Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops

Exploring Birmingham’s shadowy past might not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting this vibrant city, but the Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s gritty, gang-infested history. Taught by Edward Shelby, a guide with personal links to the city’s gang lore, this two-hour tour combines history, storytelling, and pub culture in a way that’s both entertaining and educational.

What makes this experience stand out? You’ll love the authentic local pubs visited along the route, the insider stories about notorious gangs like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang, and the engaging activities like pub quizzes and drinking games. Plus, the chance to explore parts of Birmingham not typically covered during daytime tours adds a layer of intrigue. A possible consideration is the need for a moderate level of fitness since it’s a walking tour, and the pace can be lively.

This experience is perfect for those interested in Birmingham’s darker history, fans of the Peaky Blinders series, or anyone wanting a fun evening out that combines history and local culture. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for a guided experience that balances storytelling with socializing.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Pubs: Visit four different drinking establishments for a true taste of Birmingham’s pub scene.
• Historical Gangs: Learn about real gangs like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang through engaging storytelling.
• Guided Experience: Led by Edward Shelby, a knowledgeable guide and distant relative of the gangs.
• Unique Perspective: Explore parts of Birmingham that aren’t typically covered during daytime tours.
• Interactive Activities: Enjoy pub quizzes and drinking games that make history fun.
• Moderate Fitness: Requires walking and a moderate level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Highlights of the Birmingham Slogging Gang Tour

This tour is designed to transport you back to Birmingham’s late 19th-century streets, where gangs ruled the night and alcohol fueled rivalries. Starting outside the Apple Birmingham shop, you’ll meet Edward Shelby dressed as a Peaky Blinder, immediately setting the tone for an immersive experience. From there, the journey takes you through significant locations, including the Burlington Arcade, a historical shopping area, and ends at The Botanist Gas Street Basin, a stylish pub perfect for winding down.

The Starting Point: Apple Birmingham

The tour kicks off outside the Apple store, where Edward Shelby awaits in character, dressed as a Peaky Blinder. This playful yet informative intro quickly immerses you in the gritty world of Birmingham’s gangs. From the start, you’ll get a sense of the storytelling approach—informative but accessible, with plenty of historical insight.

The Walk Through Birmingham’s Gang History

As you follow your guide, expect vivid descriptions of how gangs like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang operated. You’ll learn about how they used the canals for smuggling and transportation, and get a sense of what life was like for those caught in the crossfire. Bernhard, one reviewer, noted that several locations visited had genuine connections to the gangs or were historically more authentic to the series, adding depth and credibility to the experience.

Pub Stops and Local Atmosphere

The tour includes stops at four pubs, each chosen for their historical significance or unique atmosphere. These are not just pitstops but opportunities to get a real sense of Birmingham’s pub culture. Expect a mix of real ale pubs, gin palaces, and modern cocktail bars. While drinks are not included in the price, the stops give you the chance to mingle, participate in pub quizzes, and try some local brews or cocktails at your own expense.

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Activities and Engagement

One of the tour’s highlights is the fun activities like drinking games and a pub quiz, which help anchor the stories in a lively, social context. These activities, paired with the guide’s storytelling, keep the atmosphere lively and engaging. As John remarked, it’s not just a walk but a great guide-led experience with lots of interesting tidbits.

The Final Stop: The Botanist Gas Street Basin

Ending at The Botanist provides a relaxed setting to reflect on what you’ve learned. The pub’s scenic location by the canal adds to the historic ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a drink and conversation after the walk.

Logistics and Practical Details

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. The group size tends to be small to medium, which allows for personal attention from the guide and more opportunities to ask questions. Starting times vary, so checking availability in advance is recommended.

Price and Value

While drinks are not included in the tour price, the overall value comes from the knowledgeable guide, the carefully chosen pub stops, and the chance to see parts of Birmingham you might miss on your own. The tour provides a lively mix of history, local culture, and social fun, making it a worthwhile investment for those interested in Birmingham’s criminal past.

Accessibility and Suitability

The tour requires a moderate level of fitness and involves walking through busy city streets, so it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. It’s also geared toward adults over 18, given the focus on alcohol and historical gang violence. Be sure to bring your passport or ID, as proof of age might be required at some pub stops.

Cancellation and Booking

You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, offering flexibility in planning. Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

What Reviewers Say

With a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 19 reviews, people generally find this tour engaging and well-led. Bernhard appreciated that several locations had actual ties to the gangs or were more authentic to the Peaky Blinders series, adding credibility. John described it as a great walking tour with a fantastic guide, emphasizing how much he enjoyed the storytelling and local insights.

Many reviewers praise Edward Shelby’s knowledge and personable approach, noting that his personal connection to Birmingham’s gangs adds authenticity. The mix of history and fun activities like pub quizzes keeps the experience lively and memorable.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history buffs, series fans, and adventurous couples or friends looking for a different kind of evening out. If you enjoy stories about Birmingham’s past, lively pub atmospheres, or just want to explore the city’s darker side in a social setting, this experience will hit the mark.

It’s also suitable for those who appreciate guided storytelling, want to discover hidden parts of Birmingham, or are curious about the impact of alcohol and gangs on city life. However, those with mobility issues or under 18 should look for alternative options, as the tour involves walking and alcohol-related content.

Final Thoughts

The Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour offers a balanced mix of history, social activity, and local flavor. Led by a knowledgeable guide with a personal connection to the subject, it’s a chance to explore Birmingham’s notorious past in a fun and atmospheric way. The pub stops add tangible flavor, giving you a taste of local culture alongside the stories.

If you’re after a lively, authentic experience that goes beyond typical city tours, this one delivers. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy storytelling, local pubs, and uncovering the city’s darker tales in a friendly, relaxed setting.

For anyone wanting to see Birmingham from a different perspective—through the lens of its gangs—this tour combines entertainment, education, and social bonding all in one session. It’s a memorable way to spend an evening and learn about a side of Birmingham history that is rarely covered in standard guides.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, it’s designed for adults over 18 due to its focus on alcohol and gang-related history.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts around 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bringing your passport or ID is recommended, especially for age verification at pub stops.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included; you can purchase beverages at each pub at your own expense.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it requires walking and a moderate level of fitness, so it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

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

What is the guide’s background?
Your guide, Edward Shelby, is a distant relative of Birmingham gangs, bringing a personal and authentic touch to the storytelling.

Will I see authentic gang-related locations?
Yes, several locations visited have genuine connections to Birmingham’s gang history, making the experience more genuine.

Is this tour family-friendly?
No, due to alcohol-related content and age restrictions, it’s not suitable for children under 18.

How do I book this experience?
You can reserve your spot with flexible payment options on GetYourGuide, and check the availability for your preferred date.

To sum it up, the Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour offers a lively, authentic, and engaging way to explore the city’s darker past. Perfect for history fans, series enthusiasts, and social drinkers alike, it combines storytelling with a taste of local pub culture. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your ID, and get ready for an evening packed with stories, laughs, and a different side of Birmingham.

You can check availability for your dates here: