Travelling to the West Midlands
The county of West Midlands is, perhaps unsurprisingly, located in the central west of England. If you’re looking for a hotel in West Midlands then there is a wealth of opportunities for places to stay, and also things to see and do. The county has three major cities – Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, and a number of sizeable towns including Walsall and Solihull. Each has its own areas of interest and attractions, while the Black Country region west of Birmingham is where you will find some of the finest examples of Britain’s industrial heritage.
The West Midlands and the Black Country region in particular experienced rapid growth during the Industrial Revolution in coal mining, steel, glass blowing and brick works, leading it to become one of the most urbanised and polluted parts of the country. Throughout the West Midlands there are a number of fascinating heritage museums and other attractions, many of them award-winning, that trace the stories of these industries.
Often referred to as the “heart of England”, the West Midlands is very accessible whether you are arriving by road, rail or air. Vibrant and modern while keeping its links to the past alive with great pride, this is a hotbed of culture, innovation and breathtaking landscapes.
Where to stay in the West Midlands
Hotels in West Midlands cities and towns vary from sophisticated and luxurious properties close to the centre, to charming spa hotels in old country houses. Whether you’re seeking a cosy guesthouse near Wolverhampton, or a 5 star hotel in Birmingham, you will have little difficulty in booking rooms in a place that perfectly suits your requirements.
Birmingham is Britain’s second city, and as such has a global outlook. Holidays here might feature sightseeing, visits to prominent art galleries and museums, world-renowned nightlife, fine dining and high-end retail, and you can always find hotels in Birmingham which put you right in the heart of the action.
Smaller but no less appealing, Coventry is famed for the ruins of its magnificent 14th cathedral that was all but destroyed during the Blitz, although its imposing spire remains intact. It is one of Britain’s best-loved heritage landmarks, and serves as a lasting reminder of peace and reconciliation. Many Coventry hotels are located within sight or at least an easy walk of the cathedrals, which is a must-see when in town.
Wolverhampton, in the far northwest of the county, grew from a market town to become a manufacturing powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Wolverhampton hotels give you access to the city’s plentiful, fun, family-friendly attractions, historic sites including Banks’ Brewery, and a host of bars, restaurants and cafes.
Things to see and do in the West Midlands
There is more than enough to keep you busy in the West Midlands for a month, whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple or a group. Beginning in Birmingham, one of the city’s most enduringly popular attractions is Cadbury World, where you can discover how your favourite chocolates are made with hands-on demonstrations, learn the story of the cocoa bean, and of course enjoy plenty of delicious tastings. It’s not quite Willie Wonka’s factory, but it’s very close.
The unmistakeable facade of the Selfridges store, decorated with some 15,000 aluminium “sequins”, tells you that you’ve arrived at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping arcade. Well over 100 big-name brands, in retail and dining, are found here in one of the UK’s most renowned shopping destinations.
A trip to Thinktank, Birmingham’s Science Museum, is a thrilling day out for children and adults alike. Highlights include a major display on the Spitfire aircraft, which was manufactured in Birmingham, a planetarium and an exhibit detailing how this city became known as the “workshop of the world”.
Birmingham also has a number of other excellent museums you can explore, covering subjects from jewellery to pen-making, and several handsome stately homes on the outskirts that can be explored, such as Aston Hall and Sarehole Mill.
In Dudley, a half-hour drive to the west of Birmingham, the Black Country Living Museum offers an entrancing glimpse back in time. Costumed characters and realistic depictions of period homes illuminate what life was like in the area for workers during the Industrial Revolution. You can walk down into an underground coal mine, watch a blacksmith hammer a red-hot piece of steel into shape, and sample fish and chips, 1930s style.
At the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, meanwhile, you can see superb collections of fine art, ceramics, archaeology, jewellery as well as an acclaimed selection of works from the Pop Art era.
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