Kayleigh Watson

If you aren’t already aware, get ready to become well-acquainted with the life and times of William Shakespeare. The Bard was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, and this charming town in the West Midlands isn’t about to ignore its most famous citizen. Quite the opposite, in fact, and young Billy understandably takes top billing for most visitors. Shakespeare is one of history’s most famous and influential writers, so that makes sense. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is no one trick pony. Its quaint streets shimmer with historic buildings housing friendly cafes and delicious restaurants, while the river of the town’s name holds up its end of the bargain with scenic walks and, well, more cafes. The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon are a well-rounded collection of experiences straddling the line between modern life and the history of England’s national poet. Oh, and if you like gin, you are in for a treat. RECOMMENDED:🏰 The best things to do in Birmingham🌾 The best things to do in the Cotswolds🚂 The best places to visit in the UK This guide was recently updated by Caroline Mills, a writer from Stratford-upon-Avon. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Okay, it is an ambitious way to start, but we’re nothing if not passionate. Is Lincoln the most underrated foodie city in England? It may well be. In fact, this East Midlands marvel is one of the most underrated cities in England full stop, and its quaint cobbled streets and medieval buildings house a fabulous range of restaurants for all tastes. That isn’t an exaggeration, either. Whether you are looking for fine dining fabulousness or something a little more casual, you’ll find it in Lincoln. The city is famous for its pork sausages, Poacher cheese, plum loaf, and beers, but there is a lot more on its menus than those delicious treats. These are the best restaurants in Lincoln; don’t forget the appetite. RECOMMENDED:🌳The best things to do in Lincoln🌤️The best things to do in the UK⛰️The most beautiful national parks in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

What is the first thing you think about when Leicester comes up in conversation? You might think of crisps, although thinking about crisps is more of a default feature for many of us. You may even think back to the heady days of 2016 and that improbable Premier League win. No matter your first thought, the reality is Leicester will surprise you. Once the second-richest city in Europe and as close to the heart of England as you will find, Leicester is a charming city packed with gorgeous walks, thriving arts, and more history than you can shake the proverbial stick at. The food and drink are pretty fantastic, too, and we’re not just talking about crisps. These are the best things to do in lovely Leicester. RECOMMENDED: 🎭The best things to do in Birmingham🏛️ The best things to do in Nottingham👀 The best things to do in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

Creativity is an integral part of life in Birmingham, and it always has been. Don’t believe us? Get ready to have your socks blown clean off, as the best galleries in Brum are a whirlwind of innovation and boundary-pushing art, the equal of anything found in London, Manchester and the rest. What’s more, many of these magnificent galleries are housed in stunning buildings, impressive works of art in their own right. Whether you are after vast national museums or intimate independent galleries, you’ll find it in spades here. Birmingham might just be the UK’s most underrated city, and its glorious galleries are part of the charge. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Birmingham🍻 The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Birmingham is a city that somehow simultaneously fulfils expectations while being delightfully surprising. That trend is true of its bars, an impressive collection of venues that are as much about history and heritage as they are about style and sophistication. The bar scene here tells its own story of Birmingham, a tale that needs to be heard. Sure, most might think of classic Victorian boozers and real ale pubs when they dream of nights out in Birmingham, but Brum does a fine line in colourful cocktails, speciality gins, and innovative craft spots. There is even a zero-waste bar, which happens to be spectacular. Birmingham, your bars are brilliant. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Birmingham🍻 The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

