Westfield, Merry Hill, West Midlands

Westfield Shopping Centre, Merry Hill, is at Brierley Hill, near Dudley, in the West Midlands. It occupies an original site, next to the Dudley Canal, which forms a feature of the Waterfront section of the centre. The centre is much geared to family shopping and entertainment.

There are a number of areas provided for the young. The Kids’ Club provides activities for under 7’s and Adventure World has equipment and activities for the over 7’s. There is also the Kids’ Theme Park, within the centre, which has a choice of rides and equipment for youngsters to enjoy. Each ride or activity is charged separately. 

For families, the Odeon cinema is very popular. There are showings throughout the day of all the latest films, in the 10 theatres. If the choice is evening viewing, there are a number of cafés and restaurants which provide later meals, to coincide with the showings. 

Parents are not forgotten, however. There are weekly “Mummy Mornings” for parents and carers. These are an opportunity for parents to meet up with others, let the youngsters socialise and enjoy some adult company themselves. The mornings usually include a talk or demonstration and coffee. 

For disabled shoppers, there is a mobility facility in the provision of wheelchairs and electric scooters. The centres are attached to the disabled parking areas. The service is free, but users have to book the facility in advance by telephone or online.       

Access to Westfield, Merry Hill, is very easy by road. The M5 motorway is just a few miles away and the link roads are clearly marked. If travelling from the north or west, leave the motorway at junction 2; from the south or east, leave at junction 4. All parking around the centre is free. 

Easier still, is the bus link to the centre. A bus station has been integral to the centre since the 1990s. From here there are regular bus links to Dudley, West Bromwich and other nearby towns with further links on to Birmingham. There is also a direct service to the railway station at Cradley Heath. As the Midland Metro is extended, there will be a link straight into the Westfield Centre.