Birmingham Catacomb Chambers Tour, Key Hill, Birmingham Heritage Week

Birmingham Catacomb Chambers Tour, Key Hill, Birmingham Heritage Week

  • UNDER 16 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN

Come explore the mysterious Key Hill Catacomb Chambers during Birmingham Heritage Week - a unique journey into the city's hidden history!

By Friends of Key Hill & Warstone Lane Cemeteries

Date and time

Location

Meeting Point Inside Warstone Lane cemetery

Vyse Street Birmingham B18 United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event.

About this event

  • No venue parking

Key Hill Catacomb Chambers Tour, Birmingham Heritage Week

Birmingham Tour: Key Hill Interior catacomb tour, meet in Warstone Lane cemetery

Time: 12.10pm for 12.30am
Location: The meeting point is at the Friends Information gazebo inside the neigbouring Warstone Lane cemetery at 12.10am to check-in and collect your admittance badge.
A steward will escort the group to meet your guide in Key Hill cemetery.

Location link here

  • Come join us for a unique exploration of Key Hill Cemetery Interior Catacomb chambers tour for a unique experience .
    Find out about the history of the Key Hill catacombs and why they exist, discover the hidden secrets of the catacombs, and learn about the history of this historic location and the connection to the author Washington Irving ( Sleepy Hollow & Rip Van Winkle)

    These chambers were used as Air Raid Shelters during WWII.

    Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a memorable experience, this Key Hill Cemetery tour promises to be a captivating adventure. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with the past and immerse yourself in Birmingham's fascinating heritage.

    Don't miss out on these unique opportunities to delve into Birmingham's fascinating history!

  • We ask that you arrive 20 minutes before the Key Hill tour commences at 1.20pm to register your name and collect your admittance badge at the information stall/gazebo in Warstone Lane cemetery here

  • ALL TOURS on this day only will leave from the Friends Information Stall in Warstone Lane cemetery after you have collected your admission badge.
    This Key Hill catacomb tour involves walking from Warstone Lane cemetery to Key Hill cemetery downhill and uphill.


  • BEFORE purchasing tickets, please read the Frequently Asked Questions at the foot of each booking page, below the map.

  • Only those with a ticket will be admitted.
  • Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
  • Times slots will be released in stages for 11.30am: 12.30pm: 1.30pm: 2.30pm , 3.30pm time slots.

  • If you have booked tickets for both Warstone Lane interior catacomb and Key Hill interior catacomb tours, ensure that you allow time for booking in , at the stall, the duration of the tour, plus the walk from one venue to the other with one of our Stewards.
    It is wise to leave one hour clear between tours.


  • FILMING in the cemeteries and /or catacombs.
    If attendees wish to video then prior permission must be sought from Film Birmingham and a Filming Request Form applied for well in advance.
    https://filmbirmingham.co.uk/filming-application-form/


  • There is a no-smoking policy in all Birmingham cemeteries


    * If you later find that you are unable to join us it would be helpful if you let us know either by following the – “view and manage your order online link “ in your confirmation email, and then selecting your order or by sending an email www.fkwc.org - this will be passed on to the Tour Guide and will prevent any delay to the start of the event should the guide be waiting for you.


    Your tour guide looks forward to welcoming you.

    We thank you for supporting the Friends, all revenue is for grave restoration.

    Please view the "Frequently Asked Questions" below before purchasing tickets.

The interior of Key Hill cemetery catacomb chambers.
Note: the meeting point on this day only is at the gazebo inside Warstone Lane cemetery, Vyse Street.
Please view the "Frequently Asked Questions" below before purchasing tickets.

Note: the meeting point for this day only is at the gazebo inside Warstone Lane cemetery, Vyse Street.

Please view the "Frequently Asked Questions" below before purchasing tickets.

Frequently asked questions

Where do we meet for the Key Hill catacomb tour ?

For this one-day-only event meet inside Warstone Lane cemetery at the Friends Gazebo in the memorial garden. (Warstone Lane cemetery has red railings, neighbouring Key Hill cemetery has black railings)

How do I get to Warstone Lane cemetery for the Key Hill cemetery tour?

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, Bus 16 &74 to Great Hampton Street. Car – Multi-storey car park in Vyse Street.

Do I have to arrive early?

Please arrive by 12.10 to pm check in at the Friends information stall in Wrstone Lane cemetery & collect your admittance badge , a Steward will walk with the group to meet your guide in Key Hill cemetery for the tour to commence at 12.30pm

Where do I collect my admittance badge for the Key Hill catacomb tour

Please arrive 20 minutes early to book in at the gazebo inside Warstone Lane cemetery, and collect your admittance badge. A Steward will escort the group to meet your guide In Key Hill catacombs.

What is the duration of the Key Hill catacombs tour?

Duration of KEY HILL cemetery interior catacombs tour is about 50 minutes or more depending on Q & A that are encouraged. If you have booked a neighbouring WARSTONE LANE cemetery catacomb tour, please allow time for the tour, plus the walk from one venue to the other. Wise to leave an hour clear.

Do you have facilities in the cemetery?

A disabled toilet is hired for open days only, this is situated in Warstone Lane cemetery near the Pitsford Street entrance. Donations at the stall are welcome towards the cost of the toilet. There are several, cafe's, bars and restaurants nearby.

Does the tour involve walking?

Yes, uphill and downhill, from Warstone Lane cemetery to neighboring Key Hil cemetery

Are the tours suitable for the less abled?

These tours are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Both cemeteries have uneven ground. There are several steps in both cemeteries and the tour requires walking uphill and down hill.

Ticket Policy for Catacomb Tour Cancellation and /or Re-ordering Process

Ticket Policy for Catacomb Tour Cancellation and Re-ordering Process that we are unable to swap or change tickets for catacomb tours, including the time slots.for you. If you need to cancel your booking, you can do so yourself via your confirmation order. Afterwards, you may re-order .

Can I swap or change my ticket?

We are unable to swap or change tickets for catacomb tours, including the time slots for you. If you need to cancel your booking, you can do so yourself via your confirmation order. Afterwards, you may re-order for another time slot, subject to availability.

What dates are the Friends cemetery tours ?

Cemetery tours are on the second Sunday of the month except for December. Warstone Lane at 12 noon, Key Hill at 2pm. Meeting point is in each cemetery. The duration of each cemetery tour is just under 2 hours each. Evening Tours are held during the spring and early summer. Meeting points differ.

Are the catacomb tours suitable for children ?

Yes, Children under 16 years of age are required to be with an adult who has also purchased a ticket. Note, these are dark spaces with uneven ground.

Are dogs allowed

No sorry no dogs are allowed. If your dog is an assisted dog please contact the Friends www.fkwc.org

Are there any concessions for tours?

There are no concessions for catacomb tours. There are concessions for cemetery tours for those who hold a current membership. www.fkwc.org

Can I FILM in the cemeteries and /or catacombs?

If attendees wish to video then prior permission must be sought from Film Birmingham and a Filming Request Form applied for well in advance. https://filmbirmingham.co.uk/filming-application-form/

Is smoking allowed in the cemetery?

No smoking is permitted in any Birmingham Cemeteries.

Do you make a profit from the tours?

No, All revenue from the Friends of Key Hill & Warstone Lane tours, talks & presentations, membership, plus sales & donations are for the Friends Grave Restoration Fund, to repair damaged & broken graves. www.fkwc.org

Tags

Organised by

Friends of Key Hill & Warstone Lane Cemeteries

Guided Cemetery Tours of both Warstone Lane Cemetery & Key Hill Cemetery are the second Sunday of the month except for December.

All tours require pre-booking .

Warstone Lane Cemetery Tours at 11.50 am for a 12 noon start

Key Hill Cemetery Tours at 1.50pm for a 2pm start .

Each cemetery tour last about 1 and half to 2 hours depending on Q & A.

Guided Interior Catacombs Tours are only certain times of the year and time slots differ from cemetery tours.

These are no facilities in the cemeteries but plenty of café, restaurants and bars nearby.

See info on F.A Q on events on how to get to the cemeteries .

Why not volunteer for one of our litter picks ?

All revenue from guided tours, sales, memberships & donations pay for the restoration of the gravestones.

On Sale 30 Aug 2025 at 12:00