Walking tours in Birmingham cut straight to the heart of this historic English city. The best ones showcase two distinct highlights: industrial heritage walks through the city’s Victorian-era factories and warehouses, and powerful civil rights tours that changed history.
I especially love the back-alley Peaky Blinders route – it brings the gritty 1920s gangster era to life in vivid detail.
The industrial revolution tours around the Jewellery Quarter and Digbeth are fascinating, with guides who know their stuff and aren’t afraid to tackle tough topics.
For something different, the street art walks through Digbeth’s creative quarter reveal a modern side to this old industrial powerhouse.
Let’s explore the most worthwhile walking tours Birmingham has to offer.
Key Points
The Birmingham: Victorian Canals to Today’s City Walking Tour provides a 2-hour, 3-kilometer exploration of the city’s architectural evolution from the Victorian era to modern development.
The Birmingham: Daily City Center Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour tour that covers key landmarks like St. Philip’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, and the Birmingham Town Hall.
The Birmingham: Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour focuses on the Jewellery Quarter, offering a 2-hour guided tour with knowledgeable guides and a 4.9/5 rating.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Tour – Riding & Walking explores the city’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, visiting notable sites like the 16th Street Baptist Church.
The Digbeth, Public Art and Peaky Blinders Guided Walking Tour combines the city’s transformation and filming locations, covering over 4 km in 2 hours.
Birmingham: Victorian Canals to Todays City Walking Tour
Although Birmingham is widely known for its industrial heritage, the Birmingham: Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s captivating blend of Victorian architecture and contemporary development.
This 2-hour, 3-kilometer walking tour takes you through key canal areas, public art, and diverse architectural styles, providing insights into the impact of the Industrial Revolution and Victorian contributions to Birmingham’s urban landscape.
Led by an expert guide, the tour includes an audio receiver for commentary, a tourist guide book, and concludes at the iconic Library of Birmingham.
With a 4.7/5 rating based on 65 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover Birmingham’s fascinating history and vibrant present.
Read our full review: Birmingham: Victorian Canals to Todays City Walking Tour Review
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Birmingham: Daily City Center Walking Tour (10:30am)
Dive into the heart of Birmingham’s city center on the daily 10:30am walking tour.
For just Kč45 per person, you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour journey led by a knowledgeable guide.
Explore iconic landmarks like St. Philip’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, and Birmingham Town Hall, as well as hidden gems like Baskerville House and the Ikon Gallery.
Learn about the city’s rich history, from its industrial roots to the Cadbury chocolate legacy.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on 130 reviews, this tour promises an engaging and informative experience.
Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to be immersed in Birmingham’s vibrant culture and modern architecture, rain or shine.
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Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour
For those seeking a more personalized exploration of Birmingham’s rich history and cultural attractions, the Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour offers a compelling option.
This 1.5-hour tour, priced at £200 per group, allows up to 15 participants to explore the city’s past, from its Stone Age roots to the impact of Roman conquests and the role of the Lord of the Manor.
The tour also covers the Guild of the Holy Cross and the history of iron merchants. Visitors can experience the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery‘s extensive collections, including the Staffordshire Hoard exhibit.
With a local professional guide and included gratuities, this tour provides a tailored and immersive experience.
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Birmingham: Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour
This 2-hour Birmingham Guided Walking Tour offers an engaging exploration of the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
For just $19.30 per person, visitors can discover the area’s post-war redevelopment and the city’s modern transformation.
The tour includes a walk along the picturesque canal system, including the ‘secret canal’, and a visit to the stunning St. Philip’s Cathedral.
Equipped with audio receivers and a tourist guide book, guests can enjoy clear communication and a seamless experience, skipping the ticket line.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 24 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its knowledgeable guides and engaging content.
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Digbeth, Public Art and Peaky Blinders Guided Walking Tour
Where can one discover Birmingham’s vibrant public art scene and the iconic locations featured in the hit TV series Peaky Blinders? The Digbeth, Public Art and Peaky Blinders Guided Walking Tour provides the perfect opportunity.
Lasting 2 hours and covering over 4 km, the tour starts at the iconic Bull statue in the Bullring and is led by Jonathan Berg, a renowned author and photographer.
Participants will explore Digbeth’s transformation from a market hamlet, uncover atmospheric locations ideal for Peaky Blinders filming, and learn about the city’s public art, with the guide’s book on the subject due in November 2023.
The tour costs from Kč45 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Birmingham.
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Birmingham Civil Rights Tour- Riding & Walking
The Birmingham Civil Rights Tour– Riding & Walking provides visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Operated by Red Clay Enterprises LLC, the 3-hour tour takes guests to notable sites like the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and Dynamite Hill.
