Birmingham's Rise to Modernity: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

2 hours – 2 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

Birmingham's Rise to Modernity: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the surprising story of a city without natural resources or a major river, which ended up flourishing because of the ingenuity of its people, and its central position in the nation’s transport networks.

Starting at the beautifully preserved Edwardian-era train station, Birmingham Moor Street, you’ll wander through the city’s historic heart and hear about centuries of innovation and transformation.

You’ll hear fascinating stories about its industrial heritage, and the people who shaped this proudly forward-looking city. The tour concludes at Centenary Square, where the Golden Boys statue honors three industrial titans whose partnerships helped power the Industrial Revolution.

Throughout the tour, you’ll follow the evolution of Birmingham’s commercial landscape while exploring quiet cathedral grounds, grand civic spaces, and bustling market areas that have sustained the city’s economy for over 850 years.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours – 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Great Western Arcade

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Great Western Arcade, a Victorian-era shopping gallery known for its elegant architecture and boutique shops. Please note that experiences in arcade are not included in this tour.
Birmingham Cathedral

Passing by

You’ll catch a glimpse of Birmingham Cathedral, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows and Baroque architecture. Please note that entry to the cathedral is not included in this tour.
Birmingham Town Hall

Passing by

You’ll pass by Birmingham Town Hall, an iconic concert hall celebrated for its grand neoclassical design. Please note that entry to the Town Hall is not included in this tour.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Passing by

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, known for its impressive collection of art, history, and cultural artifacts. Please note that entry to the museum is not included in this tour.
Hall of Memory

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Hall of Memory, a striking monument honoring those who lost their lives in conflict. Please note that entry to the Hall of Memory is not included in this tour.
Baskerville House

Passing by

You’ll catch a glimpse of Baskerville House, a historic building with ties to Birmingham’s rich printing heritage. Please note that entry to Baskerville House is not included in this tour.
Centenary Square

Passing by

You’ll pass through Centenary Square, a vibrant public space surrounded by some of Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks. Please note that entry to any attractions in the square is not included in this tour.
Library of Birmingham

Passing by

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Library of Birmingham, renowned for its striking modern architecture and vast collection of books. Please note that entry to the library is not included in this tour.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour starts at the entrance of Moor Street Station. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]