.50 for 2 hours and the museum is free. Definately worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent small museum, informative and hands on. Plenty of interactive things for children. Helpful and interesting staff. A lovely gift shop selling leather goods. A little gem!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited recently. Free Entry. Staff were brilliant. Very knowledgeable..
We made some leather key rings, with a little help from the staff, for our grandchildren. Well worth a visit.
We made some leather key rings, with a little help from the staff, for our grandchildren. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a lovely little place full of local stuff of interest and with a lovely little if not slightly expensive cafe there. been many times with work and seen more than most people get to. Lots of activities for the kid to do but check first they are on and they can make stuff to take home and a small shop. Best combine visit to other local stuff on the day. there are many local manufactures of leather stuff in Walsall who would happily show you around some of them with royal approval and international status like Ettinger leather to name but one
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This museum tells the story of the leather trade in Walsall, with good information boards and displays of leather items, particularly saddlery.. Opportunity to produce a leather fob for a key ring, and an entertaining former worker telling stories of his experiences. And it's free!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was an amazing visit finding out how leather put Walsall on the map world wide. And still does to this day. The boards were very interesting to read and to keep the children happy they can do a quiz for a prize at the end. There were two activities taking place when we went firstly make you own badge and also design your own keyring. It's not the biggest site but it's ample for a few hours. There was a tea room inside but we didn't use it. Carpark is near and is only £1.50 for two hours. We were there for 2 hours.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Walsall Leather Museum is a wonderful, interesting place. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. An optional guided tour is offered. Coffee and snacks are available. Entry is free, it is well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this delightful little museum today. Good exhibits, very informative.
The volunteers are amazing, we could have spent the whole day listening to Wendy in the workshop she very knowledgeable. Claire behind the shop counter was extremely helpful.
Thank you for making our visit so much fun and very memorable.
The volunteers are amazing, we could have spent the whole day listening to Wendy in the workshop she very knowledgeable. Claire behind the shop counter was extremely helpful.
Thank you for making our visit so much fun and very memorable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very interesting place to visit as it takes you back to the 1960's era. Very interacted too as you get to make a key-ring with a choice of your own design. The staff are very informative and friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting and good for the young to see local history of the town they're from.
Were able to try minor procedures and make a few items for themselves.
Were able to try minor procedures and make a few items for themselves.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A little GEM in the heart of Walsall .
I was taken back to the days of leather production , which was a key product for the area.
The staff were engaging and explained the history and the significance of the leather industry.
I liked the hands on nature of the museum as well as the exhibits.
I was taken back to the days of leather production , which was a key product for the area.
The staff were engaging and explained the history and the significance of the leather industry.
I liked the hands on nature of the museum as well as the exhibits.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a whim as we're staying across the road. Well worth a visit and the staff were great with the children.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Museum is free, tour is free, all about the history and practice of making leather and leather goods, typically handbags and horse saddles and associated gear. Best to book as they sometimes have school trips if you dont want to share your tour with 45 of the little darlings. Some machinery to see but none is working. You can make your own leather embossed key fob if you wish. 10 mins walk from station, Walsall college of food next door and highly recommended for lunch.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Called in , just to have a look! What a little gem! Very helpful staff, and lots of history. If you go, be sure to pick up the “events and activities” brochure, as it lists many activity lessons, not just leathercraft. This will enable you to book any lessons that take your interest. Really interesting couple of hours....and it’s free....please support this museum. Thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited today and there was a craft workshop for children to make cardboard animals which was very enjoyable. Afterwards we visited the main museum where my daughter was thrilled with the rocking horse that she was able to ride and my son enjoyed reading all about the leather museum and exploring the displays. Tey both enjoyed dressing up but the main thing they were pleased with was the keyrings.Fr an unbelievable 60p they were able to personalise their own keyring, choosing thei own metal stamp to emboss onto the leather. The staff were so lovely and helpful and they both thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The gift shop is also reasonably priced. We are thrilled to have visited today. A truly invaluable, educational experience. Thanks so much!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well, loved the old buildings, real history! Loved the little shop,loved the little but lasting impression made on my own leather key-fob. Very interested to find out that a long time ago we made things in Britain, can it be true? Love the caretaker who had time for us, despite our late arrival. Loved the fact that it pissed down with rain while we in there and the roof never leaked, top luck. Great displays and information and just enough to learn but not overwhelm. Great experience all round, well worth looking in when in Walsall. Bonussed up by being funded with taxes, now that's novel not wasting it on some vanity project. Love you leather heroes of the Midlands past. XXX
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
