Birmingham: Jewellery Quarter Walking Tour & Canal Route

Summary

Walk Birmingham’s canal paths, Georgian streets & Jewellery Quarter stories

You’ll trace secret canal paths into Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter with a local guide, hear stories through your own audio headset, and pause beneath Georgian facades or cathedral spires. Expect small surprises — from hidden smells to unexpected silences — and leave seeing the city in an entirely new way.

What’s the experience like?

We met outside the Library of Birmingham, headphones handed out by our guide — I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the whole audio system thing. But it turned out to be brilliant; I could hang back and still catch every word as we wandered through Centenary Square. Our guide, Paul (who grew up nearby), pointed out details I’d never have noticed — old brickwork, odd little statues. The city felt busy but somehow quieter with the headphones on, just the sound of his voice and the occasional tram rumble in the background.

Entering the Jewellery Quarter by this canal route — apparently even locals don’t use it much — felt a bit like sneaking backstage at a theater. The air changed; you could smell metal and something sweet from a bakery hidden around a corner. Paul told us how these narrow streets once rang with hammering and laughter from workshops. He even tried to teach us a bit of Brummie slang (I failed). There was this moment by St. Paul’s Church where sunlight hit the Georgian windows and for some reason I just stopped talking for a minute — not sure why that stuck with me.

We looped back past Birmingham Cathedral — if you’re lucky and there’s no service happening, you might get inside to see those wild Burne-Jones stained glass windows. We didn’t this time, but honestly, standing outside watching people hurry past in the drizzle had its own mood. The last stretch took us through Chamberlain Square; Paul explained how they’re reworking parts of the city for the future, but you can still spot layers of history if you look up instead of at your phone (guilty). By then my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with stories — more than I expected from just two hours wandering around Birmingham.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Birmingham and Jewellery Quarter

• Start at Library of Birmingham
• Introduce tour at Centenary Square
• Enter Jewellery Quarter via secret canal
• Learn Jewellery Quarter history and businesses
• View Jewellery Quarter church exterior
• See St Philip's Cathedral exterior
• Optional visit inside St Philip's Cathedral
• View St Chad's Cathedral from ring road
• Return towards Library via city squares
• Visit renovated Chamberlain Square

Top questions

How long is the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Where does the walking tour start and end?

The tour begins and ends at the front entrance of the Library of Birmingham.

Is an audio receiver included on this walking tour?

Yes, each guest receives an audio receiver so you can hear your guide clearly at all times.

Does this tour go inside any churches or cathedrals?

You may enter Birmingham Cathedral if there are no conflicting events or services; otherwise views are from outside.

Is this day trip suitable for children or strollers?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour usually goes ahead even in rain; bring a coat or umbrella just in case.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome on this tour.

What’s included

Your experience includes a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories via an easy-to-use audio receiver system (so you won’t miss anything even if you wander off a bit), plus time exploring Centenary Square, canal paths into the Jewellery Quarter, views of St. Paul’s Church, Birmingham Cathedral (sometimes inside), St Chad’s Cathedral from afar, and several city squares before returning to where you started.