UPDATE: Please take the time to read our announcement. Ristorante Café Arena is open as normal.
After a 5-star-rated summer, our free drop-in tours have been extended for the duration of October. Now running on Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30 and 2pm, immerse yourself in the history of our unique building as you learn more about the ‘Workers of the Roundhouse’, led by one of our friendly guides. Visitors have called it ‘interactive’, ‘informative’ and ‘fun’ – and now it’s here to stay for another month.
What will I learn?
Originally built as a stables in 1874 for the Birmingham Corporation horses, the Roundhouse has acted as a central hub for artisans, labourers and musicians ever since. As the only surviving depot of 30 originally scattered across Birmingham, the Roundhouse was a crucial product of the industrial revolution, and forms part of the city’s ongoing history. From details about the working horses who called this place their home, to the controversial character who designed it, your guide will lead you through the decades on this tour.
Expect clue-hunting and themes varying from sewage to Shakespeare, as you step into the shoes of the workers who were based here. Have you ever wondered why it’s round? Or why it was built so close to the canal? Explore all these questions and more on your tour.
How do I join?
There is no need to book these tours, just turn up, ideally 10-15 minutes before your start time. The tour is 30-40 minutes long, depending on your questions (which are welcomed and encouraged!)
Tours are free, with a suggested optional donation. Roundhouse Birmingham is an independent charity, and any amount that you are able to donate goes towards preserving and promoting this space for generations to come.
What else can I do?
After your short tour, if you’re still keen to #SeeTheCityDifferently – why not take in Birmingham by water on one of our kayak tours? Booking in advance is strongly recommended as our kayak tours are very popular, especially on weekends.
We have plenty of self-guided tours available as leaflets in our Visitor Centre, taking you around the city centre, or escaping into the green spaces of Harborne and the Edgbaston Reservoir. Our guides, described as ‘knowledgeable and personable’ in our public feedback, can also provide directions and tips for where you should visit next.
We look forward to seeing you for a tour in October!
Workers of the Roundhouse Tours are running on Fridays and Saturdays throughout October, at 11:30am and 2pm.
The Roundhouse, 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE
0121 716 4077
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Registered Charity No. 1169232
Since 2021, the Roundhouse has also been a base for guided walks, kayak tours, boat trips and other activities. Whilst these have been well received, rising external costs mean this element of Roundhouse Birmingham is no longer providing the sustainable income we need to fund the ongoing care of this historic building. For this reason, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the leisure activity offer and visitor centre.
The office spaces will remain open as usual. Visitors can still access the site (see www.arenaltd.co.uk for opening hours) and Ristorante Caffe Arena will continue to welcome visitors.
We’re hugely proud of what the Roundhouse Birmingham team has achieved, and we’d also like to thank all of our visitors for their support. The trustees of Roundhouse Birmingham remain fully committed to caring for this important part of Birmingham’s heritage.
