Welcome to the West Midlands Region - at the Heart of It All

March 2007

Located in the centre of England, the West Midlands region covers an area of 13,004 km2 and comprises the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire as well as the seven Metropolitan boroughs of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Locations range from Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city, to historic market towns such as Much Wenlock in Shropshire - the birthplace of the Modern Olympics and scenic countryside such as the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire.

The West Midlands Region is at the hub of the UK’s road and rail network. 75% of the UK’s population is within a five hours drive. Birmingham International Airport, the second largest airport in the UK outside London, serves over 100 destinations in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. Additionally, Coventry Airport serves 18 European cities.

The West Midlands Region is home to many prestigious sporting events including test match cricket at Edgbaston, Ryder Cup golf at the Belfry and Davis Cup tennis. Lawn Tennis was invented in Birmingham and was played in Edgbaston from 1865; Edgbaston Archery is the oldest Lawn Tennis Club in the world.

Birmingham hosts more World and European Championships in more sports than any other city in the UK. Recognising the provision of sport at all levels, Birmingham was the first to be awarded ‘European City of Sport’.

The West Midlands Region is home to a range of unique and picturesque golf courses. One of the most revered in the world, The Belfry golf course, near Birmingham, was chosen as host venue to the Ryder Cup for an unprecedented fourth time. Kington Golf Course in Herefordshire is the highest 18-hole golf course in England and the Forest of Arden Golf and County Club is one of the country’s most spectacular challenges and plays host to a succession of international tournaments.

For more information contact Claire Brown, Seal Communications on 01743 234224 or email clairebrown@sealcommunications.co.uk