Visit the heart of England

You don’t need to travel abroad for an exciting trip with a difference. With so many attractions to see like Warwick Castle and the World Heritage Site at Ironbridge Gorge, the West Midlands is the perfect holiday destination. We’ll even give you money saving vouchers to help beat the credit crunch...

LOVE THE HEART OF ENGLAND

Take a step back in time

Whether you fancy checking out where the Industrial Revolution first started at Ironbridge, the truly stunning World Heritage Site, sampling the traditional way of life in the 1930’s at the authentic Black Country Living Museum, soaking up the spectacular scenery from the Severn Valley Railway steam train or experiencing the treachery and torture of years gone by at Warwick Castle, then you will love the Heart of England.

So for a fun and educational trip with a difference, the Heart of England is the perfect place.

Ironbridge

Where the Industrial Revolution first started

As you make your way to the World Heritage Site you’ll be greeted by a spectacular view of the Ironbridge Gorge and the world’s first cast-iron bridge which stretches across the River Severn and is truly breathtaking. In the beautiful valley is an amazing collection of ten indoor and outdoor museums giving visitors a chance to step back in time and experience first-hand the sights and sounds of the Gorge’s past. The momentous journey starts with the Industrial Revolution in the early 1700s moving through the ages to the Victorian era some 100 years later.

The museums stand as a testament to the Ironbridge Gorge, six miles that 300 years ago, changed the world forever. It was here in Shropshire that the Industrial Revolution first started. For here, the great Quaker Ironmaster Abraham Darby, discovered the secret of smelting iron with cheap and plentiful coke. Other industries were also first developed in Ironbridge, ranging from decorative ceramic tile making – which visitors can try their hand at today, to hand-painted porcelain and clay pipes.

www.ironbridge.org.uk

Black Country Living Museum

26 acres of living history

Soak up village-life of yesteryear at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley where an old-fashioned village has been created around the canal. Experience village-life by wandering around original shops and houses, ride on a tramcar or fairground swingboat, go down the mine or chat to the local characters.

Severn Valley Railway

One trip is never enough

The Severn Valley Railway runs for 16 miles from Kidderminster in Worcestershire to Bridgnorth in Shropshire, and is one of the most popular heritage railways in the country. It was created between 1858 and 1862 and was used as a transport route for over a hundred years. Now the railway has been lovingly restored to offer visitors the chance to board steam locomotives, over 80 years old and soak up the stunning scenery and valley of the River Severn.

Warwick Castle

Tales of treachery and torture

Bursting to the towers with tales of treachery and torture, passion and power and above all fascinating people, times and events. At Warwick Castle experience preparations for battle, feel the weight of a sword and get a soldier's eye view from beneath a battle helmet. See lavishly decorated state rooms, watch as a household prepares for a Victorian party and discover how electricity was generated over 100 years ago to light up the castle.

Outside visitors can explore the 60 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens, which include the beautiful Peacock Garden and Conservatory, the Victorian Rose Garden and Pageant Field. Throughout the year there is also a fantastic programme of events, including birds of prey, jousting and the world's largest trebuchet in action.

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