Explore the gritty underworld of London’s East End on this captivating tour led by acclaimed actor Vas Blackwood. Uncover the neighborhood’s notorious criminal past as you explore iconic locations like the Blind Beggar pub and the Repton Boys’ Club, where the infamous Kray twins once trained. Through insider gossip and vivid storytelling, discover the real-life criminals and fictional characters that have shaped this area’s reputation. Get ready to learn about the authentic atmosphere captured in the cult classic film "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." There’s more than meets the eye in this vibrant and historic part of the city.
Key Points
- This 2-hour walking tour of London’s East End is led by actor Vas Blackwood, providing insider gossip about the city’s criminal underworld.
- The tour explores locations associated with the notorious Kray twins, including the Repton Boys’ Club and the Blind Beggar pub.
- Participants will also visit sites featured in the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, capturing the authentic East End atmosphere.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly and located near public transportation.
- Cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, emphasizing convenience and customer satisfaction.
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Tour Overview
This 2-hour gangster walking tour of London’s East End is led by actor Vas Blackwood, providing insider gossip about the city’s underworld, both real-life criminals and fictional characters.
Guests will visit sites linked to the infamous Kray twins, including the Repton Boys’ Club where they trained and the Blind Beggar pub, the site of Ronnie Kray’s murder. The tour also stops at locations featured in the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation. Travelers should have a moderate fitness level, as the maximum group size is 40 people.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Locations Visited
The tour visits several noteworthy locations throughout London’s East End, including the Whitechapel neighborhood, the Repton Boys’ Club where the infamous Kray twins trained, and the Blind Beggar pub, the site of Ronnie Kray’s murder.
Participants will also see the film locations for the movie ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,’ including Samoan Jo’s pub and Hatchet Harry’s office.
The tour concludes at the Columbia Road in Shoreditch.
The Repton Boys’ Club was a significant site as it was where the Kray twins honed their boxing skills.
The Blind Beggar pub was a notorious location linked to the Kray twins and their criminal empire.
Additional Information
According to the details, the gangster tour of London’s East End led by actor Vas Blackwood isn’t wheelchair accessible but stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is situated near public transportation.
However, it isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, as participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour accommodates a maximum of 40 travelers.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Any changes less than 24 hours before the experience won’t be accepted.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
The tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
However, any changes less than 24 hours before the experience won’t be accepted.
The pricing and cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility and value for guests.
- Lowest Price Guarantee ensures customers get the best deal on the tour.
- 24-hour cancellation window allows for last-minute changes without penalty.
- No changes accepted within 24 hours of the tour start time.
- Emphasis on convenience and customer satisfaction through the cancellation and pricing policies.
Meeting Details
Participants meet inside the main bar area of the Blind Beggar pub, located at 337 Whitechapel Rd, for the 2:00 PM start of the tour.
The tour concludes back at the meeting point.
Led by actor Vas Blackwood, the 2-hour gangster walking tour explores London’s East End and provides insider gossip about the city’s underworld, including real-life criminals and fictional characters.
Along the way, guests visit sites linked to the infamous Kray twins, such as the Repton Boys’ Club, and locations featured in the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Gangster Gossip
As the tour kicks off, Vas Blackwood regales participants with captivating tales of London’s notorious criminals and their exploits, from the infamous Kray twins to the fictional characters of the cult classic film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Blackwood’s insider knowledge brings the underworld to life, transporting the group into a world of:
- Ruthless power struggles
- Daring heists and violent showdowns
- Shady dealings in seedy pubs and back-alley establishments
- Larger-than-life personalities who left an indelible mark on the city’s history.
With a theatrical flair, Blackwood weaves a narrative that immerses the audience in the gritty realities and captivating legends of London’s criminal underground.
Kray Twins’ Legacy
Vas Blackwood’s tour sheds light on the enduring legacy of the notorious Kray twins, whose reign of terror and criminal exploits have long captivated the public’s imagination.
The tour visits the Repton Boys’ Club, where the twins honed their boxing skills, and the Blind Beggar pub, the site of Ronnie Kray’s infamous murder. Blackwood shares insider gossip and anecdotes, bringing the Krays’ notorious activities to life.
Despite their brutal crimes, the twins have become almost mythical figures, immortalized in popular culture through films like ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’. This walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the darker corners of London’s East End and gain a deeper understanding of the Kray twins’ lasting impact on the city’s underworld.
Film Locations Explored
The tour also takes participants to several locations featured in the 1998 crime film ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’, including Samoan Jo’s pub and Hatchet Harry’s office. These film sites offer a unique glimpse into the gritty underworld that inspired the movie’s storyline.
Visitors can:
- Envision the scheming and double-crossing that took place within the walls of Hatchet Harry’s secluded office.
- Imagine the tense confrontations that unfolded at the rough-and-tumble Samoan Jo’s pub.
The filmmakers captured the authentic East End atmosphere to bring the gangster narrative to life.
These iconic locations have become inextricably linked to the enduring legacy of ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for children as it focuses on London’s underworld and real-life criminals. The content and subject matter may be inappropriate for younger audiences. It’s recommended for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.
Can I Bring My Own Audio Tour Device?
No, bringing your own audio tour device is not allowed on this tour. The tour is led by an actor, and the experience is designed to be interactive between the guide and participants. Unauthorized audio devices may disrupt the group experience.
Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price does not include any food or drinks. Visitors must purchase their own refreshments during the tour. The focus of the experience is the guided walking tour and historical commentary, not catering services.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though they may be requested to refrain from doing so in certain areas out of respect for privacy or historical significance. Checking with the tour guide beforehand is recommended.
Will the Tour Guide Provide a Suggested Reading List?
No, the tour guide does not provide a suggested reading list. The tour focuses on providing insider information and visiting notable locations related to London’s underworld, rather than recommending external resources about the topic.
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Recap
Vas Blackwood’s gangster tour offers a captivating glimpse into London’s notorious East End underworld.
Visitors can explore iconic locations, uncover the true stories behind the Kray twins, and discover the gritty settings that inspired the cult film ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.’
This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to explore the area’s criminal past and understand the forces that shaped its infamous reputation.
