Top Birmingham Historical Tours

Follow in the footsteps of ex-convicts during a tour of Shrewsbury Prison, home to over 200 years worth of history. You’ll explore the former jail with a prison office who once managed the wings, for the inside scoop on what used to occur within the walls. You’ll hear tales about capital punishment and see the spots on which executions took place.

Birmingham gave the world Cadbury’s chocolate, lawn tennis, and a fountain locals call the “Floozie in the Jacuzzi.” This self-guided audio walking tour takes you through the stories you won’t find on a plaque. Start at a Baroque cathedral that survived the Blitz, walk through Victorian squares where Prince Charles once compared a public library to a place where “books are incinerated.” Follow the waterways that gave Birmingham more canal miles than Venice. Peek into Back to Back houses where a family of ten shared a single room, and end at a medieval bull ring turned modern shopping mecca, overlooked by a church with 900 years of history and a Selfridges building covered in 15,000 aluminium discs. This tour is the perfect orientation for those who are first time visitors to Birmingham. It is available in 9 languages and works offline. Listen at your own pace – pause for coffee, photos, or a canal-side lunch.

This informative tour is a fun and immersive way to find out about the slogging gangs who operated in Birmingham in the 19th and 20th centuries. As you stroll around the streets of Birmingham, discover stories that you wouldn’t have heard if exploring alone. Learn about notorious gang members as portrayed in “Peaky Blinders”, such as Billy Kimber and Alfie Solomon, with stops at local pubs and historical sights along the way.

Get an intimate glimpse into Birmingham’s vibrant city center on a walking tour that reveals aspect of the city’s culture and history that you might otherwise miss. Get the inside scoop on city life from your guide, and discover hidden gems and backstreets that even some locals don’t know about.

Discover Birmingham at your own pace with our immersive audio experience—no rushing, no crowds, just pure exploration freedom. Uncover hidden stories and historical secrets that even locals don't know, narrated by authentic Brummie voices who bring the city's rich heritage to life. Unlike rigid group tours, you choose which attractions to visit and how long to spend at each, creating your personalized Birmingham adventure. Our professionally produced audio features crystal-clear narration, subtle sound effects, and atmospheric music that transports you through time as you walk the city streets. Access exclusive insights about Birmingham's transformation from industrial powerhouse to cultural hub, with fascinating details that guidebooks miss. Whether you have two hours or two days, this audio experience delivers Birmingham's essence on your terms.

Appreciating Birmingham’s unique architectural heritage can be tricky on a self-led excursion. Explore Birmingham’s canals and landmarks on a walking tour, and discover the Georgian, Victorian, and modern influences on the cityscape. Gain intimate insight into Brindleyplace, Broad Street, and beyond as you explore with your live guide or audio guide, and gain a comprehensive overview of the history and heritage of the English industrial city.

This walking tour explores Birmingham’s musical heritage, tracing how heavy metal and diverse genres emerged from its industrial heart. Starting at Ozzy the Bull, you’ll journey through sixty years of rock history. Key Highlights: Visit The Crown, where Black Sabbath debuted, and sites hosting icons like Nirvana and The Clash. Discover how local artists birthed grindcore and global anthems while navigating political lawsuits and societal discontent. Browse tenured record stores and see the Black Sabbath Bench. Uncover the Brummie roots of Fleetwood Mac and how factory life shaped the "metal" sound.

Discover the multicultural city of Birmingham at your own pace during a self-guided treasure hunt that reveals the rich history of the midlands city. Listen to engaging stories and facts that you won’t find in the guide book, and spot things that even locals miss—all you need is your smartphone.

Built in 1793, Shrewbsury Prison stands today as a key example of Georgian and Victorian architecture and heritage. Pick a start time that works best for you, make your own way to the landmark, and then spend as long as you’d like discovering its highlights. While exploring, you can take in its interactive elements, learn about its history, and discover its spooky lore on a self-guided tour.

The industrial city with a dark and grimy past, discover Birmingham's secrets and skeletons on this 1.5 hour private tour. Uncover the public hangings, the ghost of Henry Skinner, the gangs that ruled Birmingham and much more. This special tour will bring our grimy past into light as you discover a unique side to our iconic city. Walk in the footsteps of murderers, ghosts & executioners; some centuries ago, some decades ago, and some still happening in the city today (ok, maybe not the executioners…). You never know what or who you might encounter! Tour highlights: Infamous gangs of Birmingham The ghost of Henry Skinner Town Hall riots …& much more!

Birmingham is a city of contrasts that reveals itself best through local stories. Discover it with a local guide on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. Museum visits can be arranged upon request prior to the tour. Your guide contacts you in advance to shape the experience around your preferences, making this tour perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.

This Birmingham walking tour offers a unique blend of historical and cultural insights, showcasing the city's rich heritage and vibrant present. Starting at the iconic Victoria Square, you'll delve into Birmingham's civic and cultural heart. The tour continues to St. Philip's Cathedral, where the stunning English Baroque architecture and intricate stained glass windows provide a glimpse into the city's religious and architectural history. The Jewellery Quarter reveals Birmingham's industrial past and artisan craftsmanship, offering a charming blend of Victorian architecture and modern creativity. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery enriches the experience with its vast collection of art and historical artifacts. Finally, Brindleyplace and the canals highlight Birmingham's transformation into a lively, contemporary urban space, combining leisure, history, and scenic beauty. This tour encapsulates the essence of Birmingham, making it an enriching and memorable experience.

