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Building tour | Workers of the Roundhouse free tour

£0.00 (inc. VAT)

 A free and short interactive tour. You’ll discover the Victorian people (and horses) who made the Roundhouse a 24/7 hub for the city of Birmingham. You’ll also meet a lesser-known – but larger than life – architect, and ponder the question: why is it round…? 

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Further details

Description

During this free 40 minute tour you’ll discover the Victorian people (and horses) who made the Roundhouse a 24/7 hub for the city of Birmingham. You’ll also meet a lesser-known – but larger than life – architect, and ponder the question: why is it round…? and perhaps even play a few games along the way!!

The tour is free but if you’re able, we accept contactless or cash donations on a pay-as-you-feel basis.  

Prefer a longer, more in-depth tour? We offer a 90 minute full Introducing the Roundhouse tour, both separately or as part of our package tours. You can find out more here: 

Building tour | Introducing the Roundhouse

Package tour | Cobbles and Canals

Package tour | Roundhouse x Coffin Works

Please Note: The Roundhouse is extremely photogenic. Bring a fully charged smartphone.  

What’s included:

  • A short, guided tour looking at the workers who were based at the Roundhouse.
  • Learn about our building’s important role in the city.
  • Hear about the horses of the Roundhouse, the stone breakers 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 stays in and around the building.
  • This tours finishes back at the Visitor Centre.

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: Every Friday and Saturday until early-November.

Times: 11.30am-12.10pm, 1:30-2:10pm. Please pre-book your free ticket to guarantee a slot.

Meeting Point: Check in at the Roundhouse Visitor Centre on arrival, 15 minutes before the advertised tour start time.

Finishing Point: Roundhouse Visitor Centre.

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

Duration: 30-40 minutes

Suitable For: Ages 8+, all under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult.

Step count: Not many as we stay within the building and courtyard, so around 1000. Requires a basic level of fitness and mobility.


Visitor Info

Make sure to come along and check in at our Visitor Centre at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to make sure we are ready to start on time. 

Our Victorian cobbles can be a little uneven and steep in places, and most Roundhouse Birmingham experiences will involve some walking. Sturdy, sensible shoes are your friend!

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 and 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. 

Related products

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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