West Midlands

Best British Days Out (The Times, June 2007)

BANDSTAND @ Birmingham Botanical Gardens
As summery as a 99 Flake . . . nothing says lazy British afternoons like a bandstand. One of the best is in Birmingham, tucked away in the 15-acre Botanical Gardens: it's a slice of perfect Victoriana at the end of a long, sweeping lawn that cries out to be covered in a picnic blanket. There'll be concerts every Sunday and bank holiday this summer (2pm-4pm), from swing and jazz to brass and country ? and for kids, the great play park and discovery garden should be ample compensation. £6.50 (5-15s £4); 0121 454 1860, www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk