Wolverhampton Tourist Information

The city of Wolverhampton is in the West Midlands, 18 miles northeast of Birmingham and close to the M6 and M54. It is on the main railway line to London with one of the largest national interchanges at Birmingham New Street Station.

Early history is sketchy but by 1179 there was a market at Wolverhampton, which was brought to the attention of King John as it did not have Royal Charter permitting it to do so. It eventually was granted a charter by Henry III in 1258.

Historically Wolverhampton had a thriving woollen trade, hence the woolpack on the city coat of arms, but the Industrial Revolution changed the city forever. Coal mining, iron ore, steel, locksmiths, jewellers and later thriving car and aerospace industries provided local employment.

At this time many of the fine mansions were built, showing the wealth and prosperity of many local families.

The city is not in itself a tourist attraction, but it has many visitors to its university, concerts at the Molineux Stadium and football matches. Home to Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., the Wolves are one of the oldest English football clubs and one of the founder members of the Football League.

Wolverhampton is an ethnically diverse city of 236,000 mainly white and Asian residents. Although its shopping is overshadowed by the Bull Ring and the Merry Hill Centres nearby, it has the usual chain stores represented along with a huge Beatties department store and some delightful independent boutiques.

As well as several traditional churches and factory buildings, one of the main landmarks is the statue of Prince Albert in Queen Square. Known as the Man on the Horse it was unveiled by Queen Victoria in 1866.

There is no shortage of pubs and places to eat and visitors should definitely sample an authentic curry from one of the tandoori restaurants on Cheapside.

The presence of a university ensures a lively and affordable nightlife in Wolverhampton city centre, with plenty of live music and a number of real ale pubs.

Famous residents include singer Beverley Knight, Enoch Powell MP, Speaker of the House of Lords, Baroness Hayman; athlete Denise Lewis and a host of musicians and entertainers.

Things to do in Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton has plenty of things to do, both culturally and sports-wise. The Wolverhampton Art Gallery has an acclaimed collection of pop art, including many works by Andy Warhol.

The city has an interesting history, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. It is best seen in exhibits at the Black Country Museum.

The West Park provides a quiet green area in this busy city, with a bandstand, lake and conservatory. Bantock Park houses an interesting museum in the historic building of Bantock House.

Visitors may enjoy a day at Moseley Old Hall, a 17th century farmhouse which gave shelter to Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Boscobel House, a timber-framed house, was another refuge of the king, including the famous Royal Oak in which he famously hid.

The more modern National Trust owned property of Wightwick Manor and Gardens is equally interesting and has many designs by William Morris who developed the .