Traveling by air-conditioned vehicle and on foot, groups of up to 14 learn from knowledgeable guides who share personal stories and historical context.
With stellar reviews, the tour is praised for its informative and moving experience, making it a must-do for anyone seeking to understand Birmingham’s civil rights legacy.
The tour is accessible to most guests, though moderate physical fitness is required.
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From Canals and Victorians to Todays City: Birmingham Walking Tour
Birmingham’s rich history unfolds before visitors on the From Canals and Victorians to Today’s City: Birmingham Walking Tour. Rated 98% by travelers, this 90-minute stroll showcases the city’s architecture, local stories, and development over the years.
Guides lead guests along the scenic canals, sharing their deep knowledge and passion for Birmingham. Travelers praise the engaging experience, with personal anecdotes and humor from the knowledgeable guides.
The tour is accessible, with a live audio system, wheelchair-friendly routes, and accommodations for strollers and service animals.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this walking tour offers an informative and enjoyable way to discover Birmingham’s vibrant past and present.
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Birminghams Public Art – City Centre Walking Tour
Commencing at the bustling St Martins Walk, the Birmingham’s Public Art – City Centre Walking Tour immerses visitors in the city’s vibrant artistic landscape.
With a 5.0-star rating and a Badge of Excellence, this 2.5-hour tour is highly recommended by 100% of travelers.
Along the way, guests receive audio receivers and earphones, allowing them to hear the guide’s insights clearly.
The tour doesn’t require entrance fees and is accessible to strollers, though it may not be suitable for wheelchair users.
Participants should maintain a moderate fitness level, as the tour may adapt to icy conditions.
Booking is easy, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
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Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour With Edward Shelby
Edward Shelby’s Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour immerses visitors in the city’s gritty criminal underworld of the early 20th century. Rated 4.5 stars from 230 reviews, the 2-hour tour explores historical sites related to Birmingham’s notorious gangster culture.
Guests can expect engaging storytelling, local snacks and drinks, and a maximum group size of 20. While some feel the tour is overpriced, many praise its fun and educational experience.
With moderate fitness required, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but allows strollers and service animals. Conveniently located near public transport, the tour starts and ends at a local coffee shop.
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Birminghams “Artsy Bits” Walking Tour
Discover Birmingham’s vibrant art scene on the captivating “Artsy Bits” walking tour led by local writer and photographer Jonathan Berg.
This engaging itinerary explores the city’s art and architecture, from Victorian-era landmarks to contemporary masterpieces. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 78 reviews, the tour accommodates up to 30 travelers and comes highly recommended, earning a Badge of Excellence.
Participants will use live audio receivers and must bring their own earphones or purchase them for £1. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and the option to reserve now and pay later. Enjoy Birmingham’s thriving art scene on this captivating walking tour.
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5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham Into Black Heritage Madiba
The “2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba” invites visitors to uncover the rich tapestry of Birmingham’s multicultural history.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores the city’s Black heritage, highlighting the contributions of Jamaican and Asian communities.
With a 98% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, the tour offers an engaging and insightful cultural experience.
Participants can enjoy the personalized attention of the guides, who share local anecdotes and adapt the tour to different fitness levels.
Whether you’re interested in Black history or Birmingham’s diverse heritage, this walking tour promises a captivating journey through the city’s hidden narratives.
Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour With Pub Stops
Fans of the hit TV series “Peaky Blinders” and true crime enthusiasts alike flock to the Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops.
This evening tour combines the city’s gang history with visits to historical pubs. Guided by a Birmingham Gang Guide, guests learn about the contemporary impact of these notorious groups. Limited to 20 participants, the tour fosters a social atmosphere.
The meeting point is the Apple Birmingham, where the guide dressed as a gang member can be found. The tour ends at The Botanist Gas Street Basin.
Guests enjoy alcoholic beverages and activities, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring moderate physical fitness.
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Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour
Immersing oneself in Birmingham’s gritty gang history, the Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s notorious past.
This 5-hour evening excursion takes travelers on a journey through the city’s underground scene, complete with visits to local pubs and a delicious dinner.
Led by an expert guide dressed as a gang member, the tour accommodates up to 14 guests and is highly recommended, boasting a perfect 5-star rating from all 21 reviews.
From the meeting point at The Rainbow pub to the final stop at Turtle Bay, this immersive experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into Birmingham’s storied criminal underworld.
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Birmingham Private Walking Tour With a Professional Guide
For those seeking a more comprehensive exploration of Birmingham’s storied past, the Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide offers an engaging and insightful experience.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour takes visitors through key landmarks, including Centenary Square, St. Philip’s Cathedral, and Birmingham Town Hall.
