Birmingham History and Architecture Walking Tour

Discover Birmingham’s past, present, and future on this two-hour walking tour starting at the Library of Birmingham. Explore canals, the city’s Georgian industrial pioneers, Victorian-era social and structural change, and today’s striking architecture. We reflect on the modern city’s diverse population and ongoing transformation. Tours are led by local experts, including Jonathan Berg, author and photographer of Discovering Birmingham, and Michael Harrison, a specialist in 20th-century architecture. Each household receives a free copy of the book Discovering Birmingham as a lasting memento. We also support Sifa Fireside, helping Birmingham’s homeless community.

Meeting Point

Library of Birmingham

1 Centenary Sq, Birmingham B1 2EA, UK

We start and end at the main entrance of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square, B1 2EA

What's included:

• Guided walking tour led by a local expert
• Support for Sifa Fireside charity through a portion of ticket sales and all tour end donations
• Personal audio receiver - when group size or conditions require.
• Free copy of Discovering Birmingham guidebook - one per household

Not included:

• Gratuities - any tour end donations are given to Sifa Fireside

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Library of Birmingham

Centenary Sq, Birmingham, B1 2ND

We start and finish at this amazing new liibrary that is one of the major tourist attractions of Birmingham

10 minutes

International Convention Centre Birmingham

8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA

We look at Symphony Hall ad the ICC and it's role in the city.

10 minutes

Brindleyplace

Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2LP

We look at the history of Brindleyplace as well as the modern day.

10 minutes

Gas Street Basin

Birmingham, B1 2JT

We consider the coming of the canals and look at this amazingly atmospheric centre of the Country's canal network.

15 minutes

Victoria Square

Birmingham, B1 1BD

We consider public art and also the development of Birmingham during the Victorian period. We look at the developments in the up to date city

10 minutes

Chamberlain Square

Birmingham, B3 3HQ

We look at the way Birmingham is moving into the future.

10 minutes

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH

We pass the entrance and see the amazing 1880s design of the double portico.

2 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

The Mailbox

Royal Mail Street, Birmingham, B1 1RD

We see the conversion of the former post office sorting office into a mixed use development which includes the Birmingham headquarters of the BBC.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

The Cube

196 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RN

The cube is major development at the back part of the Mailbox development. Views from the upper floors are among the best in the city.

1 minute • Admission Ticket Included

Ikon Gallery

1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS

The Ikon Gallery was originally built as a school and is one of over forty built by the architects Martin & Chamberlain.

Hall of Memory

Centenary Sq., Birmingham, B1 2DY

Art Deco style memorial built originally in 1925 to remember the fallen of the First World War but now includes WW II and more recent conflicts. Houses some fantastic art deco features including William Bloye tablets.

5 minutes

ICC Mall

The International Convention Centre, Centenary Sq., Birmingham, B1 2DY

The main route from Centenary Square to the canalside.

10 minutes

Birmingham Town Hall

Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ

The oldest building in Victoria Square dating from 1834.

5 minutes