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Birmingham Ghost Walks have been a huge success over the last five years, with over 3,000 people having been on either the Graveyard or Sinister City walks. Newspaper articles have been published on hauntings at two of the pubs featured in the Ghost Walks, along with the story of the haunting of a waiting room on New Street Station with details supplied by the great grand daughter of the ex-railway worker from the 1930’s.
In 2013, Michael and Ian, qualified Institute of Tourist Guiding guides, ran some trial walks to get a feel for the right stories to use. They say that 2014 Warwick’s 1,100 year, seemed like a good year to share with visitors and residents alike some of its rich history of plague, torture, public execution, murder and unexplained activity. The Rose and Crown in Market Square is the walks start and finish point, a long dead ex-landlady is sometimes seen in the bar, and during a research visit to the cellar, Michael was told of a playful poltergeist moving small items around the cellar. The Tudor House on West Street is the furtherest we walk West, Sweetie the owner shared stories of builders meeting a ghostly Lady of the Manor, whilst they were on a tea break. There are also reports of a young chimney sweep that sits in a rocking chair by the fire in the bar. Heading back towards Westgate, we talk about the inspiration for Tolkien’s Ghost Army. Onto Castle Street once the home of a one of Warwick’s most successful and most generous merchant, Thomas Oken. His home now the Thomas Oken Tearoom, is run by Jo. Generous with her time sharing stories, Michael thinks Thomas Oken would have approved of Jo, her warm friendly manor is mirrored by that of the man, believed to be Thomas Oken, who has been seen walking around the Tea Room smiling at guests before fading into nothing. Of course the castle must feature in any walk of Warwick, and although Francis Greville, the 5th Earl of Warwick, didn’t share his wife’s Daisy’s views on the supernatural, it is believed he made up stories of ghosts to encourage curious Victorians to pay a few Shillings to visit the Castle. As the County town Warwick was also the centre for justice for hundreds of years, people being hanged in public was a regular sight, about one a quarter in the mid 1700’s but the last public hanging in Warwick was 150 years ago, with the last hanging behind closed doors 50 years later.
Tickets are available from our ticket agents Oxboffice
On Thursday 1st May Radio Warwickshire interviewed Michael about both the Warwick and Birmingham Ghost Walks. Listen to the broadcast here, http://radiowarwickshire.com/?p=5909
Michael
Trace the history of the city through its famous waterways. Find out why the canals were so important, who built and worked on them, and explore the towpaths, from 21st century developments to Birmingham’s industrial heritage.
City Centre Walks: Explore England’s second city and find out about its history and the characters who made it great. Taking in the most important sights in the city centre, as well as giving a good idea of the modern city including entertainment, shopping and places to visit. These walks are subject to a minimum number, e-mail us with your requirements, dates and subject and we will see how we can accommodate your request.
This tour generally starts in Victoria Square between the Council House and the Town Hall. However should there be a major event on in Victoria Square we will start close to the Chamberlain Fountain, Chamberlain Square.
This is a wheelchair accessible tour. Our Wheelchair accessible tours can be found by clicking here.
An entertaining look at Birmingham’s history by focusing on the famous and infamous people who lived, worked and died here, including characters from politics, industry, the arts, entertainment, sport and many more. Read more…
A look at some of the writers who have lived and worked in Birmingham over the years, how the city has influenced them and the impact they have had on the city and its people. Read more…
A look at the history of entertainment in Birmingham, including theatres, concert halls, cinemas and clubs. Find out about the famous names who have appeared in the city and those who made Birmingham their home. Read more…
With such a rich cultural mix it is no surprise that Birmingham could be referred to as The City of 1000 Tastes.
We were delighted to offer our support for Coffee Birmingham, a celebration of the very best in Birmingham’s independent coffee shops and creative businesses. We love the independent coffee scene in Birmingham and have taken groups on tours of the five core businesses. Read more…
As the second film of “The Hobbit” is out on DVD, join us on the trail of J.R.R. Tolkien…
You’ve read the books, you’ve seen the films, now discover where the inspiration came from!
We have run this successful tour on April Fools Day, close to Christmas and for corporate days out in Birmingham. Can you decide which are the True facts about Birmingham, and which are the Lies.
