Birmingham’s notorious gang culture has long captivated the public’s imagination. The "Famous Gangs Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops" promises an immersive experience, guiding participants through the city’s historical hotspots and watering holes. Led by an insider, this two-hour excursion delves into the stories behind infamous groups like the Peaky Blinders, offering a glimpse into the gritty realities that once shaped Birmingham’s streets. But what secrets might this tour unveil about the role of alcohol in shaping the city’s notorious underworld?
Key Points

- This evening walking tour in Birmingham focuses on the city’s notorious Slogging Gangs, such as the infamous Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang.
- The tour is led by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of a real gang member, providing an insider’s perspective on late 19th-century gang culture.
- Participants can engage in drinking games and a pub quiz while exploring unique local pubs, including real ale pubs, gin palaces, and cocktail bars.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or children under 18 and requires a moderate level of fitness, with a focus on areas not covered during daytime tours.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 10 reviews, with positive feedback on the fun and informative content about Birmingham’s gang history.
Tour Overview and Details

The walking tour titled "Birmingham: Famous Gangs Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops" offers a unique opportunity to explore Birmingham’s notorious gang history.
Priced at €29.73 per person, the 2-hour tour is conducted in English and starts at Apple Birmingham, Burlington Arcade, ending at The Botanist Gas Street Basin.
Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour highlights Birmingham’s infamous gangs like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang, as well as local pubs, drinking games, and a pub quiz.
Guided by a distant cousin of a real gang member, the tour provides an immersive experience into the city’s late 19th-century gang lifestyle.
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Tour Highlights and Experience

This walking tour immerses participants in Birmingham’s gang history, focusing on the notorious Slogging Gangs.
Guests learn about infamous groups like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang, exploring unique local pubs along the way.
The tour includes activities such as drinking games and a pub quiz, which help illustrate the impact of gangs and alcohol on the city’s culture.
Led by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of a real gang member, the tour provides an inside look at areas not covered in daytime tours and the late 19th-century gang lifestyle.
Guided Tour Information

Guided by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of a real Birmingham gang member, the tour provides an inside look at areas of the city not covered in daytime tours and the gang lifestyle of the late 19th century.
Participants learn how gangs utilized canals and the role of alcohol in gang culture. The tour explores unique local pubs, including real ale pubs, gin palaces, and cocktail bars, where guests engage in activities such as drinking games and a pub quiz while discussing the impact of gangs and alcohol.
The experience offers a glimpse into Birmingham’s notorious gang history through an engaging and interactive format.
Participant Requirements and Restrictions

Not suitable for wheelchair users or children under 18 years, this Birmingham walking tour requires a moderate level of fitness.
Participants must bring a valid passport or ID card for identification.
The tour explores areas of the city not covered during the day, delving into the gang lifestyle of the late 19th century.
Guests can expect to engage in activities like drinking games and a pub quiz while learning about the impact of gangs and alcohol on Birmingham’s history.
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, this tour provides an immersive experience for those interested in the city’s notorious criminal past.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers from various backgrounds, including couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, have consistently praised this Birmingham walking tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.
Positive feedback highlights the tour’s fun and interesting information about Birmingham’s gangs, such as the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang. Reviewers appreciated exploring unique local pubs and engaging in activities like drinking games and a pub quiz, all while learning about the impact of gangs and alcohol on the city’s history.
The tour provides an immersive experience in Birmingham’s gang culture, satisfying both history buffs and those seeking an entertaining evening.
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Exploring Birmingham’s Infamous Gangs

Although Birmingham’s reputation for gang violence may precede it, the city’s infamous groups like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang played a significant role in shaping its history.
These gangs engaged in turf wars, racketeering, and other criminal activities, often utilizing the city’s extensive canal network for their illicit dealings.
The tour explores how gangs leveraged alcohol-fueled establishments like gin palaces and cocktail bars to maintain their influence.
Participants can even partake in drinking games and pub quizzes to better understand the impact of gangs and alcohol on the local culture during the late 19th century.
The Role of Alcohol in Gang Culture
Alcohol played a central role in the culture and operations of Birmingham’s infamous gangs during the late 19th century. Gangs frequented local pubs, known as "gin palaces" and "ale houses," where they engaged in drinking games and held gang meetings.
Alcohol fueled the gang violence and criminal activities. The tour explores:
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How gangs utilized pubs for planning and executing their illicit schemes.
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The impact of alcohol on gang mentality and the incitement of violence.
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The symbiotic relationship between the gang lifestyle and the drinking culture in Birmingham at the time.
Unique Local Pubs and Drinking Experiences

As part of the tour, visitors can explore unique local pubs that offer a glimpse into Birmingham’s rich drinking culture. The tour includes stops at real ale pubs, gin palaces, and cocktail bars. Participants can engage in activities like drinking games and a pub quiz while discussing the impact of gangs and alcohol. This interactive experience allows travelers to enjoy the city’s history and understand how pubs played a vital role in gang culture during the late 19th century.
| Pub Type | Example |
|——|——|
| Real Ale Pub | The Wellington |
| Gin Palace | The Jekyll & Hyde |
| Cocktail Bar | The Botanist |
The Sum Up

The "Birmingham: Famous Gangs Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops" offers a captivating exploration of the city’s notorious gang history. Participants can enjoy the vibrant local culture, visit unique pubs, and engage in interactive activities. This tour provides a fascinating perspective on Birmingham’s past, catering to adults seeking an engaging and educational experience.
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