West Midlands Tourist Information

West Midlands was formed as a Metropolitan county in 1974, encompassing the cities of Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry, together with Brierley Hill, Dudley, Solihull, Walsall and West Bromwich. The county was made up of parts of the historic counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. West Midlands is still a ceremonial county with a Lord Lieutenant. West Midlands Tourist Information is available in the cities and towns mentioned above.

West Midlands is largely an urban county, where much of England's industry is based. The area has a long and rich history, museums, art galleries and superb shopping and dining facilities. It also has a network of canals which offers opportunities for cruising, walking and cycling along the banks. There are three Green Belt areas within the county. Meriden Gap - some 15 miles across - lies between Birmingham and Coventry. Barr Beacon is a hill on the edge of Walsall while the Sandhill Valley is home to the RSPB Nature Reserve and Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Tourism in West Midlands starts in Britain's second largest city - Birmingham - which offers a wealth of attractions. To name but a few: Birmingham Museum of Transport, the National Motorcycle Museum (nearby, at Bickenhill), Birmingham Botanical Gardens,BarberInstitute of Fine Arts, The Icon Gallery, National Sea Life Centre, Blakesley Hall and Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.

Wolverhampton is also situated in the West Midlands and its history goes back over 1,000 years. The town has a long industrial heritage and has been involved in mining, steel manufacture, aircraft production and is the home of Chubb locks. Today Wolverhampton is the second largest town in the county and boasts great shopping along with sport & leisure and arts & entertainment facilities. Albrighton, a few miles west of the city is home to the famous David Austin Roses. Among its many attractions are Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton Race Course, Bantock House, Bilston Craft Gallery and Wightwick Manor.

Dudley is part of the area known as the 'Black Country'. You can find out about the town and its industrial heritage at the Black Country Living Museum. The ruins of Dudley Castle stand on a hill overlooking the town and Dudley Zoological Garden is to be found in its gounds. Alternatively, you can enjoy the open spaces and wildlife at Baggeridge Country Park, some 4 miles west of the town. The Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve was declared as Britain's first National Nature Reserve for geology in 1956. Balancing these attractions from the natural world is Broadfield House Glass Museum - located nearby at Kingswinford.

Walsall is another of the towns in the 'Black Country'. Famous for manufacturing leather, the town still creates handbags for Her Majesty the Queen. The Leather Museum in the town is well worth a visit. Another place of interest is Walsall Memorial Gardens and Arboretum which have the second biggest illuminations in Britain. Walsall Art Gallery was rebuilt in 2000. There is a wide range of works on show here, including a children's Discovery Gallery. One of Walsall's famous sons was the author Jerome K. Jerome. His birthplace is now a museum.

The Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell comprises the towns of Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.

Solihull, south east of Birmingham, is home of 'Land Rover' and the National Exhibition Center, amongst others. The town is a popular shopping center for the surrounding area. There are many historic buildings, including examples of Tudor style timbered framed houses. Solihull School dates from 1560 and the handsome parish church has a 168 foot spire, a landmark for miles around.

Coventry is home to Coventry University and University of Warwick, which encompasses Warwick Arts Center - the second largest Arts Center after the Barbican in London. Coventry Cathedral is a supreme example of modern day church architecture, designed by Basil Spence. One of Coventry's most famous residents was Lady Godiva. Her statue can be seen in the city center. Places of interest include the Museum of British Road Transport, Coventry Toy Museum - housed in Whitefriars Gate and built in 1352, Herbert Art Gallery and Lunt Roman Fort.