Digbeth, Public Art & Peaky Film

Exploring Birmingham with the Digbeth, Public Art & Peaky Film Tour offers a compelling way to see England’s second city through the eyes of a local. This tour is a mix of street art, historical insights, and film locations, making it ideal if you’re craving an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Birmingham’s vibrant neighborhoods.

What really makes this experience stand out are the knowledgeable guides, the stunning street art, and the well-planned route that maximizes your time in Digbeth. However, a potential consideration might be the need for earphones to catch all the commentary clearly, especially in noisy or bustling areas.

This tour suits history buffs, art enthusiasts, and film fans alike. It’s a smart pick for those who want a meaningful, immersive experience without breaking the bank, and for travelers eager to discover Birmingham beyond its typical tourist spots.

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Led by Jonathan Berg, a local author, whose enthusiasm and knowledge shine through.
• Cultural Richness: Focuses on Birmingham’s street art, architecture, and historical sites from Victorian times to today.
• Unique Locations: Stops include Centenary Square, Grand Central, Digbeth’s atmospheric streets, and the Custard Factory.
• Value for Money: At just over $20, the tour offers a rich mix of history, art, and film insights.
• Accessibility & Convenience: Use of a live audio receiver with earphones ensures everyone hears the commentary clearly.
• Authentic Insight: Based on numerous positive reviews, the tour impresses with its engaging storytelling and local flavor.

A Detailed Look at the Birmingham Digbeth Tour

Introduction to the Experience

For anyone interested in Birmingham’s lively arts scene and historic roots, this tour provides a well-rounded snapshot. It’s not just about ticking off sights; it’s about understanding how Birmingham grew from a Victorian-era hub into a modern city brimming with public art, creative energy, and pop culture connections like the Peaky Blinders.

What we love about this tour is the way it balances education with entertainment. You’ll walk past iconic landmarks, learn fascinating facts, and see Birmingham’s colorful street art firsthand—all within a manageable 2-hour window.

Another highlight is the local guide, Jonathan Berg, who’s not only a published author on Birmingham’s public art but also a passionate storyteller. His enthusiasm makes the city’s stories come alive, turning an ordinary walk into a memorable adventure.

Price and Value

At around $20.70 per person, this tour offers excellent value. For the price of a couple of coffees, you get a 2-hour experience packed with insights into Birmingham’s street art, history, and film-making locations. Several reviewers mention that the tour is “fun and informative,” and many note how much they learned about Birmingham’s street art scene—sometimes seeing works they’d walked past before but never truly appreciated.

The use of a mobile audio system enhances the experience, making challenging or noisy environments less of an obstacle. Many reviewers, including those with hearing impairments, express appreciation for the clarity the system provides, which adds to the overall value and inclusivity.

Tour Itinerary Breakdown

1. Bullring Shopping Centre Walkway & Bull Statue

The tour kicks off at the iconic Bull statue near the Bullring Shopping Centre. It’s a natural starting point, as the area is one of Birmingham’s most recognizable landmarks. Here, the guide quickly sets the scene, introducing the city’s commerce and history. The admission is free, making this a perfect free photo op and social hub for your beginning.

2. St. Martin in the Bull Ring

Next, a brief walk past St. Martin in the Bull Ring, a historic church that dates back centuries. While it’s just a quick glance, the church’s juxtaposition with the modern shopping area offers a visual reminder of Birmingham’s blend of old and new—something you’ll notice throughout the tour.

3. Digbeth Streets & Public Art

The heart of the tour is spending about an hour exploring Digbeth—the gritty, creative quarter of Birmingham. Here, the streets are alive with public art, graffiti, and murals that tell stories of Birmingham’s industrial past and current culture.

According to reviews, the atmospheric streets are perfect for fans of street art, with works by renowned local artists. The guide explains the difference between street art and graffiti, a distinction that many newbies struggle with. One reviewer noted, “Jonathan opened a whole new world of art to me,” highlighting how his explanations deepen appreciation for the works.

You’ll also see the locations where Peaky Blinders filmed scenes for its feature film, adding a fun pop culture angle. Many reviewers mention how the guide’s passion for the subject and his deep knowledge make these street corners come alive.

