Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour with Pub Stops

Discover Birmingham’s Gangland Past with the Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour

If you’re interested in exploring a different side of Birmingham—one filled with stories of gangs, canals, and local pubs—then the Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour might just be your ideal evening activity. Led by Edward Shelby, a knowledgeable guide and a distant relative of the infamous gangs, this tour promises an intriguing mix of history, culture, and lively pub experiences. It’s a chance to walk through Birmingham’s darker past while enjoying a few drinks at some of the city’s historic taverns.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances storytelling with authentic local flavor. Edward Shelby’s engaging narrative style and his personal connection to the city add depth and authenticity. Plus, the inclusion of pub stops makes it a fun, social way to learn about the late 19th-century gang scene. However, it’s worth considering that this tour involves walking for about two hours, so a reasonable level of fitness is necessary. It’s best suited for travelers who love history, enjoy pub culture, and aren’t opposed to a bit of walking after a few drinks.

Key Points
– Authentic Local Experience: Visit hidden parts of Birmingham connected to gang history, not just the usual tourist spots.
– Engaging Guide: Edward Shelby’s personal connection and storytelling make the history come alive.
– Lively Pub Stops: Four different pubs offer a taste of Birmingham’s drinking culture, from real ales to gin palaces.
– Historical Insight: Learn about gangs like the Peaky Blinders and Gunquarter Gang, and how alcohol and canals influenced their activities.
– Balancing History and Fun: The tour includes activities like drinking games and a pub quiz to keep the atmosphere lively.
– Moderate Fitness Needed: It’s a walking tour, so expect some moderate activity, but it’s manageable for most.

An In-Depth Look at the Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour

Setting the Scene: Why a Gang Tour?

Birmingham’s history isn’t just about factories and architecture—it also has a gritty, fascinating gang scene from the late 19th century. This tour invites you into that world, revealing what it was really like for the gangs that roamed the streets after dark. Led by Edward Shelby, a guide who adds a personal touch, the experience gives a fresh perspective on the city’s lesser-known history.

Starting Point: Apple Birmingham

Your adventure begins outside the Apple shop, where your guide, dressed as a Peaky Blinder, will greet you. This costume immediately sets the tone—think tweed, flat caps, and a sense of stepping back in time. The start location is convenient, central, and perfect for setting the mood.

The Walk Through Birmingham’s Darker Streets

Over the next two hours, we explored parts of Birmingham not often covered on regular city tours. Edward Shelby, who is a distant cousin of Birmingham’s notorious gangs, shares stories that weave historical facts with vivid anecdotes. Several reviewers, like Bernhard, appreciated how some locations visited had direct links to the Peaky Blinders or felt authentic to the series, making the experience both entertaining and educational.

Shelby’s storytelling is lively, and his insights into how gangs like the Gunquarter Gang operated, especially during the night, make history feel alive. He explained how canals played a role in gang activity—used for transportation and hiding out, adding a layer of intrigue to the city’s layout. Each stop reveals a different facet, from the streets where gangs ruled to local pubs that served as their meeting spots.

Pub Stops: Drinking, Socializing, and Learning

One of the highlights—pun intended—is the inclusion of four pub stops. These aren’t just places for a quick drink; they’re part of the story. Real ale pubs, gin palaces, and modern cocktail bars set the scene for discussions about the influence of alcohol on gang culture. You can expect to participate in fun activities like drinking games and a pub quiz, which keeps the atmosphere friendly and engaging.

The reviews highlight that these pubs add a genuine local flavor to the experience. John mentioned that the guide kept the tour lively and that he appreciated the diversity of the pubs visited. While drinks are at your own expense, the experience of soaking in Birmingham’s drinking culture in historic venues makes it worthwhile.

The Final Stop: The Botanist Gas Street Basin

The tour wraps up at The Botanist, a popular bar at Gas Street Basin. Here, you can unwind and reflect on the stories shared, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this modern pub while contemplating Birmingham’s complex history. The meeting point and end location are convenient, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your accommodation.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable and Personal Guide

From the reviews, it’s clear that Edward Shelby’s guidance elevates this experience. His personal connection to Birmingham’s gangs adds a layer of authenticity that many other tours lack. His storytelling is engaging, balanced with factual history, making the dark tales both captivating and educational.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

The tour’s focus on real locations connected to gang activity, combined with visits to actual pubs, offers a taste of Birmingham’s local culture. You’ll see the city through a different lens, understanding how gang life intertwined with everyday urban life.

