Top West Midlands Culture - page 4

Step into the eerie shadows of Birmingham's past with The Haunted Mile: Dark Secrets of Birmingham. This chilling walking tour takes you on a journey through the heart of the city’s most haunted quarter, where every step brings you closer to the city’s dark and mysterious history. Starting at the grand St. Philip's Cathedral, where the spirits of the past still whisper through the halls, this walking tour experience will guide you through the haunted streets of Birmingham, uncovering stories of restless souls, tragic events, and supernatural occurrences that have left their mark on the city.

Turning the streets of Shrewsbury into an adventure playground! Get a unique perspective of this historical town on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt with an escape room twist. It's the best way to discover Shrewsubry! On your adventure, unlock a hidden trail, find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges, earning points along the way. Discover the town's highlights, explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts, and see things that most people just pass by. As the activity is all self-guided through the app, you can start your Quest when you want and go at your own pace, stopping for breaks. It's an ideal activity for couples, families, and groups of friends. You can use the Quests as a Team Building activity too! Will you conquer the Quest?

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!

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.

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.

This self-guided tour offers a diverse and immersive experience of Birmingham, showcasing its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Start with the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, exploring Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces and the city’s industrial heritage. Stroll through Victoria Square and admire the iconic Town Hall, then head to the striking Library of Birmingham for panoramic city views. Discover the historic Jewellery Quarter and enjoy a local lunch. Visit Aston Hall to step back in time, explore the lush Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and end with the serene St. Philip’s Cathedral. This tour allows you to explore Birmingham’s best landmarks at your own pace, making it the perfect way to experience the city's vibrant essence.

This walk has been designed by the owner of Wales Outdoors to take in the best of the Wye Valley in the Symmonds Yat area. From the start at the wonderful village store we regularly take in wonderful places of interest such as the viewpoint from Symmonds Yat Rock that looks down upon the almost unbelievable Huntsham Oxbow. The woodland is mostly ours as we are, mostly, off the beaten track throughout. This is a skilfully designed day with plenty of interest for the young and the young at heart alike :)

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

This tour offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and classic Cambridge experiences. Begin with a visit to the iconic King’s College Chapel, renowned for its breathtaking Gothic design. Stroll through The Backs, where you’ll enjoy picturesque views of Cambridge’s prestigious colleges. After a relaxing lunch, experience the city’s charm with a guided punting tour along the River Cam, passing landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs and Trinity College. End the day at the Fitzwilliam Museum, exploring masterpieces from Titian to Picasso and ancient artifacts. With its mix of stunning architecture, scenic beauty, and cultural treasures, this tour provides an unforgettable journey through one of England’s most historic university cities.

This tour blends history, culture, and architecture, offering a dynamic exploration of Birmingham and Manchester in just 10 hours. Begin in Birmingham with a visit to its renowned Museum and Art Gallery, admire the grandeur of Victoria Square, and enjoy panoramic city views from the Library of Birmingham. After lunch, travel to Manchester, where you’ll discover the neo-Gothic elegance of Manchester Town Hall, the breathtaking John Rylands Library, and the vibrant creativity of the Northern Quarter. This itinerary seamlessly combines historical landmarks, artistic treasures, and modern city vibes, providing an engaging and well-rounded experience of two of England’s most exciting cities in a single day.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about Warwick while going at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour of the town. The narration lasts for 45 minutes but you can stop and start wherever you like. Avoid the hassle of following around a large group and straining to hear a live guide. Stop at many of Warwick’s historic highlights, including Warwick Castle, and choose which attractions to explore in greater depth.

This tour offers an immersive journey through Oxford’s rich history, stunning architecture, and academic heritage. Explore the iconic Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library, two of the world’s most prestigious learning centers. Step into the enchanting Divinity School, a filming location for Harry Potter. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a historic pub once frequented by literary legends like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Discover the grandeur of Christ Church College, home to awe-inspiring architecture and the famous dining hall that inspired Hogwarts. With guided visits to key landmarks and seamless travel from Birmingham, this tour provides a perfect blend of history, culture, and literary charm in just one unforgettable day.

This tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and iconic landmarks in two of England’s most vibrant cities. Begin in Liverpool, exploring The Beatles Story, the historic Albert Dock, and the stunning Liverpool Cathedral. Dive into the city’s rich heritage at the Museum of Liverpool before heading to Manchester. Discover Manchester’s industrial and cultural past at Albert Square and the magnificent Town Hall. Football fans will love the National Football Museum, celebrating England’s favorite sport. With scenic waterfront views, legendary music history, and striking architecture, this tour provides a diverse and immersive experience. A seamless journey from Birmingham, it’s the perfect way to explore two legendary cities in just one day.