Birmingham Nottingham Train

In recent years the city of Birmingham has evolved from its industrial roots into a modern, thriving and cultural city. The redevelopment of the Bullring Shopping Centre and also of the old industrial areas such as Brindleyplace, The Mailbox and the International Convention Centre have all played their part in the rejuvenation of the city. Old streets, buildings and canals have been restored to create a city for the 21st century.

Birmingham, along with the residential borough of Solihull and Wolverhampton, along with the industrial towns of the Black Country, together form the West Midlands Built-up Area which covers around 230 square miles. Surrounding this, is Birmingham's metropolitan area which includes Tamworth and the cities of Lichfield in Staffordshire, Coventry, Nuneaton, Warwick, Leamington Spa and the towns of Redditch and Bromsgrove in Warwickshire.

Birmingham is also a very green city with 571 parks which is more than any other European city. Sutton Park covers 2,400 acres and is the largest urban park in Europe and a National Nature Reserve. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, located close to the city centre, retains the regency landscape of its original design by J. C. Loudon in 1829,while the Winterbourne Botanic Garden in Edgbaston reflects the more informal Arts and Crafts tastes of its Edwardian origins.

Located in the county of Nottinghamshire, the city of Nottingham is home to some of the best shopping in the United Kingdom and has a fantastic cultural calendar and excellent pubs, bars and restaurants. The relatively small city centre, with its pedestrianised streets and tram system make it easy to get around. There are many attractions in and around the city and three worth mentioning are The Galleries of Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle and City of Caves. The award winning Galleries of Justice Museum offers an insight into crime, punishment and British justice. The museum is housed in a former 18th century prison and contains the largest collection of police memorabilia in the United Kingdom. The first incarnation of Nottingham Castle was built by William the Conqueror's son following the Norman invasion in 1068and stood until the 17th century. A new castle was constructed and then destroyed in 1651 but was restored in the 19th century as a museum of fine art. Finally, the City of Caves provides visitors with a unique perspective of the city. Visitors can enter the caves beneath the city and descend into the dark depths of the original Anglo Saxon tunnels.