Birmingham Through Time City Tour

Find out more about Birmingham with a walking tour starting and ending at the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square. We look at the canals, Birmingham’s industrial Georgian pioneers our Victorian heritage and the more recent architecture all around us. Current redevelopments taking place right in front of our eyes are explained and the directions that the city is taking into the future considered. The tour is based loosely on the book Positively Birmingham, currently available at the special price of £12 in the Library shop (normally £20) at tour end.
Starting and ending at the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square this 2 hour walking tour gives a great introduction to the city and is of interest to local people and visitors alike. We support the charity Sifa Fireside who work on acute and longer term homeless issues in Birmingham, with at least 10% of all ticket sales going to their work and donations are clearly stated on our website.

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:

• We use a live audio system. Each guest is loaned a receiver to hear the guide who wears a radio transmitter. Guest bring their own earphones with a 3.5mm socket or we provide a new pair.

Not included:

• This tour may use an audio system - but not always.

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Library of Birmingham

Broad Street, Library of Birmingham 4 Centenary Square, 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

Gas Street, 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.

Pass by without stopping

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