The West Midlands region is the most densely populated area of England, and the county was split into 7 independent boroughs: Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall. The area has an interesting history, with a strong industrial and mining background, and history buffs will find plenty of information about the development of the area through the centuries in any one of the many museums in the area. The urban areas of Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and West Bromich offer a variety of attractions, including great shopping, active nightlife, and a range of cultural, artistic and musical events through the year. They are well-suited to a vibrant city break.

The highest point in the region is Black Mountain, where you can take in the views and the history – or try your hand at abseiling, mountain climbing and a range of other adrenalin-pumping outdoor activities.

Tourism in the area is often focused on the area known as The Black Country, which takes in the rich history of the Industrial Revolution. The area includes the Galton Valley canal network, and a number of sites providing insight and activities related to the glass, leather and mining industry. Watch glassblowers at work in the Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford, or perhaps try your hand at the art of “legging” at the Dudley Canal Tunnel & Limestone Mines. You can join in everything from “Learn to cook” weekends to Victorian Weekends, or even short breaks that teach you all about the art of glass blowing.

Despite its urbanisation, there are still plenty of opportunities to get close to nature for a short break – with nature reserves, beautiful gardens, farms and country parks. There is still a strongly rural character in the green belt area known as the “Meriden Gap”, and other green areas like Barr Beacon, much of the borough of Dudley, and the Sandwell Valley.