Birmingham , United Kingdom

Pride History of Birmingham Tour

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(3 reviews)

1h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

It's here, it's Queer. It's Birminghams only Pride History Tour.

Step back in time with us, as we’ll tell you the story of how Birmingham’s Gay Village came to be.

It’s a fabulous tale…but one of exclusion, acceptance and uncertainty.

Starting in 1969, just 2 years after the decriminalisation of homosexuality, we’ll start at the original Nightingale Club Site.

We’ll take you on a 5km walk (2 hours) or run (1.5 hours) through the most influential venues and moments from our cities LGBTQ+ scene.

Drawing on Pride History from around the World, we specifically look at Birmingham’s journey to becoming one of the UK's most thriving scenes.

We’ll also spin around Smithfield’s, home of Birmingham Pride, before finishing our story with a look ahead to a future of increased uncertainty for the survival of the village itself.

You’ll leave not only with a sense of pride in our glorious gay village, but you’ll know what jugs, rhinos and foxes have got to do with it all!

Available options

Pride History of Birmingham Tour

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

Look out for your guide smiling in orange!

We'll meet here, and start your tour by telling you the story of Birmingham's first and still-standing gay-friendly venue.

After, we'll walk or run on to various sights and landmarks within Birminghams Gay Village including Pride House, Birminghams Pride Festival location, the AIDS & HIV Memorial, Eden Bar, Jester, The Fox, Missing Bar and The Rhino.

Once a Car Showroom, Sidewalk is another important Gay Venue in our Village forming your penultimate stop before returning back to Nightingale Club where you started your tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Look out for your guide stood outside smiling in orange!

We will start at the scheduled time so please arrive a few minutes early.

This meeting point is easily accessible by car or public transport and their are car parks and paid street parking available.

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.