We step inside one of Birmingham’s most important Victorian buildings on this guided tour of the Birmingham's Council House. Discover how the city has been run for over 140 years as your guide brings its architecture, people and municipal government to life. The tour gives rare access to key rooms, including the Council Chamber, this tour offers a clear and engaging insight into Birmingham’s civic past and present. Highlights 1½-hour guided tour of the Birmingham Council House. Visit the Council Chamber and selected historic rooms. Learn how local government has shaped the city, then and now.

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has mysteries beneath its glittering surface. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover the unexpected Birmingham Catacombs: dramatic two-tiered burial chambers carved into an old sandstone quarry. As you explore two historic Victorian cemeteries, you’ll hear stories about remarkable Brummies whose innovations shaped not just the city, but the modern world. You’ll weave through Warstone Lane Cemetery (also called Brookfields Cemetery) with its striking gatehouse and unusual tiered catacombs built into former quarry walls. Along the way, you’ll encounter the mysterious grave of an Arch Druid and a memorial to a Titanic victim. I’ll show you Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham’s first nonconformist burial ground, where industrial pioneers and social reformers lie beneath leafy pathways. You’ll find out how these burial grounds were ingeniously built above old sand mining tunnels.

Take Birmingham at your own pace with your own dedicated guide on a private tour. See Birmingham through a true Brummie’s eyes on this 1.5-hour walking tour. Immerse yourself in the city's sights and sounds as you journey through centuries of our history, uncovering the truth of the city of a thousand trades. During the tour, you’ll discover roots of Norman nobility to titans of the Industrial Revolution, charting Birmingham's path as a city of innovation to its place today as the UK’s second-largest city. See key historic sights like Birmingham Cathedral, Chamberlain Square and the canals, while uncovering the stories and people behind them. You’ll also gain real insight into life in Birmingham today, with every guide bringing their own stories of the city.

Experience Birmingham through the eyes of a local during a walking tour that takes you off the beaten path. Ideal for first-time visitors looking for an introduction to the industrial city, this tour includes personal headphones to ensure you hear the guide clearly at all times. Explore Birmingham’s medieval origins, Industrial Revolution roots, and modern transformation, including the Jewellery Quarter and Canal City.

There is no other tour like this in Shrewsbury. It's a great way to explore this historic town and sample food/drink from many 'hidden gems' -independent cafes, bars and restaurants 'off the beaten track'. It's like enjoying a full meal over 4 courses in 4 different venues across Shrewsbury. Whilst visiting the 4 local independent venues, you will get to meet passionate business owners and hear their stories and learn about them and their businesses. Photos will be taken on route and shared with guests post tour. You’ll be shown around by your expert local guide throughout the tour. They’ll provide some amazing insight about the rich history of this Tudor town.

See where evolutionist Charles Darwin grew up and found so much inspiration on this self-guided walking tour in Shrewsbury • Find out the historic significance of Shakespearean characters like Harry Hotspur and Prince Hal • Hear from producer Owen Bowles, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England region • Do it all in two hours or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Your adventure begins at the grand hotel Birmingham, where you'll rendezvous with your knowledgeable guide. Delve into the heart of the city as you meander through its streets, pausing first at the Roundhouse Birmingham, nestled along the canals. From there, immerse yourself in the splendor of Centenary Square, where architectural marvels like the Birmingham Library and The Hall of Memory stand as testaments to the city's resilience and innovation. Journey into the historic Jewellery Quarter, where Victorian cemeteries and charming residential apartments hold secrets of a bygone era. Continue your exploration in Digbeth, a vibrant hub celebrated for its independent shops and dynamic street art, showcasing Birmingham's contemporary flair. Traverse through Gay Village pulsating with cultural significance and vibrant energy, before encountering iconic landmarks like The Bull, Victoria Square, and The Mailbox, each weaving their own tale of history and charm.

Considered the UK's most multicultural city, Birmingham is a fascinating place to discover the waves of migrants who have made Britain what it is today. Join this small-group walking tour from vibrant Stratford Road to sample food from around the world, learn about Yemeni, Irish, and Somali immigration, and visit Asian stores. Stops include a Hindu temple, a wedding superstore, abandoned pubs, and a Yemeni restaurant.

Beat the Birmingham traffic and explore local sights with ease by opting for this private guided walking tour. As you stroll past key city landmarks—such as Centenary Square, St. Philip’s Cathedral, and Birmingham Town Hall, a guide entertains you with stories about their history to enhance your understanding of the city and its many highlights.

Birmingham is the most misunderstood great city in England. For two hundred years it was the workshop of the world — a place where, as the saying went, anything from a pin to a steam engine could be made, and usually was. Three-quarters of everything written with a metal pen in the Victorian world was written with a nib made within half a mile of where we’ll be walking. By the early twentieth century it was also one of the toughest places in Britain — and that is where the Peaky Blinders come in. The real gang were violent, territorial young men from the slums of Small Heath and Cheapside who fought over street corners and racecourse pitches from the 1890s. The BBC series gave them twenty-first century glamour — but the real history beneath it is every bit as fascinating, and this tour tells you both.

This immersive history experience called the Heroes Tour, offers participants the opportunity to explore iconic figures and their respective locations while being guided by costumed, in-character historical interpreters. The tour includes 4-star hotel accommodations, three-course dinners at themed venues, and exclusive storytelling sessions. Participants will encounter Robin Hood in Nottingham, Tommy Shelby in Birmingham, Robert Dudley at Warwick Castle, William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Abraham Darby in Ironbridge