Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour: A Cultural Exploration with Edward Shelby

Join Edward Shelby, a former member of the Birmingham slogging gangs, on a cultural exploration of the city. Learn about the historical and cultural aspects of the gangs and how they differed from their portrayal in popular culture.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • West Midlands Police Museum - Here you learn about where the Birmingham Gangs were held before trial. Please note that we will not enter the museum.
  • The Gunmakers Quarter - Stop for a drink and learn about weapons in Birmingham and their impact on the slave trade.
  • Chinese Quarter - Here you will learn about international gangs
  • High Street - Learn about Birmingham’s impact on the tea trade.
What's Included
  • Fun and educational experience
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Parking Fees (£5 to £30)
Additional Information

Are you ready to become part of a Birmingham Slogging gang? If so, new recruits are welcome to join under the guidance of Edward Shelby, a seasoned member of the slogging gangs. He will guide you through the city and teach you about the gangs, highlighting how their reality contrasts with their depiction in popular culture. This tour, offered by the…

Location
Costa Coffee
Aston Street
Just look for the slogging gang member in the flat cap and cravat.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(275 Ratings)
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1 star
David
May 31, 2025
Wow! Local knowledge is amazing - I am impressed with Edward’s entrepreneurial spirit to create this amazing living history experience. Learn so much. He is so engaging. I feel like I got a new friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightseer587491
May 21, 2025
Amazing experience! Highly recommend <3 - I loved this tour! Edward Shelby was very informative, fun, and friendly. I enjoyed the mix of historical stories mixed with role play :) The route was nice, wasn't too difficult but there were a few uphills, so be prepared. The tour started promptly on time, which was nice, and we got to stop off at the most charming pub (with a pub cat!) I look forward to seeing other tours offered by Top Tours Global :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
553traveller
May 16, 2025
Great all round service while we were in the midlands - Great tour with a fun pub stop. We have done a few tours with top tours global and always had a great time. The Robert Dudley tour in Warwick was suggested while we were on the slogging gangs tour and that didn't disappoint either. Warwick was only a short train ride from Birmingham and Edward even offered to help us with the train and gave us some great restaurant recommendations
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richard_c
Apr 29, 2025
Great way to spend a few hours ! - Loved our tour around Birmingham on The Slogging Gangs and learnt a lot . “Edward Shelby” was funny, knowledgable and researched this area thoroughly so we were able to get a really authentic feel of what it must have Been like around that time . Lots of interesting stops , lots of info and we loved the way Shelby covered his face with his cap, or ducked behind cars when he saw the police ! Recommended this tour highly if you are in Birmingham and have a spare few hours
Review provided by Viator
Joemy7707pd
Apr 27, 2025
Slogging Gangs - I've watched the TV show peaky blinders and found out after it was based loosely on facts so couldn't resist taking the tour and I wasn't disappointed. Mr Edward Shelby was a great character very welcoming made sure to speak to us all readily answered any questions and a funny guy telling his story. Great to hear the facts about all the gangs and although I did buy a book about the history I'd strongly advise taking the tour as seeing with your own eyes is always more interesting, and who wouldn't want to stop for a drink in the pub in the Gunmakers Arms to hear a bit more history. Good walk and you get to see some great architecture. I would do this again if I get the chance
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Abhilash_s
Jun 4, 2025
Birmingham’s best walking tour. - A unique Birmingham experience. Edward was easy to listen to and had so many unique stories. Definitely off the beaten track and some vintage pubs along the way.
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_v
May 24, 2025
Ibterewtung stories about... - Ibterewtung stories about local gangsters and how they shaped the community at the tume. The guide adjusted to fit our needs.
Review provided by Viator
Roy_e
Apr 28, 2025
We really enjoyed our... - We really enjoyed our experience I would however like to give some constructive feedback. The guide was extremely informative although at times spoke way to fast and it was a struggle to pick out everything that was being said. We struggled to understand sometimes and we had a foreign couple in the group who really struggled.
Review provided by Viator
Elenaijs
Apr 22, 2025
A fun tour but not exactly about the Picky Blinders series - We expected the tour to be more focused on the series Peaky Blinders. But the guide mentioned that most of the series was filmed in Manchester and Liverpool. The tour more about the criminal gangs existing in Birmingham whose stories inspired the creation of the series. The guide was fun. The tour itself was very informal and interactive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ian_j
Apr 20, 2025
Good tour and lots learned about the gangs of Birmingham - It was a good tour to learn more about the gangs of Birmingham. I’m from the city and still learned quite a far bit. Good value, lots of ground covered around the city centre and enjoyed the stop at the pub.
Review provided by Viator
From $27
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).