Be up early to begin exploring the canal-side precincts, walking along the canal at Gas Street Basin to see brightly painted narrowboats. Wander through the squares of Brindleyplace and visit Ikon Gallery and Yorks Cafe. (Don’t worry, Birmingham is big on coffee, breakfast and brunch so you’ll find great cafes everywhere in the city.)

Morning

Explore the Jewellery Quarter, a fascinating conservation area including 200 heritage-listed buildings, over 700 jewellers and retailers, plus art galleries, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Pen Museum and Coffin Works Museum. Oh, and over 80 bars and restaurants.

Lunch

Food-wise, Birmingham has it all, with a stunning multicultural cuisine scene to suit all tastes. Grab food to go, have a pub or cafe lunch or look for restaurants specialising in local produce

Afternoon