The Birmingham Rock and Metal Self Guided Walking Tour

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

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.

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour starts within Grand Central Station by the Ozzy the Bull statue.

End point

The tour ends at the Black Sabbath Bench, Broad Street, Birmingham, UK.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Birmingham Cathedral (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Birmingham Town Hall (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Music Tours

Cancellation Policy

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

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