Gangster London Walking Tour with Actor Vas Blackwood

Explore the East End’s Criminal Past with Vas Blackwood

The Gangster London Walking Tour led by actor Vas Blackwood costs $40.41 per person and lasts 2 hours. This tour takes you through the mean streets of East London, showcasing the locations that shaped London’s notorious underworld, from the days of the Krays to modern gangster legends.

What makes this experience stand out is the celebrity guide—Vas Blackwood, famous for his role as Rory Breaker in “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.” His presence adds a unique flavor, blending film history with real-life crime tales. The tour is packed with stories, film locations, and insider insights, making it ideal for fans of crime dramas, history buffs, or anyone interested in London’s darker side.

The 2-hour duration offers a well-paced journey, but the tour’s engaging storytelling and rich content have prompted many to suggest extending it to 3 hours for a more relaxed experience. The tour departs from inside The Blind Beggar pub, a legendary East End pub linked to gangsters, making the meeting point both convenient and authentic.

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Key Points

• Led by Vas Blackwood, known from “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”
• Visits iconic film locations linked to “Lock Stock” and “The Krays”
• Explores real crime stories and methods used by feared London gangsters
• Starts at The Blind Beggar pub, a historic gangster haunt
• Lasts 2 hours, with many reviews suggesting a longer experience
• Includes personal stories and photographs from the era

Vas Blackwood Brings East End Crime Stories Alive

Vas Blackwood’s enthusiastic and entertaining approach makes the tour feel like a lively conversation. His background as an actor playing gangsters gives him authentic insight, and he recounts tales of Londons most notorious criminals with humor and depth. His connection with local ex-gangsters and actors enriches the narration, offering a realistic glimpse of the criminal underworld.

Guests appreciate Vas’s knowledge and banter, which bring the stories to life. His witty style includes swearing—a feature that many find authentic and fitting, though it might be off-putting for some. Visitors often mention Vas’s warm personality and his ability to engage the entire group from start to finish.

Visiting The Legendary The Blind Beggar Pub

The tour begins inside The Blind Beggar pub, located at 337 Whitechapel Rd, just 2 minutes walk from Whitechapel Tube Station. This pub has historical ties to crime legends and is a fitting starting point for this gangster-themed walk. Before the tour departs, Vas typically signs photographs of himself, offering fans a chance to meet him personally.

The pub itself is part of the experience, giving an authentic East End atmosphere with its historical connections to gangsters like the Krays. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to grab a drink or explore further after the 2-hour walk.

Visiting Key Film Locations and Crime Sites

Throughout the tour, you’ll visit several notable East End locations, including places linked to the Kray twins and their criminal activities. These locations have been featured in films and are steeped in true crime history. Some stops include Repton Boys Club and other sites that played a role in turning gangsters into celebrity icons.

Vas also takes you to film locations from “Lock Stock”, allowing fans to see where some iconic scenes were shot. The tour is designed not only to show locations but also to retell stories of crimes and gang warfare that made these places infamous. This mix of history, film, and real-life tales creates a vivid picture of London’s underworld.

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Meet the Actor and Hear Firsthand Accounts

Vas Blackwood’s acting background and personal connections to figures like Freddie Foreman, Dave Courtney, Barbara Windsor, and Lenny McLean add depth to the stories. He shares firsthand accounts of crimes and criminal figures, giving the tour a personalized touch that many other walking experiences lack.

Guests often comment on how Vas makes the stories accessible and entertaining, with humor that keeps the atmosphere lively. His knowledge of London’s gangster past ensures a rundown, blending on-screen portrayals with real events.

The Pacing and Group Size

The 2-hour tour is considered well-paced, covering several key locations and stories without feeling rushed. However, some reviews suggest extending to 3 hours for a more leisurely exploration. This would allow more time at each stop and for additional stories.

The tour is typically conducted in small groups, ensuring plenty of interaction and opportunities for questions. The live guide leads the walk in English, making it accessible for most visitors.

Practical Tips for Participants

Guests should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through East London streets. Meeting point details are clear, inside The Blind Beggar pub, which is a prominent and well-known landmark. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travelers.

Vas often spends time signing photographs before the tour, with options costing £20 for standard pictures and £40 for wall-mount photos, appealing to fans looking for memorabilia.

Comparing the Tour with Similar Experiences

While this tour focuses heavily on London’s gangster history and film locations, other walking tours in London explore different themes like historic landmarks, secret spots, or musical history. However, the combination of celebrity guide, crime stories, and film locations makes this experience particularly engaging.

The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with a 4.8/5 rating based on 189 reviews, emphasizing Vas Blackwood’s entertaining storytelling, depth of knowledge, and authentic East End atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on the Gangster London Walking Tour

This 2-hour tour offers a dynamic blend of crime stories, film locations, and celebrity narration that appeals to fans of gangster movies and true crime. Vas Blackwood’s charismatic presence and authentic insights turn what could be a simple walk into an entertaining and educational experience.

Although many find the pace lively and information-rich, some suggest a longer tour for a more relaxed experience. The meeting point at The Blind Beggar is both iconic and convenient, making this tour a great way to explore East London’s criminal past.

Perfect for those interested in British gangster lore or wanting to see some famous film locations, this tour provides value for money and a memorable insider’s view of London’s darker history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Gangster London Walking Tour?
The tour lasts 2 hours, but many suggest extending it to 3 hours for a more relaxed pace.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins inside The Blind Beggar pub at 337 Whitechapel Rd and ends at the same location.

Is there a guide included, and who leads the tour?
Yes, a live English-speaking guide is included, and the tour is led by actor Vas Blackwood.

What should I wear on the tour?
Guests should wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking through East London streets.

Can I get souvenirs signed?
Yes, Vas Blackwood signs photographs before the tour; prices are £20 for pictures and £40 for wall-mount photos.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour contains swearing and mature content, so it is most suitable for adults who are comfortable with this style of storytelling.

What is the price of the tour?
The experience costs $40.41 per person, offering good value given the celebrity guide and content.

Are there cancellation options?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I book the tour?
Reservations are available through GetYourGuide, with options to reserve now and pay later.

What makes this tour different from others?
The celebrity guide, film location visits, and firsthand crime stories set this experience apart, offering a personalized and lively exploration of London’s criminal past.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby