City
Experience a distinctive mix of old and new, traditional and cutting edge in a host of ever-evolving English cities. Browse streets full-to-bursting with boutiques that boast the latest fashions and admire futuristic architecture towering above medieval monuments. Be dazzled by modern musicals, much-loved plays and works of art by the likes of Turner, Emin and Banksy. As day melts into night, indulge in Michelin-starred dishes and tongue-tingling curries before ordering a gin and tonic at a late-night museum event or throwing your best shapes at one of many buzzing cocktail bars and nightclubs. City breaks have never been so exciting.
August events: Leicester's Caribbean Carnival
Join the annual Leicester Caribbean Carnival in August for a celebration of culture and tradition full of music, colour and dance.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Visit Europe's largest library
The Library of Birmingham houses a million printed volumes, the largest number held by any public library in the UK.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Rainy Day Activities: Watch films in style at The Electric Birmingham
Lounge on a sofa with a drink in hand and watch the latest blockbusters at the UK's oldest working cinema.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Unlace Nottingham’s lacemaking heritage
Nottinghamshire was once the heart of the world’s lace making industry, and it has a proud industrial heritage still strong today.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Enjoy a feast of live music and sporting events in Nottingham
Prepare to rave about Nottingham’s headline music festivals and be bowled over by the city’s world-class sporting events.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Head to Birmingham for a summer of festivals
This summer the streets, parks, bars and squares of Birmingham will be filled with melody as the city plays host to some fantastic music festivals.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
June events: Celebrate the written word at Stoke Literary Festival
Housed within a working factory, the Stoke Literary Festival is a surprisingly scenic spot for a literary celebration.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire