Birmingham Airport is just 8 miles from the city centre, and is easily accessible by train. From inside the Airport take the free Air-Rail Link (journey time of 2 minutes) which will take you straight to Birmingham International station. There are up to 7 trains per hour Monday - Saturday and up to 5 trains per hour on Sundays to Birmingham New St and takes approximately 15 minutes. Birmingham New St is located right in the heart of the city centre. Buses also operate (Bus number 900) from bus stop K to the city centre with a journey time of 35 minutes. There is a taxi rank directly outside the arrivals doors.

Birmingham

Birmingham has undergone a transformation of epic proportions in recent years. With over 7 billion euro invested in a new 21st Century skylin, Birmingham is truly England's second city. Birmingham is a shopper’s paradise with hundreds of designer names in the Bullring, Europe's biggest shopping centre. The city never sleeps with fantastic nightlife; there is always something to do. From enjoying the hundreds of clubs and bars, to picking up a designer outfit for the night ahead to soaking up the atmosphere at one of the canalside cafes or discovering the secrets of the Jewelry Quarter. To discover what there is to do in Birmingham visit www.beinbirmingham.com

Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK. Visit the Royal Shakespeare Company for a world class performance or head to Shakespeare's Birthplace or simply enjoy wandering down the streets soaking up the atmosphere. For more information on Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding area please visit www.shakespeare-country.co.uk

Ironbridge Gorge

Once described as "the most extraordinary district in the world", the Ironbridge Gorge is a remarkable and beautiful place to visit today. The Ironbridge Gorge is a UNSECO World Heritage Site and a huge amount of early industry survives as furnaces, factories, workshops, canals, the settlements of Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge, Jackfield and Coalport. There are ten award-winning Museums spread along the valley beside the wild River Severn - still spanned by the world's first Iron Bridge. See the products that set industry on its path and the machines that made them. Watch and talk to the Museums' craftsmen and costumed demonstrators as they work iron, fashion china and glass, and bring alive the people who lived and worked here.

Warwick Castle

Bursting to the towers with tales of treachery and torture, passion and power and above all fascinating people, times and events, Warwick Castle is so much more than simply a castle. With thousands of stories to share, Warwick offers visitors Britain's Greatest Mediaeval Experience. Authentically themed attractions are brought to life by the artistry and skill of Madame Tussaud's studios, and there is a full programme of interactive entertainment on offer including live action events such as spectacular jousting tournaments. Costumed guides and colourful castle characters tell spell binding tales and spring plenty of surprises along the way.To discover history coming to life visit www.warwick-castle.co.uk

Wedgwood & the Potteries

Stoke-on-Trent is affectionately known as the Potteries, owing to its rich heritage of time-honoured skills and traditions in the pottery industry. Today the skilled craftsman at Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Spode and many more produce china that is the envy of the world over. Visit the factories and discover the secrets of fine china and also visit the factory shops for porcelain at a fraction of the retail price. For further information please visit www.visitstoke.co.uk