Birmingham Walking Tour: Canals, Victorians & Modern Landmarks

Summary

Walk Birmingham’s canals and streets with locals sharing stories

You’ll walk Birmingham with local guides who know every twist of its canals and quirks of its streets. Expect stories from industrial pioneers to modern-day artists, plus small moments like pausing at memorials or peeking into old school buildings. Includes use of an audio system and a signed book to take home — and maybe you’ll see the city in new colors.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not from around here, are you?” Jonathan grinned as he handed me a little receiver for the audio system outside the Library of Birmingham. He’d caught me staring up at that gold-and-black latticework — honestly, it looks like a jewelry box dropped in the middle of Centenary Square. It was just us and a handful of others, everyone fiddling with earphones (I forgot mine but they had spares), and then we set off. The air smelled faintly metallic near the canal locks — maybe it was just my imagination, or maybe all those centuries of industry really do linger in the bricks.

We drifted through Brindleyplace, where old warehouses lean into shiny glass towers. Michael pointed out how the canal curves like it’s dodging something invisible — apparently that’s all down to Georgian engineers who didn’t trust straight lines. There was this moment by the Hall of Memory when an older couple stopped to listen too; Jonathan told us about William Bloye’s art deco tablets inside, and I swear you could almost hear the city hush for a second. I kept thinking about all those layers: Victorian ambition, post-war rebuilding, now BBC offices tucked into what used to be a sorting office. It’s strange how cities keep folding themselves over.

I’m not really an architecture buff (never thought I’d say “portico” out loud), but there was something about seeing Birmingham Town Hall’s columns up close that made me want to run my hand along the stone. Our guide laughed when I asked if people ever get lost in Chamberlain Square during construction — “All the time,” he said, “but that’s half the fun.” We ended back at the library with sore feet and a free copy of Jonathan’s book (he signed mine with a quick doodle). The city felt different after walking it like that — more layered, less rushed. I still think about that view from The Cube.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Birmingham's history and architecture

• Start at Library of Birmingham
• View Symphony Hall and ICC
• Explore Brindleyplace history and present
• Visit Birmingham canal network
• Discuss Victorian period and public art
• See Birmingham's future development
• Pass 1880s double portico entrance
• View former post office BBC headquarters
• See The Cube and city views
• Pass Ikon Gallery building
• Visit Art Deco Hall of Memory
• Walk from Centenary Square to canalside
• See oldest building in Victoria Square
• Visit Birmingham Town Hall

Top questions

How long is the Birmingham walking tour?

The tour lasts around two hours starting at 1:30pm.

Where does the walking tour start and end?

The tour starts and finishes at the Library of Birmingham.

Is this Birmingham walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most routes are accessible but email ahead if you plan to bring a wheelchair so they can adjust as needed.

Are children or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Do I need to bring my own earphones for the audio system?

You can bring your own earphones with a 3.5mm socket or they’ll provide new ones for you.

What attractions will we see on this Birmingham walking tour?

You’ll visit places like Brindleyplace, Hall of Memory, Chamberlain Square, Symphony Hall, Ikon Gallery, and Birmingham Town Hall.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the Library of Birmingham meeting point.

Who leads this Birmingham walking tour?

Tours are led by local experts such as author Jonathan Berg or architecture specialist Michael Harrison.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes use of a live audio system (with receivers provided and optional earphones), guidance from local experts throughout central Birmingham landmarks such as Brindleyplace and Chamberlain Square, plus each household gets a free signed copy of Discovering Birmingham as a memento before heading home.