Whether feasting in the Balti Triangle, shopping in the Bullring or following in the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien - there's never a dull moment in Birmingham, the UK's second largest city. The city in central England is an architectural mosaic in which old industrial buildings, Victorian splendour and modern buildings blend harmoniously. The famous library, one of the largest libraries in Europe, is particularly eye-catching with its ornamental façade. With 35 miles of waterways, the Midlands metropolis is said to have more canals than Venice. Birmingham also has plenty of culinary delights to offer with numerous street food festivals and curry houses. The world-famous Balti curry was created here. Last but not least, the city is known for its jewellery tradition, which is still lived and told in the workshops and studios in the Jewellery Quarter.
William Shakespeare's homeland, lush green landscapes and medieval castles - welcome to the Midlands, a region in central England that is relatively unknown to tourists but incredibly charming. The heart of Birmingham beats in the centre of this region, from where it is easy to plan day trips to the surrounding area.
The Peak District, England's first national park, offers an extensive network of hiking trails through green valleys and along craggy cliffs. Traditional England with its charming villages and golden limestone houses can be experienced in the Cotswolds, south of Birmingham. The clocks still tick very differently here.
An absolute must for anyone interested in culture is Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the famous poet William Shakespeare. Just a few kilometres from Stratford is the imposing Warwick Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. In short, the Midlands have a lot to offer culture vultures and nature lovers alike.
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