Going Through The Tunnels! (Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines (Dudley))

Member Name: CheekyCharlie08

Product:	Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines (Dudley)
Date:	16/10/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A wicked barge trip under the ground

Disadvantages: None

We went on a barge trip through the Dudley Canal Tunnels and through to the limestone mines in the summer and even though I thought it wasn't going to be the sort of thing I'd enjoy I had a right laugh.

You buy your ticket that costs about £9.00 for an adult and wait for your barge to arrive. There was a bit of a wait for us because it was a hot day and there was loads of people so they filled up 2 barges before it was time for us to get on one. That was ok though because it was nice to sit by the canal while we were waiting and there's a little gift shop and somewhere to get an ice cream so I didn't care about the hours wait.

When you get on the barge the guy in charge will give you a hard hat and explain the safety rules, but's it's not rocket science and is just basically to keep your arms in the boat and not fall into the water!

The trip takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and is relaxing and educational. There's a commentary all the way through and I thought it was interesting but not madly full of facts and figures, it concentrated more on the human aspect of the tunnels and how they helped Dudley grow through the industial age.

The limestone mines were lovely, obviously they're not mined anymore and loads of plants are flourishing in them. It's mad really because Dudley is such a loud and busy place but down in the mines it was so silent that I felt myself whispering instead of talking so I didn't disturb the peace!

The boat wasn't that comfortable because it's been rigged out to hold as many people as possible so you're all crammed in. That doesn't bother me but I heard one old woman say she felt like she couldn't breathe in the tunnels because of how many people were crowded round her.

I thought it was a wicked experience and one I recommend anyone near Dudley does at least once in their lives. Once is probably enough anyway because I don't think it would hold the same fasination the 2nd time round, for me anyway now I've done it I can't see I'll go on the barge again even though it's a brill few hours out.

Summary: I Proper Enjoyed My Trip Through The Tunnels Of Dudley Canal