Helping You Plan Ahead

If you’ve never visited us before you might have some questions about what to expect. We’ve collected some of the most commonly asked questions below to give you a head start. If you still don’t find the answer to your question, give us a call on 0121 557 6265 or email us at info@dctt.org.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

How long does the Underground Experience Trip last?

Our daily trips last 45 minutes. You’ll be underground for most of that time, with a few minutes spent in two of our open-air basins. We also run longer trips, some of which are underground or spend some of their time underground.

How do I get to you by public transport?

Our nearest train station is Tipton, which is about a twenty-minute walk away. Various bus routes stop on the Tipton Road around the corner from us, including the 24 (Foxyards Estate to Merry Hill via Dudley), 229 (Bilston to Dudley via Coseley, Sedgley), 311 & 313 (Walsall to Dudley via Wednesbury), and 610 (Wednesbury to Dudley via Great Bridge, Tipton).

Do you have wheelchair or mobility scooters to hire?

Unfortunately, we do not have any wheelchairs or mobility scooters to hire. You are of course welcome to bring your own – our building is fully accessible by use of a lift within the building our outdoor ramped path, and we have an accessible boat with a platform lift also. For more information about the accessibility of our building, see our access guide HERE.

Is there a cash machine at the Portal Building?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a cash machine on our site. The nearest machine will be at our local Tesco Extra, which is about two minutes drive or thirty minutes walk from us. We do take cash payments with no minimum payment in our Gift Shop and in our Gongoozler restaurant.

Do you donate tickets for community raffle prizes?

Supporting our local community is an important part of our work, so we are happy to support fundraising for other charities. If you would like to request a prize for a raffle or fundraising event, please apply in writing with as much notice as possible to Community Raffle Prize, Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust, 501 Birmingham New Road, DY1 4SB. Include your return address, which charity you’re supporting and the date of your event along with any official documents you may have for the event. Please be aware that we get a large number of requests for support every week, so we hope you’ll understand that as a small independent charity ourselves we are unable to offer a free ticket to everyone who asks for one. If you do not hear back from us please assume your request is not successful on this occasion. Feel free to apply again for any future events you may be holding.

Can we smoke on-site or on the boats?

For safety reasons and for the comfort of our visitors, volunteers, and staff, our site is a no-smoking site. This includes the Portal building, balcony, and all of our boat trips and applies to regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. We have a smoking area in the garden area adjacent to the Gongoozler, where our allotment is, where smoking is permitted. We kindly ask that you refrain from smoking elsewhere on our site. No smoking is allowed on any of our boat trips, or anywhere in the tunnels. On longer trips, please speak to the crew members onboard the boat who will be able to advise you when there will be an opportunity for you to disembark the boat for the opportunity to smoke.

I have lost my Gift Aid ticket, can you replace it?

We are now able to replace your lost gift aid ticket. Just get in touch with us by email at info@dctt.org.uk with your full name and when you bought the original ticket and we’ll be happy to help. Please note, that you will be asked to supply evidence of the original purchase and there is a £2 admin fee to replace your ticket.

Is it cold in the tunnels?

The temperature underground surprisingly varies very little throughout the year, as the ground provides excellent insulation! Except in extreme weather, most of the cavern system is around 10-14 degrees Celcius. This can feel very cold on a hot summer’s day! We suggest bringing a coat or jacket all year round. When the weather is very cold outside some parts of the tunnels cool down too, and occasionally give us some spectacular icicle displays! Whatever the time of year, you’re very welcome to bring blankets and even cushions if you wish to stay cosy during your boat trip.

Can I bring my dog?

Our Portal building and boat trips are not suitable for dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs. This includes our Gongoozler restaurant and balcony, however, you are welcome to bring your four-legged friends to our Gongoozler garden.

I’m claustrophobic – can I go on your boat trips?

We recommend that anyone who suffers from claustrophobia checks out our orientation guide to give you a feel for what it’s like underground. There is nowhere to get off the boat once it has entered the tunnel, so for your comfort, we suggest that you are sure that you’ll be comfortable before you begin the trip. If you want to chat with us before you book just give us a call. Not all of our boat trips go underground. If you’re sure you won’t be comfortable in the tunnels, why not consider our open water cruise or one of our dining boats?