The West Midlands
Ah, the English West Midlands—a region known for its rich history, charming countryside, and, occasionally, baffling place names. (Looking at you, Lickey End.)
Let’s start with Staffordshire, home to the pottery capital of the world, Stoke-on-Trent. Marvel at the craftsmanship in local ceramics. Or, if pottery isn’t your thing, get lost in the expansive Cannock Chase, a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and dog walkers.
Shropshire is an idyllic county boasting the Shropshire Hills and market towns that seem plucked straight from a postcard. It’s the birthplace of Charles Darwin. He figured out we’re not descended from angels, but rather from something hairier and less refined.
On to Worcestershire, where the sauce comes from and the cathedral city of Worcester stands proud. While Worcester sauce might make you think of food, the county itself is more a feast for the eyes, with rolling Malvern Hills and serene riversides.
Warwickshire is famed for being Shakespeare’s old stomping ground. The town of Stratford-upon-Avon draws literary pilgrims from far and wide. But it’s not all iambic pentameters and ruffled collars. Warwick Castle offers a slice of medieval drama with falconry displays and jousting tournaments.
The West Midlands, the region’s urban heart, includes Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city. Brum, as the locals call it, has more canals than Venice, allegedly. It’s also the birthplace of heavy metal. Black Sabbath and Judas Priest both hailed from here.
Lastly, we have Herefordshire, a rural dreamscape where apples are taken very seriously. It’s the cider capital of Britain, and the local produce will have you feeling positively core-blimey. The medieval Hereford Cathedral and its Mappa Mundi (a medieval map of the world) are must-see sights. If you can tear yourself away from the orchards and pint glasses, that is.
So here are all the geocaching blog posts I’ve written for the West Midlands.
