Birmingham

From the airport

Trains: Trains leave every 10 minutes for the city centre.

Bus: Bus 900 stops at Birmingham International train station and the centre.

Shop

More than 10 000 vinyl records, new releases and second-hand, and DJ equipment make Hard to Find Records a hit with music aficionados.
Just one of three UK cities with a Selfridges, the Birmingham branch of this exclusive department store is worth visiting for its acclaimed architecture alone.

Why pay full price for bus fare? Off-peak fares are available from 9.30am-3.29pm, then after 6pm Monday to Friday, and all day on the weekend and bank holidays.

The screen at Birmingham's IMAX cinema, at Millenium Point, is an impressive 22 metres by 16 metres, that is as high as three double-decker buses places on top of one another.

Follow in the footsteps Birmingham University's students and explore the bars, cafes and ethnic eateries of Selly Oak.

Join savvy locals for a lively night out in Harbone, where the pubs, bars and restaurants give those in the city centre a run for their money.

Day trip

Dudley. Museums that delve into everything from glass making to the area's urban heritage (Black Country Living Museum), a zoo, one of only four surviving glass cones in the UK (glass furnaces built in the 18th century) and the stately Himley Hall & Park are just some of Dudley's attractions.
Ludlow. Possibly Shropshire's prettiest town comes complete with an enviable riverside location, ruined 11th-century castle, handsome parish church and the intricate timber facade of the Feathers Hotel, Ludlow is about an hour's drive from Birmingham city centre.

Bournemouth

From the airport

Bus: A daily shuttle bus (service A1) runs every hour from 7.30am-6.30pm from the airport to Bournemouth's travel interchange and main square.

Shop

Design and paint your own pottery gifts at All Fired Up, an attractive shop and cafe in the town square.

Locals rate Hengistbury Head as the best place for a winter walk, wrap up warm and check out the great views over to the Purbecks, the Isle of Wight, New Forest and Christchurch harbour.

Take a walk along the river, past a 12th-century castle to the harbour in the old market town of Christchurch. It is a foodie destination, too, with a good selection of well-regarded restaurants.

Day trip

Lulworth. An hour's drive from Bournemouth, Lulworth has great walks along its coastline. Visit the almost perfectly round Lulworth Cove and the Durdle Door arch. Check out Lulworth Castle with its animal park.