Top West Midlands Art & Culture - page 3

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.

Enjoy a budget-friendly, one-of-a-kind way to explore Birmingham: this self-led smartphone game will bring the city’s spooky history to life. After signing up, download the app and set off at a time that suits you best. You’ll solve clues and discover top landmarks, from the Birmingham Town Hall and the Gas Street Basin to the Hall of Memory. You’ll also hear ghost stories and creepy lore during your tour.

Located in Warwickshire and close to Birmingham, you don’t want to miss this rare opportunity to see Warwick Castle in the evening. As the trail glistens and glows, you’re sure to see the castle and its grounds in a different light. Watching the winter sun set beneath the walls of Warwick Castle is one of the most enchanting sights you will see. The night sky is filled with an array of twinkling lights. From a Nutcracker inspired entrance to displays of dancing light on the castle walls, there is something for the entire family, young and old alike. With a fully accessible route, you won’t want to miss the best Christmas experience in the Midlands. As dusk arrives, immerse yourself in breathtaking surroundings lit up with larger-than-life illuminations. Wander the beautiful gardens with twinkling trees and projections that light up the sky. Whatever your age, our castle Light Trail is sure to bring the real magic of Christmas to life

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.

If you like to walk but hate being tied down to a schedule, these self-guided audio walking tours are the perfect way to discover Shakespeare's birthplace and nearby Warwick, with its dramatic castle. First, spend an hour or so discovering Warwick's Celtic and Saxon history and learning about medieval warfare; next, make your own way to Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the places that played such a huge part in Shakespeare's life.

Come and Uncover Birminghams Beautiful, Inspiring, Unknown and Ever-Changing Street Art. We’ll take you on a 5km walk (2 hours) or run (1.5 hours) to the most striking murals - with even better stories behind them. Drawing on History from around the World, we specifically look at Birmingham’s scene and the Home-Grown Artists behind it.

Explore the enchanting Cotswolds on a full-day tour from London, featuring historic towns, picturesque villages, and stunning landscapes. Visit the medieval market town of Burford, stroll through the beautiful village of Bibury, and soak in panoramic views from Cleeve Hill. Discover the charming Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, and explore the historic wool town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Finally, delve into the literary history of Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, before returning to London after a day of exploration. - Full-day private tour from London to the scenic Cotswolds - Enjoy a personalized experience with a private driver-guide and vehicle - Relax with hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off from London Your tours can be conducted in multiple languages, ensuring every guest enjoys a truly personalized experience!

This tour zig-zags through the city centre away from the cathedrals, and takes participants on a walk through a city which has kept making history by inventing the future. It’s a history that fits together like a jigsaw, come and explore it with us. Highlights include: The industrial booms which saw Coventry as the centre of weaving, watch making, bikes and cars. The most complete part of the City Wall, and learn where the Civil War really started. The Royal Palace in the city centre where the King and Queen stayed when Coventry was the capital of England. The story of the inventors who brought us the bicycle and the jet engine. Different theories as to where the phrase “Sent to Coventry” came from. Explanations and information about of dozens of artworks around the city centre. Details of the rich cultural history of Coventry. Stories of the Phoenix City, the 'City of Tomorrow', risen from the ashes of the Blitz.

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.

Feast your eyes and fill your camera roll with postcard-perfect English countryside on this private tour of the Cotswolds’ most adorable villages. There’s no need to stress about left-side driving or worry about parking, which can be challenging, especially in high season. Simply meet your private driver/guide at the pickup point of your choice and soak up delights such as Bourton on the Water, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold.

A tour which takes a gentle walk in the leafy suburbs of Edgbaston, which presents the influence of the British Quaker and African American Civil Rights leaders who resided in Edgbaston, Birmingham in the 18th Century. Ida B Wells - African American, investigative journalist and campaigner for the abolishment of lynching George and Richard Cadbury chocolate manufacturers and the reliance of coca harvested by enslaved Africans to boost their economic might. Joseph Sturge - Birmingham based Industrialist who founded The British and Foreign Ant-Slavery Society

Discover Industrial Revolution-era landmarks of Birmingham which are hidden among picturesque water canals. Follow your guide to meet highlights and discover surprising facts and fascinating history! See St. Martin’s Church, Gas Street Basin or Jewelry Quarter. HIGHLIGHTS: -Discover Birmingham city, see modernity and old greatness and listen to the story from your own 5-stars Private Guide -By amazed by impressive architecture of Town Hall, Bullring or Library of Birmingham -Step inside the fantastic St. Martin’s Church and St. Philip’s Cathedral -Experience real traditions and craft works inside Museum of Jewelry and see whole Quarter -Explore “Venice site” of Birmingham, follow Gas Street and admire Canal Old Line Visible future and sacred past! Here in Birmingham you will see how strongly modernity comes to a very historical city. Meet fascinating history thanks to a private guide and see new fascinating buildings and old greatness!

Explore the enchanting streets of Stratford-upon-Avon in a fun-filled scavenger hunt that combines the excitement of an amazing race with the thrill of discovery. Navigate through historic landmarks like the Jester Statue, Shakespeare Center, and Holy Trinity Church while solving intriguing puzzles and answering questions that reveal the town's fascinating history, from its Anglo-Saxon roots to its haunted Tudor tales. Gather your team for a playful challenge, complete a Shakespearean scene for bonus points, and capture unforgettable selfies along the way. Perfect for families, friends, or a unique date night.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the surprising story of a city without natural resources or a major river, which ended up flourishing because of the ingenuity of its people, and its central position in the nation’s transport networks. Starting at the beautifully preserved Edwardian-era train station, Birmingham Moor Street, you’ll wander through the city’s historic heart and hear about centuries of innovation and transformation. You’ll hear fascinating stories about its industrial heritage, and the people who shaped this proudly forward-looking city. The tour concludes at Centenary Square, where the Golden Boys statue honors three industrial titans whose partnerships helped power the Industrial Revolution. Throughout the tour, you’ll follow the evolution of Birmingham’s commercial landscape while exploring quiet cathedral grounds, grand civic spaces, and bustling market areas that have sustained the city’s economy for over 850 years.

