West Midlands industrial heritage visiting guides

The West Midlands, often called the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, is rich in industrial heritage that shaped not only the UK but the modern world.

Historically, this region contained the most dense part of the UK canal network and its landscape is dotted with historic factories, mills, foundries, and canals, bearing witness to centuries of innovation in iron, steel, coal, textiles, and engineering. From the bustling manufacturing hubs of Birmingham and the Black Country to the textile mills of Coventry, each site tells a story of hard work, craftsmanship, and technological breakthroughs that fueled global change.

Exploring the West Midlands’ industrial past offers a unique glimpse into the lives of those who powered the world’s first industrial society.