A region rich in history and character, in the West Midlands, you’ll find picturesque villages, grand castles and plenty of canals and waterways to explore. World-class culture, shopping and dining are also part of the ‘The Midlands’ landscape today, it's no wonder that this region is also known as the Heart of England. From the March counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire, through modern Birmingham and the West Midlands, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, The Heart of England is a fitting name for this lovely part of the country and reasons to visit are plentiful.
Derbyshire Coventry & Warwickshire
Whether you’re looking to step back in time, get in touch with your artistic side or find family fun and events, Coventry is a goldmine - the city has over 400 listed buildings! The Modernist architecture of the new St Michael’s Cathedral sits in stark contrast to the ruins of its 14th century Gothic predecessor next door, destroyed during the ‘blitz‘. As well as the world-famous Cathedral, there are many other attractions for visitors. St Mary’s Priory, Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s Guild Hall, Coventry Transport Museum and the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum are all within walking distance.
For outdoor space, Coombe Abbey Country Park offers acres of beautiful gardens, lakeside and woodland walks, bird watching and a variety of other facilities, while the formal gardens, War Memorial, play areas and circular walk of War Memorial Park make it Coventry’s favourite park. Warwick is perfect for a break and is dominated by its 14th century castle and museums. Visit nearby Charlecote Park, a grand 16th century country house surrounded by its own deer park and stunning gardens.
The beautifully preserved medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon, is renowned as the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the home of numerous theatres playing Shakespeare and other dramatists’ work. The Bard’s various homes and buildings associated with his family are open to the public as the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust museums.
Herefordshire
Filled with delightful small towns and villages, cattle grazing in pastures beside apple orchards and hop gardens, this is a tranquil and much visited county. Although peaceful today, the Herefordshire landscape recalls a turbulent battle-scarred past complete with Iron age settlements, Roman hill forts and ruined castles. Explore the county’s heritage at fine historic houses and castles, including elegant Eastnor Castle at Ledbury and the charming Hergest Croft Gardens.
Hereford is a lovely city that straddles the River Wye and is home to an 11th century cathedral with the Mappa Mundi and a relaxed market town atmosphere. In the west, the Wye continues its journey, meandering through meadows and valleys and Hay-on-Wye is well known for its annual Book Festival and plethora of second hand bookshops. The bustling market towns of Ledbury, Leominster, Bromyard, Kington and Ross-on-Wye boast medieval black and white buildings, antique shops, quaint local festivals and picturesque views of the stunning Herefordshire countryside.
Shropshire
Shropshire, on the surface a quiet and unspoilt March county, has plenty to see and do. Spectacular countryside that once saw much conflict harbours traditional market towns, historic houses, castles, beautiful gardens, museums and attractions. Historic gems include 16th century Upton Cressett Hall with its restored Great Hall dining room and gatehouse, medieval Stokesay Castle and Weston Park, a magnificent parkland estate along the county border.
The county town of Shrewsbury is a medieval feast of black and white buildings and the birthplace of Charles Darwin. Much Wenlock, Bridgnorth and Ludlow are all picturesque towns with independent shops and restaurants. Ironbridge, said to be where the Industrial Revolution started in Britain, is a remarkable and beautiful insight into the region’s industrial heritage with ten award-winning Museums spread along the valley beside the wild River Severn, still spanned by the world’s first Iron Bridge. Outdoors, explore the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail and The Shropshire Way or enjoy spectacular views from The Wrekin, Stretton Hills and the Long Mynd with its panoramic views of the Severn plain. With a quarter of the county designated as the Shropshire Hills ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, you will be spoilt for choice.
Staffordshire
Experience the great outdoors with the unspoilt ancient heathland of Cannock Chase, leafy woodlands of the National Forest and secluded byways of South Staffordshire. Squeezed between the Black Country to the South and Manchester to the North, Staffordshire is home to the Potteries, made famous by Wedgwood, Spode and other great ceramic designers.
Lichfield, with its magnificent three-spired 13th century cathedral, was birthplace of renowned English writer Samuel Johnson. Built in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, Grade II* listed Sinai Park House is a superb timber-framed building on a hilltop overlooking the Trent Valley. Fresh air, history and culture aside, if family fun is what you’re looking for Staffordshire’s popular attractions Alton Towers and Drayton Manor won’t disappoint.
West Midlands
The West Midlands has a rich and proud industrial history. Birmingham, once known for its factories, small workshops and network of canals, now offers all the attractions of a modern, world-class destination. This vibrant city has one of the best concert halls in Europe, superb shopping, exciting festivals and a revived waterside district full of art, culture and stylish eateries. Uncover hidden treasures in the old jewellery quarter, enjoy a boat trip through the heart of the city or discover green Birmingham at one of its award-winning green spaces and parks.
Wolverhampton, made famous through its ironwork, has been called the Capital of the Black Country, and Walsall is renowned as the birthplace of Jerome K Jerome. Despite the mainly urban landscape, towns like Solihull and affluent Sutton Coldfield have pretty civic parks and there are plenty of rural villages with picturesque pubs and canal-side picnic spots from which to watch the gently meandering narrow boats. Other attractions include Dudley Zoo, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the West Midland Safari Park, home to some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered exotic animal species.
Worcestershire
Historic houses and gardens, an impressive cathedral, a famous cricketing heritage and beautiful countryside are just a few of Worcestershire’s treasures. The Worcestershire Beacon is the highest point of the majestic 15km Malvern Hills and popular with walkers. The spa town of Malvern is the birthplace of Sir Edmund Elgar, whose works were largely inspired by the surrounding landscape. Visit Harvington Hall, a lovely moated medieval and Elizabethan manor house near Kidderminster. The ancient market town of Tenbury Wells has some interesting buildings, from 17th century half timbered affairs to the rather bizarre Pump Rooms designed in the Chinese Gothic Style. Stourport and Bewdley are both popular Georgian towns along the River Severn, close to the Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve and The Marches.
Worcester has been the seat of a bishopric since the seventh century, and the Cathedral is a magnificent sight, rising majestically above the River Severn. A city of contrasts, the bustling high street is only a short walk from the many historic attractions. The old market town of Evesham on the River Avon at the centre of the Vale of Evesham, is famous for its horticulture and for the Battle of Evesham. Nearby Broadway is one of the best known and most beautiful Cotswold villages with its honey coloured period buildings.
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