Description
From local government to those living in Birmingham, begin to explore attitudes to life and death by exploring the role played by three key heritage sites: Roundhouse Birmingham, Birmingham’s Canals and The Coffin Works.
Chris, a passionate long-term volunteer at both Roundhouse Birmingham and the Coffin Works, will take you on an engaging and fascinating tour, exploring his interests and wealth of knowledge about Life and Death in late Victorian Birmingham. This tour is exclusive to Birmingham Heritage Week 2024.
What’s included:
- A 30 minute tour of the Roundhouse
- A 30 minute tour of Birmingham’s Canals
- A 30 minute tour of the Coffin Works
- Learn about late Victorian Birmingham’s attitudes towards life and death.
- Fully guided by Chris, a passionate and knowledgeable tour guide
What happens on the day:
- On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the Roundhouse Visitor Centre where you will be issued with a headset that allows you to hear the tour guide above the hustle and bustle of the city.
- The tour finishes at the Coffin Works
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 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. Groups looking for something fun and interesting to do in the city centre.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 14th September
Time Slot: 2:30pm-4:00pm.
Meeting Point: Check in at the Roundhouse Birmingham Visitor Centre, 15 minutes before the advertised tour start time.
Finishing Point: The Coffin Works, at approximately 4:00pm.
Directions: View our "Getting here" page for detailed directions.
Duration: The experience will take around 90 minutes in total, starting at the Roundhouse at 2:30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to get checked in.
Suitable For: 12+, all under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult.
Number of Steps? Probably around 2500 steps. A little movement around the Roundhouse site and a walk to the Coffin Works. Requires a basic level of fitness and mobility.
Visitor Information
Our guided tours and walks will go ahead whatever the weather so plan accordingly.
Roundhouse Birmingham
Your tour guide will use audio systems to ensure that they are audible in the busy city environment.
Tour headsets and hearing loops 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.
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.
Canal walk to the Coffin Works
The route is designed with access in mind, avoiding stairs where possible. The walk does contain a couple of steep heritage ramps, and narrow towpaths.
Coffin Works
Access to the building for wheelchair users is through the double gates into the courtyard, to the left of the main entrance. Staff are always at hand to help and can guide visitors, if necessary, into the courtyard and via the accessible ramp to the shop and reception area to purchase tickets and wait for the tour to begin. The museum is fully accessible with a lift to all floors.
Food/drink:
As part of the day out, there’s a one-hour lunch break after your first 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