The Birmingham Rock and Metal Self-Guided Walking 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
This walking tour explores Birmingham’s musical heritage, tracing how heavy metal and diverse genres emerged from its industrial heart. Starting at Ozzy the Bull, you’ll journey through sixty years of rock history.
Key Highlights:
Visit The Crown, where Black Sabbath debuted, and sites hosting icons like Nirvana and The Clash.
Discover how local artists birthed grindcore and global anthems while navigating political lawsuits and societal discontent.
Browse tenured record stores and see the Black Sabbath Bench.
Uncover the Brummie roots of Fleetwood Mac and how factory life shaped the "metal" sound.
Available options
The Birmingham Rock and Metal Self-Guided Walking 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
1
Stroll past this massive 33-foot mechanical beast inside New Street Station. Learn about Birmingham’s industrial heritage and see the sculpture named after the Prince of Darkness himself. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
2
Pass by the legendary "birthplace of heavy metal" where Black Sabbath played their first gig. Learn about its history as Henry’s Blues House and its recent protected listed status. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
3
Walk along Lower Severn Street to find this cult-favorite fried chicken spot. Experience a unique atmosphere where extreme metal music pairs perfectly with some of the city's best wings. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
4
ODEON Birmingham New Street Stroll past this historic cinema that served as a premier rock venue for decades. Learn about the legendary acts that performed here, from AC/DC to the Rolling Stones. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
5
Pass by this enduring independent record shop that has survived since 1979. Browse vinyl and CDs while learning about the famous musicians who have flipped through these very racks. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
6
Walk along the grounds of "Pigeon Park" to see this 18th-century Baroque landmark. Learn about its connection to alternative culture and its appearance in 90s indie music videos. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
7
Stroll past this Roman-inspired masterpiece opened in 1834. Discover its transition from classical music hub to a stage for rock icons like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
8
Pass by this beloved canalside pub and grassroots music venue. Learn how community support saved this iconic spot, which hosted early shows by bands like Editors and Peace. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
9
View the portraits of the founding members and honor the legacy of Birmingham’s most famous band, Black Sabbath. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Meeting point
The tour starts within Grand Central Station by the Ozzy the Bull statue.
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.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
