Best of British

Swap Amsterdam for Birmingham
Both Birmingham and Amsterdam are diverse and dynamic cities, offering a world-class cultural scene, superb shopping, top attractions, fantastic nightlife and a plethora of waterways.

But, as the old saying goes, Birmingham has more canals than Venice and there's no danger of accidentally steering the kids into the Red Light District! Explore the UK's second city and discover there are more similarities with our Dutch counterparts than first meets the eye!

There are 11 Travelodge hotels located around Birmingham but for a city centre location choose either of the following:

Birmingham Central Travelodge
Location: Broadway Plaza, Broadway plaza, 220 Ladywood, Birmingham, B16 8LP

Birmingham Fort Dunlop Travelodge
Location: Fort Parkway, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 9FD

A few highlights to include on a Birmingham city break:

Explore the Canals
Birmingham is 'Britain's canal city'. Over 200 years old, the canals, once the lifeblood of the industrial revolution, are now a major leisure attraction. The 'More Canals than Venice Walk' is a guided tour around the Silver Cross. Starting from Gas Street Basin, the walk encompasses the Old Turn Junction, Oozel Street Loop and the flight of Farmer's Bridge Locks on the Birmingham and Fazzeley Canal.

If you don't fancy the walk then hop on one of the many canal boat tours that run across the network of waterways, offering a different perspective to Brum.
Location: Walks start at The Canal Shop, Gas Street Basin.
Timing: Walks take place on Saturdays at 11am (last approx. 1 hour)
More information: www.birmingham-tours.co.uk or call 0121 427 2555. For canal boat tours www.sherbornewharf.co.uk

Have a Balti
Both Birmingham and Amsterdam famously offer an international mix of world cuisine. Amsterdam may claim Indonesian as its signature dish but no visit to Birmingham would be complete without the famous Balti.

Take a trip to the Balti Triangle and tickle your taste buds with this spicy delight. The best Balti houses are generally found in the Sparkhill and Sparkbrook areas of the city. Commonly regarded as the best in the 'Balti Triangle', Al Frash is renowned for quality cuisine and a plethora of curry awards.
Location: Al Frash Balti Restaurant, 86 Ladypool Road, Sparkhill, B12 8JS
More information: www.alfrash.com or call 0121 753 3120

Go clubbing
Birmingham is Europe's youngest city so it's not surprising that its club scene is one of the liveliest in the country. The trendiest people head to Air, a relatively new club, run by the famous 'Gods Kitchen' posse. This amazing 21st century purpose-built venue spans three floors and plays all genres of music including hard dance, techno and trance.

Oxygen Arena, Nitrogen Room and Carbon lounge each offer great visuals and sound with massive lighting rigs and amazing sound systems. The club has a great modern style with plush seating and plasma screens. With viewing platforms and air-conditioned chill-out areas across the venue it really does have something for everyone.
Location: Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B9 4AL
More information: www.airbirmingham.com or telephone 0845 009 8888

Cadbury World
Amsterdam's most famous resident may be Van Gogh but Birmingham is home to the Cadbury family! Explore the fabulous world of chocolate at Cadbury World.

Learn about the fascinating story of the Cadbury Family and sample the delights of liquid chocolate. If you still have room, then finish up with a visit to the world's biggest Cadbury shop! Reservations are essential to gain admission.
Location: Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham B30 2LU
More information: www.cadburyworld.co.uk or call 0845 450 3599

The Jewellery Quarter
Swap Amsterdam's popular Museum Quarter for Brum's historic Jewellery Quarter, home for over 200 years to some of the world's finest goldsmiths and jewellery makers. There are over 100 shops selling some the UK's finest jewellery in this stunning part of the city.

For over 80 years the family-run firm of Smith and Pepper produced jewellery from the factory that is now the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. The excellently preserved 'time capsule' workshop has changed little since the beginning of the century.
Location: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham (Vyse Street/Frederick Street, Warstone Lane)
More information: www.the-quarter.com