Where would we be without that all-important first coffee of the day? We dread to think. Luckily, Birmingham is overflowing with hot caffeine magic, no matter your preferred setting. Looking for a cosy cuppa in what could be someone’s living room? Prefer to drink your beans in hyper-sophisticated surroundings? Or maybe you aren’t bothered by the setting, you just want a cup of coffee? Whatever you are after, you’ll find it in Brum. From artisan roasters and chichi coffee shops to delightfully twee teahouses and good old-fashioned cafes, Birmingham has all the bases covered when it comes to coffee. Load up on Joe, and get ready to explore all this tremendous city has to offer. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Birmingham🍻 The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Birmingham has a major reputation for high-quality Indian food, but the universal acclaim the city’s restaurants receive doesn’t do it justice. The days of the infamous Balti Triangle may have passed, but Birmingham’s range of Indian cuisine means it still stands tall as the curry capital of the United Kingdom. From Bombay-style street food and sweet centres to desi pubs and innovative fine dining, the Second City has it all, and no trip to Brum is complete without an evening of delicious Indian-inspired fare. It might just be the best thing to do in this brilliant city. None of this is a surprise, of course, as Indian cuisine has long been an integral part of Brummie culture. After all, the humble balti was invented here, and innovation continues to inspire chefs across the city. All diners need to do is peruse the menu, sit back, and get ready to enjoy thrilling dishes made from the freshest ingredients, which tell stories from the first bite to the last. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Birmingham🍻 The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham James Brennan is a food and travel writer from Birmingham, and Kayleigh Watson is a writer and editor from the city. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

Birmingham’s got it all – great cultural venues, cracking nightlife, lovely pubs, and plenty more.  But if you’re hoping to explore all the city has to offer, you better fuel up first. Luckily, Brum’s vibrant mix of communities and cultures also extends to its offering of places for the most important meal of the day, and there are some delicious options on the menu.  No matter what you’re craving, the city’s got you covered. There’s good old-fashioned full Englishes, American-style pancakes covered in a smattering of maple syrup, and some fresh, fruity granola bowls on offer, so take a look below at our favourite places for breakfast and brunch in Birmingham.  RECOMMENDED:🎭The best things to do in Birmingham🍝The best restaurants in Birmingham🍺The best pubs in Birmingham☕The best coffee shops and cafés in Birmingham At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Birmingham might just be Britain’s most exciting food destination right now. This burgeoning city bursts at the seams with creative chefs, great-value restaurants, Michelin-star dining and everything in between. Looking for street food? It's here. Small plates and natural wines? We've got you covered. Even if you're just looking to dive into a burger and chips, you might find the best one you've ever tasted. Here are the best restaurants in Birmingham.  RECOMMENDED:🍺 The best bars in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham🍻 The best pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham This guide was recently updated by Birmingham-based food writer Lauren Potts. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Given how big and sprawling it is, it remains somewhat perplexing that Birmingham manages to maintain such a modest rep. Having long shed its neglected post-industrial image, England’s second city is now one of the country’s most exciting and diverse travel destinations. Among its miles of gorgeous canals and awesome greenery, you’ll find characterful pubs, fascinating museums and some of the best restaurants in the country. Home to heavy metal music, a nationally adored chocolate company, the world’s biggest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, several high-flying football teams and around three million legendarily hospitable Brummies, Birmingham doesn’t just have a bit of everything – it has a lot of everything. Ready to get out there and explore? Here are the best things to do in Birmingham right now. RECOMMENDED:😋 The best restaurants in Birmingham🍻 The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham This guide was recently updated by James March, a travel writer from Birmingham. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Nottingham is often underestimated among the great annals of English tourism, but more fool those who pass on this East Midlands marvel. Afterall, this is the city that gave us Robin Hood, starred in 'The Dark Knight Rises' and that we have to thank for the (arguable) king of condiments – HP sauce.  All food groups are taken very seriously here, with the chefs taking great pride in locally sourced ingredients. Prepare your tastebuds for everything from filthy burgers and sexy (yes, sexy) pasta to Michelin-star magic and huge portions of lovingly crafted desserts. Time to tuck in – here's all of the best food you can get in Nottingham. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Nottingham🍔 The best restaurants in Birmingham🇬🇧 The best restaurants in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The city of Nottingham is probably best known for its links to the legend of Robin Hood and his merry men, but did you know it also happens to be the birthplace of Ibuprofen, traffic lights and HP sauce?  Whether or not any of those topics interest you, the city is well worth a visit. And whether you’re a cash-strapped fresher at one of Nottingham’s two universities or a tourist looking to throw about some dollar, there’s plenty of culture to take in and loads of great food to be found too.  Ready to get out and explore? From cutting-edge theatre to making feline friends over coffee, these are the best things to do in Nottingham according to us.