Along the way, the guide shares captivating stories about the city’s history, providing a deeper understanding of its cultural and architectural heritage.
With customizable options and a private, intimate setting, this tour allows for flexibility and the opportunity to ask questions, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.
The tour’s inclusions, such as gratuities and entrance fees, make it a convenient and value-packed offering.
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Walking Tour: Civil Rights History -The Church, Children & Community
The Walking Tour: Civil Rights History – The Church, Children & Community offers visitors a captivating exploration of Birmingham’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Operated by Freedom Line Tours, this small-group tour immerses participants in the evangelistic perspective of the struggle for equality, highlighting the contributions of church leaders and children.
Guests will visit significant landmarks like the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park, gaining a deeper understanding of this historic period.
With personalized attention from enthusiastic guides, travelers can expect an educational and enriching experience, complete with a protest sign-making station for children.
Whether seeking to deepen their knowledge or connect with Birmingham’s civil rights legacy, this tour provides an insightful and engaging look at a transformative chapter in American history.
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1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Experience – Black History Matters Walking Tour
Offering a poignant exploration of Birmingham’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, the 1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Experience – Black History Matters Walking Tour immerses participants in the defining moments of the struggle for equality.
With a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour showcases key attractions like Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church while promoting physical activity.
Boasting an average rating of 5.0 out of 19 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and the emotional connection to historical events.
Wheelchair accessible and suitable for moderate fitness levels, the tour encourages participants to advocate for social justice after the experience.
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The Birmingham Downtown Ghost Self-Guided Walking Tour
Delving into Birmingham’s spooky past, the Birmingham Downtown Ghost Self-Guided Walking Tour invites adventurous travelers to uncover the city’s haunted history at their own pace.
Offered by WalknToursBirmingham, this GPS-navigated tour allows participants to explore haunted locations and hear ghostly tales through their smartphones.
While some reviewers raved about the historical insights and eerie experiences, others raised concerns about safety in certain areas, particularly at night.
The tour’s flexible scheduling, reasonable pricing, and opportunity to learn about Birmingham’s haunted heritage make it an intriguing option for those seeking a supernatural adventure.
With a mix of positives and negatives, the tour’s appeal ultimately depends on each traveler’s preferences and comfort level.
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Birmingham: Slogging Gangs Guided Walking Tour
Stepping away from the haunted history explored in the Birmingham Downtown Ghost Self-Guided Walking Tour, the Birmingham: Slogging Gangs Guided Walking Tour immerses visitors in the gritty world of 19th and 20th century slogging gangs.
Led by a guide in character as Edward Shelby, the 2-hour walking tour takes participants through hidden corners of Birmingham to learn about these notorious criminal groups.
Though some found the delivery fast-paced and the narrative disjointed, others praised the engaging and informative experience.
With entry to the Gunmakers Quarter and the opportunity to purchase a pint at a historical pub, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Birmingham’s underworld for $25.74 per person.
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Discover Gems of Birmingham – Walking Tour
Birmingham’s Discover Gems of Birmingham – Walking Tour unlocks the city’s captivating heritage, guiding visitors through its architectural treasures and local lore.
Exploring key landmarks like Victoria Square, St. Philip’s Cathedral, and Brindley Place, the tour provides insights into Birmingham’s history and hidden stories.
Participants will learn from the knowledgeable guide as they stroll through the city center, discovering the stories behind iconic landmarks.
The tour, which starts at the Library of Birmingham and ends at the Birmingham Town Hall, offers a rundown of the city’s highlights.
Priced from $245.70, the private tour is accessible to most travelers, though not wheelchair-friendly.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, the Discover Gems of Birmingham experience is a must-do for those seeking to uncover the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
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Center Street Dynamite Hill Walking Tour
The Center Street Dynamite Hill Walking Tour offers a compelling glimpse into Birmingham’s civil rights history. This 2-hour guided tour takes visitors through the Dynamite Hill neighborhood, which was the site of bombings and violence during the pivotal 1950s and 1960s.
Along the way, travelers will hear from living legends who experienced these tumultuous times firsthand. The tour is limited to 20 participants and priced at €62.65 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point of Our Lady Queen Universe Church and wear comfortable shoes. The tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, making it an inclusive and accessible experience.
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Break Down
Birmingham offers a range of engaging walking tours that showcase the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and modern transformation. From exploring Victorian canals to discovering street art and Peaky Blinders locations, these tours provide an immersive experience for visitors to uncover the hidden gems and unique stories that make Birmingham a fascinating destination.