Attractions in the Midlands ...
These are some of the many attractions in and around the
Midlands area.
Chester
The walled city of Chester has 2000 years of history, including:
- the unique world-famous rows -
two-tier medieval galleries with superb shops of international
renown.
- The Eastgate Clock- the most
photographed time-piece in the world after Big Ben.
- The Roman Amphitheatre - the
largest arena ever uncovered in Britain.
Stoke-on-Trent
and The Potteries
The Potteries, the area around Stoke-on-Trent, has been making pottery
since Roman times, and still contains some of
the most famous names in British ceramics - Wedgwood, Portmeirion, Royal
Doulton, Aynsley and Spode, which is the oldest pottery in England still operating on its
original site, established in 1770. You can visit factory shops, tour five
different factories, enjoy the various visitor centres, and even decorate
your own colourful pottery masterpieces!
Nottingham
and Sherwood Forest
Nottingham is now a modern city, known as the "Queen of the
Midlands". Its history includes the legend of Robin Hood, which has grown from origins in the woodland glades of
Sherwood Forest that were once his home. This historic forest is the best
place to pick up his trail.
Shakespeare
Country
Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is steeped in
culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside,
on the banks of the river Avon, it is one of the most important tourist
destinations in the UK. Within an hour's journey of Stratford
itself, you can enjoy the delights not only of Shakespeare's home town,
but also the nearby surrounding shire counties of Oxfordshire,
Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds are
to the south, Worcester and the Malverns to the west, and Warwick Castle
and Henley in Arden are to the north.
Althorp House
Situated at Great Brington, 65 miles northwest of London, Althorp
House is the childhood home and place of burial of Princess
Diana. Visit Althorp to find out more about the Princess and her life, and
the history of the Spencer family, who have lived at Althorp since
1486.
Ironbridge
Gorge
A world Heritage site. The Ironbridge Gorge is the birthplace of the Industrial
Revolution, set in the rural beauty of Shropshire. Fine china, decorative tiles,
interactives and a Victorian recreated town are all to be found among the
ten museums on this site.
Birmingham
As a Midlands based
company, we must mention some of the many attractions in and around
Birmingham itself, including :-
- The National Sea Life Centre
The underwater world set in a Ray-shaped building based on the canalside of Brindley Place, Birmingham.
- Cadbury World
The History of Chocolate. A must visit for chocolate lovers. Look, listen, eat and learn.
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery plus Gas Hall.
A victorian building set in the centre of Birmingham, home to the worlds largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite Art other Exhibits include Natural History and Archaeology.
- The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses in the Midlands. Located in
Edgbaston, Birmingham.
- Aston Hall
One of the countries finest Jacobean houses. Built in 1618 by Sir Thomas
Holte. Located in Aston, Birmingham.
- Jewellery Quarter Museum
A working museum, with exhibition telling a story of the factory and the jewellers craft.
- Symphony Hall
Situated inside the Convention Centre on Broad Street, Birmingham. Staging concerts for all ages, pop, classical and Operatic.
- The National Indoor Arena
The National Indoor Arena, in the centre of Birmingham, is the home of British indoor sport. It is designed to accommodate more than 30 different types of sport from athletics to boxing, badminton to judo and has already hosted five World and three European Championships.
- Edgbaston County Cricket Ground
Edgbaston, Birmingham. One of Britain's finest cricket grounds.
- Bishop
Asbury
Cottage, West Bromwich
Birthplace of Bishop Francis Asbury, the man who took the Methodist movement to the United
States of America. It has been tastefully restored and is well worth
visiting.
- Dudley Zoo and Castle
The ruins of the ancestral home of the Barons of Dudley surrounded by 40 wooded acres of Zoo.
- The Black Country Museum
A reconstructed canalside village with original shops, cottages and cobbled streets. Along the way workshops are brought to life by costumed demonstrators.
- The Royal Air Force Museum RAF Cosford
A fine collection of British, American, German and Japanese Aircraft.
- The National Exhibition Centre
Is the busiest exhibition centre in Europe, staging more than 180 exhibitions each year, ranging from world-famous public shows such as Crufts Dog Show and the British International Motor Show to international trade exhibitions like IPEX and Spring Fair.
- The N.E.C. Arena
The NEC Arena is renowned for its blockbusting concerts and sporting events. From Pavarotti to Prince, Shirley Bassey to Boyzone - a huge range of entertainers have performed to more than ten million music lovers since the 12,000-seat arena opened.
Gloucester
Ancient cathedral city, home of one of the Roman legions, and home of the
Hoare family, who sailed in the Mayflower to New England. Gloucester has
awealth of ancient and modern places of interest to visit.
Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the most
important and beautiful towns in Britain, or even Europe. The quality of
its buildings and the particular atmosphere caused by the combination of
river and gardens should give the city a place in the itinerary of every
visitor to the country.
Oxford
This great university town is, for its history, associations and
architecture, one of the most rewarding in England.
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