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    46 Reasons You Should Never Leave The Midlands

    The middle is the best bit.

    1. Because there’s a whole cluster of culturally rich cities to explore. Here's Nottingham:

    2. And Leicester:

    3. And Derby:

    4. And let’s not forget Birmingham.

    5. Because in between them all there’s the rolling Midlands countryside.

    6. And lots of smaller places that are off the beaten track.

    7. Because whether you come from a village like this...

    8. ...or somewhere more urban, there's nought wrong either.

    9. Because the East/West Midlands divide is more interesting than the North/South divide.

    10. But you won’t hear "duck" tacked on to a greeting anywhere else.

    11. Because everywhere is really well connected so you can get out and explore.

    12. Because Derby has a really vibrant arts scene.

    13. And Nottingham is great for gigs.

    14. Because canals can be beautiful.

    15. And you've never quite worked out how Foxton Locks does it.

    16. Because canalside (whether it’s in Leicester, Nottingham, or Birmingham) is always great place to have a few drinks.

    17. Because when you’re done with cities you can escape to places like Beacon Hill.

    18. And Bradgate Park.

    19. Because we’ve got the Peak District.

    20. Let's just take a minute to appreciate the Peak District.

    21. Because you can visit Chatsworth.

    22. And how about Biddulph Grange near Stoke-on-Trent?

    23. Because nowhere re-enacts history quite as well as they do at Warwick Castle.

    24. Because atmospheric ruins are nbd here.

    25. Because you don't need to go to the Alps to ride a cable car. Hello Heights of Abraham!

    26. Because if you want to see Ye Olde England, you’ll find it here.

    27. But we're not afraid of more modern designs either.

    28. Because there's nothing like a slice of real Bakewell pudding.

    29. Because heaven tastes like a Melton Mowbray pork pie.

    30. Because Stilton and Red Leicester are made here.

    31. Because rugby is a VERY big deal for us.

    32. Because if you want to study here, there's loads of choice.

    33. See!

    34. Because we’ve got Cadbury’s World.

    35. Because all the coolest characters are come from the Midlands, including Robin Hood.

    36. Because some of the most beautiful words in the English language came from Stratford-Upon-Avon, courtesy of Shakespeare.

    37. Because there are other-worldly looking places right down the road.

    38. Because you can have a roast dinner in a pub in a cave. Not even joking.

    39. Or visit one of the oldest pubs in England.

    40. Because there are loads of cool independent festivals.

    41. Because there’s nowhere prettier for a winter walk, even in the city. This is Victoria Park in Leicester.

    42. Because you can really get away from everything.

    43. Because when you go for an evening jog, this is what it can look like.

    44. Because this dragon guards a bit of Sneinton in Nottingham.

    45. Because the solidarity when you meet someone else from the Midlands creates an automatic bond between you.

    46. Because the middle is basically always the best bit.