Here in the UK, as we are all too well aware, it has done nothing but rain for what seems like months. Now I know this isn’t unusual as it always rains here, but this rain has even managed to surprise us Brits. There is flooding everywhere, and whilst the swans are happy, most people are not. But today, as a welcome change I woke up not to the rain lashing on the windows, but to see the sun straining to get through the gaps in the blackout blinds. There is nothing like a bit of sun to help you leap out of bed on a Sunday! And it couldn’t have come at a better time as I had planned to spend the afternoon with the family checking out Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens.

Just look at that blue sky! There are four glass houses that you can wander through; tropical, sub tropical, mediterranean and arid.

Here are my lovely grandparents, dressed to match the flowers

It was built in the Georgian era, in the 1830s so the architecture is beautiful and very English.

We came across some giant lemons…

Honestly, they were huge…

See, I told you! Think of all the gin and tonics you could make with that!

Once you have exhausted all there is to offer in the glass houses, there is plenty more to explore outside, including an adventure play park for the little ‘uns.

And an avery, full of brightly coloured birds.

I particularly liked this cheeky fella.

Oh, and some fancy looking chickens, naturally.

I had read that there were some meerkats, but I couldn’t find them anywhere. Perhaps they were busy helping people with their flooding insurance (sorryyyyyy couldn’t help myself!).

Outside, the first signs that new life is possible were starting to show.

There is plenty of space for kids to run around and lark about (ahem, and some of the more boisterous adults)

The men found a tower to climb and keep watch from

Don’t they look pleased! We headed back across a bridge that forbids children - hence the wicked smiles on our faces, in search of a good ‘ol Sunday dinner.

I went on an open day so it was free, but it is normally about £7 for an adult, and there are load of concessions and deals. Check out prices, opening time etc for the Botanical Gardens here.