The Game's Afoot - A Sherlock Holmes Guided Walk

Follow the clues through Birmingham’s streets and uncover the city’s surprising links to Sherlock Holmes.

This experience is part of City Uncovered: Birmingham, taking place from 18th–31st May – a limited-time series of unique, under-the-radar experiences designed to help you see the city differently.

What to expect:

You’ll meet your guide before setting off on a walking tour through Birmingham city centre, retracing the footsteps and influences behind one of literature’s most iconic detectives.

As you explore, you’ll discover how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s time living in Birmingham shaped his early writing, and how real people and places from the city found their way into the Sherlock Holmes stories. Your guide will reveal the hidden connections between Birmingham and Holmes’ world—encouraging you to piece together the evidence as you go.

Along the route, you’ll be invited to think like a detective, considering how observation, detail, and critical thinking play a role in both storytelling and real life. The experience blends literary history with interactive moments, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

After the walk, you’re invited to continue the conversation with your guide over refreshments at The Shakespeare on Summer Row.

This experience is perfect for:

• Sherlock Holmes fans and literature lovers

• Curious locals wanting to discover hidden stories

• Visitors looking for a unique city tour

• Anyone who enjoys puzzles, history, and storytelling

What’s included:

• Guided 110-minute walking tour

• Insights into Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle

• Exploration of key city locations and hidden connections

• Opportunity to join for post-tour refreshments

Good to know:

• Duration: ~110 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy–moderate (city walking)

• What to bring: Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing