The best way to get to know the real Birmingham is on a guided walking tour. You'll explore some of the most famous districts as well as a few spots that are known only to locals. Comfortable footwear is advised. 

Many Birmingham tours focus on the Jewellery Quarter, which gives a great introduction to this industrial city. There's everything from diamond workshops to heritage museums here. You'll delve down alleyways that are inaccessible by vehicle and learn about the people who have lived and worked here over the centuries. 

These excursions also take you past some of Birmingham's most notable landmarks. Get your cameras ready for St. Philip's Cathedral and admire the fountains in Centenary Square. You'll also stop outside the iconic Symphony Hall – why not return later and take in a concert?

One of the joys of walking tours in Birmingham is exploring the city's industrial past up close and personal. Strolling alongside the famous canals is all part of the adventure, and you'll discover how goods were transported around the country using these waterways.

Walk in the footsteps of criminals and convicts as you explore Shrewsbury Prison. Located northwest of Birmingham in the market town of Shrewsbury, the prison makes for a great day trip from the city. Prepare for a spine-chilling experience!

This 18th-century former jail gives a taste of what prison life was like for those who were unfortunate enough to be locked up here. You'll enjoy a guided tour of the complex, usually by an ex-prison officer who used to work on site. Lots of insider secrets will be spilled!

Step into the empty cells and walk around the yard before discovering what once went on behind the locked doors. Learn about capital punishment and see where the infamous executions were carried out. 

After your visit, make sure you leave time to wander the historic streets of Shrewsbury. Here, you'll come across rows of half-timbered houses, as well as a military museum and a medieval castle. Shrewsbury was also the birthplace of Charles Darwin – you can see his statue outside the library. 

See Birmingham differently with a scavenger hunt designed to show off the city's highlights. These fun Birmingham tours are perfect if you're traveling with friends or family. The experience will take you on a thrilling journey deep into the heart of town.

These missions are accessed by phone, so make sure your batteries are charged. You'll receive maps and clues, so put on your thinking caps and see if you can work out the mind-boggling puzzles. Once you've found an answer, your next destination and challenge will be revealed. 

The great thing about these experiences is that you can go at your own pace, and you don't need to pay for a guide. It's a treasure hunt that can be enjoyed by all ages, with plenty of engaging tales and historical facts to keep you going. 

Scavenger games show you places that aren't found in the guidebooks, and you'll often visit spots that even the locals don't know about. Don't worry if you can't guess all the clues – handy hints are available!

If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day, then why not try one of Birmingham's escape rooms? You'll get to put your problem-solving skills to the test as you battle against the clock on a mission to break out of the room.

This is a popular option for groups of friends as well as those on stag and hen parties. It's much easier trying to solve the riddles when there are several of you to help figure things out. Experiences don't get much more immersive than this.

Many of the escape rooms are themed, so you can pick one that most appeals to your interests. There's everything from horror scenarios and haunted houses to diamond quests and prison breaks to choose from. All promise plenty of suspense, fear and excitement.

You'll be locked inside the room and given a certain amount of time to escape. The adrenaline will soon be flowing as you try to work out the clues and solve the mystery – thinking outside the box is essential.