Founded in 1874, Aston Villa has played at its current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. It is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in England, having won the First Division Championship seven times and the FA Cup seven times. The fierce local rivalry with Birmingham City is epitomised in the annual Second City derby, which has been played since 1879.

www.avfc.co.uk

Read David’s biog here

Housed in the neo-gothic building built originally as Oozells Street School, Ikon has a reputation for innovation, internationalism and excellence. The gallery features temporary exhibitions of works using a variety of media, including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and installation.

www.ikon-gallery.co.uk

‘A great deal of Birmingham’s Victorian red brick heritage is beautiful and deserving of protection. The IKON GALLERY is a magnificent example of this architecture, designed to inspire those who studied there and recrafted for a new, modern and relevant use with great care and respect. The original architects would without doubt be proud of this new lease of life and the particular role that their fine, robust building plays in contemporary Birmingham’

Read Christopher’s biog here

Birmingham is a city of gardens and gardening, home to the largest number of allotments in any local authority in the UK – nearly 7000 over 115 sites – and a frequent Britain in Bloom finalist. It is certainly the perfect setting for the BBC’s annual Gardener’s World Live, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC every summer.

Marion’s garden sits in the Moor Pool Estate built in 1907 as a garden suburb along the lines of the Bournville Estate. Marion is active in trying to save the estate.

‘My garden is my sanctuary’

Read Marion’s biog here

Host to the PGA Europro Tour, Stonebridge is a beautiful golf course located in Meriden, just two miles from the NEC. The floodlit driving range is just one of the many facilities available for members and visitors.

www.stonebridgegolf.co.uk

‘The driving range at Stonebridge Golf Club is a great place to relax at the weekend.’

Read Jamie’s biog here

Nestled between the NIA and Symphony Hall is The Malthouse, one of the many pubs, bars and cafés on the canal network.

www.brindleyplace.com

‘This area is picturesque and great to walk around.’

Read Joseph’s biog here

Located at the heart of Birmingham city centre and its canal network, Brindleyplace
is an award-winning business and leisure destination, which includes the NIA. Whether you are looking to work, play, eat or stay, Brindleyplace has something to offer.

www.brindleyplace.com

‘In the spring and summer, this part of Brindleyplace is a haven of peace in a busy city. It’s perfect for a good meal – and the cherry blossoms remind me a little bit of the Far East.’

Read Chi’s biog here

With one ‘emporium’ in the city centre and another in the Jewellery Quarter, The Urban Coffee Company is an example of a growing number of independent cafés and restaurants in Birmingham that focus on quality and experience.

www.urbancoffee.co.uk

‘The Urban Coffee Company is my favourite place in Birmingham – it encourages conversation, sometimes reflection, but always a great-tasting kick start.’

Read Matthew’s biog here

Located in Edgbaston, the gardens offer 15 acres of beauty, peace and tranquility for all the family. Somewhere to enjoy nature at its best and discover the importance of plants to people.

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

‘A beautiful place that we enjoy as a family. My son loves running around in all the space.’

Read Iain’s biog here

A jewel in Birmingham’s crown – formally the grounds of Highbury Hall, the home of one of Birmingham’s finest statesman, Joseph Chamberlain. The grounds were landscaped at the turn of the 20th century and became a public park in 1930.

www.birmingham.gov.uk/parks
www.highburyparkfriends.org.uk

‘There are quite a few lovely parks hidden away in Birmingham and Highbury Park in King’s Heath is beautiful. For me, it’s one of the nicest.’

Read Carol-Anne’s biog here

Built in the late 18th century, St Paul’s Square was an elegant and desirable location into the 19th century when it became swamped by industry. Now Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian Square, it has been restored and brought back to life to become a vibrant place to live, work and socialise.

‘St Paul’s Square is the green heart of Birmingham’s jewellery quarter – and a perfect setting to walk my dog.’

Read César’s biog here