The Birmingham catacombs are one of the city’s best kept secrets. Join us and learn about their fascinating past on the full Moon tour. Don’t miss out!

The druid burial that looks like it should be at Stonehenge

The grave of Alfred Bird of Birds custard

The man who invented tennis.

The inventor of the lightbulb

The JQ connection with the Titanic

The Avery scales family

The printer whose embalmed body was moved around Birmingham.

The walk takes approximately two hours and involves walking over uneven ground, so sturdy footwear, and good mobility is recommended.

The tour will go ahead unless the weather conditions are deemed unsafe by the met office. Suitable clothing is recommended.

Looking for something new and exciting to do in Birmingham? Join me on the Birmingham art deco walking tour of the Jewellery Quarter! Learn about art deco jewellery, architecture, Gold bullion stores, Jazz silver and gold. It’ll be fun!

The walk is circular, starting and finishing at the Jewellery Quarter Station on Vyse Street. The tour is approximately 1 1/2 miles and takes 1 1/2 hours.

The tour takes place on pavements and in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately.

Walking History Tour with our experienced guide includes the history of Warstone Lane Cemetery ,viewing the exterior tiered catacombs and the residents resting in this Church of England Cemetery.

The final resting place of John Baskerville (buried three times ) , Major Harry Gem ( Lawn Tennis ) , George William Manley -a Gentleman from the Ancient Order of the Druids , James Cooper VC recipient of the Victoria Cross, Edward Warrulan -son of an Aboriginal Chief, William Edward Hipkins -Titanic, Jacob Wilson-Last Town Crier ,John Postgate Food safety campaigner , John Inshaw -Steam Carriage.

Please ensure each reservation is in EACH attendee’s name.

This tour does not include viewing the interior of catacombs. Catacombs tours are rare events and will be advertised via Eventbrite , wise to click “ Follow” to be updated with the tours for late spring 2023.

Or view events on the Friends website via “more”.

Tour of Warstone Lane Cemetery in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter , Hockley , begin at 12 Noon please arrive by 11.50 to be booked in . Also allow time for traffic hold ups.

( see separate listing for nearby Key Hill Tour at 2pm )

Meeting place : In the cemetery near catacombs . Entrances at Vyse Street/ Pitsford Street / Warstone Lane & Icknield Street at 11.50am for a 12noon start.

Tickets via Eventbrite £7.00 plus booking fee . Please ensure each reservation is in EACH attendee’s name. Children under 16 years no charge. All Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Finding a grave : Should you require to find the location of a family grave, the Friends may be able to assist. Please note this is unlikely to be achieved before , during , or after a guided tour. With prior notice the Friends may be able to arrange for you to meet a volunteer on a separate day with a date and time to suit you both. Should you require this voluntary service please email the Friends in advance with the family names and year of death if known, also state which cemetery if known.

Getting here:

Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street.

Bus -the 101 bus from Colmore Row to Chamberlain Clock walk to Vyse Street , see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey.

Car – Clean Air Zone from 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone

WILL YOU NEED TO PAY?

Charges are from midnight to midnight. Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone started charging on Tuesday 1st June 2021 but estimates predict that 75% of cars will be exempt from charges. The zone, covering the centre of the city , aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not. Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged: https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.

F.A Q

Duration of each h cemetery tour is about one and half to two hours depending on Q & A.

There are plenty of café’s , bars and restaurants nearby

Sorry no refunds, should you wish to cancel your ticket for another date for any reason please note we require 7 days notice to allow time to resell your ticket.

This tour does not include viewing the interior of catacombs.

Catacombs tours are rare events and will be advised Eventbrite wise to click “ Follow” to be updated with the tours for late spring 2023. Or view events on the Friends website via “more”.

Conservation -the two tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with , new railings , footpaths and planting in this Church of England Cemetery.

Volunteers of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery , RAISING FUNDS FOR GRAVE RESTORATION preserving our history and caring for the community since 2004

Follow the Friends

Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/friends-of-key-hill-amp-warstone-lane-cemeteries-34048000247

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076200785705

Twitter @friendsKHandWL

Friends website . www.fkwc.org

Please note for health and safety reasons all bookings are required in EACH of the Attendee’s names.

Walking History Tour with our expert volunteer guide includes the history the unique catacombs and the residents resting in this non -denominational cemetery.

The final resting place of Joseph Chamberlain , Alfred Bird, Thomas Avery , William Murphy , John Skirrow Wright , Joseph Tangye, Constance Naden , Harriet Martineau , Marie Bethel Beauclerc , , Rev George Dawson , Henry Palethorpe, Joseph Gillott, Robert Lucas Chance , William Butler , Thomas Walker , Isaac Horton, James Hinks.

Tour Fees: £7.00 plus booking fee . Please book each ticket in the attendee’s name.

Children under 16 years no charge. Please contact the organiser for a to reserve children’s places. All Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

MEETING PLACE: Key Hill Cemetery, Icknield Street gate entrance near Key Hill Circus , not far from Warstone Lane Cemetery Icknield Street entrance at 1.50pm for 2pm start this allows time to be booked in before the tours starts. ( see separate event for Warstone Lane Cemetery tour at 12 noon )

Guided Cemetery are the second Sunday of the month except for December .

This tour does not include viewing the interior of catacombs.

Catacombs tours are rare events and will be advertised via Eventbrite wise to click “ Follow” to be updated with the tours for late spring 2023.

Or view events on the Friends website via “more”.

Getting here:

Train and Tram stops at the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street , Hockley.

Bus 8a, 8c and 101 from Birmingham city centre to Chamberlain Clock at Warstone Lane walk to Vyse Street, also 16 &74 Great Hampton Street.

, see Sunday service via nxbus.co.uk and plan my journey https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/plan-your-journey.

Car – Clean Air Zone From 1st June 2021 Birmingham Clean Air Zone

WILL YOU NEED TO PAY? Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone The zone, covering the centre of town, aims to reduce pollution levels and encourage more people to switch to public transport to visit the city centre. It is different to the London congestion charge which charges all vehicles so it’s important that you know whether it applies to you or not. Check your vehicle here to see if you would be charged: https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zonesCharges are from midnight to midnight.

F.A Q

Each tour last about one and half to two hours depending on Q & A.

Toilet facilities – Vyse Street facing Warstone Lane Cemetery.

There are several café’s , bars and restaurants nearby .

Cancellations, should you wish to cancel your ticket for another date for any reason please note we require 7 days notice to allow time to resell your ticket.

Finding a grave: Should you require to find the location of a family grave, the Friends may be able to assist. Please note this is unlikely to be achieved before , during or after a guided tour. With prior notice the Friends may be able to arrange for you to meet a volunteer on a separate day with a date and time to suit you both. Should you require this voluntary service please email the Friends in advance with the family names and year of death if known. Also state which cemetery if known.

Guided tours of the interior of Key Hill catacombs are not included in the cemetery tours . The interior of the catacombs will be advertised as a separate events in late Spring 2023 and does not include cemetery tours.

Conservation -the single tiered catacombs have recently been restored, along with new railings , footpaths and planting in this non-denominational cemetery.

This cemetery is a haven for wildlife.

Volunteers of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery RAISING FUNDS FOR GRAVE RESTORATION preserving our history and caring for the community since 2004

All revenue from guided tours, membership, donations, plus sales at open days and history fairs pays for the damaged and broken graves, aiding grave our restoration. The Friends are the ONLY group to care for Warstone Lane Cemetery & Key Hill Cemetery both located in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, Hockley.

Contacting the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery : Please ensure you look in your junk mail for a reply.

Follow the Friends on:-

Website: http://www.fkwc.org/

Twitter: @FriendsKHandWL

Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/friends-of-key-hill-amp-warstone-lane-cemeteries-34048000247