From Canals and Victorians to Today's City: Birmingham Walking Tour
From Canals and Victorians to Today's City: Birmingham Walking Tour
Find out more about Birmingham with a walking tour starting and ending at the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square. We look at the canals, Birmingham’s industrial Georgian pioneers our Victorian heritage and the more recent architecture all around us. Current redevelopments taking place right in front of our eyes are explained and the directions that the city is taking into the future considered.
The tour is based loosely on the book Positively Birmingham, currently available at the special price of £12 in the Library shop (normally £20) at tour end.Starting and ending at the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square this 2 hour walking tour gives a great introduction to the city and is of interest to local people and visitors alike. We support the charity Sifa Fireside who work on acute and longer term homeless issues in Birmingham, with at least 10% of all ticket sales going to their work and donations are clearly stated on our website.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Library of Birmingham 4 Centenary Square Broad Street
We start and finish at this amazing new liibrary that is one of the major tourist attractions of Birmingham
10 minutesInternational Convention Centre Birmingham
We look at Symphony Hall ad the ICC and it's role in the city.
10 minutesBrindleyplace
We look at the history of Brindleyplace as well as the modern day.
10 minutesGas Street Basin Gas Street
We consider the coming of the canals and look at this amazingly atmospheric centre of the Country's canal network.
15 minutesVictoria Square
We consider public art and also the development of Birmingham during the Victorian period. We look at the developments in the up to date city
10 minutesChamberlain Square
We look at the way Birmingham is moving into the future.
10 minutesBirmingham Museum & Art Gallery
We pass the entrance and see the amazing 1880s design of the double portico.
2 minutesThe Mailbox
We see the conversion of the former post office sorting office into a mixed use development which includes the Birmingham headquarters of the BBC.
5 minutesThe Cube
The cube is major development at the back part of the Mailbox development. Views from the upper floors are among the best in the city.
1 minuteIkon Gallery
The Ikon Gallery was originally built as a school and is one of over forty built by the architects Martin & Chamberlain.
Hall of Memory
Art Deco style memorial built originally in 1925 to remember the fallen of the First World War but now includes WW II and more recent conflicts. Houses some fantastic art deco features including William Bloye tablets.
5 minutesICC Mall
The main route from Centenary Square to the canalside.
10 minutesTown Hall Birmingham
The oldest building in Victoria Square dating from 1834.
5 minutesIncluded
- We use a live audio system. Each guest is loaned a receiver to hear the guide who wears a radio transmitter. Guest bring their own earphones with a 3.5mm socket or we provide a new pair.
- Entry/Admission - Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
- Entry/Admission - The Cube
- Entry/Admission - The Mailbox
Not Included
- This tour may use an audio system - but not always.
Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Our route can be accessible for wheelchairs but we do need to modify the route and would appreciate an email from you if you intend to bring a wheelchair. Our Access Policy is clearly stated on the Positively Birmingham Walking Tours website.
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- We use a live audio system. The guide uses a radio transmitter and each guest has an audio receiver loaned to them. This ensures you can hear the guide from 2m or much further if you wish. Routes are chosen to be outside in less crowded areas of the city.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.