In Birmingham, we’re lucky to have more parks than any other European city. My favourite is Cannon Hill Park which is a much-loved part of my daily life; whether it’s cycling through on my commutes to the city centre, going for a run when I need to clear my head, or meeting up with friends to attend the cinema, exhibitions, craft fairs and food markets at mac Birmingham.

Even in these cold, grey months, I love nothing more than wrapping up warm and going for a brisk walk around the boating lake. The grounds are beautifully kept and there’s also a wonderful tea rooms, tennis courts, crazy golf (currently being refurbished), a bowling green, pedalo hire in the summer months and a children’s fun fair at the weekends.

On a recent visit with my boyfriend and his mother, we made an unplanned stop at the neighbouring Nature Centre. It’s a bargain at £5, and although it’s outer décor might need a bit of t.l.c., it all adds to its charm.

Photos by Kerry Leslie

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On a recent holiday to Kent we popped into Margate for the day to have proper seaside fish and chips, visit the bizarre art and installations at The Turner Contemporary, and have a drink or two in some of Margate’s interesting little pubs.

While we were in The Turner Contemporary, we picked up a flyer entitled ‘Curious Margate’ which recommended a visit to the Shell Grotto. We were intrigued so off we went.

Shrouded in mystery, the Grade I listed building (on Grotto Hill) was discovered in the 1830s, supposedly by a man who fell through its roof while digging a duck-pond. It’s been privately owned and open to the public ever since.

The walls of the grotto are covered in 4.5 million shells. No one knows how old it is, how long it took to make, who made it, or why they made it. It really is a spooky, mysterious place. There are a lot of theories surrounding the Shell Grotto, and I think it’s worth heading there yourself to come up with your own.

Just around the corner is The Old Ice Works, a former Ice Factory and Cold Storage, now a quirky cross between a junk shop and an antiques fair. Think mismatched china tea sets, vintage garden tools and retro furniture. Rummaging around this unusual place was a joy and topped off a thoroughly lovely afternoon exploring Margate’s many weird and wonderful offerings.

Images by on rocketlass and failing-angel on Flickr

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I love living in the southern suburbs of Birmingham, so much so that it’s all too easy to stay put! But recently a group of friends and I packed a picnic and headed out of town on our bikes, determined to explore the beautiful Midlands countryside that surrounds our bustling city.

We set off towards Belbroughton, twelve miles away! We travelled through beautiful Frankley, past the reservoir and alongside the Frankley Beeches – which are in the care of National Trust. The journey was hilly, but what goes up, must come down and whizzing downhill with the cold air rushing past my face was such an amazing feeling and definitely my favourite part! When we reached Belbroughton we sat on the village green under a big tree (perfect for climbing, we later found) and shared our picnic, feeling rather smug about the distance we’d achieved.

On the way home we went up through the beautiful Clent Hills. The views were amazing. Then it was downhill, with the last four miles taking us through many South Birmingham parks. It wasn’t easy cycling all that way on my creaky Raleigh, but it was such a nice feeling being out in the fresh air on an adventure. Venturing into the countryside is definitely going to become a more regular thing!

Image courtesy of Chris Hudson Photographs on Flickr

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Kinema in the Woods is a unique independent cinema hidden away in the woods in Woodhall Spa. Housed in a lovely little 1920s purpose-built building, it’s believed to be the only full-time cinema in the UK still using rear projection. It really is a special place.

There’s a jolly resident organist who plays a Compton Kinestra organ during the intermission, the perfect time to buy an ice cream or some sweets. Their prices are really reasonable. We had ice creams and pop, and still had change from a fiver – you almost feel like you’re in a time warp.

Normally when you’re visiting somewhere you tend not to go to the cinema (because you could do that anywhere) but the Kinema really is a magical experience, no matter what film you choose to see. The history of cinema adorns the walls and a number of display cabinets, so allow yourself plenty of time to look around the foyer beforehand.

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