Birmingham Walking Tour: Canals, Victorians & Today (1:30pm)
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Discover Birmingham’s past, present, and future on this two-hour walking tour starting at the Library of Birmingham. Explore canals, the city’s Georgian industrial pioneers, Victorian-era social and structural change, and today’s striking architecture. We reflect on the modern city’s diverse population and ongoing transformation. Tours are led by local experts including Jonathan Berg, author and photographer of Discovering Birmingham, and Michael Harrison, a specialist in 20th-century architecture. Each household receives a free copy of the book as a lasting memento. We also support Sifa Fireside, helping Birmingham’s homeless community.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- 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.
Not included
- This tour may use an audio system - but not always.
Itinerary
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Stop 1
We start and finish at this amazing new liibrary that is one of the major tourist attractions of Birmingham
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Stop 2
We look at Symphony Hall ad the ICC and it's role in the city.
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Stop 3
We look at the history of Brindleyplace as well as the modern day.
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Stop 4
We consider the coming of the canals and look at this amazingly atmospheric centre of the Country's canal network.
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Stop 5
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
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Stop 6
We look at the way Birmingham is moving into the future.
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Stop 7
We pass the entrance and see the amazing 1880s design of the double portico.
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Stop 8
We see the conversion of the former post office sorting office into a mixed use development which includes the Birmingham headquarters of the BBC.
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Stop 9
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.
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Stop 10
The Ikon Gallery was originally built as a school and is one of over forty built by the architects Martin & Chamberlain.
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Stop 11
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.
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Stop 12
The main route from Centenary Square to the canalside.
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Stop 13
The oldest building in Victoria Square dating from 1834.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
We start and end at the main entrance of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square, B1 2EA
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day(s) before
- 0% refund if cancelled 0–1 day(s) before
- May be cancelled for bad weather
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $20.33 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
