Bournville

From Northfield’s Victoria Common I followed an intriguing path signposted ‘Bournville Village’ that took me through three or four linked suburban parks before eventually emerging opposite the gates of the Cadbury factory; and though the Cadbury World tourist attraction was closed, the village itself was charming with The Meeting Place tea rooms well able to banish any regret at missing out on the chocolate with a splendid slice of caramel apple betty and an excellent pot of tea.