Can you believe it? Peaky Blinders aired on TV for the first time this week 10 years ago (September 12, 2013). Since then the gang’s misdeeds have grown ever more popular. Becoming a symbol of Brummie pride. Our love for this show has not dwindled either – with a new film on the way, as well as a potential theme park – with plenty of Peaky Blinders activities in Birmingham.
There are plenty of Shelby-inspired ventures to get up to in Birmingham. The gang is synonymous with the city, so as you might expect there are plenty of Peaky Blinders activities to visit. It’s like the famous gang never even left. Think like a Shelby, drink like a Shelby and tread where the Shelby’s trod. Just be careful at those racecourses, mind!
1. Try a Peaky Blinders-themed escape room
Think you have what it takes to succeed Shelby and co? Got it in you to fulfil their tasks and infiltrate other gangs with air remaining in your lungs? Well, come on then. Bring it on. You, plus a group of loyal mates, have 60 minutes to work out puzzles, codes and more in this Peaky Blinders escape room. With modes like Double Cross, where you must spy on Alfie’s gang, or The Raid, where you’re tasked with preventing the bookies from being raided, you’ll have the responsibility of keeping things ticking for the gang in this escape room.
2. Embark on a guided Peaky Blinders tour
If you want to really get the feel for the 1900s, then this Birmingham walking tour is for you. Led by Edward Shelby, a distant cousin of the real-life gang leader Tommy Shelby, the tour teaches the true story of the infamous gang. For those looking to get a bit boozy, there is also a Tipsy Blinder pub tour visiting eight unique drinking establishments, from ale pubs to gin palaces and cocktail bars, while you learn about the Peaky Blinders and the impact of alcohol on the city.
3. Visit the Black Country Living Museum
One of the barmiest museums around Birmingham. The museum was a key location for Peaky Blinders and some of the series’ most dramatic moments and iconic scenes were filmed here. During filming the Canal Arm was transformed into Charlie Strong’s Yard – the centre of many deals and disagreements. So stand on the ground where the ingenious Tommy Shelby masterfully crafted the faux-death of Danny Whizz-Bang.
You might specifically want to check out the museum’s Peaky Blinders Nights. You will be able to explore the streets and alleys at the Black Country Living Museum and hear tales about Birmingham’s most notorious gangs. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the roaring nightlife of the interwar years with music and entertainment around every corner. Boats, the canal, the strong yard – it’s all on show at the Black Country Living Museum.
4. Have a pint at The Old Crown
The frequent watering hole of the infamous gang, The Garrison, has unfortunately closed down. But if you still want authenticity try the next best thing, The Old Crown. Birmingham’s oldest pub was built in 1368. It has stood the test of time and still looks and feels like somewhere likely frequented by the Peaky Blinders.
Last year, an secret underground tunnel was discovered outside the pub, which leads to the basement. Some speculated it was linked to the infamous Peaky Blinders and was used to smuggle everything from jewels to beer to bodies out of the pub. But the most likely story, it was just used for coal…
5. Admire Peaky Blinders-inspired graffiti around the city
Birmingham, and Digbeth in particular, is home to some of the most stunning street art. And, of course, this covers the monolithic show. You can follow this self-guided walk to see the collection of graffiti, or set off on your own to view some striking Shelby spray-ons (and so much more)!