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Questions you may have about the tours

If it is bad weather on the day of my tour, will it run as planned?

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As the nature of all walking tours, it will run in most weather conditions. We will keep an eye on the weather report apps, and if it is deemed too dangerous or unsafe to do so; we will cancel the tour. Do bring a lightweight coat/waterproofs and an umbrella just in case - I’m sure you know what the British weather is like. It will be down to the discretion of the tour presenter if there is a heavy downpour and a coffee break might be needed along the tour route. Coffee is not supplied by the tour.  No refunds will be given in the event of cancellation or stopping the tour due to weather conditions as this is an act of nature.

 

Is there a maximum or a minimum number of people allowed on a tour?  

The maximum number of people permitted on the tour is 12 guests.  There is no minimum but to help support a small business and costs, please consider at least 2 ticket/ 2 guests per order. which would be highly appreciated.

 

What languages can the tours be presented in?

All tours are presented in English. The tour presenter will allow time for any translation if you have a translator. 

 

Is there a cloakroom for bags?

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Sorry, there isn't one - but most train stations have a 'left luggage' dept and some hotels may do the same for a charge. It's not advised due to the length of the tour - 2hr 30mins - for your comfort,  to carry large heavy backpacks, holdalls, suitcases or large bags of shopping. 

 

Can children attend the tours?

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Due to the subject matter, and the length of the tour with no official breaks; some young children may tire. I think young people 12 years plus will get more out of it. PLEASE NOTE:  Anyone under the age of 16  years old, MUST be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.

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What happens in the event of running late & missing the start of the tour?

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15 - 20 mins late will be ok, but anything longer than that is not advisable as it will disturb the guests already in attendance and disturb the flow of the tour presenter. The tours will always begin at the advertised scheduled start time. As stated on your ticket please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before -we can not wait for latecomers.  If you know you will are going to be late please contact us via the messaging system on the website as the tour presenter will get alerts sent to their work mobile/cell phone. You can of course find the tour and join us but no refunds will be given if this occurs.

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 Are the tours accessible across all locations?

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Yes, the tour is wheelchair-accessible in all The Locationist locations;  however please bare in mind that some roads may cover terrain like cobbled stones roads and pavements as in some parts of Manchester and some steep inclines.  Of course, if you require specific details regarding the tour route please contact us.  We would be happy if alternatively, you would like us to arrange a tour bespoke to your specific access requirements, then feel free to contact us via the email on the website.  Rest assured the tours coordinator will do a rece of the tour route on the morning of the tour to access if there is any work taking place or any health and safety issues, or obstructions and if there is anything highlighted we have to alter the tour route.

 

 Can you eat and drink on the tour?

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Please feel free to buy snacks, soft drinks, and water before your tour as we will not stop for any official breaks. The tour meeting points have been specifically designed in areas where there are lots of cool places to eat and get coffee before or after your tour.

 

Please do think of cinema/theatre etiquette if you choose to eat food whilst listening to the tour presenter, please think of the other guests and keep the noise to a minimum - thank you.

The tour presenter will also point out loads of great places to go eat and drink after the tour, with lots of recommendations during the tour. 

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 How long do we need to be there before the tour starts?

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We suggest that you show up 10 minutes before the start of your tour - so we can check your ticket.  The tour will depart at the scheduled advertised time, even if you are yet to arrive, so please give yourself plenty of time as we can't wait for latecomers. 

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What is the duration of the tour?

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The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hrs in Birmingham & 3 hrs in Manchester.

The walking speed of the guests in the group will determine the time, but the tour presenter will aim to bring the tour in on the scheduled time. 

The tour presenter will announce to the group if they would be ok if the tour can run over slightly to make sure the group has seen all the locations planned.

 

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Where do you meet for The Locationist -Birmingham?

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Meeting point: 

Outside 200 degrees coffee shop, 12 Lower Temple St, near New Street station,

Birmingham, B2 4JD

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Where do you meet for The Locationist - Manchester?

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Meeting point: 

Outside 'Almost Famous' GREAT NORTHERN, Peter St, Manchester M3 4EN

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How do I identify 'The Locationist' tour presenter?

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Your tour guide/presenter will be wearing either a branded hoodie or a branded tote bag with a folder.

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Booking the tour - easy right?

