Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops

Exploring Birmingham’s Gangland Past on Foot and Pint

This walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Birmingham’s gritty past, focusing on the notorious Slogging Gangs of the late 19th century. Led by Edward Shelby, a guide with a personal connection to the era, you’ll stroll through parts of the city that are seldom covered during daytime visits, uncovering stories of crime, canals, and alcohol-fueled rivalries. The tour culminates with visits to four historical pubs, making it both an educational and social experience.

What I love about this experience is how Edward Shelby brings history alive with his engaging storytelling and personal anecdotes—especially since he’s a distant relative of the real gang members. I also appreciate how the tour blends history with local pub culture, giving you the chance to enjoy authentic Birmingham establishments while learning about their past. The inclusion of fun activities like drinking games and a pub quiz adds an interactive element often missing from more traditional city tours.

A potential consideration is that this tour involves moderate walking, so it may not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues. Also, since drinks are at your own expense, budget-conscious travelers should plan accordingly. If you’re expecting a purely historical march, be prepared for some lively pub stops that lean toward entertainment as much as education.

Key Points and Takeaways

• Authentic Gangs History: The tour focuses on Birmingham’s infamous Peaky Blinders and the Gunquarter Gang, not just surface-level tales but stories rooted in the city’s darker, more intriguing past.
• Engaging Guide: Edward Shelby is lauded for his knowledge and personable style, making complex historical details accessible and fun.
• Unique Pubs: Stops include real ale pubs, gin palaces, and modern cocktail bars, offering a genuine taste of Birmingham’s drinking scene—at your expense.
• Hidden Routes: You’ll explore parts of the city not covered in daytime tours, including how gangs used canals and waterways for their activities.
• Interactive Fun: Expect a lively atmosphere with drinking games and a pub quiz, adding a playful twist to historical storytelling.
• Flexible Booking: The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours and allows you to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travel planning.

Birmingham’s Hidden Gangs Scene: A Walking Tour Like No Other

Stepping into Birmingham’s past on this two-hour walking tour feels like stepping into a gritty crime novel. The tour begins outside the Apple Birmingham store, where you’ll meet your guide dressed as a Peaky Blinder—a fun touch that sets the tone for the evening. You’ll then follow Edward Shelby through alleyways, canals, and backstreets that once saw Slogging Gangs terrorize the night.

What makes this tour special is the combination of storytelling and physical exploration. You’ll learn how the gangs operated, especially how alcohol played a role in their conflicts. The guide explains how canals were used for transportation and escape routes—an insider detail that adds depth to the story. Plus, the guide’s personal connection to the gangs makes the tales even more compelling.

The tour’s second stop is the Burlington Arcade, where Edward highlights the importance of certain locations in Birmingham’s gang history. Here, you’ll get a better sense of the city’s urban landscape and how it influenced gang life. The last stop is at The Botanist Gas Street Basin, a lively pub where you’ll finish the tour, having covered much more than just the surface of Birmingham’s criminal past.

Authentic pubs are a big draw—ranging from historic gin palaces to modern cocktail bars—each offering a different vibe. While drinks are not included, the experience of visiting these venues adds a communal, local flavor to your evening. Several reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and how they make the history engaging, with one mentioning how the guide’s storytelling made the history “come alive.”

This tour is ideal for those interested in London’s more colorful, less formal side, and for anyone who enjoys a mix of history, walking, and socializing. It’s best suited for travelers over 18 who are comfortable on their feet, as it involves moderate walking and a lively pub atmosphere.

Dive Into Birmingham’s Gangs and Pub Scene

Every stop on this tour is carefully chosen to give you a sense of place and time. I particularly liked how Edward Shelby shares stories about gangs like the Peaky Blinders, which many people recognize from the TV series but are rooted in actual Birmingham history. The guide’s personal connection adds a layer of authenticity that you won’t get from dry history books.

The pub stops are more than just places to drink—they’re part of the story. From historic gin palaces to modern cocktail bars, each venue offers a different slice of Birmingham’s drinking culture. You might find yourself learning about how alcohol fueled gang rivalries or how the city tried to control these disturbances through licensing laws.

Participants have praised the fun activities like drinking games and the pub quiz, which serve as lighthearted ways to connect with the history and each other. One reviewer sums up the experience as “a great walking tour through Birmingham,” emphasizing how Edward’s guide skills made the stories engaging and accessible.

Price-wise, the €39 fee covers the guide and the walking tour itself—an excellent value considering the rich stories and authentic venues included. Since drinks are at your own expense, budget accordingly, especially if you plan to enjoy multiple pub stops.

Visiting Birmingham’s Gangs: Who Should Book?

This tour appeals most to history lovers who crave stories beyond the usual tourist fare, especially those intrigued by urban crime history. It’s perfect if you enjoy walking, socializing, and learning about local culture in a lively environment. The relaxed pub atmosphere suits travelers looking for a more informal, fun experience rather than a formal museum visit.

Because it involves moderate walking and standing, it’s best for those in decent shape. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or children under 18, so keep that in mind. The flexible booking policy makes it easy to cancel if your plans change, which offers peace of mind for last-minute travelers.

If you’re a fan of TV series like Peaky Blinders or enjoy exploring the darker side of city histories, this tour provides both entertainment and education. It’s a bit unique—combining history, atmosphere, and social activity—and offers a memorable way to experience Birmingham’s underground past.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

For travelers with a curiosity about urban legends, crime history, and local culture, this tour delivers a lively, engaging evening. The guide’s storytelling shines, making Birmingham’s past stories of gangs and canals accessible and memorable. The pub stops, with their authentic ambiance, add an extra layer of immersion—perfect for those who enjoy blending history with a drink or two.

If you want a taste of Birmingham’s less polished, more rebellious side, this experience is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable if you’re comfortable walking, enjoy social activities, and are eager to learn about the city’s historical struggles with crime and alcohol. The combination of history and pub culture offers both entertainment and insight in one affordable package.

Overall, this tour balances educational content with lively social elements, making it a rewarding addition to your Birmingham visit.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The walking tour lasts approximately two hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Where does the tour start?
It begins outside the Apple Birmingham store, where your guide will be dressed as a Peaky Blinder.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are at your own expense. The tour includes four pub stops where you can purchase beverages.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for those aged 18 and over due to the pub stops and adult themes.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is walking involved?
Yes, this is a walking tour with a moderate level of fitness required.

What language is the tour in?
The tour is conducted in English.

Is this experience suitable for wheelchair users?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the walking route and venue accessibility.

Will I see historical locations related to the gangs?
Yes, the tour visits key sites linked to Birmingham’s gang history, canals, and local pubs with historical significance.

Who is the guide?
The tour is led by Edward Shelby, known for his engaging storytelling and personal connection to Birmingham’s gang past.