Decided to have a few days in Birmingham as we had never been before. As the hotels were either way out of the centre or had no parking we were brave and booked an Air BnB with parking. Have to say that it was good. A small apartment but enough for us, clean tidy and very central. Had a stop on the way down at Calke Abbey – strange contents wise but good grounds to walk around.
Spent 2 days walking around central Birmingham. Did the shops – plenty of them and good quality places. Walked around the Gas street basin and other canal areas. The centre had the cathedral and museums – wildlife photographer of the year exhibition was excellent. Plus plenty of other architectural gems that we enjoyed. The Back to back housing National Trust tour was good and worth waiting for – had a look round Chinatown. The only disappointing area was the jewellery quarter, plenty of shops to buy expensive items but not a lot else. I think we were expecting more.
The food market we found on day 1 was a revelation. All the fruit baskets were £1. Got some good plums for breakfasts. The eating places we found were all very good. A super Italian, a Turkish place and unsurprisingly a very good Indian restaurant.
Also saw a TV filming set for Silent Witness Anne will need to look out for that episode next series.
After leaving Birmingham we had a day in Coventry before going across to Peterborough for a few days with our elder son. The cathedral is awe inspiring and the transport museum was also well worth a visit. I enjoyed the cars especially. All in all a good time away. Other photographs in the carousel below to show more of what we visited and the Peterborough visit including Flying Scotsman and D-Day exhibition in Peterborough Cathedral.
Been & Seen 