The West Midlands is located in western central England. The county has a population of approaching 3 million people and has a total area of 348 square miles. The West Midlands are approximately 117 miles from central London.

The county consists of seven metropolitan boroughs and is one of the most heavily urbanised in the UK. The boroughs are: the City of Birmingham, the City of Coventry, the City of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, and Walsall.

The county is home to, among others, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion football teams.

Birmingham is known as the original home of Cadbury’s chocolate. Brothers George and Richard Cadbury opened their successful chocolate business in 1879. Birmingham also has one of the largest fountains in Europe in Victoria Square, this is known as ‘The River’ as the flow rate is 3,000 gallons of water every minute. Also notable in Birmingham is The Bull Ring, a historic market site that is now home to an extensive shopping centre complex. With over 800 years of history and now home to the latest shops and brands, the Bull Ring attracts over 30 million customers from all over the world every year.

The West Midlands is also well known for its heritage sites, including Stokesay Castle. Stokesay is a 13th century manor house maintained by English Heritage. The castle grounds house a parish church, cottage-style gardens and a tea room.

Famous residents to West Midlands include actor Scott Adkins, who grew up in Sutton. Others include Liam Payne (singer), Felicity Jones (actress) and Arthur Darvill (actor).