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Feb 3, 2022 • 5 min read
As Peaky Blinders approaches its sixth season, Birmingham continues to attract tourists eager to explore the real-life criminal gang that inspired the acclaimed series. Writer Amy Poulton visited Birmingham to discover the offerings for fans of Cillian Murphy and the ensemble cast.
“My grandad reminisces about Christmas parties that lasted deep into the night, followed by dark and chilly walks home with his parents, ‘Well, my dad did most of the walking, carrying me on his shoulders.’ Those black December nights reminded my great-grandfather of the shadows on Summer Lane. ‘That’s where the policemen only walked in pairs. That’s where you’d find the razor-capped Peaky Blinders!’”
These tales likely influenced Steven Knight, the creator of the Peaky Blinders show, during his upbringing in southeast Birmingham. This inspiration transformed into the foundation of his highly successful BBC series, which is available on Netflix globally. Fans across various continents are captivated by the feared and revered Shelby family, drawn in by the show’s intriguing combination of violence, cunning, and an underdog’s journey from backstreet gangsters to “legitimate” businessmen and women.
The series has also gifted a spotlight onto Birmingham, a city that has historically been less frequented compared to tourism heavyweights like London, Edinburgh, and York. Consequently, the slow-motion scenes of Cillian Murphy’s character and others strolling along smoking streets and dark canals have enticed visitors to delve into the reality behind the Peaky Blinders series.
Peaky Blinders Walking Tours
“The Peaky Tours have always been popular,” states social historian and tour leader Carl Chinn. “However, in recent years, tourists have traveled from further afield. We now welcome visitors from all over the UK and Ireland—often specifically for the tour—as well as from France, Germany, Spain, Canada, the US, Uruguay, Mexico… this trend is fantastic for Birmingham.”
The tour commences in the back room of The Old Crown, near Small Heath, where Carl shares vintage photos and recounts the tales of the actual Peaky Blinders, crafting an atmosphere similar to a friendly night out at the pub. The excursion unfolds around Digbeth, providing shelter from rain beneath the viaducts, where Carl’s Birmingham accent resonates throughout the tunnel. This location was the site of a genuine Peaky Blinder attack—a consequence of a victim sipping ginger beer rather than alcohol at the local pub.
As Carl explores the truths and myths surrounding the infamous gangsters, he clarifies that the term “Peaky Blinder” was a generic label used to signify the rowdies who wreaked havoc in Birmingham’s slums during the late 19th and early 20th centuries—predominantly before World War I, contrary to the show’s depiction.
Historical figures such as Darby Sabini, the Changretta family, Billy Kimber, and Alfie Solomon (notably not Solomons) were real adversaries that engaged with a Northern Irish police officer aiming to eliminate the Peaky Blinders just after the 1900s. Furthermore, a violent gang war erupted over racecourses in the 1920s, involving a family named Sheldon, which significantly influenced the fictional Shelby family.
The Black Country Living Museum
The Black Country, known for its black smoke from coal combustion, does not overlap entirely with Birmingham; however, visitors often take note of the historic streets and buildings featured in filming locations at the Black Country Living Museum. Steven Knight has referred to the museum as the “home” of the Peaky Blinders series. The Boat Dock and Anchor Forge serve as recognizable spots from the show, where canal barges transport illegal goods. Regular scenes feature the Rolling Mill, the Chainmaker’s, and the Blacksmith’s, with Canal Street Bridge serving as a clandestine meeting point for Ada and Freddie.
Distinct from conventional museum displays, the BCLM comprises original buildings and engaging artifacts, along with actors costumed for different historical periods sharing their recollections of societal changes over the years. Enjoy authentic fish and chips cooked in traditional beef dripping or order a vintage draft ale or heritage whiskey at the Bottle & Glass. For those who time their visit right, the museum occasionally hosts Peaky Blinders Nights.
The Peaky Blinder Pub
The real Garrison pub in Small Heath, dating back to the Victorian era and once visited by the original Peaky Blinders, unfortunately, has remained derelict in recent years. In its place, discover The Peaky Blinder Pub in the city center, ideally visited during their monthly themed nights where patrons don costumes for a lively Peaky Blinders gathering.
If historical authenticity in an English pub is a priority, The Old Crown may be more appealing. However, The Peaky Blinder Pub offers a vibrant weekend atmosphere complete with friendly staff in flat caps, memorabilia, and even a chance to participate in karaoke!
Other Peaky Blinders Attractions
Birmingham may have been slow to embrace the Peaky Blinders phenomenon; however, the city is now catching up with this cultural trend, which has led to a 26% increase in visitor numbers since 2013 when the series debuted.
The inaugural Peaky Blinders Festival was held in Birmingham in September 2019, a celebration of the show’s impactful legacy. Visitors can capture photos dressed as Peaky Blinders at the BBC Birmingham & Black Country premises located in the Mailbox. Stevens Knight also announced plans in March for a new 40-acre film and TV studio in the Midlands, paving the way for the Peaky Blinders franchise to flourish in its original setting. Currently, there is no planned return of the festival.
The Peaky Blinders series has not only ignited the interest of viewers, but it also embodies the spirit of Birmingham; reflecting its gritty pride, unwavering values of resilience and hard work, and—as I recall my grandad perched on his father’s shoulders, listening to tales of the Peaky Blinders late into the night—the lasting bonds of family.
This article was first published on December 17, 2019, and updated on February 3, 2022.