Explore the highlights of Birmingham and exercise at the same time with this guided running tour. Covering around 7.4 miles (12 kilometers), the tour is a great way to get your bearings of the city. Along the way, hear entertaining stories about Birmingham sights, and check off lots of key landmarks, including the Roundhouse Birmingham, Centenary Square, and Victoria Square.

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.

Solve a self-guided ghost walking quest through Warwick. You're the new apprentice of Warrane Worthington, dark investigator. Warwick has been hiding its worst crimes, spirits, and legends behind tricky puzzles. Help crack them and expose the truth. Use the Questo app on your phone to follow the trail across 12 real Warwick landmarks: Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick Castle, Caesar's Tower, St Marys Church, and the old gaol. Solve riddles, decode passwords, and meet headless knights, hellhounds, and Gunpowder Plot conspirators. Each chapter has its own historical mystery, from a 1605 Catholic conspirator's escape to the 1694 Great Fire and a 19th-century witchcraft trial. Start anytime, pause whenever, and pick up where you left off. Allow around 60 minutes for the full 2.6 km route. Perfect for ghost story fans, history buffs, families with brave kids, or anyone visiting Warwick Castle who wants more than a guided tour.

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey and peel back the layers of time to explore Shakespeare's life outside of Stratford-upon-Avon. We invite you to step into the very footsteps of the world's greatest playwright! Our comfortable minibus will pick you up from Market Square, Rother Street, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6LT (opp. One Stop shop) every Sunday 11:00-14:30 Visiting eight villages described in his rhymes, poems, and quotes, gaining a fresh and unique insight into Shakespeare's social life outside of Stratford Upon Avon. After the 6 village Wixford we will stop for food (90mins) for a traditional 3 course English carvery Enjoy the beautiful Warwickshire countryside as we tour Shakespeare's favourite drinking establishments, where he loved to gamble, laugh with his friends, and find muses for his timeless works. Uncover the villages that whispered inspiration into Shakespeare's ears, inspiring many of his poems and plays, with every play laced with references to alcohol!

It's here, it's Queer. It's Birminghams only Pride History Tour. Step back in time with us, as we’ll tell you the story of how Birmingham’s Gay Village came to be. It’s a fabulous tale…but one of exclusion, acceptance and uncertainty. Starting in 1969, just 2 years after the decriminalisation of homosexuality, we’ll start at the original Nightingale Club Site. We’ll take you on a 5km walk (2 hours) or run (1.5 hours) through the most influential venues and moments from our cities LGBTQ+ scene. Drawing on Pride History from around the World, we specifically look at Birmingham’s journey to becoming one of the UK's most thriving scenes. We’ll also spin around Smithfield’s, home of Birmingham Pride, before finishing our story with a look ahead to a future of increased uncertainty for the survival of the village itself. You’ll leave not only with a sense of pride in our glorious gay village, but you’ll know what jugs, rhinos and foxes have got to do with it all!

Explore the UK’s second-largest city without getting lost on this Birmingham highlights tour. Along the way, enjoy guide stories about the city’s history and architecture, and learn secrets that only locals know about. Places you’ll pass include Victoria Square, St. Philip’s Cathedral, the Town Hall, Centenary Square, the Canals of Birmingham, and Brindley Place.

Step into the shadows of Stratford-Upon-Avon, where the town's darkest secrets and sinister past come to life. From chilling unsolved murders and whispered tales of witchcraft to the horrors of Plague and Civil War, this 1.5-hour tour will reveal the eerie side of the town best known for its famous poet and playwright. But beware—what lurks in the history of Stratford is far darker than you might expect. This is no ordinary walk through Stratford-Upon-Avon. As you tread through haunting graveyards and along its spooky, cobbled streets, your local guide will unravel spine-chilling stories of mystery, death, and terror. Forget the rosy tales of Shakespeare—here, the ghosts of Stratford's tragic past await you.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Explore the fascinating history and vibrant culture of Coventry on a private walking tour. Your journey begins at the iconic Lady Godiva Statue in Broadgate, a symbol of Coventry’s post-war transformation. Over the course of this guided exploration, you’ll visit Coventry’s hidden gems, discover the birth of the bicycle industry at Lady Herbert’s Garden, and hear the tale of the Coventry City Wall’s preservation. Delve into the city’s rich motor industry heritage at Millennium Place and learn about its enduring landmarks, such as Greyfriars Spire. Coventry’s legacy of famous plays, historical markets, and extraordinary architecture will unfold as you meander through this dynamic city.

Private walking tour in Birmingham reveals Historic Old Town charm and Cultural Heritage shaped by centuries of transformation. You explore Ancient squares and Architectural landmarks reflecting Classical influence and urban evolution. The journey highlights stories of civilization through civic spaces and historic streets rich in cultural legacy. You experience Medieval roots alongside modern development within preserved city landscapes. Scenic canals reveal industrial heritage and peaceful urban beauty shaped over time. Each step uncovers cultural depth and legacy older than the United States through architecture and atmosphere. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Get more out of your visit to William Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, and explore the city with your own private guide. You’ll see the sights linked to the famous English playwright, such as Shakespeare’s Birthplace, along with the city’s Holy Trinity Church, and listen to commentary as you walk. Insights into Shakespeare himself and recounts of key events in English history are all part of the tour.