On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury
Active
2h - 2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
See where evolutionist Charles Darwin grew up and found so much inspiration on this self-guided walking tour in Shrewsbury
• Find out the historic significance of Shakespearean characters like Harry Hotspur and Prince Hal
• Hear from producer Owen Bowles, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England region
• Do it all in two hours or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Available options
On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury
What's included
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
The VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Detailed itinerary
1
This self-guided audio tour starts in front of Shrewsbury Castle. You'll hear about the castle, Darwin's connection to the town and how the tour works using the VoiceMap app before you get going.
2
The tour passes by the Shrewsbury Library, once the Shrewsbury School which was attended by Darwin, the Conservative politician Michael Heseltine, and Monty Python actor, author and travel documentary maker Michael Palin
3
The tour passes by St Mary's Church where Darwin worshipped as a boy.
4
The tour takes you through Dogpole where you'll here the origins of the street's unusual name.
5
The tour takes you through Wyle Cop where you'll here the origins of the street's unusual name.
6
The tour passes by Lion Inn Hotel, where Darwin embarked on his five-year-long journey around the world that helped him form his theory of evolution.
7
The tour passes by several Tudor-style houses.
8
The tour passes by Shrewsbury Abbey. You'll hear how the abbey is the setting for The Cadfael Chronicles, a thriller series by Ellis Peter.
9
The tour passes by Saint Alkmunds Church. You'll hear about the church while you walk.
10
On this tour, you'll see the 16th century Old Market Hall.
11
On this tour, you'll find out what treasures are hidden in plain sight within the Shrewsbury Museum.
12
The tour passes by St Chad’s Church, the largest circular church in Britain.
13
The tour guides you through Quarry Park. Here you'll hear how Darwin was inspired by what he observed.
14
The tour guides you through Dingle Gardens. Here you'll hear how Darwin was inspired by what he observed.
15
On this tour you'll take in the many areas around Shrewbury that inspired Charles Darwin.
What's not included
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.0
2 reviews
5★
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4★
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3★
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2★
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1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.6
14 reviews
5★
10
4★
3
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1★
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you 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:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. 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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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