Birmingham's Rise to Modernity: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Birmingham , United Kingdom

Birmingham's Rise to Modernity: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

2h - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the surprising story of a city without natural resources or a major river, which ended up flourishing because of the ingenuity of its people, and its central position in the nation’s transport networks.

Starting at the beautifully preserved Edwardian-era train station, Birmingham Moor Street, you’ll wander through the city’s historic heart and hear about centuries of innovation and transformation.

You’ll hear fascinating stories about its industrial heritage, and the people who shaped this proudly forward-looking city. The tour concludes at Centenary Square, where the Golden Boys statue honors three industrial titans whose partnerships helped power the Industrial Revolution.

Throughout the tour, you’ll follow the evolution of Birmingham’s commercial landscape while exploring quiet cathedral grounds, grand civic spaces, and bustling market areas that have sustained the city’s economy for over 850 years.

Available options

Birmingham's Rise to Modernity: A Self-Guided Audio 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 by the Great Western Arcade, a Victorian-era shopping gallery known for its elegant architecture and boutique shops. Please note that experiences in arcade are not included in this tour.

Stop 2 Pass by

You’ll catch a glimpse of Birmingham Cathedral, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows and Baroque architecture. Please note that entry to the cathedral is not included in this tour.

Stop 3 Pass by

You’ll pass by Birmingham Town Hall, an iconic concert hall celebrated for its grand neoclassical design. Please note that entry to the Town Hall is not included in this tour.

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, known for its impressive collection of art, history, and cultural artifacts. Please note that entry to the museum is not included in this tour.

Stop 5 Pass by

You’ll pass by the Hall of Memory, a striking monument honoring those who lost their lives in conflict. Please note that entry to the Hall of Memory is not included in this tour.

You’ll catch a glimpse of Baskerville House, a historic building with ties to Birmingham’s rich printing heritage. Please note that entry to Baskerville House is not included in this tour.

Stop 7 Pass by

You’ll pass through Centenary Square, a vibrant public space surrounded by some of Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks. Please note that entry to any attractions in the square is not included in this tour.

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Library of Birmingham, renowned for its striking modern architecture and vast collection of books. Please note that entry to the library is not included in this tour.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at the entrance of Moor Street Station. 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.