Canal: a tour on Birmingham's canal network will take you through the heart of the city. You’ll see the narrow boats that are moored at Gas St Basin – which is the point where the Birmingham & Fazeley and the Worcester & Birmingham canals meet. It’s also possible to hire a boat from Gas St Basin, so you can have a go at navigating through the canals on your own. Custard Factory: the former Custard Factory now houses an arts centre that was designed specifically for young people. Among its many features are studios for crafts, dance, drama and jazz. There are also shops, cafes, trendy food outlets and a number of restaurants. Besides being an interesting place to visit, it’s also a real treat for shoppers. The Craft & Antiques Sunday Market is held here once a month. There’s also a museum here - the highlight of which is the Smith & Pepper jewellery factory, which has been maintained in its original state. Treak Cliff Cavern: is located a short drive from Birmingham, and is one of the many attractions to be found in the lovely Peak District of Derbyshire. The cavern is reported to the only source in the world of ‘Blue John,’ a mineral that’s bluish-yellow in colour, and a form of fluorspar that was actually known to the Romans. Warwick Castle: is reputed to be the finest medieval castle still standing in England. Located just 30 minutes by car from Birmingham, it represents more than a thousand years of English history. The ramparts and battlements are in excellent condition – as are the dungeons and torture chambers inside. Interesting displays include one featuring medieval weaponry and another that’s actually a party scene from 1898, complete with waxwork figures. The grounds are particularly beautiful, with highlights being the Peacock and Rose gardens. Lots of different rides are available for the youngsters and additional attractions on site include a reptile house, a seal aquarium and performing sea lions. You’ll find a good selections of places to eat and to buy souvenirs as well. Shakespeare Express: England’s fastest steam train, known as the Shakespeare Express, will take you on a nostalgic journey from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon. The train runs during the summer months, making the trip four times each day from Snow Hill station. There’s a stop at Tyseley, where you can visit the Railway Museum: in all, it takes 1 hour, 10 minutes to reach the lovely, historic town of Stratford. | 
