Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby

Exploring Birmingham’s slogging gangs becomes a vivid experience with the Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour led by the lively character guide, Edward Shelby. Priced at just $27.54 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour offers a captivating look into the city’s criminal past, combined with stops at historic pubs and notable sights. The tour is designed for groups of up to 20 travelers, making it an intimate and engaging way to uncover Birmingham’s notorious underbelly.

While the tour covers a lot of ground and features some walking, it balances entertainment and education effectively. It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness and an interest in gritty history or the popular TV show, Peaky Blinders. Keep in mind, some stops involve short walks and quick visits, which adds to the pace but may be less ideal for those seeking a more leisurely experience.

Key Points

• Two-hour walking tour showcasing Birmingham’s gang history with stops at key sights and pubs
• Led by Edward Shelby, a charismatic guide dressed as a gang member, providing lively commentary
• Includes visits to the West Midlands Police Museum area, Gunmakers Quarter, Birmingham Chinatown, and the High Street
• Stops at local pubs for drinks and atmosphere, adding a social element to the tour
• Affordable price of $27.54, with the option to cancel free up to 24 hours before

Birmingham’s Slogging Gangs and Their Stories

This tour focuses on the notorious gangs that operated in Birmingham during the 19th and 20th centuries. The guide emphasizes the lives of gang members such as Billy Kimber and Alfie Solomon, characters made famous by the TV series Peaky Blinders. The storytelling brings to life the criminal activities, community impact, and local lore surrounding these figures.

The narrative is enriched by the guide’s entertaining style, making historical facts feel like part of a story rather than dry dates. The tours aim to give a fun and educational perspective on how these gangs shaped Birmingham’s history and culture.

Stops at Birmingham’s Historic and Cultural Sites

The itinerary includes several notable locations that enhance the storytelling:

• West Midlands Police Museum area: While the tour does not enter the museum, it provides context about where gangs were held before trial, offering a glimpse into Birmingham’s law enforcement history.

• The Gunmakers Quarter: This stop lasts 15 minutes and includes a drink. There, visitors learn about weapons in Birmingham and their influence on the slave trade, adding a broader social dimension to the tour.

• Birmingham Chinatown: A 10-minute stop where the tour explores international gangs and multicultural influences within Birmingham’s history.

• High Street: Another 10-minute visit, focusing on the city’s impact on the tea trade, giving insight into Birmingham’s commercial past.

These stops provide a mix of history, culture, and local flavor, with the pub visits adding a lively, atmospheric touch.

The Pub Stops and Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, you’ll take breaks at local pubs, with stops designed to give a taste of Birmingham’s pub culture. The pubs serve as both a social hub and a way to experience the city’s atmosphere up close, especially during an active 2-hour walk.

One of the highlights noted in reviews is the delightful cider on tap at the pub stop, which adds to the authentic feel of the experience. The pub visits are short but memorable, making the tour feel less like a standard walk and more like a social outing.

The Guide: Edward Shelby’s Role and Style

Edward Shelby acts as a character guide, dressing in gang attire and embodying the gang member persona. His knowledgeable and entertaining style keeps the group engaged throughout the walk.

Guests praise his research, enthusiasm, and ability to make history fun. He is also known for answering questions, providing both historical and modern facts about Birmingham. Some reviews highlight his dressing the part, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and fun to the tour.

This guide’s personalized storytelling brings Birmingham’s gang history to life, making the experience feel authentic and lively rather than purely educational.

The Walking Route and City Scenery

The tour involves a good amount of walking, allowing guests to see some of Birmingham’s original districts like the Gunquarter and city centre. Its pacing is brisk, with many short stops that keep the energy high.

Walking the streets of Birmingham reveals historic buildings, canals, and market areas, giving a sense of the city’s past and present. While some may find the pace slightly quick, the wide coverage means you see more of the city than on a typical tour.

Accessibility and Group Size

This tour is suitable for up to 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities for interaction with the guide. It is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as the route involves walking and standing.

The tour departs from Costa Coffee at Aston Street and ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward. Being near public transportation makes it easy to reach the start location.

Value for Money and Booking Tips

Priced at $27.54, this tour offers a great value for a lively, 2-hour experience packed with stories, sights, and pub stops. Bookings are typically made 19 days in advance, indicating good demand.

Guests note that the tour includes entertainment and educational content, making it worthwhile for those interested in Birmingham’s criminal history or Peaky Blinders fans. Keep in mind that parking fees of £5 to £30 are not included, and snacks or alcoholic beverages are extra.

Tour Logistics and Practical Information

The meeting point is located at Costa Coffee, 12-13 Aston Street. The tour features mobile tickets and can be canceled free up to 24 hours before the start time. Weather conditions can impact the experience, but full refunds are available if the tour is canceled due to poor weather.

The duration of around 2 hours offers a compact yet comprehensive glimpse into Birmingham’s gang history. Comfortable shoes are advisable, given the amount of walking involved.

Final Thoughts on the Birmingham Slogging Gangs Tour

This tour stands out for its entertaining guide, engaging storyline, and well-chosen stops. It’s perfect for those with an interest in bustling city history, gangster lore, or the Peaky Blinders fictional universe. The pub stops and lively storytelling make it both informative and fun.

While the pace may be quick for some, the depth of local knowledge and authentic atmosphere make this an appealing choice for a short, lively adventure in Birmingham. It offers good value for money and an opportunity to see less touristy parts of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Guests should have moderate physical fitness and be prepared for some walking. It is primarily designed for adults interested in Birmingham’s gang history.

Are drinks included in the pub stops?
No, drinks are not included in the price, but guests can purchase beverages at the pubs.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour begins.

What should I wear on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the walking involved. The guide dresses in gang attire, adding to the experience.

Does the tour cover Peaky Blinders specifically?
While the tour includes stories related to Peaky Blinders, it mainly focuses on a broader range of Birmingham gangs from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Is there any entry fee for the stops?
The West Midlands Police Museum area does not involve entry, but some stops like the Gunmakers Quarter may include admission tickets.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

How long in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked about 19 days in advance, so early reservations are recommended for availability.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s best suited for adults or older teens with an interest in history or crime, given the theme and pace.

Can I bring service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Costa Coffee, 12-13 Aston Street in Birmingham.

This Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour offers a lively, insightful, and atmospheric look into the city’s gang history, with the added charm of pub visits and an engaging guide. It’s an affordable way to explore Birmingham’s criminal past and see some of its most iconic sites in just 2 hours.