Birmingham’s Underground Heritage: A Self-Guided Cemetery Tour

45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has mysteries beneath its glittering surface. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover the unexpected Birmingham Catacombs: dramatic two-tiered burial chambers carved into an old sandstone quarry. As you explore two historic Victorian cemeteries, you’ll hear stories about remarkable Brummies whose innovations shaped not just the city, but the modern world.

You’ll weave through Warstone Lane Cemetery (also called Brookfields Cemetery) with its striking gatehouse and unusual tiered catacombs built into former quarry walls. Along the way, you’ll encounter the mysterious grave of an Arch Druid and a memorial to a Titanic victim.

I’ll show you Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham’s first nonconformist burial ground, where industrial pioneers and social reformers lie beneath leafy pathways. You’ll find out how these burial grounds were ingeniously built above old sand mining tunnels.

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
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at 23 Vyse St close to the Jewellery Quarter railway. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass through Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, famous for its historic goldsmiths and silversmiths and now home to over 100 specialist retailers and workshops. Please note that entry to individual shops, museums, or galleries in the area is not included in this tour, and any costs related to visiting are not covered.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Temple of Relief, a preserved Victorian-era public urinal that adds a quirky touch of local history. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by Brookfields Cemetery, a historic burial ground that reflects the city’s Victorian heritage. Please note that entry to the cemetery is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by Key Hill Cemetery, one of Birmingham’s oldest cemeteries and the final resting place of several notable figures. Please note that entry to the cemetery is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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