Birmingham Walking Tour: Canals, Victorians & Today (1:30pm)

4.9 (384 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

384 reviews

4.9

Birmingham Walking Tour: Canals, Victorians & Today (1:30pm) — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Birmingham Walking Tour: Canals, Victorians & Today (1:30pm), photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 35 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Positively Birmingham Walking Tours

Ages: Children (6–15 years) · Youth (16–20 years) · Adults (21–90 years)

What is included

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

Not included: This tour may use an audio system - but not always.

Itinerary

Library of Birmingham

10 min

We start and finish at this amazing new liibrary that is one of the major tourist attractions of Birmingham
International Convention Centre Birmingham

10 min

We look at Symphony Hall ad the ICC and it's role in the city.
Brindleyplace

10 min

We look at the history of Brindleyplace as well as the modern day.
Gas Street Basin

15 min

We consider the coming of the canals and look at this amazingly atmospheric centre of the Country's canal network.
Victoria Square

10 min

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
Chamberlain Square

10 min

We look at the way Birmingham is moving into the future.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

2 min Admission included

We pass the entrance and see the amazing 1880s design of the double portico.
The Mailbox

5 min Admission included

We see the conversion of the former post office sorting office into a mixed use development which includes the Birmingham headquarters of the BBC.
The Cube

1 min Admission included

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.
Ikon Gallery

Passing by

The Ikon Gallery was originally built as a school and is one of over forty built by the architects Martin & Chamberlain.
Hall of Memory

5 min

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.
ICC Mall

10 min

The main route from Centenary Square to the canalside.
Birmingham Town Hall

5 min

The oldest building in Victoria Square dating from 1834.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We start and end at the main entrance of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square, B1 2EA

End point

We start and end at the main entrance of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square, B1 2EA

Using your ticket

Tours start promptly at 13:30 so please arrive 5-10 minutes early. Tour duration is approximately 1 3/4 hours.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.