West Midlands was formed as a Metropolitan county in 1974, encompassing the cities of Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry, together with Brierley Hill, Dudley, Solihull, Walsall and West Bromwich. The county was made up of parts of the historic counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. West Midlands is still a ceremonial county with a Lord Lieutenant. West Midlands Tourist Information is available in the cities and towns mentioned above.

West Midlands is largely an urban county, where much of England's industry is based. The area has a long and rich history, museums, art galleries and superb shopping and dining facilities. It also has a network of canals which offers opportunities for cruising, walking and cycling along the banks. There are three Green Belt areas within the county. Meriden Gap - some 15 miles across - lies between Birmingham and Coventry. Barr Beacon is a hill on the edge of Walsall while the Sandhill Valley is home to the RSPB Nature Reserve and Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Tourism in West Midlands starts in Britain's second largest city Birmingham, which offers a wealth of attractions. To name but a few: Birmingham Museum of Transport, the National Motorcycle Museum (nearby, at Bickenhill), Birmingham Botanical Gardens, BarberInstitute of Fine Arts, The Icon Gallery, National Sea Life Centre, Blakesley Hall and Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.

Wolverhampton is also situated in the West Midlands and its history goes back over 1,000 years. The city has a long industrial heritage and has been involved in mining, steel manufacture, aircraft production and is the home of Chubb locks. Today Wolverhampton is the third largest city in the county and boasts great shopping along with sport & leisure and arts & entertainment facilities. Albrighton, a few miles west of the city is home to the famous David Austin Roses. Among its many attractions are Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton Race Course, Bantock House, Bilston Craft Gallery and Wightwick Manor.

Dudley is part of the area known as the 'Black Country'. You can find out about the town and its industrial heritage at the Black Country Living Museum. The ruins of Dudley Castle stand on a hill overlooking the town and Dudley Zoological Garden is to be found in its gounds. Alternatively, you can enjoy the open spaces and wildlife at Baggeridge Country Park, some 4 miles west of the town. The Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve was declared as Britain's first National Nature Reserve for geology in 1956. Balancing these attractions from the natural world is Broadfield House Glass Museum - located nearby at Kingswinford.