Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby

If you’re curious about Birmingham’s gritty past and the legendary gangs that once roamed its streets, the Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour is worth considering. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, this tour promises a lively, informative walk through the city’s darker history, spiced up with entertaining storytelling by a character guide.

What really draws us in are the well-loved guides who bring stories to life and the unique stops at local pubs, which promise a taste of the city’s vibrant atmosphere. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the tour involves a good amount of walking and quick stops, which might not suit everyone’s pace. But if you enjoy history, a bit of adventure, and don’t mind walking, this should keep you engaged.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a fun, educational experience with a focus on Birmingham’s criminal past, especially fans of shows like Peaky Blinders or anyone interested in the city’s underground stories. It’s also a good pick if you’re after a reasonably priced activity that mixes history with a bit of pub culture.

Key Points

• Historical focus on Birmingham gangs from the 19th and 20th centuries with engaging storytelling.
• Two-hour walking experience with stops at pubs and notable sights.
• Led by a character guide who dresses the part and makes the stories more vivid.
• Well-reviewed guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and capable of adjusting the tour as needed.
• Includes stops at local pubs and hotspots for a drink and local atmosphere.
• Moderate physical activity with a fair amount of walking, so comfort with that is helpful.

What You’ll Experience on the Tour

This walk isn’t just about listening to stories — it’s about seeing the city through the lens of its criminal past. The tour kicks off at the Costa Coffee on Aston Street, a handy central meeting point, and circles around some of Birmingham’s historically significant areas. You’ll pass by the West Midlands Police Museum (note: no entry included), learn about where gang members were held before trial, and hear tales that you wouldn’t discover by wandering alone.

Exploring Birmingham’s Gangs: Stops and Stories

The itinerary is designed to give you a sense of place and history. The first stop at the Police Museum offers a glimpse into the law enforcement side, setting the scene for the gritty stories to follow. While you won’t enter, the outside view and narration provide context about Birmingham’s law and order in the gang days.

Next, you move to the Gunmakers Quarter, where you get a drink and learn about the impact of weapons manufacturing—including its connection to Birmingham’s role in the slave trade. This stop seems to be a highlight according to reviews, as it’s combined with a pub visit, making history tangible and social. The included admission ticket here allows for a taste of local brews and an atmosphere that’s both historic and lively.

The tour then heads to Chinatown, where you’ll hear stories about international gangs, adding a different dimension to Birmingham’s criminal history. It’s an interesting contrast to the local gangs, providing a more global perspective.

Finally, the walk concludes at High Street, where you’ll learn about Birmingham’s role in the tea trade. This stop adds a commercial twist and helps round out the tour’s narrative of Birmingham’s economic history intertwined with its gang stories.

What to Expect During the Walk

The tour lasts around two hours, covering a good amount of ground with quick stops. Expect a fair bit of walking, as the guide takes you through the city’s core areas connected to gang activity. Several reviews mention the fast pace and sometimes the challenge of catching all the information, particularly when spoken quickly.

The tour is led by Edward Shelby, a guide who dresses the part and aims to bring the stories alive. Multiple reviews praise his enthusiasm, knowledge, and entertaining style, which keeps the atmosphere lively even when the stories get dark. He also adjusts parts of the tour to suit the group’s needs when possible.

The Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the group size is small enough to keep the experience intimate. You’ll be walking through Birmingham’s streets, stopping at pubs, and hearing tales that have a slightly theatrical edge. Several reviews highlight how engaging and friendly Edward is, often making the experience feel more like a chat with a knowledgeable friend.

The stops at local pubs, like the Gunmakers Arms, are a significant part of the appeal. Not only do they provide a break from walking, but they also immerse you in Birmingham’s authentic pub atmosphere, with some reviewers raving about the great ciders on tap and friendly service.

The Practical Side: Cost, Logistics, and Tips

At just $27.54 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the stops, the guided storytelling, and the pub experience. The price includes admission tickets for some stops but not for others (like the Police Museum). You should be prepared to pay for parking, which can range from £5 to £30 depending on where you park.

The tour is booked on mobile tickets, with availability on most days, and most travelers book about 2 weeks ahead. It starts promptly at the Costa Coffee on Aston Street, so plan to arrive a little early. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the walking adds up, and bring a sense of curiosity and an appetite for stories.

What We Like About This Tour

Many reviews emphasize the attractiveness of the guide — Edward Shelby is consistently praised for his entertaining, knowledgeable, and approachable style. His ability to weave storytelling with historical facts makes the tour engaging, even when the topics are dark. Several reviewers also appreciated the mix of history and local atmosphere, with stops at pubs adding a relaxed, social element.

The value for money is another strong point. Considering the inclusions, stops, and the interactive nature of the tour, most travelers felt they received more than what they paid for. The small group size makes it easier to ask questions and get a more personalized experience.

What Could Be Improved

Some reviews mention that the pace can be brisk and that the short stops sometimes make it hard to catch everything. For visitors who prefer a more leisurely exploration or detailed explanations, this might be a minor drawback. Also, because the tour is based on stories about gangs and criminal activity, it’s not suitable for those expecting a family-friendly or gentle sightseeing experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This walking tour is perfect for history buffs, fans of Peaky Blinders, or anyone interested in Birmingham’s underground stories. If you enjoy a mix of storytelling, pub stops, and city sights, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also suitable for travelers who want an active experience, as walking and quick stops are part of the package.

However, if you prefer a slower pace or more detailed museum visits, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s an experience that balances entertainment with education, so those looking for a casual stroll or less walking may find it a bit too energetic.

FAQs about the Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, the tour involves walking and engaging stories about gangs, which might be intense for very young children. Older kids with an interest in history or crime stories might enjoy it, but parental discretion is advised.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, giving a solid overview of Birmingham’s gang history without being overly long or tiring.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Costa Coffee, Aston Street, and wraps up back at the same point, making it convenient for planning your day.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided walk, entertaining commentary, some admission tickets (like at the Gunmakers Quarter), and stops at pubs. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included.

Are there any physical fitness considerations?
Yes, travelers should have moderate physical fitness since there’s a good amount of walking involved, often on uneven city streets.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refunded.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, but parking fees vary from £5 to £30, so plan accordingly.

Do I need prior knowledge of Peaky Blinders?
Not necessarily — the tour provides enough background for those unfamiliar with the show, though some reviews suggest having some prior knowledge can enhance the experience.

The Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby offers a lively, accessible way to explore the city’s underground history. With engaging storytelling, lively pub stops, and a personable guide, it’s an experience that appeals to those keen on local tales and atmospheric city walks. While it involves quite a bit of walking and some quick narration, its good value and the authentic feel make it a worthwhile pick.

If you’re interested in Birmingham’s criminal past, enjoy a bit of theatrical storytelling, and want to see parts of the city you might miss on your own, this tour ticks most boxes. It’s especially suitable for curious travelers who love a story and don’t mind a bit of a lively pace.

Happy exploring, and I hope this helps you decide if Birmingham’s gangster past is on your agenda.