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Birmingham Tours

Discover 175 tours and activities in Birmingham
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The 6 Best Birmingham Tours

1

Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour

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.

2

Birmingham Canals Kayaking Experience

If you're looking for unique Birmingham tours, these kayak trips are the answer. Canals are the arteries of the city, with many being built in the 1700s and 1800s as part of the transport network. Today, they're used by leisure seekers enjoying boat trips around the city and beyond.

Embark on an unusual urban adventure as you paddle along Birmingham's iconic waterways by kayak. No experience is needed, and taster sessions are available if it's your first time. You'll be given full instructions and will be accompanied by a professional guide throughout your trip.

From the water, you'll see the city from a different perspective. Learn about the Industrial Revolution and how Birmingham played a key role in its success. These kayaking excursions are fun and educational in equal measure!

If you want to discover the hidden heritage of Birmingham while enjoying a bit of fresh air, this is the way to do it. Some kayaking tours finish on a high with pizza and a pint to celebrate your journey.

3

Shrewsbury Prison Guided Tour

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. 

4

Self-Guided Birmingham Scavenger Game

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!

5

Birmingham Escape Room Adventure

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. 

6

Bungee Jumping from 160 Feet at Cliff Lakes

For heart-pumping Birmingham tours, look no further than bungee jumping at Cliff Lakes water sports park. You'll need nerves of steel to tackle this death-defying plunge, but the rush of adrenaline will be worth it. If you've ticked off all the city sights and want to try something new, then bungee jumping is sure to appeal. 

Both single and tandem jumps are available. If you're feeling brave, you can go it alone, or for a bit of moral support, enjoy your jump with a friend. No experience is required so this is a great option for amateur thrill-seekers. 

You'll ascend to the jump platform and be given a full safety briefing before your turn. The instructors will fit you with a harness and ankle leash before it's time to take the leap of faith. The drop is nearly 50 meters so it isn't for the faint-hearted. 

As you plunge into space, remember to keep your eyes open to enjoy the views – the jump only lasts a few seconds. Wear comfortable clothing for a smooth experience. 

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Guide

Planning your visit to Birmingham

Discover our complete guide to visiting Birmingham.

About Birmingham

Located in the heart of the West Midlands region in England, Birmingham is an urban powerhouse famed for its part in the 18th-century Industrial Revolution. Everything from guns to jewelry was produced here, with the trade serving a global market. Manufacturing has been a key part of city life ever since, and Birmingham's industrial legacy can be found around every corner.

Good to know before arriving

First-time visitors to Birmingham often stay in the city center, to be close to the top tourist sights, museums and restaurants. If you're here for the nightlife, head to Westside or make your base in the Jewellery Quarter to sleep in the heart of history. Alternatively, the Digbeth neighborhood is where you'll find hip hotels and an artistic vibe – this area is popular with the younger crowds. 

Places and experiences that cannot be missed

There are lots of Birmingham tours available if you want to explore with a guide. Yet if you prefer to go it alone, there's plenty you can see and do independently. Just wandering around the historic center is one of the best ways to discover what the city has to offer.

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