Walsall Leather Museum

4.8/5 based on 813 reviews
Latest Reviews
Who knew that Walsall had such a vibrant history with the leather trade. From saddles to bespoke handbags, this muesum was a real hidden gem. The staff were friendly and enthuasatic. I learnt so much about the local history and trade in a short trip on a dull, cold, Saturday afternoon. I hope the locals know how valuable the museum is to the local history and culture of Walsall. Well worth a visit
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Having grown up in Walsall I've visited the museum before but we decided to pop in again when we had some time to kill this week - particularly since there is no charge for admission!
We received a warm welcome at the front desk and were reminded of which way to head to see the galleries.
The layout is easy to follow and the galleries are in good condition. There is a mix of interactive aspects alongside informative displays outlining the history of the Walsall leather industry with lots of artefacts to look at.
The volunteers, having worked in the industry, have lots of local knowledge and experience to share. Staff and volunteers were friendly, knowledgeable and approachable and made the visit very enjoyable.
After making our way around the galleries we stopped off for a drink in the café which we found to be a nice addition to the museum, particularly with its views of the garden (which looked pretty under a blanket of autumn leaves!)
Finding ourselves back at the front desk and gift shop we browsed the items for sale and thought that there was a good range of items with prices for varied budgets.
In the future I'd love to return to see updated galleries or a new exhibition but we do intend on visiting again either way - particularly to find some Christmas presents in the gift shop!
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been past the signs for this place a few times decided to go in today,so atmospheric and enjoyable.The staff were so friendly and the demonstration was very interesting,full of old artefacts and info about walsall.All this for free.Before we came out the staff told us the council in their wisdom want to close this little gem of a place.use it before its to late.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I used to pass the museum on the daily commute several years ago and promised myself that I would visit it one day. That day finally came round today and it was well worth waiting for! The exhibit's are hands on and I didn't realise the there were so many different types of leather - but basically the same material or that you could do so much with it. The museum is well laid out and all staff are brilliant and very informative, we signed the petition against the possible closure of the museum by Walsall Council. My advice would be to visit it before its to late!!
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Free to enter. Lift available for push chairs. All Staff in museum and cafe very friendly and helpful. Lots of interesting facts and different types of leather to touch. Hands on experience gold leafing and making key rings. Children from our school have also visited and took part in many hands on activities. Walsall council want to close this and move it into a small section in Walsall library. Save our culture and keep this open.
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Visited with my 6 year old daughter who even really enjoyed this. The staff are lovely and the key ring making is a fab interaction and so reasonably priced starting at 50p. Considering it was half term, the place wasn't over run either. Recommend to anyone.
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Took a group of children today to their free workshop. It was really good well organised and enjoyed by children and adult. Worth a visit.
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We have lived a few miles away since it opened and never visited ! Had a really lovely morning in such an interesting museum, made a keyring for 50p !! and went to a well run cafe for a cream tea and a coffee. Will be going there on our future shopping trips as it is only a short walk from the shops. You are really missing out on a great place for adults and kids if you haven't found it already.
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I took a party of primary school children. We made a slipper and key fob. The children had a go at saddle stitching and listened to a talk by a lady who had worked in the leather industry. We also saw lots of objects and clothing made in leather. The staff were really helpful. The children really enjoyed it. There was a nice little cafe and gift shop. Each time we go, the trip gets better and better. Thankyou once again- we will definitely come back!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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As a local, I've been round the Museum twice, and to their lovely cafe several times. The present site is an old leather works, and some of the staff are really friendly and, having been involved in the trade can give a real insight.

Walsall Council is considering moving it to a smaller site due to budget cuts, where most of its present character would be lost.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Lived near here all my life and never been until today. So impressed. Fab displays and easy to read information. Staff were so lovely and there's plenty of activities on during the year for children. I popped in to see the Hodson sisters exhibition and will definitely return soon with my daughter
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We travelled from Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, to visit and weren't disappointed. Really enjoyed the museum and our chat, over 1/2 he spent with leather expert.
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Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Very interesting. Variety of things to look at. Good gift shop and cafe.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed having a look round here as something different. It is interesting and free. There seemed to be a lot of people using the cafe here too.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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My wife and I revisited this small museum about the crafts that made Walsall famous. We were able to speak to folk who had worked in the trade and were obviously proud of the industry.
There is a small shop, and a cafeteria which we used for lunch.
It has convenient off street car parking just across the street which was not expensive and there are good public transport links by bus and rail
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We came to visit with family and friends. It was amazing to see the old craft and see the beautiful leather goods. The gift shop had a lot of interesting items and we had lunch in the cafe. The meals were great. It was lovely to have Anne show us all the tools and explain the workings of this wonderful craft. Thank you Anne, you were a wealth of information and it was so nice to have met you
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Visited 24.9.16. Visited cafe for roll and coffee first. Excellent and all staff extremely friendly. Then went to museum and had a guided tour which was not booked and again, excellent. Very informative regarding the history of tanners in Walsall. Then spoke with the artisan leather worker who explained and showed the methods and different leathers. Superb. Would recommend to anyone...well worth a visit.
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This museum not only offers a good explanation of the leather trade and traditions but offers some great workshops for children during the holidays and around Xmas time.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Despite working in Walsall for many years I'm ashamed to say I'd never ventured into the leather museum so having a spare hour I took my granddaughter. We enjoyed looking round at the exhibits & I would like to visit again when I had more time.
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Was lucky enough to attend with some foreign students and was impressed with the friendliness of all the staff there. We all made leather purses (I must try harder apparently with my stitching) then we had a tour of the museum. They were just fantastic!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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A very interesting visit for all ages in a splendid place, friendly and passionated welcome from the museum staff, rare and beautiful leather saddles, gloves and other items exhibition.
A real pleasure in a nice town ! Tank you !
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Excellent museum, full of facts and artifacts, several staff with first hand experience and stories. This is well worth a visit and what's more, it is FREE. A great insight into how Walsall's leather industry came about. We visited on a Friday, two volunteers were in the demonstration area who had 90+ years experience between them. They spent a lot of time talking to us and are an asset to the Museum. They were extremely friendly, knowledgable, great fun with fascinating stories which made the visit enjoyable and gave us a wonderful insight into real life in these factories. Fantastic, you will not be disappointed.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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A lovely little museum reminding us of our history and skill.
It has the bonus of a beautiful and immaculate garden.
A real treat.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This museum is a little gem and us a must for every age . It is free! There is a cafe and a shop where you can purchase locally made goods --- and we did. The museum staff volunteer and demonstrate the many processes and techniques used in making leather goods. Very interesting .... Don't miss it!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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A real surprise to find this gem of a museum. Admittedly, my American pal and I had some knowledge but we had such a genuine welcome, good coffee(!) and such an interesting tour.
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Looking for ideas to keep the kids amused this summer in Walsall
07/08/2018

If you are looking for low cost ideas to keep your young ones happy during the summer school holidays, why not have a look at whats on at Walsall Leather Museum. Read article