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The City

In the 16th century Birmingham expanded rapidly and metalworking grew in importance, due to the town’s proximity to a source of iron ore and a coal seam, whilst surrounded by streams. In the 18th century the town was awash with skilled metalworkers, and the population had risen to over 70,000. By 1791 it was being hailed as "the first manufacturing town in the world".
A vast network of canals was built, starting in the late 1760s with the Birmingham canal. Birmingham’s boast is that it has more miles of canals than Venice!


Wheelchair Access

 Wheelchair Friendly Suitable
 Wheelchair Friendly with diversion Diversion maybe needed
 Limited Wheelchair Access Not suitable




What people are saying...
"Yesterday my sister and I had a brilliant day in Oxford following the Town and Gown walk in your Curious About.. Oxford book. We had a fantastic time, and it gave us an opportunity to look at new things we'd never noticed before in a very familiar city to us. Thank you"

Birmingham

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Curious About Logo 2Birmingham grew rapidly as a result of the industrial revolution, and there's still a lot of heavy industry in the city - but at its heart are some fabulous treasures to find. There's a charming 18th century cathedral, a resplendent 19th century Council House overlooking the vibrant Victoria Square, a Hall of Memory, an international convention centre, a vital jewellery quarter, and a Georgian Square named after the lofty church in its leafy middle. The list goes on, but let's finish by mentioning the canals, over 100 miles of them, restored and bustling with boats, people walking alongside, and people sitting and watching from the many restaurants and bars - it really is a city to explore and enjoy.
Take our fabulous walks of discovery, and have fun finding answers to clues which tell you more, whilst reading our stories about the most interesting facts.

First Walk
Wheelchair friendly
Cathedral to Gas Street Basin

From the charming 18th century cathedral explore the historic quarter of the city centre, before circling back to Victoria Square. Here the heart of the city beats with people scurrying around, or simply sitting amongst statues and fountains, surrounded by stylish buildings.
Onward now, past buildings old and new, down to Gas Street Basin – long boats, people, canals, and places to eat and drink!
(1.9 miles).

Second Walk
Wheelchair friendly, but diversion needed at one point
Canals to Jewellery Quarter

The first half of this walk explores Birmingham, a city of canals. The initial canal is bordered by lively bars, pubs & restaurants – great places to sit outside and watch the busy world go by. Next a junction of three canals, before passing
Cambrian Wharf.
Up now, into the Jewellery Quarter, before ending at St Paul’s Square – elegant, somewhere to sit peacefully, and lots more places to eat and drink! (1.1 miles).

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All Locations

We're developing walks in new locations all the time.
Click on a booklet above, or see all our current locations on a map of the UK.