http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29572 A great family day out - don't miss the trip into the limestone caverns by electric boat at the rear - unique experience - including chance for the kids to 'leg' the boat through a tunnel.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29572 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28928 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28928 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28326 Make sure you have a full wallet on you though because you can't pay by card.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28326 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28129 You can get anything you want here if you have the patience to rummage through the rails.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28129 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28109 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28109 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27258 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27258 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27257
Just go see it for yourself - All I'm going to say is shack, sunset and stage. the rest, as they say, is up to you dear reader ...]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27257 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27051 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27051 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26851 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26851 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26185 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26185 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24586
What makes it stand out from so many others is the topography; wheelchair users should bring a strong pusher. It sometimes feels like three or four parks in one, so constantly surprised are you by the next view. Full of mature trees, it’s a great place to have a Sunday wander and wonder at colours, shapes lit with glorious autumnal light enhanced by the reflective bounce of two lakes.

Kids of all ages can collect conkers and leaves and when you need a break the Boathouse cafe sells gorgeous homemade cakes and dishes up chicken rice ‘n peas dinners on a Sunday. Heaven.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24586 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19217
England's second city does not seem to have a good reputation with British people. After visiting I thought it was great and also seems to have the best hostel in the UK. I can see that Birmingham and the hostel are both overlooked. The hostel had great beds, very clean and very funky decor. The common room is the best I have been to - it has a cinema, nintendo Wii, PlayStation, a small bar with beers from all over the world, books, and is very bright. An outdoor garden with too many plants, I think that is what I like about this place, they go over the top with everything, it is very welcoming.

I stayed in the 'pod' beds they have. They are very clean, you get a great night's sleep, your own reading light, curtains and I am told TVs and iPod stations are soon to be put in. I loved this idea.

What I liked most was the staff. They are very friendly and helpful - even after you have left you can always contact them for help and advice with British travels. There is a very homely feel to this place. The location is great even if the area does not look so good. They are located a street up from the National Express station.

Birmingham is worth visiting even if just for the hostel. But if you speak with the staff they will show you so much to do in and around Birmingham. Definitely an up and coming city and great if you love shopping.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19217 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15485
Head downstairs for the great little Polish food store (good vodka and sausages) and the interesting restaurant. This place serves seriously authentic Polish food. Anyone who has eaten Polish food will know that it is an acquired taste, but for those who already know they like it, this place is excellent. Beware - the menu is in Polish and many of the staff do not speak English.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15485 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15484 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15484 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15483 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15483 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15482
Opening Times:
Open from 31st March to 28th October
Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am - 4pm
Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15482 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15481
There a few galleries, shops and showrooms that are also worth a visit.

You don't feel like you're in Brum when you visit this place, which for most people is a good thing.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15481 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15480
As with the Anchor, this isn't a cosy gastro pub, but a genuine old fashioned Brummy boozer. In no ways rough, but probably not somewhere to take a date. Authenticity is a real rareity in Brum though, so this place should be appreciated by those who appreciate these kinds of places. If that makes sense.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15480 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15479
This is not some National Trust pub, but a proper old fashioned Brummy boozer. Don't expect to be seduced first time. This is the kind of genuine and authentic pub rarely found in the city. Worth a visit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15479 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15478 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15478