Top West Midlands Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

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.

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.

Shrewsbury is packed with history, but exploring alone often means you miss out on the hidden details. Get an in-depth look—without committing to a crowded group tour—on this self-led tour that traces Charles Darwin’s connections to the city via a handy audio guide app. Pass by the school and church Darwin attended, walk through the park said to inspire the naturalist, and hear about his 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!

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.

Explore Birmingham's vibrant nightlife with our exclusive Party Passes. Our Party Passes offer a flexible way to experience popular weekend nightlife venues. Designed for both small and large groups, they provide pre-arranged guestlist access to selected bars and clubs across the UK. You are free to visit as many or as few of the included venues as you wish, at your own pace, making this a great option for those who prefer an independent night out rather than a fixed itinerary. This experience is not a guided tour. There is no host and no timetable to follow. Instead, your group is placed on the guestlist at each participating venue. On arrival, simply give your name at the door to receive guestlist entry. Where a standard door charge applies, entry is included at no additional cost.

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.

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.

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.

Discover charming, medieval Stratford-Upon-Avon—the historic birthplace of William Shakespeare—from the comfort of an open-top, double-decker bus. On this sightseeing tour, relax for the full-route journey or hop off at any of the stops along the way to see key attractions like the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

The real story of Birmingham’s street gangs is often overshadowed by their on-screen portrayal in “Peaky Blinders.” Spend an evening walking between historic pubs with a guide, hearing about the city’s street gangs and the conditions that shaped them. Along the way, learn how the history compares with the TV series and what life was like in the city at the 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.

Explore one of Birmingham’s best-kept secrets on a fascinating two-hour walking tour around the historic catacombs and cemeteries of the Jewellery Quarter. Led by heritage guide Kevin Thomas, whose walking tours were named by The Times as one of the top five things to do in Birmingham, discover the remarkable people, forgotten stories and secrets hidden in these extraordinary cemeteries. Hear tales of Birmingham’s inventors, industrialists and radicals, alongside connections to the Titanic, Druids, and unusual love stories and some of the city’s more curious characters. An independent, story-led tour for history lovers, curious locals and visitors looking for a different side of the city. Please note: the tour explores the catacombs from the cemetery grounds and does not enter them. Two-hour guided walking tour The Times recommended Minimum age 12 Basic fitness required Comfortable, sturdy footwear recommended

Much of Coventry’s medieval past is hard to picture today, as many of its historic buildings have been lost. Walk through the Cathedral Quarter with a guide and a small group, hearing the legend of Lady Godiva and how the Dissolution of the Monasteries led to the loss of St. Mary’s Priory and Cathedral. Plus, learn about Coventry’s intended role in the Gunpowder Plot and the history of Coventry Castle.

On this one-day tour, you'll get out of the minibus and into the glorious countryside! Experience the Cotswolds' celebrated walking trails with a fun, friendly local guide. You'll enjoy up to three glorious walks on this tour. Walks may vary according to the group, weather and trail conditions, but we can promise you peaceful Cotswold villages, gloriously scenic views and quiet footpaths away from the crowds of the ‘touristy’ parts of the Cotswolds - heaven! The day will round off with a visit to the gorgeous village of Broadway (with the option to see Broadway Tower), where you can explore, shop, or grab some refreshment after your day of walking the Cotswolds! Tours depart from Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, or from Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds. Travelling from London or Oxford? Take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh! You'll skip all the traffic, enjoy a charming, scenic train ride, and get to spend even longer in the beautiful Cotswolds!

Spend an afternoon with cuddly alpacas—a fun tour for kids and animal lovers. First, listen and learn as your guide shares information about the animals you’ll soon meet. Then it’s time to hang out with the resident herd. Take photos, help with a feeding, take an alpaca for a walk around the property, and shop for hand-knitted alpaca accessories in the gift shop.

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.

See a side of the Cotswolds that many visitors miss on this day-long tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in Marsh. You’ll check off popular villages like Burford and Broadway, but also discover the villages and landmarks that fly under the tourist radar for a crowd-free experience. An ancient stone circle is among the highlights.