It sure is, here are the things you need to know.

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We recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets are not available to purchase on the actual day of the tour  -the event closes 1 day before the tour -so booking in advance is always recommended. 

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How do I book online? Simply hit the icon on the website, or links on socials which will take you to the ticketing host -EventBrite forThe Locationist. 

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Search for the date and time which you would like to attend and click on that event. 

You then need to select the number of tickets you would like to purchase. Once you have added the tickets to your order you click on the checkout icon at the bottom of the screen. Here you can select your method of payment and confirm your order details. Once you have purchased your tour, you will receive an e-mail confirmation from EventBrite.

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In the event of an emergency, what is the nearest hospital to the tour?

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The Locationist - Birmingham 

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Birmingham City Hospital.

It is located in the Winson Green area

Dudley Rd, Birmingham B18 7QH: 

Emergency department: Open 24 hours 

 0121 553 1831

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The Locationist - Manchester

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Salford Royal A & E

Stott Lane
Salford
M6 8HD

 0161 789 7373

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Do you deliver bespoke tours and tours for corporate events?

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Yes, we sure do! If you cannot find a tour date/time which suits you then feel free to contact us via e-mail,  and we can discuss the possibility of a private tour/group booking. We could possibly add some exciting extras to this tour package too. 

***The educational interactive tour version of The Locationist  for schools & college is available on request.  For more information please contact us.

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 How far in advance can I book a tour?

You can book tickets up to the end of Feb 2025

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How can I reschedule or cancel my tour?

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PLEASE NOTE: REFUNDS UP TO 7 DAYS BEFORE EVENT, however, we can reschedule the date of the tour to any others which have availability if more than 48 hours' notice has been given. Please send us a message asap if you need to reschedule or cancel. 

FAQs

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Accessibility Statement

 

The Locationist Tour Birmingham & Manchester is an external guided ground-level walking tour of film and tv locations along streets, visiting different neighbourhoods of the cities, which involves moving at a moderate pace over short distances in between locations. We have designed the route so that we can be accessible. For example, when you contact us to let us know if you require any enhancements for accessibility, or if you have reduced mobility/are a wheelchair user, we can provide an alternative route to avoid dropped curbs, slopes, cobbles, or any restrictive areas.

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 The Tour is a timed walking tour and we advise guests to consider the following:

  • This is an active walking tour; guests are advised that they should have a good level of fitness and be prepared to walk around multiple streets for up 2.5 hrs plus with no scheduled breaks. 

  • There is no official seating available at locations on the tour apart from coffee & pub seating areas outside on route. 

 

​The Tour is predominantly outside and guests should wear appropriate clothing for the weather condition [ We will send you a tour itinerary pdf with the weather report and other helpful info the day before your tour] (i.e. waterproof jacket, an umbrella, sun protection & shades). Sensible footwear is strongly recommended due to the duration of walking. 

  • As the Tour is outside, all lighting is from natural light apart from some interior locations on the Birmingham tour.

  • Guests are advised to stay hydrated during the Tour, especially in the summer months. Alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited. 

  • Prams and pushchairs are allowed on tours but may find uneven surfaces more difficult to navigate and busier areas with the general public. Please note we do not have storage facilities for prams, pushchairs, luggage or suitcases. 

 

Birmingham Car Parking: 

Queens Drive - New St Station/Grand Central B24ND 

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Manchester Car Parking:

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GREAT NORTHERN, Peter Street, Manchester, England, M3 4EN

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Tours are delivered verbally by The Locationist tour presenter in the English language. 

 

Visitors with a visual impairment, are welcome to join a tour, but to be more comfortable it may be advised to bring a support worker or a friend with you to help navigate. The tour host will be able to explain things in more detail.

 

A printed abridged version of the script/ main points is available for guests with hearing difficulties: please ask by email in advance: thelocationistHQ@gmail.com


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Wheelchairs and mobility vehicles

Any guests who use a wheelchair must be capable of travelling throughout the length of the Tour, some parts of which will be on uneven terrain. Manual wheelchair users are recommended to bring a personal assistant with them.

 Guests with motorized wheelchairs must ensure they have sufficient battery power for the duration of the Tour.

Assistance in maneuvering the guest using a wheelchair cannot be provided by the Tour staff.

Please note we are unable to rent or provide wheelchairs or mobility scooters to any guests.

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For guests that identify as neurodivergent.

Every effort has been made to make our tours neuro-inclusive and our tours can easily be adapted. We do advise if you are a group that need everything below please contact to arrange a private tour.  Please take the following into consideration:

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CROWDS & NOISE: As it is a walking tour across areas of city centres, the tour will likely pass through busy crowds of people with some areas being noisy as we walk past bars and coffee shops. Alternative routes are available if you would like to avoid this. We cut through some areas like this for time restrictions on the tour.

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TEMPERATURE CHANGES: On the Birmingham tour there will be temperature changes as we enter interior filming locations as well as exteriors, from air temperature-controlled environments to then being outside. There are 2 situations this will occur. Please let us know if you would prefer to not visit the interior locations 

 

FLOOR TEXTURES: Along the tour route, there is an array of different floor textures from cobblestones and a multitude of paving slabs to tiled areas. 

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LIGHTNING: Along the tour route lightning changes from natural daylight in more open spaces, the intensity depending on the time of year, to natural daylight nearer buildings with shadows, to interiors with fluorescent lightning and very bright lights. No strobe lighting on any part of the tour, apart from digital display billboards. The tour never runs at night time. 

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QUIET SPACES: There are plenty of quiet areas along the tour with coffee shops  & quiet green spaces, which we can use if you need time away from the tour.  No need to worry about the time, there is always a buffer of an extra 30mins attached to every tour in the event if required for enhanced accessibility. 

 Please do inform us if you need time out and then we can find somewhere for people to rest their senses in a safe space with no noise, dim lighting, lots of personal space, and no strong smells. Please note: The tour presenter will carry a fresh set of in-ear headphones if a person wants to listen to music [some film instrumental scores works for me] -when they are in a safe place. 

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INTERACTION WITH GUESTS: The tour consists of lots of different people of up to 20 guests, which can be individuals, families and couples. There is an interactive film quiz during the tour, which happens on route to different locations, for any guests with social anxiety or who experience panic attacks - please let us know if you would prefer not to take part.

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STRONG SMELLS: In some areas along the tour route, we walk past food courts and as a neuro-divergent, this potentially could be overstimulating - on the Birmingham tour we start near an area packed full of many restaurants with vast menus, and many different smells because of that. Again we can avoid this area completely and bypass this area. Loud music again in this location.  In Manchester, we walk past lots of bars and coffee shops so strong coffee and food smells there too. Again we can bypass these areas, and use the buffer of 30mins on the tour if it extends the running time. 

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ACCOMMODATING STIMMING:

 

 

Some neurodivergent people engage in self-stimulatory behaviour like rocking, blinking a lot or repeating words to help self-soothe. The safe places in coffee shops and quiet green areas along the tour route will be used in the event of this being required. 

If any guest needs enhanced accessibility/requirements for their tour, we would advise you to contact us as we can then go into more detail about what to expect on the tour, the order of content, and discuss any individual requirements to make their visit even more comfortable for them and to have the best time possible. 

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​Evacuation, fire or security alert

In the unlikely event of an emergency, we have a set of evacuation procedures. Should you require help, your tour guide will assist you with any evacuation. In the event of a city centre security alert, please takeinstructions from the city centre management teams and local police. The tour presenter will carry a tour mobile too.

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Medical facilities or emergencies

Manchester tours:

Medical attention can be found at Salford Royal Hospital – Stott Lane, Salford M6 8HD 

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Birmingham Tours:

Birmingham city hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QH

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A large print version of this accessibility statement is available by contacting us via the contact us section on the main website.

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Assistance dogs

All registered guide dogs, hearing dogs, and medical alert dogs are welcome. Guests wishing to attend the Tour with their assistance dog should contact us in advance to arrange this.

 Identification for the dog is required when you visit, such as a formal jacket or relevant documentation.

We do not allow any other dogs or pets to attend the tour and we are unable to look after any dogs or pets.

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Facilities

Birmingham:  Grand Central public toilets [However the meeting point for the tour is outside a coffee shop]

Manchester: Toilets in 'Almost Famous' Great Northern. 

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Please check the date and time of your Tour. You are expected to arrive for the Tour at least 10 minutes before your allocated Tour time, as shown on your ticket.

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