Becky Morton

As the UK's second city, Birmingham has always drawn in a huge range of top musicians. It prides itself with a music scene of incredible diversity, with venues specialising in everything from reggae to jazz and indie rock. So where is the best place to go if you're seeking to discover the rising stars of the future or experience an electrifying intimate gig with your favourite artist? Here are just a few suggestions:   1. Hare and Hounds     A photo posted by Hare & Hounds (@hareandhoundsbrum) on Oct 27, 2015 at 4:04am PDT   This local institution boasts an impressive schedule of live acts from a huge variety of genres, including electronica, acoustic and rock. Past bookings include Basement Jaxx, Hot 8 Brass Band and, most famously, UB40, who played their first gig here in 1979. The acoustics are also second to none. High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7JZ 2. The Oobleck   < I absolutely love this place // dylAn - "stephulka" > A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.CAMERON. (@storyofcam) on Nov 7, 2015 at 5:12am PST   A relatively new kid on the block, The Oobleck has firmly established itself as one of Birmingham’s best small venues. It benefits from a prime location in the Custard Factory, at the heart Birmingham’s alternative centre in Digbeth.  With a capacity of just 400, this is a great place to catch an up-and-coming name in an intimate atmosphere.  Digbeth High Street, Deritend, B9 4AT 3. Spotted Dog flikr/Ian   Another Digbeth favourite, the Spotted Dog has weekly liv

Bristol is a weird and wonderful place with a sense of identity that many other cities will struggle to top. If you're new to the city and looking for something to do, there are many obvious things one might suggest. So, after you've walked the Clifton Suspension Bridge, sampled the local cider and completed the Banksy tour, what else could you get up to in Bristol that you're unlikely to manage anywhere else? From giant heads and underground caves to simply sampling the scenery, here are ten interesting suggestions:  1. Rock climb in a church  Flickr: Rockman of Zymurgy   If you’re the active type, the opportunity to clamber up the walls of this fifteenth century church is not to be missed. The 12 metre high climbing walls sit alongside original arches and carvings, providing a unique atmosphere for adrenaline-junkies. Undercover Rock. Bristol Climbing Centre, St. Werburgh's Church, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YT 2. Sail on the boat that discovered America  Flikr: David McKelvey   Over 500 years ago, John Cabot and his crew set sail from Bristol to find a new trade route to Asia. Instead they discovered North America. For a taste of local history you can visit a replica of Cabot's boat, 'The Matthew', located at Bristol Harbourside near the M Shed. The ship is open to the public most days and also organises a number of short cruise trips around Bristol Harbour and under the Clifton Suspension Bridge.  The Matthew. Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN 3. Explore Bri