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Building tour | Introducing the Roundhouse

£8.00£14.00 (inc. VAT)

An informal and interactive guided tour of the Roundhouse. Find out all about the Roundhouse’s journey from canal wharf to noisy Victorian public works stables, right through to its new purpose as a modern-day heritage and wellbeing hub.  

Uncover clues about the Roundhouse’s past, play a game of top trumps, unlock photos from the building’s past, and ponder the question: why is it round? 

If you’d like to book a private group tour, visit our Group Bookingpage.  

Further details

Description

Want to find out more about the history of this fascinating building? Join us for a tour of the building and listen to the stories of people who used to work here. 

Lasting around 70-90 minutes, you’ll be taken around by one of our expert guides during this informal and interactive tour. 

The tour is predominantly outdoors, so make sure to wear weather appropriate clothing. We don’t cover huge distances, but there is a lot of standing. There are some seats dotted around the route, however. 

What’s included:

  • A guided tour of the building, telling the stories of the function of the Roundhouse.
  • Learn about our building’s important role in the city.
  • Hear about the horses of the Roundhouse, the architect’s competition and much more.
  • Fully guided by our team of trained and experienced tour guides.

What happens on the day:

  • On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the Visitor Centre where you will get issued with a headset that allows you to hear the tour guide clearly.
  • This guided tour mostly stays within the inner courtyard of the building, with a short period outside the perimeter.
  • The tour finishes back at the Roundhouse.

What about the weather?: Guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we need to cancel the tour because of very poor weather, we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.

What should I wear?: Our cobbled courtyard can be a little uneven, slippery and steep in places, and this tour will involve some walking. Sturdy, sensible shoes are your friend! Don’t forget to wear clothes suitable for a day outdoors as well.

Great for: Anyone looking to explore something new (and old) in Birmingham; seekers of hidden gems; an alternative to a lecture-style museum tour; something memorable to do with visiting family and friends.   

Event Details

Dates: Once a month, on a Saturday, April-October.

Time slots: 2:00pm-3:30pm.

Meeting Point: Please check in at the Roundhouse Visitor Centre on arrival, 15 minutes before your tour starts.

Directions: View our "Getting here" page for detailed directions.

Duration: From the introduction through to a chat at the end you should budget around 90 minutes for this fully guided experience.

Suitable For: Ages 10+

Step count: Not many, we cover a lot of ground around the site, so, around 1500. Requires a basic level of fitness and mobility.


Visitor Information

Our Victorian cobbles can be a little uneven and steep in places, and most Roundhouse Birmingham experiences willinvolve some walking. View our access page for more details on what to expect when you’re here, though sturdy, sensible shoes are recommended.  

Our guided tours and walks will go ahead whatever the weather so plan accordingly. 

Your tour guide will use audio systems to ensure that they are audible in noisy environments. 

Tour headsets are available so everyone can hear clearly. Please bring plug in headphones if you have them, or you can use those we have available.  

If a number of people in your group would benefit from the tour guide system’s hearing loop, call ahead to let us know on 0121 716 4077, or by emailing bookings@roundhousebirmingham.org.uk. 

Food/drink

Looking for something to eat or drink after your tour? Ticket holders receive 20% off food at The Distillery pub and 10% off food and drink at Ristorante Caffe Arena. Discount is valid on the day of your tour, on production of your ticket. Booking is recommended.   

Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat in our courtyard.   

Venue: The Roundhouse

Directions: 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE

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Group Booking FAQs

Most frequent questions and answers

Please get in touch with us to organise a group booking.

Alternatively please visit our Group Booking Page for more information on how to make a booking enquiry.

Roundhouse Birmingham accepts card payments and cash. We accept all card, Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay, except for American Express. We don’t have a cash machine on site – you’ll find the nearest one in Brindley Place.

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