10.30-12:00 Monday 19th January 2026. Birmingham Council House Tour

Birmingham Council House Tour

The Council House is a landmark building in Victoria Square, right at the city’s heart. Building started during Joseph Chamberlain’s time as Mayor. Its grand exterior reflects Birmingham’s Victorian ambition and dominance in industry and commerce. The richly decorated facade speaks of civic pride and power.

Inside, we step into the world of Victorian ideals and the Council Chamber where local democracy was shaped. Today, it remains the seat of one of Europe’s largest local authorities where 100 elected members meet to decide the city’s future. We get to understand how local democracy plays out in the Council Chamber.

There are plenty of surprises to uncover including unusual wartime roles for the building. Finally, we step out into Chamberlain Square to discover even more about the Victorian ideals and today's city around the Chamberlain Memorial Fountain and the modernity of the Paradise development.

Tour start: We meet outside the Council House Main Entrance in the centre of Victoria Square.

Tour finish: Chamberlain Square by the fountain.

Groups; If you book a number of adult tickets under one name we will ask for individual email addresses prior to the tour.

An eTicket: Is sent to you sometime after your automated booking receipt with joining instructions. You do not need to print it off.

Live Audio:  We pioneered the use of live audio which enables social distancing-plus and you can still hear the guide clearly wherever you are.

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

Security: Please note that backpacks and large bags are not allowed on tour with the exception of a small handbag which the guide may ask to inspect.

Accessibility: We aim to make tours accessible to everyone. If you or anyone in your group has specific access needs, please get in touch so we can tailor the experience. Carers can join free of charge. We can provide a wheelchair-friendly route, though note the Council House lift accommodates one wheelchair at a time.

Sifa Fireside: We donate part of our turnover and donations to Sifa Fireside, a Birmingham charity working on issues of homelessness in our city.