Cheap flights to Birmingham
Having undergone one of the largest redevelopment programmes in Britain, Birmingham is no longer a concrete jungle full of drab canals, but one of England’s most modern and cutting edge cities. Birmingham is all change. The concrete monstrosities have gone, the builders have moved in and new buildings are springing up all over the place – just look at the stylish revamped Bullring shopping centre to see what we mean.
Even the canals are in on the act and have had a makeover that would make Amsterdam proud. Today they’re all about leafy walks, trendy bars, cool little cafes and, of course, shop after shop. And believe it or not, you’ll find more of them here than in Venice, so it really is a case of take your pick.
April 2013
Treat a loved one to an indulgent gift of handmade chocolates from Chouchoute Chocolaterie. Choose from a heady selection of dark, milk, liqueur and white chocolates (40 Great Western Arcade, tel: 0121 233 1300, chouchoute.co.uk).
April 2013
Get in touch with your cultural side at Birmingham's newest festival. Lolihull is an eight-day extravaganza of literature and comedy (6-13 April, visitsolihull.com).
April 2013
If the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ironbridge Gorge isn't enough to tempt you, then maybe the 10 museums and chance to see the wild River Severn, still spanned by the world's first iron bridge, will convince you to visit Ironbridge, the "birthplace of industry". There are also some very good speciality pork pies (ironbridge.org.uk).