The region at a glance: Heart of England is a region of firsts: it contains the birthplace of William Shakespeare as well as the Iron Bridge, a monument to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

Where is it? To the northwest of London, and to the east of Wales. Take a train to Birmingham, the largest city in the Heart of England, in only an hour and a half from London.

Hungry? Worcestershire sauce was invented here, and the town of Ludlow once had more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world.

Famous for: the Bard's birthplace, the Cotswolds, the "Potteries," where you can shop for Wedgwood—England's finest China, Cadbury World, the chance to see a play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Heart of England in depth: Be sure to visit the official site.

Travel easier: The Great British Heritage Pass unlocks hundreds of fascinating attractions, stately homes and sites of historical interest in England, Scotland and Wales. Learn more in our Online Shop.