Top West Midlands Cultural Tours

Many Stratford-upon-Avon visitors only see the obvious Shakespeare sights. Go deeper when you join this award-winning tour that pairs Stratford history with Shakespeare’s life and work to dramatic effect. See theaters, statues, and places from Shakespeare’s family life as you learn how the town has grown and developed since the Bard’s time. Learn about everything from Georgian actors to the medieval remedies his son-in-law would have practiced as you stroll.

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.

Walk where Shakespeare walked, on a self-guided app created by , a local who grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon. From the school where young Shakespeare studied to the church where a mysterious curse guards his grave, this self-guided audio tour reveals the real Stratford that most visitors walk right past. Across 15+ stops, you will discover the oldest pub in town, the tragic story of Shakespeare's forgotten daughter Judith, the reason his grand house no longer stands, and the hidden connection between a Stratford timber-framed house and Harvard University. Unlike group tours, start whenever you want, take as long as you like, and pause to duck into a 500-year-old pub or Shakespeare's Birthplace along the way. Think you know the Bard? Take the optional Shakespeare quiz as you walk and put your knowledge to the test. Ideal for those who are here for a day, this walking tour allows you to discover the famous sights and some hidden gems all of which you can experience at your own pace.

Take a walk through Stratford-Upon-Avon's 1,400-year history on this thorough tour. Learn about William Shakespeare, of course, as well as the major sites and events that informed the town’s history. See spots like Harvard House, the family home of the man who went on to start America's most famous university, and the taverns Shakespeare was known to frequent, many of which are still operating today.

Get shown around the town famous for being William Shakespeare’s birthplace by a friendly local guide. Spend 1.5 hours learning all about Stratford-Upon-Avon’s rich history, from its ancient origins to today, and explore its canals, theatres, pubs, and much more with your tour leader. You’ll learn things even some of the locals might have never heard before.

Explore Stratford-upon-Avon like a local with this self-guided tour that blends iconic Shakespeare landmarks with hidden gems across the town. Discover highlights such as Shakespeare's Birthplace, Nash's House, Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall, Hall's Croft, Holy Trinity Church and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. With an easy-to-use digital guide, you can pause for a coffee, linger in historic spaces, or dive deeper into stories and insights that traditional tours often overlook. Perfect for independent explorers, this tour invites you to experience Stratford-upon-Avon not just as a visitor, but as someone in on the secret. After purchasing the tour, you’ll receive an email with your self-guided walking tour, including a written PDF and interactive Google Maps link. We recommend downloading the tour while you have access to Wi-Fi connection. Please note that entry tickets to any attractions are not included and must be purchased separately on-site if you wish to visit them.

Discover Birmingham’s vibrant food scene with a guided tour that takes you to six unique venues, from a Desi pub to the oldest wine merchant in the city. This immersive experience highlights the city's culinary heritage as you savour a variety of delicious dishes and drinks, including three alcoholic beverages. Stroll through the charming Jewellery Quarter and along the canals, concluding your journey in the city centre. Led by a passionate local guide, this intimate tour welcomes a maximum of 12 guests for a personal touch. - Enjoy six curated tastings - Learn a little about Birmingham's rich culinary history - Maximum group size of 12 for an intimate experience - 4-hour duration perfect for food enthusiasts This tour is a fixed menu experience with a curated selection of dishes. We are now able to offer vegetarian alternatives but please contact us at least 12 hours in advance of your tour to arrange this.

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.

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.

Lots of tourists come to Stratford-Upon-Avon to learn about William Shakespeare, but there’s so much more to this town than just The Bard. With this walking tour, you learn all about the darker side of Stratford-Upon-Avon’s history, from crimes to scandals and more. But don’t worry—your guide leaves plenty of time to cover Shakespeare too.

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.

Discover Birmingham's soul through our self-guided audio tour, where history and modern vibrancy fuse into an enthralling journey! Unveil the city's industrial might, its green revolution, and hidden cultural treasures, all at your own pace. With expert insights from a Chartered Geographer, this tour is an odyssey through time, showcasing Birmingham's architectural marvels and the stories behind them. Start at the iconic Mailbox, meander along historic canals, and conclude in the lively gay village. It's not just a tour; it's your gateway to the heart of Birmingham!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Take Stratford-Upon-Avon at your own pace with a dedicated local guide on your very own private tour. You can choose any date or time for your private tour in the booking form. Wander through picturesque streets lined with beautifully preserved, authentic buildings—many of which stood during Shakespeare’s time—as the story of Stratford unfolds before you. From ancient origins and Viking invasions to the rise of the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, this tour brings centuries of history to life. Along the way, explore the scenic canals, admire Stratford’s iconic theatres, and uncover hidden local secrets that most visitors miss!

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.

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.

This tour offers a seamless and enriching exploration of Birmingham’s cultural and historical gems in a short time. Start with the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, home to exquisite Pre-Raphaelite art and industrial history. Stroll through Victoria Square, admiring the architectural grandeur of the Town Hall and public art. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, either contemporary or traditional. Afterward, explore the scenic Gas Street Basin and learn about Birmingham’s vital canal system during the Industrial Revolution. With an expert guide and comfortable transportation, this tour provides a perfect introduction to Birmingham’s heritage and beauty, all while offering personalized convenience and a relaxing experience.

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.