The lungs of Birmingham. Come down here on a summer's day to see Brummies relaxing under the shady trees and floating on the boating lake.

Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham

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Opened in 1848 to ease overcrowding elsewhere, this seven-acre burial ground features triple-decker catacombs spiralling down the sides of an old sand quarry. The remains of the printer John Baskerville lie here against his will as an atheist, after a canal was cut through his chosen unconsecrated resting place.

Sitting on the middle level of the spiral, resting your back against a now bricked-up catacomb and overlooking the trees below, is a beautifully tranquil experience. Only the faintest of traffic sounds can be heard as you share a moment with some of Birmingham's great pioneers.

Warstone Lane, Hockley. The Jewellery Quarter rail and Metro station is closest.

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These six acres of neatly trimmed Edwardian gardens are a green and fragrant haven worlds apart from the concrete jungle.

Surrounded by magnolias and alone with your thoughts on the Stream Lawn you'll soon recharge your batteries, or for a real treat venture into the Japanese rock garden, complete with teahouse and ornamental bridge.

Weekend and evening events range from open-air theatre to candlelight jazz.

Part of the University of Birmingham, situated off Edgbaston Park Road - visit www.botanic.bham.ac.uk or call 0121 414 3832 for more details

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