Birmingham's Rise to Modernity: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
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.
Options
Birmingham's Rise to Modernity: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included in Birmingham's Rise to Modernity: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Great Western ArcadePass-by Only
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.
Birmingham CathedralPass-by Only
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.
Birmingham Town HallPass-by Only
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.
Inclusions
- 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
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Food and drink
- Transportation
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- 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.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
VOICEMAP CODE ─── 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 ─── 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 ─── 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 ─── For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]
