Perched on the Worcestershire/Shropshire border, less than an hour from central Birmingham, is the Wyre Forest. One of England's largest remaining ancient woodlands, it's beautiful in spring with bluebells, daffodils and celandines in the clearings and the smell of wild garlic wafting in the air. There are trails for all abilities leading you through the bright oak forest. If you're lucky you'll catch a glimpse of fallow deer or kingfishers along the brook. If you want something more adrenalin-packed than walking or mountain biking through the forest, there is always 'Go Ape'. And round it all off with a cuppa and slab of cake on the sofas by the fire in the Forest Cafe.

www.forestry.gov.uk/wyreforest
Callow Hill, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY14 9XQ
Google map: bit.ly/12y2Wrk

Three miles west of Bewdley on the A456. Follow brown Forestry Commission signs from Kidderminster, to arrive at the Visitor Centre.


Parking charge: £3 for all day.

The nearest train station is Kidderminster. Bus routes 192/292 operate between Birmingham and Ludlow.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

They are based online but are currently doing some pop up shows. It's great a local gallery is looking for new and up and coming artists and not only that what they sell is pretty damn cool. Their framing is second to none and to be fair I dont know of anything or one like them in the Midlands.

www.thegallerycourt.com
+44(0)121 236 7557

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Excellent 'living museum' with streets as they were in the height of the industrial Victorian era. A must see for canal boat fans - has many historic narrowboats moored in the basin here - including an old 'steamer' - 'President'
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.

www.bclm.co.uk/
dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/
Tipton Road Dudley, DY1 4SQ
+44(0)121 557 9643
Google map: bit.ly/fz6aoQ

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Right in the city centre, it is an unpretentious, affordable pleasant restaurant. It is one of those places where food matches space and space matches food. It is all one single coherent attractive concept. Their lentil sausages are great.

www.thewarehousecafe.com/whc
54-57 Allison Street, Birmingham, B5 5TH
+44(0)121 633 0261
Google map: bit.ly/hfTERZ

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

As its name may suggest to those jazz aficionados reading this, the Yardbird is the place to go in Birmingham for the best jazz, blues and soul around. Although the entry prices have a tendency to skyrocket at the weekend, during the week they offer numerous cheap or even free jam sessions and gigs to diverse and friendly crowds looking for a much needed alternative to Broad street.
Make sure you have a full wallet on you though because you can't pay by card.

Paradise Place, Birmingham, B3 3HJ
+44 (0)121 212 2524
nearest station: Birmingham New Street
Google map: bit.ly/c0w0VZ

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A vintage clothing store set in a warehouse in Digbeth, Birmingham (though a new shop has opened on Corporation Street).
You can get anything you want here if you have the patience to rummage through the rails.

82-85 Digbeth High Street, Birmingham, B5 6DY
wearecow.blogspot.com/
Google map: bit.ly/atP7wi

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A fantastic vintage shop selling all sorts of quirky, cool and often mad wares from days gone by. Also, has an excellent accessories and home section. Located in Digbeth's old Bird's Custard Factory, now a thriving centre for artists, designers and creators of all genres.

www.urban-village.co.uk/
Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AA
Google map: bit.ly/bLEP11

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This is a brilliant pub that attracts some very interesting people from all walks of life; dog and child friendly too. The beer garden is pretty expansive with a covered area of sofas and TV and bigger marquee-type things that are rolled out across the whole garden in the winter and also provide shelter for the various music and entertainment events. There is also a little outdoor bar, lots of lovely flowers and a fantastic atmosphere. They serve a range of real ales and guest beers at pretty reasonable prices; the menu is excellent and Saturday is hog-roast day!

Prince of Wales, 118 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8EE
0121 449 4198

Google map: tinyurl.com/3ygjkpe

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The Prince of Wales is a fantastic pub with a sublime beer garden ... in BIRMINGHAM. Yes, I know, Birmigham. I too was shocked. However, after endless summers spent trying to find a decent beer garden round my neck of the woods in East London, I stumbled upon this little gem one evening when I was in Birmingham for work. The beer is great (eight casque ales no less) but the garden tops off the Victorian splendour of the bar, parlour et. al.

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 ...

theprincemoseley.co.uk/
118 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham
B13 8EE
0121 449 4198

Google map: tinyurl.com/378wyql

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

On Friday 11th June 2010 The Custard Factory in Birmingham will celebrate South Africa 2010. They will be screening both opening matches live. This event will also include homage to the Rainbow Nation and the exceptional talents of DJ’s from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Australia, England and Jamaica which will provide the soundtrack to this celebration. The event will feature an Authentic South African Braai and full bar and catering. The true way to watch this South African event.

The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, Birmingham.
www.factoryclub.co.uk/
Google map: tinyurl.com/32lb775

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you are looking for a hotel in Birmingham, try these folk. Credit where its due these chaps know what they are doing. It's not often I'm driven to write a complimentary review but this case deserves it. The website is so simple to use and the telephone service was great, I'm happy book with them again and have already recommended them to friends.

www.birminghamhotels.uk.com
Tel: 0845 644 2283

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Handsworth, an inner city suburb of Handsworth Birmingham wouldn’t be most peoples’ first thought as a place to revel in the glory of a British autumn, but at the heart of Handsworth is a gem of a park designed by Vertigens over 100 years ago and recently restored with heritage lottery monies.

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.

Entrances on Hamstead, Hinstock and Holly Roads B21. Use public transport, 20 min bus ride on the no 16 from City centre or use the car park by Holly Road gates.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends