We're lucky here in Birmingham.
Not only is our amazing city a cultural hub for dining, theatre and more, we're ideally situated for adventure.
Located right in the centre of beautiful England, home to ancient forests, picturesque villages and areas of outstanding natural beauty, we don't have to travel far to enjoy new, refreshing experiences.
Read more: 20 top attractions in and near Birmingham - the best family days out
Post-Christmas budgets might not allow for full weekends away, but drive out of the city in any direction, and it won't take long to find an idyllic spot to relax in.
Here are some of our favourite places to visit within an hour's drive of Birmingham.
Lichfield
Half an hour up the A38 will land you in historic Lichfield.
It's biggest asset, quite literally, is its stunning cathedral, a stunning medieval building and the only one of its kind to have three spires.
It dates back as early as 1195 and every nook and cranny tells a story. If you go, try and get on a tour - they're free, last 45 minutes and explore 1,300 years of history.
Tours run Monday to Friday at 2pm and on Saturday at 11am and 2pm.
There are some lovely spots to stop for lunch or dinner, with the Michelin-recommended Larder serving up locally sourced ingredients or friendly nooks like Faro Lounge offering all day breakfasts.
Other destinations worth a look when you're there are the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, which tells the story of the author of the first English dictionary, and Erasmus Darwin House, where Charles' grandfather gathered with the Midlands' leading industrialists.
Ironbridge Gorge
An hour when the traffic is good, Ironbridge Gorge is up the M6 and along the M54 in stunning Shropshire.
Home of the Iron Bridge, the first of its kind and now an English Heritage hotspot, it's a breathtaking sight.
Park near the bridge itself and cross it before stopping for an ice cream or a hot drink in a tea room, enjoying views of the huge example of engineering brilliance.
Then take a relaxing walk along the River Severn to the Museum of the Gorge to learn more about the area's rich history.
Ironbridge Antiques, Arts & Crafts beside the river is worth a peep too, with lots of little areas selling nick-nacks and unique finds to take home.
The great thing about the gorge is just how much it changes depending on the season - even if you've already been, it's definitely worth visiting again.
Worcester
Another cathedral city worth visiting is Worcester (A38, M5) which is about 45 minutes away.
It's quite a young-feeling city given it's so old, which is probably due to the fact that it's a university city.
Because of that, it has learnt to balance the two sides of itself well.
The half timbered Tudor buildings remind you of the city's rich heritage, which you can learn more about at the city's art gallery and museum.
Specialist museums, like that of porcelain manufacturer Royal Worcester, tell you of the people that would have lived and worked here in Georgian and Victorian eras too.
Food and drink can be found in any price bracket, but Island's Greek cuisine and Globe Modern Bistro's contemporary dishes come highly recommended by online reviewers.
Stoke-on-Trent
An hour away up the M6, Stoke-on-Trent is one of England's most underrated spots.
It may not be beautiful in the traditional sense, but there's something really wonderful about its quirks and character that should never be underestimated.
From the bottle kilns of its traditional towns to the green splendour of Trentham Gardens, there's a magic about Stoke-on-Trent that cannot be denied.
Head down to Burslem and explore the factory shop of Burleigh, where creaky wooden floors groan beneath beautiful blue and white pottery.
In Barlaston, Wedgwood feels a little more sophisticated. Pop into the tea room for a brace of savoury scones and thank us later. There's a little shop in there selling items from local makers too, including jewellery, glass work and pottery.
The pretty little wooden shops of Trentham offer great shopping, with its gardens sweeping and picturesque. There are monkeys living in its Monkey Forest, if you fancied getting close to them!
Head into Hanley for a mooch around the museum and learn more about the Potteries and enjoy a gig at the Sugarmill before heading home.
As days out go, Stoke can hold up with the best of them.
Bewdley
A Georgian town that can also be found on the Severn, Bewdley is the gateway to the Wyre Forest and, as such, is extremely beautiful.
There are loads of listed buildings in Bewdley, giving it a very special and unique look. The Bewdley Museum offers and insight into its history and people. There's a 250-year-old brass foundry and an air raid shelter to explore.
Dine at spots like the Mulberry or the Mug House Inn for traditional pub grub, both of which come highly recommended by diners on TripAdvisor.
The West Midlands Safari Park is perhaps the area's biggest draw, though a walk through the Wyre Forest with your binoculars may reveal woodpeckers, kestrels, buzzards and more, which may amaze you as much as the monkey's in the park!
Cosford/Shifnal
Home to both the Royal Air Force museum and David Austin Roses, this corner of Shropshire is definitely worth a visit if you're happy to zip down the M6/M54 for around 45 minutes.
When the weather is mild and spring is in the air, David Austin Roses is just stunning, the scent of roses of every imaginable description tempting in gardeners, bees and butterflies.
As well as choosing a new rose to take home, you can wander through its many gardens and grab a spot of tea in its tea room, enjoying a slice of cake before venturing into yet another unique corner.
RAF Cosford is just a seven minute drive away, home of the famous Air Show and the Royal Air Force Museum.
There you can learn about the RAF's history as well as see up close German, US and British rocket motors, aircrafts, missiles and tanks.
Restaurants like Latimers of Shifnal are destinations all of their own.
Warwick
The market town of Warwick is perhaps best known for its castle and that's for good reason.
There's not just old castle walls to see - the fortress is surrounded by 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens, including a peacock garden.
Then there are the experiences. Take a spooky trip into the dark dungeons for a few surprises, watch archers shoot flaming arrows, take afternoon tea or watch as falconers coax giant birds down from the ramparts with slivers of meat!
The town itself, outside of the castle grounds, is beautiful and quaint. It takes about half an hour to get there down the M40 and it couldn't feel more different to bustling Birmingham.
Stroll along the River Avon, cycle the Warwick Town Trail or pop by The Court House with its marble pillars and crystal chandeliers. There you'll find the Visitor's Centre, giving plenty of ideas of other things to do in the town.
For a nice dinner, try and book a table at Tailors in advance and enjoy two AA Rosette-awarded fare.
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