Mayor celebrates local stories and national impact ahead of English Tourism Week

English Tourism Week is an annual campaign led by VisitEngland to highlight the importance, value and vibrancy of the country’s tourism sector.

This year’s theme — Local Stories, National Growth: Celebrating English Tourism — shines a spotlight on the unique heritage, experiences and people that make destinations across England special.

Dudley borough is home to a wealth of award‑winning attractions including Dudley Zoo & Castle, the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Canal & Caverns, an outstanding network of parks and nature reserves, and the renowned Stourbridge Glass Quarter.

As part of this year’s celebrations, the council is recognising the outstanding success of the multi‑award‑winning Stourbridge Glass Museum, which enjoyed a landmark year in 2025.

The museum was shortlisted for 13 awards, winning eight, including VisitEngland Hidden Gem Award, Heritage Ambassador Award and Museum Development Midlands Green Spark Award. It was also recognised in the Museums & Heritage Sustainability Project of the Year Awards – triumphing over nominations from national institutions including the Natural History Museum and the National Trust.

2026 has been designated the National Year of Reading. Throughout the year, Dudley’s Library Service will host events, storytelling sessions, exhibitions and community programmes that celebrate local voices, creative heritage and the borough’s rich industrial and cultural history — including its world‑famous glassmaking legacy.

Councillor Pete Lee, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“English Tourism Week gives us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the places, people and stories that make Dudley borough truly special.

“Our visitor attractions continue to deliver outstanding experiences, and the amazing achievements of Stourbridge Glass Museum over the past year are a testament to the passion and pride within our borough.

“As we mark the National Year of Reading, we also look forward to sharing even more of our local stories — past and present — with residents and visitors alike.”

Visitors can explore everything the borough has to offer through the Discover Dudley website, including itineraries, events, heritage attractions, outdoor spaces and family activities, at www.discoverdudley.org.uk

For more on world‑renowned glassmaking, visit the Stourbridge Glass Quarter site at www.glassquarter.org.uk and learn more about Stourbridge Glass Museum at www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk