Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join us for a walking tour like no other, celebrating the history of the diverse and vibrant Stratford Road.
The Stratford Road, once described as ‘the gateway of Birmingham’ has seen many migrants settle along it, due to its unique location and affordable housing. From the Irish to the Somalian community; the memories of the people who lived here will be brought to life by our friendly walk leaders who will talk through the road's changing scene:
Visit the temple that was once a cinema.
See the once thriving pubs that have now been abandoned.
Meet the larger-than-life shop owners who dress Birmingham’s Asian population.
Please note that if you wish to bring a stroller we ask that you contact the team. Service animals are allowed but please let us know if you are bringing one. Please note that pets are not allowed on this walking tour.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
We'll be stopping at a number of key landmarks and exploring the stories of the migrants that came to call this place home. These include a Yemeni restaurant, Shree Ram Mandir (Hindu place of worship) and Gohil's Emporium (wedding superstore).
What‘s Included
A guided tour of the Stratford Road
Options
Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
What an amazing tour :)
MMM1768,Sep 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a tour!! Thank you for sharing with us all your knowledge and for taking us to such special places :) 100% recommend it!
Don't miss it!
Urs M,Sep 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolute highlight of my stay in Birmingham! Exciting encounters, moving stories and places that you would never find on your own.
Vimal was a great guide....
Amlan M,Jun 18, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Vimal was a great guide. And the stories of migration really enliven each of the stops on the walk. Thanks
Sampad Stratford Rd Tour
65gurmeetj,May 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Real eye opening tour! Vimel was an excellent and very well informed guide who kept us captivated and eager to hear more. Amazed to learn about the the varied history and culture . St Agatha's Church was a real gem and revelation for me.
Stratford rd walking tour
salb632,May 21, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was excellent!... informative, interesting, funny,relaxing, ... I will be recommending this to everyone I know ...brummies and non brummies
Sparkhill and Sparkbrook brought to life
Vamos22,May 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a surprising and well informed tour this was today. Vimal our tour guide was full of fabulous information on both the changing face of Sparkbrook and Sparkhill and its communities. I've grown up and still live in Sparkhill, it was refreshing to stop and take a look at all the significant buildings and diverse communities of these areas. The relevant stops in various places en route, be it restaurants, temple, churches and Gurdwara to the great shops along Stratford road was wonderful. This, along with the first hand accounts of how the owners or residents started up and /or lived along this vibrant area were great to hear. You shouldn't hesitate to book yourself onto this tour!
Great stories of individuals bring the history of this area to life
ruthfI7019WG,Apr 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent morning following the Stratford Road from Camp Hill to Sparkhill Park with Vimal. A real understanding of the migrant families who moved in along here in turn and their integration into the heart of Birmingham. The reuse and repurposing of the buildings and a chance to swap our own memories of times and places gone by. Vimal was a great host.
Stratford Road brought to life
Bagby22,Jun 11, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fabulous journey down the Stratford Road brought to life through the stories of people who live and work there. Vim was a great host and story teller and I’ll be back to visit sone of the places we visited again soon! Thanks
Fantastic insight into Birmingham’s rich diversity!
X868RJchriss,Mar 7, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are interested in how Birmingham became one of the most multicultural cities in the UK let Dharmesh and Sabra tell you the tales of early migrants who came, settled, built lives and communities that helped make modern Birmingham a great City. A most if you want to better understand Birmingham’s fantastic heritage! Thanks
Lovely Tour
MsRiley,Feb 22, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did this walk today and it was excellent. Informative and entertaining with some lovely local stories from Vimal, who was our guide. I’m very familiar with the area but still learned a lot, and it was great to see and celebrate the positive impacts of migration into Birmingham from so many other countries. The walk took around 2.5 hours and included visits to a Yemeni Restaurant, Hindu temple, Indian shop selling decorative items and a food shop with (I think) Pakistani owners. We saw a grade 1 listed building, and heard about when Princess Diana landed by helicopter in Sparkhill Park - yes, really!
Operated by Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage