Birmingham is the largest and most populous British city outside of London, located in the West Midlands often referred to as the geographical heart of Britain. Birmingham, the city where the great industrial revolution began in the 1800s, was a thriving city attracting workers from around Britain as the industry grew. Today Birmingham has undergone something of a transformation with industrial manufacturing being replaced with services. Museums, galleries, high end hotels and excellent shopping facilities have all contributed to Birmingham becoming a popular destination for a short weekend break.