American television host Stephen Colbert has famously described the West Midlands as a 'dream world' during a recent interview with one of the region's most celebrated sons, rock legend Robert Plant.
The Conversation That Sparked The Idea
During the interview, which took place in late 2025, Colbert questioned Plant about his lifelong connection to the area. 'You lived in the West Midlands of the UK, and still live out there, right?' Colbert asked. After Plant's confirmation, the host turned to his audience, highlighting that author J.R.R. Tolkien also lived in the region from ages 3 to 19.
'What's in the water up there?' Colbert quipped. 'Why do you people live in a dream world up there?' When Plant repeated the phrase 'dream world,' Colbert elaborated, 'Yes, exactly. The misty mountains and all that kind of thing.'
Exploring The Region's Magical Locations
This fascinating exchange has prompted a closer look at the other-worldly places scattered across the West Midlands that justify Colbert's remarks. Here are nine must-see locations that feel plucked from a fantasy.
1. Eye of Sauron, Moseley Bog
This intricate carving on a fallen tree in Moseley Bog is believed to have been part of the inspiration for the ancient forests in Tolkien's legendary works.
2. Sarehole Mill
This historic water mill and its surrounding landscape had a profound influence on the creation of Middle-earth in Tolkien's literature, shaping the world of The Lord of the Rings.
3. Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon
The childhood home of William Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, offers a tangible connection to one of history's greatest love stories. Managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, it remains a major draw for fans of the Bard.
4. Birmingham Oratory
This religious institution was founded by Cardinal John Henry Newman, who was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI during a mass in Birmingham's Cofton Park on 19 September 2010.
A Legacy of Creativity
The conversation between Colbert and Plant, who was born in West Bromwich and attended King Edward VI Grammar School for Boys in Stourbridge, underscores the region's incredible capacity to inspire profound creativity.
From the misty mountains of fantasy literature to the grounds of rock and roll and romantic history, the West Midlands continues to be a wellspring for the imagination, proving that Stephen Colbert's 'dream world' description is more than just a witty remark—it's a reality waiting to be explored.
