Each week our digital team pick the one thing they would do or are doing in Birmingham and the region this weekend. Here are their selections for the weekend of 21-23 April - hopefully you'll see something that inspires you, and if not, well there's always next week...


Dionne - Spring Festival

Being an adult seems to consist of constant conversations about how fast the weeks (especially the weekends) go by!

This weekend’s plans are a little different for me but there’s nothing wrong with stepping out of your comfort zone from time to time. I will be taking a short trip out of Birmingham to visit…Coventry! On average the train to Coventry takes 21-28 minutes direct from Birmingham New Street so a very straightforward journey even for the non-experienced traveller.

On Saturday 22nd April, from 12-6pm, Coventry Cathedral will be hosting a FREE Spring Festival. The day seems to have something to please everyone, including plant and seed swapping (random), live music and entertainment, a clothing swap shop (yes to sustainable fashion!), art stalls, local produce, freshly cooked food on sale and an exhibition.

If you fancy venturing out further afield in the West Midlands, this event might be for you too!


Sophie - Alton Towers and The Howard Arms

This weekend is a jam-packed one! On Saturday, I’ll be heading to one of my favourite places on the planet, Alton Towers. From 17th April – 7th May, the popular Festival of Thrills event returns to the park, but this year with a twist, the event is dedicated to the world’s first 14-looping rollercoaster, The Smiler.

On Sunday, I have one plan: consume as much cauliflower cheese and roast potatoes as humanly possible. For me, there is only one place my dream can become a reality, at West Midlands Tourism Award winner ‘Pub of the Year’, The Howard Arms in Illmington. I’m no stranger to a Howard Arms roast, falling in love with it when I moved to Stratford-upon-Avon several years ago. There is no better way to end the week.


Martin - Stratford-upon-Avon 

To go Stratford-upon-Avon, or not to go to Stratford-upon-Avon, that is the question...

And the answer is go! 

This Saturday, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is offering visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon a range of free activities to help celebrate Shakespeare’s Birthday, and I will be there!

I'll be popping into Shakespeare's Birthplace, a must-visit for anyone interested in Shakespeare. It's a beautifully preserved Tudor house where the Bard was born and grew up.

If the sun is shining (fingers crossed), I will be taking a stroll along the River Avon - The river runs through the town and you can view the fantastic scenery and the historic buildings along the way.

And no trip to Stratford-upon-Avon is complete without a trip to The Nutcracker Christmas shop. Yes, this gem of a Christmas shop is open all year round. It's never too early to buy Christmas decorations, is it?