Digbeth, Public art and Peaky Film Guided Walking Tour

Exploring Birmingham’s bohemian roots and film fame in Digbeth

When it comes to discovering Birmingham beyond its bustling city center, the Digbeth, Public Art and Peaky Film Guided Walking Tour offers an authentic glimpse into this vibrant, creative district. This two-hour stroll takes you from the iconic Bull statue in the Bullring out to the gritty, artistic streets of Digbeth and Deritend—an area that’s been transforming from a historic market hamlet into a hub of street art, film sets, and urban renewal.

What we love most about this tour is its perfect balance of history, modern street culture, and pop culture tied to the famous Peaky Blinders series. The guiding voice of Jonathan Berg, a passionate author and photographer, adds depth with his knowledge of Birmingham’s public art scene and local stories. With a moderate price point of just over $20, this experience offers great value—especially given the insider insights and unique photo opportunities.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves walking just over 4 km on pavements, footpaths, and towpaths. While not overly strenuous, it’s worth noting if you have mobility concerns. The tour is ideal for those interested in street art, film locations, and urban history, as well as travelers eager to explore Birmingham’s lesser-known neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: Explore Digbeth’s bohemian vibe and street art scenes.
• Cultural insights: Learn how Birmingham grew from a market to a modern city.
• Filming locations: Visit the Peaky Blinders film studios and murals.
• Expert guide: Led by Jonathan Berg, a passionate Birmingham storyteller.
• Affordable price: At around $20, it offers good value for a 2-hour tour.
• Accessible info: Includes headsets for clear communication and opportunities for selfies.

An in-depth look at what the tour offers

Starting point: The Bull statue in the Bullring

Our journey begins at the famous Bull statue, a Birmingham icon situated outside the bustling Bullring shopping center. From here, the route takes you directly into Digbeth, a district known for its eclectic mix of old and new. The guide, Jonathan Berg, immediately sets a lively tone, sharing stories about Birmingham’s evolution from a simple market town to a modern city. His background as an author specializing in Birmingham’s public art makes the narrative engaging and well-informed.

Exploring Digbeth’s bohemian identity

As we walk down the streets, it’s impossible not to notice the vivid public art and street murals that adorn many walls. The area’s bohemian reputation shines through in its colorful murals, graffiti, and repurposed industrial buildings. These artworks reflect Birmingham’s diverse community and creative spirit. The reviews highlight how the guide’s passion really brings these pieces alive, making the art not just visual but storytelling elements.

The historic roots of Birmingham

While Digbeth is now a hub for street art and modern culture, the tour also takes you back in time. You’ll hear about Birmingham’s development from a humble market hamlet to an industrial powerhouse. Walking along historic sites and old warehouses, it becomes clear how the city’s past influences its current regeneration.

Peaky Blinders and film studio visits

One of the tour’s highlights is visiting the Peaky Blinders film studios at Digbeth LOC, a favorite for fans of the series. The studio walls feature striking murals of Peaky Blinders characters, perfect for selfies. Since filming is underway here, it’s a rare peek into Birmingham’s film industry. The guide points out possible filming locations and shares behind-the-scenes stories, adding an exciting layer for series fans or curious travelers alike.

The Custard Factory and Red Brick Market

Next, you’ll pass the Custard Factory, a creative quarter packed with independent shops, art galleries, and cafes. It’s a lively place that encapsulates Digbeth’s artistic spirit. The nearby Red Brick Market is another treasure, offering a glimpse into the district’s industrial heritage while showcasing contemporary artisan stalls.

Modern developments and accessibility

As the tour concludes back at the Bull statue, you’ll notice how Digbeth’s modern upgrades—such as the coming HS2 and Metro tram—are blending history with the future. This ongoing transformation makes Digbeth an even more exciting area to explore on foot, with ever more street art, new venues, and film projects.

What makes this tour special?

From authentic street art to iconic film murals, the tour offers a mix of visual spectacle and storytelling. The use of headsets ensures you don’t miss a word from Jonathan Berg, whose enthusiasm and deep knowledge elevate the experience. The route’s manageable length makes it suitable for most fitness levels, and the small group size means more personalized insights.

Authentic insights from travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guide, noting how he adds layers of context that enrich the visual experience. One reviewer mentioned that the tour was a great way to explore parts of Birmingham they wouldn’t have seen otherwise, emphasizing its value for uncovering hidden gems. Others appreciated the stunning murals and the chance to learn about Birmingham’s street art scene from someone passionate about the local artists.

Price and overall value

At around $20, the tour offers a compelling price point for a two-hour guided walk that covers history, art, and pop culture. The inclusion of headsets improves the experience, making sure everyone can hear clearly, which is especially beneficial in busy or noisy areas. The small size of the tour groups fosters a comfortable atmosphere conducive to questions and photo stops.

Practical considerations

While the tour is mostly flat and manageable, it involves walking for over 4 km, which might be tiring for some. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, so it’s worth considering if you need accessible options. It runs in English, with flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, adding peace of mind for planning.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This walking tour appeals most to history buffs, street art lovers, and Peaky Blinders fans eager to see filming sites firsthand. It’s also a good fit for curious travelers who want to see a less touristy side of Birmingham, with its evolving industrial landscape and vibrant street art scene. If you enjoy guided storytelling and engaging local insights, you’ll find this experience rewarding. Conversely, those seeking a more leisurely, less walking-intensive activity might prefer to explore Digbeth independently or look for other options.

The Sum Up: Is it worth it?

Absolutely. The Digbeth, Public Art and Peaky Film Guided Walking Tour offers an affordable, engaging way to explore Birmingham’s creative heartbeat. It’s especially valuable for those interested in street art, Birmingham’s film industry, or urban history. The guide’s enthusiasm, combined with the striking murals and authentic stories, makes this a memorable experience that deepens your understanding of the city’s evolution.

For travelers craving an authentic, insightful encounter with Birmingham’s lesser-known neighborhoods, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for curious explorers who want a well-rounded, visually stimulating, and locally narrated journey through Digbeth’s streets. If you’re after a fun, informative walk that reveals Birmingham’s artistic soul and film fame, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour involves walking over 4 km on pavements, footpaths, and towpaths, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is run in English.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring your own earphones with a 3.5 mm jack for better audio quality, although they will supply a pair if needed.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours.

What is the starting point?
Meet at the famous Bull statue in the Bullring.

Where does the tour end?
It finishes back at the initial meeting point outside the Bull statue.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most, small children or those with mobility issues may find the walking length challenging.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of street art, film location visits, and insights from a passionate guide like Jonathan Berg makes it a unique Birmingham experience.