Himley Hall is a commanding 18th Century building set amongst 180 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland. Once the family home to the Earls of Dudley and host to royalty and high society, today it offers contemporary art and craft exhibitions during spring and summer, as well as prestigious conference facilities and guided tours. The Hall also provides a glamorous setting for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions and other special occasions.
Himley Park is now a premier events venue playing host to a variety of outdoor events from garden plant fairs and classic vehicle shows to the breathtaking Himley Fireworks display. Visitors may participate in golf, pitch and putt, fishing, orienteering, sailing or just simply a peaceful stroll around the park and picnic. The park is now visited by over 200,000 visitors each year.
Drama Queens - Sat 7 April - Sun 17 June
It’s not just what you wear, its the way that you wear it! To celebrate the diamond jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Himley Hall is hosting a fabulous exhibition of renowned ‘queens of drama’ from the world of film and television.
Costumes worn by the Downton Abbey ‘drama queens’ ; the Ladies Mary, Edith and Sybil Crawley, Cora; Countess of Grantham, not to mention the formidable Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham will be on view. Outfits worn by Helena Bonham Carter in her role as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in The King’s Speech will also be on display. The fascinating historical link between Himley Hall and Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson will also be highlighted with costumes from The King’s Speech and Madonna’s latest film ‘WE’, perfectly complemented by Wallis’ fabulous wedding outfit from the film ‘Wallis and Edward’. This exhibition however would not be complete without a dash of Pride and Prejudice, in the form of a costume worn by the indomitable Lady Catherine de Bourg!
Grace, Force and Beauty - Sat 7 April – Sun 17 June
A journey through North Wales
An exhibition chronicling a journey of two artists, Robert Bowers and Hannah Broadhead, around North Wales. Sharing the unique talent of working together on the same canvas to explore the grace, force and beauty of this evocative landscape. Translating the atmospheric landscape, seascapes and vistas through mixed media.
Former Glory - Sat 30 June – Sun 2 September
An exhibition by the Enigma Group of Artists. The former grandeur of buildings, the faded beauty of clothing and personal items is the source of inspiration for this group of artists, working in textiles, film and mixed media. Their exhibition, ‘Former Glory’ imbues new life and meaning to lost beauty and splendour.
Bridal Fayre - Sun 7 October 10.30 am – 4.00 pm Admission charge
Craft & Christmas Gift Fayre - Sat 17 & Sun 18 November 10.30 – 5.00 pm Admission charge
Try Sailing - 14 April, 23 June, 11 August
Short free “taster” sessions on the Great Pool with a qualified R.Y.A. instructor. Visit the Himley Sailing Club website at www.himleyhallsc.org.uk.
Booking essential to ensure a place on 01902 755149 or 07779 858688.
Hidden Himley - Tuesday 1 May 2.00pm - 4.00pm
A guided walk around the Himley Estate exploring some of Himley’s fascinating history including the ice house, the dog’s cemetery and the ancient woodland. Suitable footwear needed. This walk is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Part of the Dudley Walking Festival. Free event but booking is essential on 01384 817817.
Easy Access Trail - Thursday 3 May 2.00pm - 4.00pm
A general interest trail around Himley Park exploring its history and beauty. Suitable for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs, using virtually level paths throughout. Part of the Dudley Walking Festival. Free event but booking is essential on 01384 817817.
A Walk Through Time - Thursday 3 May 6.15pm
Led by Graham Worton, Keeper of Geology, Dudley Museums Service. Starting at Himley Hall the walk will look at the landscape around us both natural and man made and discover the roots of both going back to the Carboniferous Period some 310 million years ago. The walk will pass up the valley to the former site of Baggeridge Colliery which was the last working pit of the South Staffordshire Coalfield closing in 1968. It will then return via the woodland to Himley taking in the effects that geology has had on the soils and the life of the woods.. Free to join in but pre-booking essential on 01384 817817
South Staffs Explorer - Friday 4 May 2.00pm - 5.00pm
A 10km walk encompassing Himley and BaggeridgeParks together with the South Staffs Railway Walk. Part of the Dudley Walking Festival. Free event but booking essential on 01384 817817.
British Mini Day - Sunday 6 May 10.00am-5.00pm
The opportunity to see wonderful examples and variations of the iconic car made famous in ‘The Italian Job’ and still going strong after more than 50 years in production. Admission £8.00 with free parking. Details from The British Mini Club on 01384 897779 or go to www.britishminiclub.co.uk.
Dragon Boat Racing - Sunday 20 May 10.15am-4.30 pm
The 12th year of this thrilling and spectacular all action event with teams battling it out on the Great Pool in Chinese Dragon Boats. A charity event organised by Wolverhampton Rotary Club. Free admission and free parking. Details from 01902 746307 or visit www.rotarydragonboats.co.uk
Band Concert - Sunday 3 June 2.30pm – 5pm
Enjoy Sunday afternoon with Paul Drakeley & the Allstars Band in concert on the hall lawns, bring your own picnic and chairs, tea rooms open. Free admission
Walk of the Black Country - Sun 10 June 10 am
Join Free Radio (Beacon Radio)on a 10 mile charity walk from Himley Hall to Wolverhampton Racecourse. This is the second year Free Radio have organised this event, raising money for Promise Dreams and the Dudley and Wolverhampton mayoral charities. Registration free at http://www.freeradio.co.uk/walkoftheblackcountry
Fishing at Himley - Saturday 16 June 7.00am
The new season opens on the Great Pool after being closed for three months. One of the best coarse pools in the Midlands.
