Once the beating heart of Great Britain’s carpet trade, Kidderminster has a rich history showcased in a well-preserved 18th-century mill and Victorian architecture. Canals meander through town, while woodland trails beckon in the surrounding Wyre Forest.
Things to do in Kidderminster
Follow the journey of carpet from wool to weave at the Museum of Carpet. Housed within the original Stour Vale Mill, the Heritage-listed museum boasts over 3,000 carpet designs. Watch weaving demonstrations on traditional handlooms and 18th-century power looms and learn the art of spinning yarns.
Ride a steam locomotive on the Severn Valley Heritage Railway through the woodlands and meadows of the Wye Forest, then stop at the Engine House for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Britain’s railway history. You can marvel at the massive locomotives and see a train that once collided with a camel.
Discover the softly undulating West Midlands countryside with a walk or bike ride along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Whether you fancy a 10-minute stroll or a full-day hike, the canal-side towpath is a brilliant way to experience rural Kidderminster. Enjoy an obligatory rest at a waterside pub and watch the narrow boats float by.
Have you ever wanted to go on an African safari? Visit the West Midland Safari Park, where you can come face-to-face with some of the tallest and fastest animals of the savanna. See giraffes, zebras and cheetahs grazing in the plains, feed southern right rhinos with the zookeeper and encounter lemurs and meerkats in the African Village.
Getting around Kidderminster
Kidderminster is an hour’s drive from Birmingham Airport. Coaches and trains arrive regularly from Worcester, Birmingham and London Marylebone. Once in Kidderminster, walking and cycling are pleasant ways to explore, while buses and taxis are available.