Birmingham offers drivers an easily navigable network of roads, both within the city itself and linking to the wider UK. When you head out of Birmingham Airport in your hire car, driving westbound on Coventry Road (A45) will take you into the city centre. Head east and you'll not only find great connections to the M42 and M6 motorways, but also to neighbouring Coventry.

As one of the UK's major roads, the M6 will take you north to powerhouse cities Manchester and Liverpool. Following the motorway south will allow you to join the M1 and head to Milton Keynes, then further on to London.

Heading northbound on the M1 north from Birmingham Airport will take you to Leicester, Nottingham, then to the steel city of Sheffield.

It's worth noting, however, there are toll charges in place for using the M6 – see online for more details.

Circling around the city is the A4540, Birmingham's major ring road. Taking the outer ring road will offer you three main routes to make your way into the heart of the city – the A38, Bristol Street and Broad Street. If you're in the city on business and attending an event at the International Convention Centre, you'll want to take one of the latter two roads. You'll find the Jewellery Quarter just off Summer Hill Road (A457), and for a spot of shopping, you can make your way to the Bullring Shopping Centre via the B4100.

Birmingham has train, bus and tram services all running within the city centre, so there are areas which are restricted to one-way system to help ease traffic flow. You'll also find pedestrianised areas in and around the Corporation Street area.

From spending an afternoon wandering the city's canal towpaths, to exploring the laws of physics at the Thinktank Science Museum, you won't be short of things to do when you arrive at Birmingham Airport.

But whether you're visiting on business or just taking a short break, there's plenty for you to discover in the surrounding areas with a hire car too.

Culture and heritage

As well as having strong industrial connections, Birmingham is a city brimming with places to see. Built back in 1590, Blakesley Hall is one of the city's oldest buildings and a fine example of Elizabethan architecture – here you can learn all about how the wealthy lived during the 17th century. By contrast, the Library of Birmingham showcases modern-day architecture at its best, with the uniquely designed building being one of the city's most impressive structures.

Take a trip south from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon and visit the birth place of William Shakespeare, arguably the greatest playwright of all. Alongside a wide range of attractions paying homage to the Bard, you can go inside the house in which he grew up.

Or perhaps you want to explore Oxford, home to one of the world's leading universities. Opened in 1096, you'll find beautiful buildings across the campus, as well as museums such as the Fitzwilliam and Museum of Natural History.

Building business bridges

As a centre for commercial trade, Birmingham houses an array of convention centres ideal for hosting national and international events.

The International Convention Centre (ICC) has welcomed the likes of NATO and the G8 to their facilities and hosts hundreds of industry-based events each year. Situated just off the M42 at Junction 6, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is the perfect venue if you're wanting to promote your business, or looking to do a bit of networking, as they hold shows and exhibitions across a range of industries.

If you're staying in and around the city, you'll find the Barclaycard Arena and the Genting Arena are perfect venues for some evening entertainment. From musicians to comedians, there are plenty of shows to cater for everyone's taste.

Sports action

For cricket fans, a trip to Edgbaston is a must. Whether you catch Warwickshire playing a T20 match, or you're in town when England are in international action, you'll be able to soak up the match day atmosphere.

Elsewhere, take a short drive up the M1 and you can visit the National Water Sports Centre, situated in Nottinghamshire, for some fun and adventure. Enjoy the thrill of the open water as you try your hand at anything from wakeboarding to tackling the white water rafting course.

But for an unforgettable slice of England's sporting heritage, head to either Liverpool or Manchester to get your footballing fix. With Liverpool FC playing at Anfield and Manchester United at Old Trafford, you'll be able to see two globally renowned teams in action and experience a sporting event like no other.

The great outdoors

For a taste of the British countryside, take an hour's drive from the city to the county of Shropshire, home to over 3,500km of hills, parks and heritage sites for you to explore. Or if you're looking for a bit more of an adventure, the M1 will take you north to the Peak District, situated on the outskirts on Derby. Cycle, climb or simply walk your way around this National Park and call into the quaint villages tucked away in the moorlands.

Explore the beautiful Cotswolds, home to quintessentially British towns such as Painswick and Woodstock nestled amongst the rolling green hills and peaceful rivers. Spend an afternoon roaming the sites of Kenilworth or Berkeley Castle, or get your walking boots out and hike up to the top of Bredon Hill and enjoy the breath-taking views.

So whether you're looking to stay in the city itself, or explore the surrounding United Kingdom, hiring a car at Birmingham Airport will make your trip so much easier.