Midsummer Walk in the Park - Saturday 16 June 10.30am – 12.30pm
A guided walk around the Himley Estate exploring some of Himley’s fascinating history including the ice house, the dogs’ cemetery and the ancient woodland with the opportunity to visit the Earl of Dudley’s MemoryGarden at the end of the walk. Suitable footwear needed. This walk is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Free event but booking is essential. 01384 817817. Small admission charge into the MemoryGarden.
Open Day at the Earl of Dudley's Memory Garden
Saturday 16 June 11.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday 17 June 12 noon – 4.00pm
The only opportunity in the year to view the evocative Earl of Dudley’s private Memory Garden, last resting place of the actress Gertie Millar wife of the second Earl of Dudley and the film star Maureen Swanson the wife of the fourth Earl..
Band Concert - Sunday 24 June 2.30pm – 5pm
Enjoy Sunday afternoon with Alverley Village Band in concert on the hall lawns, bring your own picnic and chairs, tea rooms open. Free admission
Summer Walks - 24 June, Sun 22 July, Sun 5 Aug 11.00am
A season of gentle walks around the Himley Estate exploring its fascinating history and links with Edward VIII and other famous people. Free event but booking essential on 01384 817817.
Kids Under 5'S Day - Friday 29 June 10am – 3pm
This fun filled event is specifically designed for children under 5 years old, with entertainment running for 5 hours including the famous Himley beach, petting zoo, funfair, story tellers and much, much more. Admission £3.50 per adult and 2-5 years, Under 2’s free Family ticket £12 (2 adults & 2 children)
Bristish Armed Forces Day - Sunday 1 July
The Traditional Youth Marching Band Competition 11am – 2.30pm
Dudley’s Armed Forces Day celebration 3pm – 5pm
The Halesowen Marching Band competition on the South Wing lawns is followed by a concert by the West Midlands Fire Service Band and the presentation of Veteran’s badges. A combined bands beating of the retreat closes the day. Also included are displays from the Territorial Army and a military vehicle display at this new special day in the calendar to celebrate British Armed Forces.
Wuthering Heights performed by Stourbridge Theatre Company Weds 11 – Sat 14 July 8.00pm
Stourbridge Theatre Company return to perform WutheringHeights by Emily Bronte (adapted by Charles Vance) on the lawns of Himley Hall. Bring a picnic to enjoy then sit back and enjoy the performance. Tickets from Dudley Council Plus, Castle Street, Dudley on 01384 812812.Tickets Wed to Fri £9 (£8.00) Sat £10. Car park charge applies, no refunds if performance is cancelled due to inclement weather.
Race for Life - Sunday 15 July 10.30am and 2.30pm
A 5km run around HimleyPark in aid of Cancer Research UK. Enter now and be part of the biggest fight against cancer. This is the 3rd year HimleyPark has hosted this event. In 2010 and 2011 it was fully booked so get your entry in early. Details from www.raceforlife.org or 0871 641 1111.
Band Concert - Sunday 22 July 20122.30pm – 5pm
Enjoy Sunday afternoon with AD Concert Band on the hall lawns; bring your own picnic and chairs, tea rooms open. Free admission
Band Concert - Sunday 5 August 2.30pm – 5pm
Enjoy Sunday afternoon with AD Concert Band on the hall lawns; bring your own picnic and chairs, tea rooms open. Free admission
Classic Vehicle Show - Sunday 2 September 10.00am – 5.30pm
Motorcycles to buses, cars to trucks. Hundreds of classic vehicles on display. Admission £6 adults £3 children with free parking. Details from Transtar Promotions 01922 643385.
Himley Bonfire & Fireworks - Saturday 3 November
Gates open at 4.30pm Bonfire lit 7.45pm, Fireworks 8.30pm
The largest Local Authority Fireworks display in the Country, the legendary Himley Fireworks will be lighting up the night sky. Admission charge
Summer Band Concerts
Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge 2.30 – 5.00pm Free
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Sun 8th July - Paul Drakeley & the Allstars Band
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Sun 15th July - Out of the Blue Big Band
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Sun 22nd July - Out of the Blue Big Band
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Sun 29th July - Paul Drakeley & the Allstars Band
Stevens Park, Quarry Bank 2.30 – 5.00pm Free
Himley Hall and Park 2.30 – 5.00pm Free
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Sun 3rd June - Paul Drakeley & the Allstars Band
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Sun 24th June - AlverleyVillage Band
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Sun 22nd July - AD Concert Band
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Sun 5th August - AD Concert Band
The Oak Tea Room inside Himley Hall is open 2.00 – 4.30 pm on most Sundays from Sunday 8 April until Sunday 2 September
30 walks, talks and events unveiling the history and beauty of the Borough of Dudley and promoting walking as a healthy way of life.
Pick up a Walking Festival 2012 leaflet from local libraries or leisure centres or call Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 for further details
You can also view an interactive version of the leaflet online. Alternatively view the Walking Festival pdf.
Dudley Trail - Sun 6 May
Join in for the 32nd anniversary of Dudley’s favourite family walking event!
Enjoy challenge walks for all the family of 6, 9, 12, 18 or 26 miles and discover many of the hidden parts of Dudley Borough. Entry forms or further details from 01384 817817
Download a Dudley Trail application form at the bottom of the page
