All West Midlands Tours & Excursions in 2026

Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon without navigating the details on your own. Visit the house where he was born and raised, experience the immersive “Becoming Shakespeare” exhibition, and speak with guides who bring Tudor life to life. Enjoy live excerpts performed by costumed actors in the garden for a memorable and immersive way to connect with Shakespeare’s story.

Head out from the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquil countryside on this full-day tour of the Cotswolds from Birmingham. Hop aboard an air-conditioned coach, taking in the region’s green rolling hills as you travel, visiting four different quaint English villages, each with their own unique history and cultural heritage.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Dive into the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham and come face-to-fin with over 2,000 amazing creatures including the UK’s first and only sea otters, Ozzy and Ola! Marvel at their playful personalities and adorable faces as you get up close to a species never seen before in the UK! Say hello to our cheeky colony of Gentoo penguins before heading to our interactive rockpool where you can learn all about marine life and even stroke a starfish! Immerse yourself in the UK’s only 360° Ocean Tunnel as sharks, rays and our giant green sea turtle, Mo swim around you!

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.

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.

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.

Discover the charming sights of Stratford-upon-Avon with a 30-minute river cruise. Explore the historic Tudor landmarks at your own pace with a digital audio guide. Step onboard a traditional Edwardian vessel and enjoy a serene cruise along the River Avon. You’ll spot iconic landmarks such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the Holy Trinity Church where the Bard was buried. Pass underneath the 15th century Clopton Bridge, and take scenic snaps of the historic market town. Afterwards, continue exploring the sights of Stratford with an audio guide. Uncover nine points of interest, such as Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and more.

Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for one thing… but there’s an entire town of stories waiting to enthral you — long before we even mention Stratford's most famous son! Join our expert guides, for a small-group journey through scandal, crime, and curious characters — all meticulously researched and told exactly where the history happened. By the time Shakespeare finally takes the stage, you’ll see him in a whole new light: not just a legend, but the man, the town, and the tales that shaped them both. This isn’t a walking tour. It’s a curated, dynamic immersive adventure through Stratford’s hidden stories — twisted, true, and unforgettable. - Duration: ~90 minutes - Price: £12 per adult / £6 per child (8-12 years) / under 8s go free - When: Thursday–Saturday (seasonal) - Meeting Point: The Windmill Pub, Church Street - Extra: Walks are fully accessible, paced for ease and enjoyment. Guests participate at their own discretion. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Journey back to the Middle Ages with this full-day admission ticket to Warwick Castle. Explore the historic castle, brought to life by actors and interactive displays, and wander across some 64 acres (26 hectares) of parkland. Take in the views from the ramparts, enjoy the spectacular Flight of the Eagles show, and see one of the world’s largest fireball catapults.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon, famously known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is a town with more than 800 years of history. In this entertaining tour, hear tales about Shakespeare and life in the town, alongside stories of plague, murder, ghosts, and witches. You’ll learn the history of Stratford-upon-Avon and its residents and see the town’s main attractions in a tour that goes beyond Shakespeare.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For fans of Peaky Blinders, this historical walking tour in Birmingham brings the history behind the TV show to life. Spend the evening visiting a selection of historical pubs whilst the guide shares stories about the city’s slogging gangs. Ideal for guests interested in local true crime and those looking for an alternative type of history tour.

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.