Top Birmingham Historical Tours

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.

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.

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 to an introduction to the industrial city, this tour includes personal headphones to ensure you hear the guide clearly at all times. Plus, even if you're a local, this tour promises to reveal things that you never knew about Birmingham.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Cotswolds' charm on a day tour from Birmingham. Quaint villages, rolling hills, and history await. A journey into England's countryside heart. Discover 4 villages in just 1 day! Have free time to explore each location. Capture stunning photos and create lasting memories as we walk in the villages! Enjoy breath-taking views as our bus winds through the hills and picture. Travel in an air-conditioned coach along the country lanes

Beat the Birmingham traffic and explore local sights with ease by opting for this private guided walking tour. As you stroll past key city landmarks—such as Centenary Square, St. Philip’s Cathedral, and Birmingham Town Hall, a guide entertains you with stories about their history to enhance your understanding of the city and its many highlights.

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.

Do you want to find something fun to do in Birmingham? How about a Private Kayak Tour for just you and those you invite? Read on for more information about this incredible way to visit Birmingham. See Birmingham’s canals as they were intended with a kayak tour through the heart of the city. This private Kayak Tour takes you into the heart of Britain’s canal system, starting along the route of James Brindley’s first canal into Birmingham that resulted in the industrial revolution booming! You’ll discover Birmingham’s hidden heritage and have plenty of opportunities to see its landmarks from a different angle. Birmingham certainly has more canals than Venice, but ours are quieter! Even though we’ll be heading towards the International Convention Centre, The Cube, The Mailbox and the heart of Britain’s canal system, Gas Street Basin, we’ll still be able find quieter areas along our blue highway.

Discover Birmingham's soul through our self-guided 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!

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.

Get a glimpse of traditional Birmingham and learn more about the city’s industries and culture on this private walking tour of the Jewellery Quarter. Tick off landmarks such as the Coffin Works Museum, Button Factory food mall, and St. Paul's Church and learn more about the area’s famous jewellers and social history from your local guide.

Join the adventure, and turn the streets of Birmingham into a GIANT outdoor escape room! Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure to treasure with your friends Combine your skills to crack the clues & unravel the epic tale Discover Birmingham's amazing history & hidden gems Turn the streets of Birmingham into a ‘whodunnit’ treasure hunt adventure! A Birmingham bank collapses when the largest cheque ever cashed turns out to be a fake! Who was the mysterious thief? Nobody knows. But clues found in an old diary could finally expose the truth.. and this is where you come in... Your challenge is to track down hidden objects, decode symbols, and uncover hidden messages, as you eliminate suspects and gradually unpick the crime. and an exciting twist awaits… Make it to the end and you'll be struck by an amazing ‘wow’ moment when the case is solved and the villain is revealed before your eyes! Don’t let the villain get away...Your time to start is now!

Retrace the footsteps of artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones on this comprehensive walking tour. You’ll get a glimpse of historic buildings that you might not discover alone, as you learn about architectural styles throughout the ages. By exploring the city with a guide, you won’t have to worry about navigating, and can concentrate on Birmingham’s top sights. Highlights include Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, St. Martin in the Bullring, and St. Philip’s Square.

Explore the highlights of Birmingham and exercise at the same time with this guided running tour. Covering around 7.4 miles (12 kilometers), the tour is a great way to get your bearings of the city. Along the way, hear entertaining stories about Birmingham sights, and check off lots of key landmarks, including the Roundhouse Birmingham, Centenary Square, and Victoria Square.

There is no other tour like this in Shrewsbury. It's a great way to explore this historic town and sample food/drink from many 'hidden gems' -independent cafes, bars and restaurants 'off the beaten track'. It's like enjoying a full meal over 5 courses in 5 different venues across Shrewsbury. Whilst visiting the 5 local independent venues, you will get to meet passionate business owners and hear their stories and learn about them and their businesses. Photos will be taken on route and shared with gusts post tour. A guide will be with you throughout the tour and will provide insight throughout about this historic town.

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.

Embark on a romantic two-hour walking tour in Birmingham that combines architectural wonders, cultural attractions, and scenic spots. Begin your journey at Victoria Square, where you can admire the stunning Birmingham Town Hall and the bustling atmosphere of the city center. Take a leisurely stroll to New Street Station, a bustling transportation hub, and then witness the vibrant Bullring & Grand Central. Next, immerse yourselves in the serenity of St. Martin’s Church, a beautiful sanctuary amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Continue your adventure to the Gas Street Basin, a picturesque canal basin where you can enjoy a peaceful walk hand-in-hand along the water’s edge. End your tour at the charming Brindleyplace, where you will indulge in a storytelling session, savoring the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking views. This enchanting walking tour is the perfect way for couples to discover the beauty and charm of Birmingham together.

Take Birmingham at your own pace with your own dedicated guide on a private tour. Choose any start time, and we can pick you up at your hotel in the city center. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city as you travel back through the centuries to discover how our city exploded from a small market town, to the second largest city in the UK. On this 1.5 hour tour, you'll not only see and learn about our history, but you’ll also gain an authentic insight into modern life in the city today and explore some hidden gems along the way! From Birmingham’s boom during the industrial revolution, to our iconic canals, and of course, the home of Cadbury chocolate! There’s something for everyone on this unique experience.

Take Birmingham at your own pace with your own dedicated guide on this special 3 hour Birmingham City & Jewellery Quarter Tour. Choose any start time, and we can pick you up at your hotel in the city centre. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city as you travel back through the centuries to discover how our city exploded from a small market town, to the second largest city in the UK. On our longest private tour, see everything you need to see in Birmingham, from the key sights in the city centre to the historically-important jewellery quarter area of the city. You'll not only see and learn about our history, but you’ll also gain an authentic insight into modern life in the city today and explore some hidden gems along the way! From Birmingham’s boom during the industrial revolution, to our iconic canals, and of course, the home of Cadbury chocolate! There’s something for everyone on this unique experience.

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!