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Walking tour | Icons and Industry: A City Tour

Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant history with a twist of playful competition!
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Step into the heart of Birmingham’s rich history on this lively walking tour! Known by some historians as the “Silicon Valley of the Eighteenth Century,” this city of innovation has produced groundbreaking creations and been the home of iconic figures like the transformative Chamberlain family and theatrical legend Laurence Olivier.

  • 2hrs
  • 4,000 steps
  • Age - For all
  • £15 (reg)
  • £12 (conc)
  • Available from April to October
  • Saturday afternoons (check calendar for times)

About this experience

Join us on an unforgettable adventure through Birmingham’s vibrant past, from its industrial might to the birthplace of heavy metal.

Ready for the twist? This tour combines history with fun, as you play a game we like to call ‘Birmingham Bingo’ – where you’ll tick off famous spots that start with ‘B’ as your tour guide takes your around the city.

Challenge yourself, discover hidden gems, and see if you can claim the title of Birmingham bingo champ! Dive into Birmingham’s incredible story in a way you’ve never experienced before.

This tour has recently been renamed and was previously known as the Birmingham Bingo tour. If you’ve done the Birmingham Bingo tour before, you may wish to join another tour not want to be this tour; as the tour content remains the same.

Customer feedback (TripAdvisor)

“The Roundhouse are developing a decent niche with these walks. It appears volunteers are at the centre of it all. But no dusty, dreary or despondent types at work here. Well informed, excited and with dollops of passion, they brought it all alive.”

  • A guided tour that looks at innovations to come out of Birmingham and some of the city’s lesser-known stories.
  • Learn about Birmingham’s role in the music and print industries and its part in changing human rights.
  • Hear about the birth of rock music, font design and why the prime minister dressed as a policeman.
  • Fully guided by our team of trained and experienced tour guides.

  • 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.
  • The route of this guided tour takes you from the Roundhouse, through the ICC into the city and Centenary Square.
  • The tour finishes back at the Roundhouse.

Good to know

  • Duration
    The walking tour is approximately 2 hours, with a short walk back to the Roundhouse
  • Distance
    We’re thinking you’ll get in a decent amount of your daily steps. About 4000 if you return to the Roundhouse at the end. Requires a basic level of fitness and mobility.
  • Suitable for
    10+, all under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult.
  • 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 

Practical advice

  • 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.
  • Clothing
    Our cobbled courtyard and the city streets 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
    An introduction to Birmingham’s brilliant spaces, histories, and people for first time visitors. People looking for a fun alternative to a guided tour. Groups looking for something fun and interesting to do in the city centre.

Important information

  • About this experience

    Tour available for just £9 for B16 residents as part of our commitment to support our local community.
  • Accessibility
    Our Victorian cobbles can be a little uneven and steep in places. View our access page for more details on what to expect when you’re here. 
  • Schedule
    Saturday afternoons, April to October (plus Wed 10th September)
  • Times
    10am and 2pm (please check calendar for times)
  • Meeting point
    Please check in at the Roundhouse Birmingham Visitor Centre, 15 minutes before the advertised tour start time.
  • Finishing point
    The tour ends in Brindley Place, but you can join us for a stroll back to the Roundhouse if you’d like to grab food or refreshments at The Distillery.

From

£12 conc /

£15

/ person

Book now

Location

Our Victorian cobbles can be a little uneven and steep in places, and most Roundhouse Birmingham experiences will involve 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 the busy city environment. 

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 

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Roundhouse Birmingham

The Roundhouse, 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE

0121 716 4077

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Registered Charity No. 1169232

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