You’ll find the city of Wolverhampton – or Wolves as the locals prefer to call it – in central England, just northwest of its bigger sibling, Birmingham. This place has been on the map since the Middle Ages, when it was a major industrial centre for the country’s vital wool trade. When the Industrial Revolution rolled around, Wolverhampton’s focus shifted to coal and steel production. Nowadays, its football team, Wolverhampton FC, is the city’s biggest export – their 30,000-seater home ground, Molineux Stadium, is well worth a tour. And when it comes to things to do, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s art galleries, stately homes or botanical gardens. On the outskirts, there’s even an RAF museum for you to check out, complete with over 70 preserved planes on display.

Top three things to do in Wolverhampton:

1. Explore the Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s massive collection

Art fans, you won’t want to miss this spot when you visit Wolverhampton. The gallery’s loaded with over 19,000 pieces of artwork, with the likes of Victorian, contemporary and pop art all in its collection – the latter even includes pieces by Andy Warhol. There are even exhibitions dedicated to empowering Black British artists, as well as highlighting difficult subjects in history, like the Troubles in Northern Island.

2. Stroll around the flowerbeds at Dave Austin Roses

Gardening is an English pastime that Wolverhampton’s more than happy to shout about. Just look at the Dave Austin Roses Plant Centre, it’s home to over 150 different species of this romantic flower, all of which are carefully preened and looked after. There aren’t many places in the city that are as laidback as this, and going for a stroll around the plant-lined pathways is the perfect way of recharging your batteries and unwinding.

3. Follow in the footsteps of an English king at Moseley Old Hall

Head north out of Wolverhampton and you’ll find Moseley Old Hall, an Elizabethan farmhouse that’s managed by the National Trust. Back in 1651, the king of England, Charles II, hid here when he was trying to escape from the Battle of Worcester. The place is a Grade II listed building, meaning it’s incredibly well-preserved and a perfect place to get to grips with the style of the times. And, during a tour of the rooms, you’ll be able to see the little priest hole where the king once hid.