Top West Midlands Culture - page 2

The only museum dedicated to the Tudor era. Interact with the exhibits (such a lying on a Tudor bed, watching a video or writing with a quill). Walk down the only remaining cobblestone courtyard in Stratford upon Avon. Set within a genuine 16th century building visited by William Shakespeare.

Peek behind the scenes of Stratford upon Avon’s only working distillery on this guided afternoon tour of the Shakespeare Distillery. Learn the secrets of gin making, find out how the spirits are influenced by Tudor-period distillery techniques, and discover all the varied ingredients that create the award-winning Stratford Gin.

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.

Think of this as the easiest way to get from Stratford-upon-Avon to London — without wasting a day. We’ll pick you up at 10:30am in Stratford, load your luggage on the bus once, and then simply enjoy the journey. Instead of rushing straight back to London, we take a scenic drive through the Cotswolds, stopping along the way for beautiful villages, photos, and a relaxed lunch. It’s unhurried, small-group, and guided by a local who knows the area inside out. By early evening, we’ll drop you off at London Paddington at around 6pm — no train changes, no dragging bags, just a memorable day that feels like part of your holiday, not a transfer.

Swap the bustling city for two of England’s heritage landmarks on this full-day tour to Stonehenge and Bath from Birmingham. Hear illuminating commentary as you zip between destinations by air-conditioned vehicle, leaving more time to explore each landmark at your own pace, with entry to Stonehenge and return transfer included in the price.

Discover the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon as it was when Shakespeare lived and worked here. Find the house where the playwright was born, and visit the schoolhouse where he learned to read and write. Wander the historic streets of the town, walk alongside the picturesque river, and find hidden gem gardens and historic buildings all in your own time.

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.

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.

Dive into Warwick’s dark past on this spooky evening tour. Hear terrifying tales about the city’s haunted history as you lurk around landmarks including the Lord Leycester Hospital and Warwick Castle. Perfect for visitors looking for something off the beaten track, this immersive walking tour offers a thrilling start to your night out in Warwick.

Find the gothic soul and Tudor architecture of Warwick in your own, personalized way on this private walking tour of the ancient city. With your guide, discover the historic streets and find hidden gems down every alley — traditional pubs, churches, wattle and daub houses and shops are all waiting to be discovered. Then, of course, there is the impressive Medieval Castle to appreciate.

Join an exciting 120-minute walking journey through Stratford-upon-Avon. Learn all the key facts about the city, dive into the local lifestyle, and feel its unique culture. From Holy Trinity Church to Bancroft Gardens, get to discover the city's most defining landmarks. Your Local will also share insider tips on the best cafes, restaurants, and lively bars in Stratford-upon-Avon to ensure you get the most out of your stay. • See Stratford-upon-Avon through a local's eyes, uncovering the city's true essence. • Explore Stratford’s historic streets and scenic riverbanks, rich in Shakespearean heritage. • Get top local tips on the best bars, cafes, and restaurants to visit. • Maximize your time, discovering more of Stratford-upon-Avon in less time. • Enjoy the intimacy of a small group, with a maximum of 8 travellers.

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.

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.

Unlock the best of Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickshire with The Explorer Pass by Shakespeare's England. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or family adventurer, this versatile pass lets you create your own perfect itinerary, explore at your own pace, and save money as you go. The more you experience, the more you save! From the iconic Warwick Castle to the charming Shakespeare's Birthplace and Schoolroom, the Explorer Pass grants access to some of the region's top attractions. Discover the magic of Stratford Butterfly Farm, step back in time at Kenilworth Castle, or marvel at the classic cars at the British Motor Museum—there’s so much to see and do! Simple to use and available as a 1, 2, or 3-day pass, all you need to do is scan the pass QR code at participating attractions to gain free entry. Plus, with the Explorer Pass app, you can easily book your visits, manage admissions, and find special offers—all in one place.

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.

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 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.

Learn about the legend of Lady Godiva on this small-group walking tour of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter on this small-group guided walking tour. Along the way, hear how the dissolution of the Monasteries led to the loss of St. Mary’s Priory and Cathedral, the role Coventry was supposed to play in the infamous Gunpowder Plot, and the curious history of Coventry Castle.

With this guided walking tour, you can learn about the history of the African Caribbean community in Birmingham and visit local haunts that are off the usual tourist trail. As you follow your guide, enjoy fascinating commentary to learn about the diverse communities that make up the city, and check off fascinating local sights, such as the art trails of Handsworth Park.

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.

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.

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.

The Warwick History Walk offers a captivating 90-minute journey through over a millennium of fascinating history. Delve into the tales of the Normans, the Tudors, and the Victorians while exploring historic sites around Warwick. This engaging guided tour reveals connections between famous figures like JRR Tolkien and Frank Sinatra, and uncovers secrets from Warwick’s past. Enjoy a unique photo opportunity at the iconic Warwick Castle, capturing its beauty from the postcard-perfect vantage point. Perfect for history buffs and casual explorers alike. - 90-minute walking tour covering 1000 years of Warwick's history - Visit key historic sites and learn about notable figures - Opportunity to photograph Warwick Castle from a famous viewpoint - Ideal for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike

Make the most of your time in Stratford-upon-Avon with this engaging 60 minute guided walk. It’s the perfect way to experience the essence of the town—its Shakespearean legacy, historic architecture, and captivating stories—without feeling rushed. Stratford-upon-Avon is a place where history feels alive. Charming half-timbered buildings seem to whisper stories from centuries past, while the picturesque riverside and historic streets create an authentic glimpse of England’s heritage. As you stroll past boutique shops and quaint cafés, you’ll discover Stratford’s deep literary connections, most famously linked to William Shakespeare. In just one hour, you’ll experience Stratford’s literary magic, riverside charm, and beautiful historic architecture—enough to inspire you to return and explore the town’s stories in greater depth. Whether you’re a literature enthusiast or a curious traveller, this walk ensures you won’t miss Stratford’s highlights. Wheelchair friendly. Dogs welcome.