Red Brick Heart & Soul

A walking tour of the University of Birmingham and surrounds

Come and explore the University of Birmingham campus and surrounding area on an educational, fun and entertaining tour with a few surprises along the way.

The walk starts by exploring the ancient origins of the site and the Metchley Roman fort. We look at the development of the University and Medical School from their origins as science and medical colleges in the centre of Birmingham to the development of the country’s first red brick University, with Josiah Mason and Joseph Chamberlain as two key figures taking this forward.

We discover public art all around as we walk, including the work of Birmingham sculptor William Bloye and others, and discuss and interpret these together. You guide is the author of: Birmingham's Public Art.

We experience red brick and other architecture, but what goes on inside the buildings gives the heart and soul of our University. The tour gives an insight to today’s roles of the University and hospitals

Your guide is Jonathan Berg, retired Honorary Professor of the University and author of the bestselling book Positively Birmingham. Jonathan’s entertaining city centre walking tours have been the #1 tours of the city on TripAdvisor reviews now for over five years.

Tours start/finish: Tour starts at the Faraday statue outside the University Station and close to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal cycle path.  Postcode: B15 2GB

An eTicket: Is sent to you sometime after your autmated booking receipt with joining instructions. You do not need to print it off. If you are booking close to the start time just come to the meeting point for the tour start time.

Earphones: Please try and bring your own (old style 3.5mm jack) or we provide a new pair which you keep at the end (£1 donation to our charity apperciated).