Fun and Interactive

The inclusion of pub-based activities like quizzes and drinking games creates a relaxed, social atmosphere. It’s not just a lecture; it’s an experience that mixes history, humor, and a bit of camaraderie.

Practical Aspects

The tour lasts about two hours, which is a manageable length for most travelers. It involves some walking—covering parts of Birmingham’s streets and canals—which adds to the immersive feel. Remember, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and participants should be comfortable walking for that duration.

Value for Money

While drinks are not included, the price covers an expert guide, the walking experience, and the chance to explore parts of Birmingham that most visitors miss. Considering the personalized storytelling and the historic pubs, many would find it a worthwhile investment.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start at Apple Birmingham

The experience kicks off outside the Apple store with the guide dressed as a Peaky Blinder. This visual cue instantly transports you back to Birmingham’s infamous gang era. The gathering point is central, making it easy for travelers to reach.

Burlington Arcade and Surroundings

Your first stop is near Burlington Arcade, where Shelby begins sharing stories about the gangs’ influence on the city’s streets. These stories include how gangs used the canals for smuggling and hiding illicit activities, providing a vivid picture of late 19th-century urban crime.

Exploring Hidden Parts of the City

As you follow Shelby, expect to step into alleyways and backstreets not typical of daytime tours. These locations hold secrets of Birmingham’s gang history, some of which have direct links to the Peaky Blinders series, making this tour particularly appealing to fans of the show.

Pub Stops: Authentic Atmospheres

The four pubs visited are carefully selected to represent Birmingham’s drinking history—ranging from historic alehouses to modern cocktail bars. These stops aren’t just for a quick drink; they serve as story-telling venues where Shelby discusses the role of alcohol in gang conflicts and daily life.

Concluding at The Botanist

The final stop at The Botanist Gas Street Basin offers a lively backdrop for reflecting on what you’ve learned. It’s a popular spot, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere for unwinding and perhaps planning more of Birmingham’s sights.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

History and Authenticity: If you’re keen to see Birmingham through a different lens, this tour’s focus on gang culture and hidden locations offers a unique perspective. It’s like stepping into a crime novel with real streets and pubs.

Entertainment Value: The lively storytelling, pub quizzes, and drinking activities make it more than just a history lesson. It’s an experience designed for social travelers who enjoy stories, drinks, and a touch of adventure.

Knowledgeable Guides: As Bernhard pointed out, Shelby’s personal connection makes the experience more authentic. His stories are engaging, and he’s clearly passionate about Birmingham’s history.

Cultural Insights: You’ll learn about how alcohol, gangs, and urban geography like canals shaped Birmingham’s past, giving you a richer understanding of the city today.

Practical Considerations: The tour’s duration and moderate walking make it accessible for most travelers looking for a fun, informative evening.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, fans of the Peaky Blinders series, and those interested in Birmingham’s darker, more complex past. It’s perfect for social travelers who enjoy lively pub atmospheres and storytelling. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend a couple of hours exploring Birmingham beyond the usual sights, this tour offers both entertainment and education.

However, if you have mobility issues or prefer not to walk for two hours, it might be less suitable. Also, it’s geared toward adults, as the pub stops and themes involve alcohol and mature content.

This tour provides a well-balanced mix of historical insight, local flavor, and fun. Whether you’re a fan of crime stories, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a different way to see Birmingham, it’s a compelling choice.

FAQ

Is there a specific dress code for the tour?
No formal dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking and dress in layers as it might be cooler in the evenings.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, drinks are at your own expense at each pub stop.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours long, involving moderate walking through parts of Birmingham.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 due to alcohol-related activities and mature themes.

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

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users because of the walking terrain.

What should I bring?
A passport or ID card is recommended for identification, especially if you plan to purchase alcohol at the pub stops.

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
No, it is offered in English only.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, it’s intended for adults 18 and over.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at The Botanist Gas Street Basin, which is centrally located and easy to access afterward.

This Birmingham Slogging Gang Evening Walking Tour offers a lively, authentic glimpse into the city’s gang era—perfect for those who love history, storytelling, and a good pub crawl. With an expert guide, engaging activities, and visits to historic pubs, it’s a memorable way to spend an evening exploring Birmingham’s colorful past.