The West Midlands region is at the heart of England, made up of the lovely rural counties of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Herefordshire, as well as the Metropolitan West Midlands including the city of Birmingham.

Birmingham is England’s second city but, to be clear, it’s a world apart from the country pleasures on its doorstep. It’s an industrial city with a heart of gold – literally if you consider the Jewellery Quarter at its centre. Birmingham has major shopping, imposing Victorian architecture, galleries, museums, clubs, entertainment, dining, nightlife, and excellent sports facilities. It has a young vibe and is proud of its LGBTQ + scene and Pride Festival with cafes, bars, and nightlife centred around Hurst Street. The city is a place to shop and see a show or an exhibition, have a night out. Like London, but different.

Out and about in the wider West Midlands, travel to Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester, the Malvern Hills, foodie capital Ludlow and some of the beautiful towns of the North Cotswolds including Broadway in Worcestershire.

To appreciate this heart of England, you’ll navigate the side roads, turning off down narrow lanes to discover villages tucked away off the beaten track. Love the romance of hideaways in the countryside from pubs and B&Bs to boutique and landmark hotels. Wander through historic houses and gorgeous gardens.

Head for the British Motor Museum, the Coventry Transport Museum, and the Morgan Motor Company factory at Malvern for vintage cars. Take a canal boat holiday on the region’s intricate network of canals. Families head for destinations such as Warwick Castle. Telford and Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire feature the world’s first iron bridge with ten museums to visit.

Adventurers take up the challenge of central England’s walking tracks and paths, great for both extensive hikes and local rambles. Cyclists tour the countryside around places including the Malvern Hills, Herefordshire, and the Shropshire Hills

— Alison Plummer