Birmingham’s notorious slogging gangs have long captivated the public’s imagination. Now, visitors can explore this gritty history on a walking tour led by the charismatic Edward Shelby. Donning period attire, Shelby guides small groups through the city’s significant locations, blending facts with captivating anecdotes. Guests rave about his exceptional storytelling, making this tour an educational and entertaining experience for those intrigued by Birmingham’s dark past. What secrets and tales will Shelby unveil?
About Your Stay

- The tour focuses on Birmingham’s notorious 19th and 20th-century slogging gangs, led by charismatic guide Edward Shelby in period attire.
- The tour includes exploring significant gang member locations, such as the Gun Quarter and Steelhouse Lane Lockup, with a mix of historical facts and captivating anecdotes.
- The tour offers an immersive experience through back-alleys and local pubs, transporting visitors to the gritty underworld of Birmingham’s past.
- The tour has an average rating of 4.5 based on 249 reviews, with praise for Edward’s exceptional knowledge, enthusiasm, and engaging storytelling style.
- The tour is priced at $25.21 per person, includes snacks and alcoholic beverages, and offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
Tour Overview and Experience

The tour focuses on Birmingham’s notorious slogging gangs from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Led by the charismatic character guide Edward Shelby, dressed in period attire, the experience takes visitors to local pubs and historical sites.
With a maximum group size of 20, the tour offers an intimate and immersive look at the city’s gang culture.
Based on 249 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive average rating of 4.5, highlighting its engaging storytelling and well-curated content.
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Inclusions and Logistics

Although the tour price starts from $25.21 per person, it includes snacks and alcoholic beverages to enhance the immersive experience.
Parking fees range from £5 to £30, so visitors should plan accordingly.
The meeting point is Costa Coffee, 12-13 Aston St, Birmingham B4 7DA, UK, and the tour ends back at the same location.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
With a maximum group size of 20 travelers, the intimate experience allows for personalized attention from the guide, Edward Shelby, who’s dressed in period attire.
Tour Highlights and Content

Edward Shelby’s engaging storytelling brings to life the notorious gang members like Billy Kimber and Alfie Solomon as the tour explores significant locations across Birmingham.
The tour covers the city’s Gun Quarter, where gangs trafficked firearms, and the Steelhouse Lane Lockup, a former police station that held many of the slogging gang members.
Guests are treated to a mix of historical facts and captivating anecdotes related to Birmingham’s violent gang culture.
From the back-alleys to the local pubs, the tour provides an immersive experience that transports visitors to the gritty underworld of the past.
Guest Feedback and Experiences
Guests have consistently highlighted Edward’s exceptional knowledge, enthusiasm, and engaging storytelling style as the highlights of the tour.
They appreciated the balance of walking and pub stops, which enhanced the immersive experience.
Many reviewers remarked that the tour provided a fascinating glimpse into Birmingham’s notorious gang culture, blending historical facts with captivating anecdotes.
However, some guests felt the tour could benefit from more detailed historical context to fully understand the significance of the locations and events.
Questions About Your Stay
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What Types of Drinks Are Served During the Pub Stops?
The tour includes alcoholic beverages during the pub stops, providing guests with a more immersive experience. Typical drinks served may include local ales, lagers, and perhaps even a traditional Birmingham-style cocktail or two.
Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour for a Group?
Yes, the tour offers a private group option. Travelers can book a private tour for their group, which allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility in the tour’s content and schedule.
How Often Does the Tour Run and What Are the Operating Hours?
The tour runs daily with multiple departures starting at 10am and running until 4pm. Guests can book private tours for their group, which offers more flexibility in scheduling and group size.
Are Photographs Allowed During the Tour for Personal Use?
Photographs are generally allowed during the tour for personal use. However, guests are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide’s storytelling or interfering with the experience of other participants.
Does the Tour Guide Provide Any Additional Historical Resources or Reading Recommendations?
The tour guide provides some optional reading recommendations for guests interested in learning more about Birmingham’s slogging gang history after the tour. This allows guests to further explore the topic on their own.
Final Verdict On This Stay

Dive into Birmingham’s gritty past on this captivating walking tour led by the charismatic Edward Shelby. With his exceptional storytelling and enthusiasm, you’ll explore the city’s notorious slogging gang history, from the Gun Quarter to the Steelhouse Lane Lockup. This immersive adventure offers an educational and entertaining experience, perfect for those intrigued by Birmingham’s dark legacy.
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