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 Indoor and outdoor facilities |
Wheelers Lane Billesley Birmingham B13 0ST United Kingdom +44 121 441 4222 |
Opened in 1994 by Sir Cliff Richard, this center boasts six superb indoor courts and eight floodlit outdoor courts. All are available on a pay-and-play basis and if you are after coaching then a free assessment of your ability is made before an individually structured programme is devised. If you just fancy spectating, however, you can witness international fixtures here as well local league matches. There's more than just tennis on offer, as the centre also has a gym and offers aerobics classes and general fitness training programmes. Children's parties can be catered for and there are also special 50-plus recreation days. Good disabled access makes this a useful facility for all the community. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Wildlife sanctuary popular with young families |
Pershore Road Birmingham B5 7RL United Kingdom +44 121 472 7775 |
The centre has over 134 species of mainly British and European wildlife in a six and a half acre site. It can be found at the back of Cannon Hill Park, opposite Pebble Mill and close to Edgbaston Cricket Ground. It's a loving home to otters, foxes, owls and fallow deer, and has a section for the under fives with rabbits, guinea pigs and a duck pond. There is also a visitor centre and a cafe. The centre is an ideal place for young children to learn about wildlife and the importance of conservation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan JC |
 Photo: Tina |
 Photo: Chris Hills  |
 Photo: Adam Chater |
 Photo: Neill Milton |
 Photo: Agnes the Red |
 Photo: Sas Taylor |
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Child-friendly sports facilities |
Balsall Heath Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9DL United Kingdom +44 121 464 6006 |
To the south of the city centre, sports catered for at this complex include badminton, five-a-side football and tennis. There is a gym with weight training facilities and there are aerobics classes and over-50s fitness pro-grammes. This is a particularly child-friendly centre, with a crèche and facilities for children's parties. Furthermore, there is excellent disabled access including facilities for the blind and visually impaired. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A chocolate experience |
Linden Road Bournville Birmingham United Kingdom +44 121 451 4180 (24 hours)/ +44 121 451 4159 http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/ |
Cadbury World offers plenty for both kids and chocolate-loving adults alike. There are rides, a factory tour, chocolate-making demonstrations and lots of the popular chocolates for sale at discount prices in the factory shop. You can also learn about the history of both chocolate and the Cadbury family through a series of colourful exhibitions and interactive displays. One word of warning, however: the Cadbury tour is very popular and visits should be booked in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anna Briggs |
 Photo: Belinda Summerville |
 Photo: Mark Smith |
 Photo: Lala |
 Photo: Matt Cleary |
 Photo: Kevin Morrice |
 Photo: Sharon Stevens |
 Photo: Alex Graham |
 Photo: Tim Thompson |
 Picnics a-plenty |
Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RD United Kingdom +44 121 442 4226 |
This is the ideal park for the entire family, offering a variety of facilities including boating lakes, playgrounds, tennis courts, tropical greenhouses and nature conservation areas. It is also the home of the Midland Arts Centre. A walking/bicycling route winds through the grounds that has recently been extended. The park also plays host to a variety of concerts, performances and the annual Fireworks Fantasia. Admission to the park is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Sloman |
 Photo: David Rivier |
 Photo: John Dalkin |
 Photo: Tanya Upton |
 Photo: Michael Summers |
 Photo: Jonathan Sloman |
 Photo: namalzir |
 Photo: Giles Keen |
 Photo: John Wesley Barker |
 Photo: Emily Quinton |
 Photo: Matthew McConkey |
 Photo: DEBASISH DAS |
 Photo: Paul Tomlins |
 Scuba diving centre |
Lifford Lane Kings Norton Birmingham B30 3NT United Kingdom +44 121 459 4549 http://www.divein.co.uk |
Dive In is a great place to learn to dive, whatever your age. There are courses for adults, whilst children over 12 years old can sign up for the Junior Open Water Professional Association of Diving Instructors course. Dive In instructors are highly trained professionals who are qualified to conduct PADI courses, and all their centers specialize in diver education, equipment and travel. Contact the center for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Under-the-Radar Sights |
Addison Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7EP United Kingdom +44 121 444 3900 http://www.hiddenhistory.co.uk/ |
Hidden History Tours specialize in trips to historical locations in various parts of the country. Many are in the Midlands and within a short distance of Birmingham. Others, such as trips to Hadrian's Wall and Stonehenge, are a little further afield. Expert guides who really know their historical stuff will accompany you, and you should come away with a better understanding of Britain's heritage. Prices vary according to the trip; telephone or e-mail any time for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |