Birmingham Walking Tour: Canals, Victorians & Today (1:30pm)

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 as a lasting memento. We also support Sifa Fireside, helping Birmingham’s homeless community.

1. 1

   Library of Birmingham

   10 min

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

2. 2

   International Convention Centre Birmingham

   10 min

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

3. 3

   Brindleyplace

   10 min

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

4. 4

   Gas Street Basin

   15 min

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

5. 5

   Victoria Square

   10 min

   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

6. 6

   Chamberlain Square

   10 min

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

7. 7

   Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

   2 min

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

8. 8

   The Mailbox

   5 min

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

9. 9

   The Cube

   1 min

   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.

10. 10

    Ikon Gallery

    Pass by

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

11. 11

    Hall of Memory

    5 min

    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.

12. 12

    ICC Mall

    10 min

    The main route from Centenary Square to the canalside.

13. 13

    Birmingham Town Hall

    5 min

    The oldest building in Victoria Square dating from 1834.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.