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
Walking Tour Schedule
Walking Tour Schedule
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
So much history in such a small stretch of road
HappyHolidays074,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Whether you have lived in Birmingham for years, passing through or are a tourist this is an excellent way to see something of the cultural diversity of the city, hear about the history that has shaped the cultures of the Stratford Road and experience first hand the community and hospitality. Vimal is an excellent guide, well informed and engaging and the tour is well organised from start to finish.
An outstanding walk - entertaining, educational and fun
36cgj,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Met at the Bordesley Centre (arrive early and learn about the Muath Centre - set up by the Yemeni Community on the old Camp Hill school), and starting with the Yemeni Muslim influence eating Malawa and Honey (see photo) through the Hindu and Sikh communities, places of worship (unfortunately the Grade 1 listed St Agatha's church was shut) and shops, hearing the stories of post war immigrants setting up, working hard and building communities. (and finding what I think is a predecimalisation sixpenny coin glued to the pavement) If your walk goes like ours, make sure you have comfortable shoes (our tour lasted about 4 hours). Vimmel was an outstanding guide - though my timing on his photo was't great, the Malawa and honey at the Al Saeed restaurant was. Fifteen quid well spent. CGJ
Loved it
P2976TDjeanf,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Words fail me it was amazing. Vimal brought the Stratford Road to life. His links with the local community made us feel so welcome be it in shops, Yemeni café, Hindu temple or gurdwara. The bright colours of the places we visited will stay with me for a long time. Added to which we had wonderful food and drinks.
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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage