Private Birmingham Ghosts and Gallows Walking Tour

The Private Birmingham Ghosts and Gallows Walking Tour offers a captivating glimpse into Birmingham’s eerie history and shadowy past, all wrapped in a 1.5-hour journey through the city’s most notorious sites. Priced at $172.03 per group (up to 6 people), this tour delivers a personalized experience with a mobile ticket that makes it easy to join from the Snow Hill Station meeting point. The tour is carefully designed to reveal Birmingham’s darker stories—public hangings, ghost sightings, violent gangs, riots, and more—all in a compact, manageable time frame.

With an average booking window of 20 days in advance, it’s clear that this walking adventure appeals to those with a keen interest in local history, ghost stories, and urban legends. While the tour is relatively short, at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, it packs in a surprising amount of fascinating and chilling details. Travelers should expect an insightful and atmospheric exploration, perfect for nighttime sightseeing or those craving a different perspective on Birmingham’s history.

The tour’s strength lies in its expert guides and carefully curated stops, ensuring you see the city’s more sinister side while enjoying a private, intimate experience. The fact that most reviews highlight the knowledge and humor of the guides makes this tour stand out from generic ghost walks. It suits those who appreciate history infused with stories of hauntings, crime, and civic unrest, along with a touch of spooky fun.

Key Points

• Private tour for up to 6 guests, providing an intimate experience
• Duration of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, ideal for a quick yet thorough exploration
• Visits historic sites tied to Birmingham’s grim past, including Snow Hill Mural and Town Hall
• Highlights include public hangings, ghost stories, and gang tales
• Guided by knowledgeable hosts known for their engaging storytelling and humor
• Most bookings are made 20 days in advance, so early reservations are recommended

Exploring Birmingham’s Dark Origins at Snow Hill Station

The tour begins at Snow Hill Station, a key location where you learn about Birmingham’s earliest public hanging. A bronze plaque marks this history, and the guide explains how public executions once drew crowds and shaped the city’s reputation. This stop sets the tone for the entire walk, combining physical site visits with vivid storytelling. It’s a straightforward start that introduces visitors to Birmingham’s grim past with no admission fee required.

The 10-minute stop allows for a quick photo and an intriguing history lesson, perfect for those interested in the city’s judicial and social history. This moment also hints at the darker stories that will unfold during the walk, establishing a tone of curiosity and caution.

St Philip’s Cathedral Garden and Its Skeletons

Next, the tour moves to St Philip’s Cathedral Garden, where over 60,000 people are buried beneath the city’s historic church. The guide discusses the bones and skeletons in the graveyard, adding a macabre twist to the peaceful setting. Visitors learn about the eerie presence of the buried and the possibility of spirits still lingering among the headstones.

This 10-minute stop offers a chance to connect with Birmingham’s past residents and their final resting place, making it a compelling spot for ghost stories and historical intrigue alike. The site’s quiet, spiritual atmosphere contrasts sharply with the darker tales shared here, providing a balanced experience of history and hauntings.

Temple Street and the Haunted Trocadero Pub

At Temple Street, the tour highlights the Trocadero Pub, reputedly haunted by the ghost of a previous landlord. Visitors are encouraged to watch their step as they learn about this ghostly tale, which adds a touch of local legend to the street’s gritty atmosphere.

This 10-minute stop combines the physical site with spooky stories, making it appealing for those intrigued by ghostly sightings in everyday locations. The guide shares details about the pub’s haunted reputation, which has persisted over generations, blending local lore with urban exploration.

Birmingham New Street Station and Its Ghost

The next stop is Birmingham New Street Railway Station, built on a cemetery, a fact that fuels ghost stories about Platform 4. Though the station itself is not included in the ticket price, the guide explains how the station’s history is intertwined with tragic stories of the past, and the ghostly phenomena reported by staff and visitors.

This 10-minute segment offers insight into how Birmingham’s development was haunted by its history, with the station serving as a reminder of the city’s many layers—both physical and supernatural. Visitors interested in haunted locations tied to city infrastructure will appreciate this stop.

Gangs, Riot, and the Industrial Revolution on Navigation Street

Navigation Street is the next focal point, where the tour delves into Birmingham’s violent gang history and the grim conditions of the slums during the industrial revolution. The guide recounts tales of gang dominance and public unrest, painting a vivid picture of Birmingham’s turbulent social history.

If visitors venture into Christchurch Passage, they’ll see the narrow alleyways that once housed the city’s slums, emphasizing the harsh environment faced by working-class residents. This 10-minute stop offers a raw look at Birmingham’s gritty, criminal past, blending urban legend with historical fact.

The Mob’s Fury at Birmingham Town Hall

At Birmingham Town Hall, the tour explores a violent event when a mob attempted to lynch the politician David Lloyd George. The guide recounts this fiery episode, emphasizing the city’s passionate and sometimes unruly civic history.

While entry to the town hall is not included, the storytelling around this location vividly illustrates Birmingham’s history of civic unrest. Visitors can imagine the chaos and anger that once filled these grand halls, adding depth to the city’s complex past.

The Haunted Council House and the Spirit of a Dedicated Man

Next, the Council House stands as a site rumored to be haunted by those whose bones may lie beneath. The story of a man dedicated to his office, who supposedly still visits the building after death, adds a personal ghost story to the site.

This 10-minute stop combines architecture with ghostly tales, giving visitors a chance to picture the spirits that linger within Birmingham’s civic center. The guide’s storytelling here is known for blending humor and history seamlessly.

Paradise Lane and the First Capital Punishment

Paradise Lane is where visitors learn about the first man to face capital punishment in Birmingham. The tale of his crime and subsequent execution offers a poignant reminder of the city’s violent past.

This 10-minute stop connects historical fact with ghostly legend, as the guide recounts the tragic story with sensitivity and detail. It’s a powerful moment that underscores Birmingham’s dark history of justice and retribution.

Baskerville House and the Inspiration for Conan Doyle

The walk concludes outside Baskerville House, reputedly inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous novel “The Hound of the Baskervilles”. The building’s ghostly reputation provides a fitting end to a tour focused on Birmingham’s darker legends.

While the house itself is not included in admission, its connection to literary legend and ghost stories makes it an intriguing finale. Visitors leave with a sense of mystery, perfect for those who enjoy stories that bridge history and fiction.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This private tour begins at Snow Hill Station and ends at the same meeting point, making transportation straightforward. The group is limited to 6 people, ensuring a personalized experience. It is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and close proximity to public transportation.

The tour features a mobile ticket, simplifying check-in, and offers a flexible cancellation policy—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. This makes planning easier for those with unpredictable schedules.

Why Choose the Birmingham Ghosts and Gallows Tour?

This tour distinguishes itself with expert guides who combine knowledge with humor, making the history engaging and accessible. The stops are thoughtfully selected to cover a wide range of stories—from public hangings and gang violence to haunted buildings and notorious riots.

While some sites require separate admission, the focus remains on storytelling, with most sites being accessible from the street. The tour’s short duration makes it easy to fit into a broader Birmingham itinerary or evening activity. Its high rating of 5.0 based on 3 reviews underscores its popularity among history buffs and ghost story enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a guided walking tour?
Yes, the tour is led by a guide who walks with you through Birmingham’s city center, sharing local stories and historical details.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What is the group size?
This is a private tour for up to 6 people, providing an intimate experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Snow Hill Station, with the meeting point at 15 Colmore Row.

Are tickets included in the price?
No, the stops are free to visit, but some locations like New Street Station and Birmingham Town Hall are not included in ticket price and may require separate admission.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate; however, the tour’s dark themes and history might be more appropriate for older children or those interested in ghost stories.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Is transportation provided during the tour?
No, this is a walking tour, so participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted to join the tour.

What makes this tour different from other Birmingham ghost tours?
This is a private experience with a focus on history, storytelling, and local legends, guided by knowledgeable hosts who mix humor with facts, making it engaging and personalized.

This Private Birmingham Ghosts and Gallows Walking Tour offers a vivid, intriguing peek into Birmingham’s darker history, blending ghost stories, notable historic events, and city legends into a compact, well-paced experience. It’s ideal for those who enjoy stories that are both educational and atmospheric, with the added benefit of a private guide ensuring a tailored, engaging visit.