The West Midlands is packed with towns that have preserved their character and community spirit.
Once the heart of trade and gathering, open-air markets may be fading, but these places still keep that legacy alive.
And with the summer heatwave currently hitting the region, we’ve had a look at some of the best activities you could do across Brum and the West Midlands this weekend:
1. Winterbourne House & Gardens
Located in Edgbaston, Winterbourne House is a historic Edwardian property with gorgeous 7-acre gardens maintained by the University of Birmingham. It’s a stunning backdrop for a picnic lunch, with collections of plants and flowers from around the globe. Entry costs around £8. | Flickr Photo: Winterbourne House and Gardens
2. Malvern Hills
Perfect for a walk with family and friends this summer | David Davies/PA Wire
3. Birmingham Wildlife and Conservation Park
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park on the edge of Cannon Hill Park is home to a unique collection of animals from across the world, including Red Pandas, lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, otters, birds, wallabies and a large collection of monkeys. Some of the animals are endangered in the wild and this park plays an important role for their species’ conservation. Ticket prices are under £10 with family bookings available. For more visit the website. | Google maps
4. Warwick Castle
A great way to spend a summer's day enjoying the grounds Photo: Submitted