Birmingham’s Underground Heritage: A Self-Guided Cemetery Tour

Birmingham , United Kingdom

Birmingham’s Underground Heritage: A Self-Guided Cemetery Tour

Active

45m - 1h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has mysteries beneath its glittering surface. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover the unexpected Birmingham Catacombs: dramatic two-tiered burial chambers carved into an old sandstone quarry. As you explore two historic Victorian cemeteries, you’ll hear stories about remarkable Brummies whose innovations shaped not just the city, but the modern world.

You’ll weave through Warstone Lane Cemetery (also called Brookfields Cemetery) with its striking gatehouse and unusual tiered catacombs built into former quarry walls. Along the way, you’ll encounter the mysterious grave of an Arch Druid and a memorial to a Titanic victim.

I’ll show you Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham’s first nonconformist burial ground, where industrial pioneers and social reformers lie beneath leafy pathways. You’ll find out how these burial grounds were ingeniously built above old sand mining tunnels.

Available options

Birmingham’s Underground Heritage: A Self-Guided Cemetery Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

You’ll pass through Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, famous for its historic goldsmiths and silversmiths and now home to over 100 specialist retailers and workshops. Please note that entry to individual shops, museums, or galleries in the area is not included in this tour, and any costs related to visiting are not covered.

You’ll pass by the Temple of Relief, a preserved Victorian-era public urinal that adds a quirky touch of local history. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

You’ll pass by Brookfields Cemetery, a historic burial ground that reflects the city’s Victorian heritage. Please note that entry to the cemetery is not included in this tour.

You’ll pass by Key Hill Cemetery, one of Birmingham’s oldest cemeteries and the final resting place of several notable figures. Please note that entry to the cemetery is not included in this tour.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at 23 Vyse St close to the Jewellery Quarter railway. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Birmingham

Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK, is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and innovation. Known for its industrial heritage, it offers a dynamic mix of modern attractions, historic landmarks, and a thriving food and arts scene.

Top Attractions

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

A must-visit for art and history enthusiasts, featuring a wide range of exhibits from prehistoric times to the present.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (some exhibitions may charge)

Cadbury World

A chocolate lover's paradise, offering a self-guided tour through the history of Cadbury chocolate.

Entertainment 2-3 hours £20-£30

Jewellery Quarter

A historic area known for its jewelry-making heritage, featuring museums, shops, and workshops.

Historical Half-day Free to explore, workshops may charge

Must-Try Local Dishes

Balti

A spicy curry cooked and served in a thin steel bowl, a specialty of Birmingham.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Pork Scratchings

Crispy fried pork rinds, a traditional British pub snack.

Snack Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Birmingham Chip Butty

A sandwich made with fried chips and butter, a local favorite.

Lunch Vegetarian if made with vegetable oil

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Cotswolds Cycling in Sutton Park Afternoon tea at a historic hotel Spas and wellness centers Visiting museums and galleries Attending theater performances Christmas markets and events Ice skating at the city center

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and sunniest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Punjabi, Urdu, Polish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Birmingham is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis

Getting there

By air

Birmingham Airport • 13 km from city center

By train

Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Moor Street

By bus

National Express Coach Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent, covering most of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Birmingham Taxis

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jewellery Quarter Digbeth Harborne

Day trips

Stratford-upon-Avon

35 km • Half-day to full-day

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, offering historic sites, theaters, and charming streets.

The Cotswolds

50-100 km • Full-day to overnight

A picturesque area known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and historic sites.

Coventry

25 km • Half-day

A historic city with a rich industrial heritage and notable landmarks.

Festivals

Birmingham International Dance Festival • Biennial, typically in June Birmingham Heritage Week • September Birmingham Christmas Market • November to December

Pro tips

Visit the Jewellery Quarter for unique souvenirs and a glimpse into Birmingham's industrial past.
Try a traditional balti at one of the many restaurants in the Balti Triangle.
Explore the city's vibrant street art scene in Digbeth.
Take advantage of free entry to many museums and galleries.
Use contactless payment for easy and convenient transactions.