Birmingham

Birmingham was at the heart of the UK's industrial revolution, and its wealth was built upon the multitude of trades that were spawned. This lead to a massive canal network, with more miles of canals than Venice (though they're very different types of canal). A fact that often surprises first-time visitors to the city is that it has more trees and open spaces than any other city in Europe.

Much of the city centre was destroyed during the Second World War, and the replacement buildings added little to the city. Indeed a standing joke among locals is Spaghetti Junction (M6 motorway junction 6, a few miles north of the city centre) - a mass of intersecting motorways, local roads, railway lines and canals that can send a careless driver off in completely the opposite direction to that which he intended.

However, since the 1990s, Birmingham has been undergoing a radical change and many of the post war buildings have been replaced. The majority of the city centre is now pedestrianized, and the canals cleaned up to make for attractive walkways. All credit to the City Council, as the city retains its industrial heritage while now appearing modern and forward looking.

Brimingham's gay scene is constantly developing and its prominence is definitely increasing in terms of its national profile.  The hub of Birmingham's gay scene is concentrated on and around Hurst Street, although there are lots of gay bars spread throughout the city.  As well as the bars and restaurants, the major event for Birmingham's gay and lesbian community is Gay Pride.  This normally takes place in the Spring and is a popular event.