Birmingham’s guided tours pack a punch, with practical options for every type of traveler. The most worthwhile experiences include the Prison Tours at Shrewsbury – which lets visitors explore a real Victorian-era jail – and the excellent Darwin Audio Experience that brings the naturalist’s local connections to life.
Walking tours stand out for their value and insider knowledge. I love the private walking options, where passionate locals share hidden corners and fascinating stories of Britain’s second city. The street art tours through Digbeth are especially memorable, revealing the city’s creative soul.
For independent travelers, several quality self-guided audio tours cover the historic center and cultural districts. Food tours showcase Birmingham’s famous curry houses and traditional markets.
Let’s explore the very best tours Birmingham has to offer.
Good To Know
- Birmingham Street Art Tour offers a guided exploration of the city’s dynamic murals and installations, providing insights into the local artists and their work.
- The Birmingham Audio Tours provide a flexible self-guided experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s cultural highlights at their own pace, including accessible options.
- The Culinary and Ghost Tours in Shrewsbury offer diverse experiences, from the Taste of Shrewsbury food tour to the GPS-enabled self-guided Ghost Tour, catering to various interests.
- Shrewsbury Prison Tours provide both guided and self-guided options, featuring knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling about the prison’s history, with accessible features.
- The Charles Darwin Audio Tour in Shrewsbury offers a self-guided experience focused on the origins of the renowned scientist, covering key sites and providing offline accessibility.
Shrewsbury Prison Guided Tour
The Shrewsbury Prison Guided Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the captivating history and inner workings of this former correctional facility.
With over 2,251 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, this tour has earned a Badge of Excellence. Led by knowledgeable guides, many with personal experiences, the tour provides an engaging and educational insight into the prison’s evolution and notable historical events.
Travelers can expect an approximate 2-hour experience, exploring the facility and learning about prison life through compelling storytelling.
Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and dog-friendliness, make this tour inclusive. Visitors are also encouraged to explore Shrewsbury city after the tour for a complete experience.
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Shrewsbury Prison Self-Guided Tour
Shrewsbury Prison’s self-guided tour offers visitors the freedom to explore the captivating history and architectural marvels of this former correctional facility at their own pace.
The 18th-century Georgian and Victorian-era buildings showcase a unique blend of styles, captivating history enthusiasts and architecture buffs alike.
With interactive elements sprinkled throughout, the self-guided experience allows guests to enjoy the eerie atmosphere of prison life.
Highly recommended by 93% of travelers, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an inclusive option.
Booking in advance is advised to ensure a seamless visit, with various pricing options starting from just $19.34 per person.
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On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury
Shifting from the captivating history of Shrewsbury Prison, visitors can now embark on a self-guided audio tour that delves into the origins of one of England’s most renowned naturalists – Charles Darwin.
Priced at $6.99 per person, the “On the Origins of Charles Darwin” tour allows explorers to discover Shrewsbury at their own pace using the VoiceMap app. The tour covers key sites related to Darwin’s upbringing, including Shrewsbury Castle and the Darwin Gate sculpture.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers and provides offline access to the audio content, maps, and geodata.
With an average rating of 4.0 out of 5, this self-guided experience offers an immersive look into the early life of the acclaimed evolutionary theorist.
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Birmingham Self-Guided Audio Tour
Visitors to Birmingham can embark on a self-guided audio tour that delves into the city’s rich history and cultural attractions.
The tour provides unlimited access to a commentary playlist for six days, allowing travelers to explore landmarks like the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Jewellery Quarter, Cadbury World, and New Street at their own pace.
The tour features private access links to an audio guide and tour itinerary map for 14 attractions.
While entry fees and transportation aren’t included, the tour offers flexibility in starting and ending points.
Though not suitable for those lacking self-motivation, the tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, catering to most travelers.
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Birmingham Private Walking Tour With a Professional Guide
This private guided walking tour of Birmingham provides visitors with an exclusive and personalized experience led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Available for groups of up to 15 people, the tour covers the city’s highlights, with options to customize the itinerary on the spot.
