Birmingham is England's second city, and it's one of the country's most underrated places to visit. This was a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, and the old factories, workshops and canals that once drove it have been reborn as the backdrop for a creative, welcoming and seriously fun city.

Start with the canals. Birmingham famously has more miles of them than Venice, and a towpath stroll or narrowboat ride through the city center is a relaxing way to see it. Wander the Jewellery Quarter, where craftspeople still work in historic red-brick workshops, then explore the street art, music venues and food halls of Digbeth. Art lovers shouldn't miss the Pre-Raphaelite collection at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the striking Library of Birmingham has a rooftop garden with city views. Shoppers will find the Bullring and Grand Central right in the middle of town. Come hungry: Birmingham is the home of the balti curry, and its restaurant scene is one of the best outside London. Chocolate fans can visit Cadbury World in the garden village of Bournville, and TV fans will recognize the gritty streets made famous by Peaky Blinders.

Birmingham is about 90 minutes from London by train and makes an easy base for Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds. I'll plan the rail connections, hotel and day trips so you can see a side of England most visitors miss.