A shopping weekend in Birmingham

There’s a lot more to Birmingham than meets the eye. While thousands whizz straight past Britain’s second city every hour, on their way north or south, they’re missing out on some fabulous shopping, delicious food and cutting edge contemporary art.

Start the day with some retail therapy at the Bullring, where 160 shops are bursting at the seams with gorgeous clothes. French Connection, DKNY, Ben Sherman and All Saints are only some of the names you’ll recognise as you stroll around. It’s also home to a space-age Selfridges store – the alien-looking metallic blob with a space-age glass walkway leading up to it.

However, you don’t have to spend money in this city to have a good time – reassuring news if you’re trying to be good this month. Head to the Ikon gallery at Oozells Street School and you can check out the latest and greatest in contemporary art, free of charge. There’s a great café here too, where, over a tasty plate of tapas (or even just a coffee and cake) you can debate the greatest of questions: Is it art?