4. Custard Factory & Bohemian Hub

A short stop at the Custard Factory, once the home of Birds custard, now a vibrant hub for creatives, artists, and indie businesses. The graffiti art here is particularly striking, often in unexpected places, adding to the area’s bohemian vibe. Visitors find it a highlight, with some calling it the “most unexpected and colorful part of the tour.”

What Makes the Experience Special?

Authentic Local Insights: The guide shares fun facts about Birmingham’s evolution, from its Victorian architecture to today’s street art scene. Many reviews praise Jonathan Berg’s storytelling, noting he’s “an excellent guide” who keeps the commentary lively and informative.

Street Art & Urban Culture: For art lovers, the tour offers a close-up view of Birmingham’s vibrant street art, some of which is by nationally recognized artists. As one reviewer said, “Jonathan doesn’t just show art; he explains the economy behind it,” giving you a deeper understanding of the scene.

Film & Pop Culture: Film fans will appreciate the stops around the Peaky Blinders filming locations, including the studios where the upcoming film is being shot. This adds an extra layer of excitement for television and film buffs.

Accessibility & Comfort: The audio receiver system means you don’t need to strain to hear the commentary, a feature that many reviewers find invaluable—especially those with hearing impairments or visiting in noisy environments.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The tour typically accommodates up to 35 travelers, which strikes a good balance—small enough to feel personal, yet large enough to create an energetic atmosphere. Several reviews praise the friendly and engaging nature of the guide, making the walk enjoyable for all ages and physical fitness levels.

Duration and Pacing

At approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, the tour is long enough to see key highlights without feeling rushed. You can expect a leisurely pace, with stops and plenty of photo opportunities. The length of 4 km on the longest walking sections feels just right, especially with the audio system allowing you to go at your own pace.

Practical Tips

• Remember to bring your own earphones with a 3.5mm jack, or opt to pay a small fee for a set.
• Wear comfortable shoes; Birmingham’s streets can be uneven, especially in Digbeth.
• The tour starts at 10:30 am, making it a perfect morning activity, especially during weekends or cultural festivals.
• The route is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, but the guide is happy to modify the route for specific needs, as one reviewer noted for a U3A group.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This walking tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate local stories, urban art, and film locations, all woven into a manageable, fun itinerary. It’s perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and those exploring Birmingham for the first time. If you enjoy learning about a city’s evolution through its streets and seeing how modern culture and history merge, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s also very family-friendly and accessible, with many reviewers mentioning how they enjoyed it with children, friends, or even as part of larger group activities like a hen do or a U3A outing.

Final Thoughts

The Digbeth, Public Art & Peaky Film Tour offers great value, combining entertaining storytelling with authentic Birmingham sights. The guide’s passion shines through, making the city’s street art, architecture, and film connection come alive.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Birmingham local looking to reconnect with your city’s stories, this tour delivers a lively, insightful experience that’s worth every penny.

It’s a fantastic choice for those eager to discover Birmingham’s creative spirit, enjoy some good banter, and see the city from a fresh perspective. Pack your earphones, lace up your shoes, and get ready to walk through Birmingham’s vibrant streets with a guide who truly loves sharing his city.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering about 4 km at a relaxed pace.

What is included in the price?
The ticket includes the guided walk and the use of a live audio receiver so you can hear the guide clearly. You’ll need to bring your own earphones or pay a small fee for a set.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Bullring Shopping Centre near the Bull statue and usually concludes back at the same location.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
Yes, it’s suitable for people with moderate physical fitness, and the route can be modified for specific needs. However, comfortable shoes are recommended.

What time does the tour start?
It typically begins at 10:30 am, making it an ideal morning activity.

Are there any specific stops I should know about?
Yes, key stops include Centenary Square, Grand Central, Digbeth’s streets with public art, and the Custard Factory.

Is it possible to cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund if canceled within that window.

Can I join as part of a group or private booking?
While this is a public tour, private bookings are available, and the guide is happy to customize routes for groups like U3A or special occasions.

Tickets and more details are available on the Positively Birmingham walking tours website. Whether you’re a street art fan, a Peaky Blinders enthusiast, or just curious about Birmingham’s hidden corners, this walk is a worthwhile addition to your trip.