Starting at Centenary Square and ending at Brindleyplace, the tour includes all gratuities and entrance fees.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
With a 5.0 rating from 3 reviews, this private walking tour offers a great way to explore Birmingham’s attractions with the flexibility of a customized experience.
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Guided Tour of Street Art in Birmingham
Exploring Birmingham’s vibrant street art scene is made engaging and informative through the guided Guided Tour of Street Art in Birmingham.
Starting at the Eagle & Ball, the tour takes small groups of up to 25 on a journey through the city’s dynamic murals and installations.
Led by knowledgeable guides, participants learn the stories behind the artwork and discover links to local artists.
The tour includes a brochure with photos and artist information, ensuring a comprehensive experience.
Accessible by various modes of transport, the tour is wheelchair-friendly and welcomes service animals.
With a perfect 5-star rating from reviewers, this tour offers an immersive and memorable exploration of Birmingham’s captivating street art.
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Taste of Shrewsbury Food and Drink Tour With Guide
The Taste of Shrewsbury Food and Drink Tour with Guide offers a delightful way to explore the culinary delights of this historic English town.
Lasting approximately 1.5 hours, the tour takes visitors to five local independent venues, where they’ll enjoy a full meal’s worth of food and drinks.
Priced at $128.95 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers and meets at the Shrewsbury Abbey.
With its high rating of 4.9/5 and 100% recommendation from previous participants, this tour is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Shrewsbury’s vibrant food and drink scene.
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The Birmingham Downtown Ghost Self-Guided Walking Tour
Travelers seeking a spine-tingling adventure can embark on the Birmingham Downtown Ghost Self-Guided Walking Tour, an immersive exploration of the city’s haunted past.
The tour offers a GPS-enabled experience, allowing participants to uncover legends about Hank Williams, Madam Lou, and other ghostly figures at their own pace.
The self-guided nature of the tour provides flexibility, with stops at notable haunted locations like the YMCA and Redmont Hotel.
While reviews are mixed, the tour’s effective navigation and unique historical insights have been praised.
Priced at $6.90 per person, the tour is available daily and can be taken multiple times, making it an accessible option for those curious about Birmingham’s supernatural side.
Read our full review: The Birmingham Downtown Ghost Self-Guided Walking Tour Review
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Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour
Visitors to Birmingham can embark on the Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour, a comprehensive 3-week exploration of the city’s historic landmarks and cultural gems.
Valued at SEK 128.17 per person, this self-guided tour offers flexibility, accessibility, and a wealth of multimedia content, including maps, directions, an audio guide by Helen, videos, and recommendations.
While the tour has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting confusion, the host has been responsive, offering refunds and emphasizing the aim for clear guidance.
With a moderate fitness level recommended, this tour is suitable for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, making it an appealing option for visitors seeking an independent and immersive Birmingham experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Guided Tours?
Most guided tours don’t have a minimum group size, allowing both solo travelers and small groups to participate. However, some tours may require a minimum number of participants to run, so it’s best to check with the tour operator.
Can the Self-Guided Tours Be Done at Any Time?
The self-guided tours can typically be done at any time, as they don’t require a guide or a minimum group size. Visitors can explore the sites at their own pace and on their own schedule.
What Languages Are the Audio Tours Available In?
Audio tours are typically available in multiple languages, including the most common ones like English, Spanish, French, and German. The specific languages offered can vary by tour provider and location.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are designed to be wheelchair accessible, with wide pathways and elevators available at many locations. Visitors with mobility issues can enjoy the guided experiences with ease and comfort.
Do the Guides Offer Discounts for Seniors or Students?
Many guided tour companies offer discounts for seniors and students. Visitors should check with individual tour operators to inquire about any available discounts or concessions for these groups prior to booking their tour.
The Sum Up
Birmingham offers a range of guided tours to suit various interests. Whether you’re interested in the city’s history, architecture, or vibrant street art, there’s a tour that caters to your needs. From privately guided walking tours to self-guided audio experiences, visitors can explore Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage and discover its hidden gems. With options for both group and individual travelers, these tours provide an engaging and informative way to experience the city.