Located just 95 miles from London, the Heart of England is the closest metropolitan region to the capital. Based at the heart of England’s motorway network, there are two international airports and several major railway stations making the West Midlands an ideal base for travelling to the Olympic Park and exploring the rest of the country.
The Games will also be an opportunity to profile the Heart of England tourism offer on an international stage. From Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of Shakespeare- and our World Heritage site of Ironbridge Gorge to the imposing Warwick Castle and ‘The Potteries’ – home to the famous Wedgwood brand the West Midlands can offer something from everyone.
Our cultural offer is world-class too with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet to name a few calling the Heart of England home. The region also boasts world-class leisure attractions and shopping, as well as some of the UK’s most glorious countryside, and has a rich experience of hosting and holding a range of festivals and events.
2009 is a special year for the Heart of England as it celebrates the anniversaries of the UK’s most prominent innovators and creative heritage; ranging from the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s famous sonnets to the 50th anniversary of the mini motor car and 250 years since Josiah Wedgwood opened for business in Staffordshire.
Whatever your desire – The Heart of England delivers! Click here to find out more.