Historic Pubs of Birmingham Walk

Step back in time through Birmingham's oldest drinking establishments on this guided pub crawl. You'll visit pubs that have served locals for centuries, including the medieval Old Crown and Victorian-era Shakespeare Tavern. Learn about the role these establishments played in Birmingham's industrial development while sampling traditional cask ales. Best for traditional pub enthusiasts and CAMRA members. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: max 15. You meet at Birmingham Snow Hill Station. Key highlights: Visit the Old Crown, Birmingham's oldest surviving pub from 1368, Sample traditional cask ales from local West Midlands breweries, Learn about pub architecture spanning Tudor to Victorian periods.

Price: £28

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 15

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: traditional pub enthusiasts and CAMRA members

Best time: Evening tours when pubs are most distinctive with local clientele

Meeting point: Birmingham Snow Hill Station

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

6:00pm Meet at Snow Hill Station - Introduction to Birmingham's pub history and the evening's route.

6:15pm The Old Crown visit - Explore Birmingham's oldest pub with original Tudor features and sample traditional ales.

7:00pm Shakespeare Tavern - Victorian pub with original fittings and selection of West Midlands brewery cask ales.

7:45pm Third historic pub - Final stop with pub snacks and stories of Birmingham's brewing heritage.

8:30pm Tour concludes - Recommendations for other historic pubs to explore independently.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Birmingham Snow Hill Station.

• Visit the Old Crown, Birmingham's oldest surviving pub from 1368
• Sample traditional cask ales from local West Midlands breweries
• Learn about pub architecture spanning Tudor to Victorian periods
• Hear stories of famous patrons and historical events
• Traditional pub snacks included at final stop
• Accessibility: Limited accessibility - historic pubs often have steps and narrow doorways

What is included: Expert guide with historical knowledge, One drink at each of three pubs, Traditional pub snacks at final venue, Historical anecdotes and architectural insights.

Not included: Additional drinks beyond one per venue, Full meals, Transportation between venues. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Valid photo ID, Comfortable walking shoes, Light jacket for evening weather. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Evening tours when pubs are most distinctive with local clientele.

Tip: Includes pub snacks

Tip: Ask about CAMRA member discounts

Accessibility: Limited accessibility - historic pubs often have steps and narrow doorways.

Operator: Real Ale Trails

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (6 min walk)
• Library of Birmingham (4 min walk)
• Jewellery Quarter (15 min walk)

This activity is run by Real Ale Trails.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24h before start time.

Accessibility: Limited accessibility - historic pubs often have steps and narrow doorways.

Best time to go: Evening tours when pubs are most distinctive with local clientele.

Do you accommodate non-drinkers on the pub tour?

Yes, soft drinks and traditional pub food are available at all venues. The tour focuses on history and architecture as much as the drinking culture.

Is there a CAMRA member discount available?

Yes, CAMRA members receive a 10% discount when booking. Show your current membership card when meeting the guide to receive the reduced rate.

How much walking is involved in the historic pub tour?

Approximately 1.2 miles of gentle walking through Birmingham city centre, with plenty of time spent sitting in each pub. Total walking time is about 30 minutes.