Explore Birmingham’s notorious criminal underworld on the "Famous Gangs Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops." Led by Edward Shelby, a relative of real-life gang members, this immersive experience delves into the history of infamous groups like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang. Discover the local pubs that fueled the violence, engage in interactive drinking games, and test your knowledge in a lively pub quiz. From the city’s canals to its thriving alcohol scene, this one-of-a-kind tour promises an authentic glimpse into Birmingham’s gritty past. Prepare to be captivated as you uncover the dark secrets that lurk within the shadows of this vibrant metropolis.
Key Points
- The tour offers a two-hour guided exploration of Birmingham’s notorious criminal underworld, led by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of the real-life Birmingham gang members.
- Participants will be immersed in the world of the famous Birmingham Slogging Gangs, including the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang, and discover the local pubs that fueled the gang violence.
- The tour features fun interactive elements, such as drinking games and a pub quiz, to recreate the atmosphere of the local pubs during the gang era.
- The tour explores the city’s hidden alleyways and backstreets, discovering how gangs utilized the canals and how alcohol exacerbated the gang problem.
- The tour provides an authentic and immersive experience, offering a unique exploration of Birmingham’s infamous gang history.
Tour Overview
The Famous Gangs Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops in Birmingham offers a two-hour guided exploration of the city’s notorious criminal underworld, led by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of the real-life Birmingham gang members.
Participants will enjoy the world of the famous Birmingham Slogging Gangs, discovering the local pubs that fueled the gang violence and learning about the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang.
The tour takes guests to parts of the city not covered during daytime tours, revealing how gangs used the canals and how alcohol exacerbated the problem.
Guests can also look forward to engaging in fun activities, such as drinking games and a pub quiz, providing a unique and local Birmingham experience.
Tour Highlights
Visitors can enjoy the world of Birmingham’s notorious criminal underworld on this tour, discovering the city’s local pubs that fueled the gang violence.
Led by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of the real-life Birmingham gangsters, the tour delves into the history of infamous groups like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang.
Participants will explore parts of the city off-limits to daytime tours, learning how the gangs utilized the city’s canals and how alcohol exacerbated the problem.
The tour also features fun interactive elements, including drinking games and a pub quiz, offering a unique and authentic Birmingham experience.
Tour Activities
Participants can explore parts of the city not covered on any daytime tour, discovering how gangs utilized the canals and how alcohol exacerbated the gang problem.
They’ll also engage in fun activities, such as drinking games and a pub quiz, offering a truly immersive and authentic Birmingham experience.
The tour activities include:
- Exploring the city’s hidden alleyways and backstreets, unearthing the haunts of notorious gang members
- Participating in interactive drinking games that recreate the atmosphere of local pubs during the gang era
- Testing their knowledge in a lively pub quiz, showcasing their understanding of Birmingham’s gritty criminal history
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes a knowledgeable guide and a walking exploration of the city, while drinks and tips are excluded from the price.
Participants will be led by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of the real-life Birmingham gang members, who’ll share captivating stories and insights about the city’s notorious slogging gangs.
The tour doesn’t cover any wheelchair-accessible routes and isn’t suitable for children under 18. Guests should note the tour’s cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Important Information
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or children under 18 years old. Guests can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Birmingham’s infamous gang history, exploring the city’s lesser-known pubs and hidden alleyways.
The tour is led by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of the real-life Birmingham gang members, providing an authentic and insider’s perspective.
Participants can expect to engage in fun activities, such as drinking games and a pub quiz, adding to the unique and lively experience.
The tour’s focus on the city’s dark past and local watering holes offers a one-of-a-kind exploration of Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage.
Canals and Alcohol
Birmingham’s infamous gang culture intertwined with the city’s extensive canal network, where criminals exploited the waterways for illicit activities.
The pubs dotting the canal banks became hubs of gang activity, where members would gather to drink, gamble, and settle scores.
The combination of alcohol and close quarters often led to brawls and even deaths, as rival gangs clashed in the dimly lit alleyways and backstreets surrounding the waterways.
The gangs used the canals to transport stolen goods, stash weapons, and evade authorities.
This dark underbelly of Birmingham’s past remains an integral part of the city’s gangland history.
Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang
Among the most notorious Birmingham gangs were the Peaky Blinders and the Gunquarter Gang, whose violent rivalries and criminal activities left an indelible mark on the city’s history.
The Peaky Blinders, known for their distinctive peaked caps and violent nature, were involved in racketeering, extortion, and street battles with rival gangs.
The Gunquarter Gang, based in the city’s industrial heartland, engaged in turf wars and fought for control of the local illicit trade.
These gangs capitalized on the social and economic upheaval of the time, using fear and intimidation to exert their dominance.
Guided Tour by Edward Shelby
A distant cousin of the real-life Birmingham gang members, Edward Shelby leads the Famous Gangs Evening Walking Tour, immersing visitors in the dark history and notorious exploits of the city’s most infamous criminal organizations.
With an insider’s knowledge and captivating storytelling, Shelby guides participants through the shadows of Birmingham, unveiling the gritty details of the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang.
From exploring the strategic canal routes used by these gangs to uncovering the ways in which alcohol fueled their criminal activities, Shelby’s tour offers a unique and authentic glimpse into Birmingham’s notorious past.
Guests can expect to participate in lively pub quizzes and drinking games, fully seeing the vibrant, yet dangerous, underworld of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Measures Are in Place During the Tour?
The tour includes safety precautions like avoiding dangerous areas and providing clear guidelines for participants. The guide ensures a secure experience by closely monitoring the group and promptly responding to any concerns that arise.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Pub Activities?
The tour has an age restriction – participants must be at least 18 years old to join the pub activities. This is due to the nature of the tour and the inclusion of alcoholic beverages at local pubs.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Drinks on the Tour?
No, bringing your own alcoholic drinks on the tour is not allowed. The tour activities involve visiting local pubs, so guests must purchase drinks directly from the venues. Outside alcohol is typically prohibited on guided walking tours.
Is There an Option to Join the Tour Midway?
Unfortunately, the tour does not offer the option to join midway. The guided walking tour is designed as a complete 2-hour experience, and late arrivals would miss critical introductory information and context. Guests are expected to arrive at the start time for the full tour.
How Do I Get to the Starting Point of the Tour?
You can get to the starting point of the tour by making your way to the designated meeting location. The tour operator will provide specific details on where to meet and how to get there prior to the event.
Recap
The Birmingham: Famous Gangs Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops offers a thrilling and immersive exploration of the city’s notorious criminal past.
Guided by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of the real-life Shelby gang members, participants explore the history of infamous groups, discover local pubs that fueled the violence.
Participants engage in interactive drinking games and pub quizzes for an authentic and unforgettable experience.