Peaky Blinders Filming Locations Birmingham Tour: The Complete Guide

Planning Your Own Peaky Blinders Filming Locations Birmingham Tour

If you’re a fan of the show and thinking about a trip, this guide is for you. It’s a practical resource for putting together your own Peaky Blinders filming locations Birmingham tour. Whether you’re an independent traveler who likes moving at your own pace or a fan wanting a deeper look, this guide aims to save you time and help avoid the kind of letdown that comes from showing up at a closed set or private property. This isn’t a show recap. It’s a logistics-based resource to help you see the places where the Shelby family operated.

Why Do a Peaky Blinders Filming Locations Tour in Birmingham?

The appeal of a self-guided tour is real. You get to see the actual city that inspired the show’s gritty look, not just a film set. Birmingham’s industrial past is built into the canals, the brickwork, and the old pubs. A packaged tour can be convenient, but going your own way gives you control over your time and budget. You can linger at a location, grab a pint at The Garrison, and decide when to move on.

Set realistic expectations, though. A lot of the interiors were filmed in a studio. Some exterior locations in Birmingham have changed a lot or aren’t open to the public. The value is in seeing the bones of the city that shaped the story. You’re walking the same streets, looking at the same canals, and standing in the same pubs the show used for atmosphere. It’s not a movie set, but it’s authentic in a way a studio backlot can’t match.

The Main Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit

The Garrison Pub (The Old Crown)

This is one of the most iconic spots. The real pub used for exterior shots of The Garrison is The Old Crown in Deritend, Birmingham. It’s one of the oldest pubs in the city and serves as the Shelby family’s local. You can go inside, order a drink, and sit in the same space. It’s a working pub, so expect it to be busy, especially on weekends and evenings. No entry fee, but you should buy a drink if you’re staying. The area has limited parking, so arriving on foot or by taxi is best.

The Birmingham Canals

Tommy Shelby often walks along the canals, and these are some of the most accessible locations. The Birmingham Canal Navigations network runs through the city centre. The specific stretches used in the show are near the Mailbox and Gas Street Basin. You can walk the towpaths for free. Best time is early morning when the area is quiet and the light is good for photos. There are no facilities directly on the towpath, so plan accordingly.

Black Country Living Museum

This is the most important location for fans. The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley is an open-air museum that recreates a 19th-century industrial town. It was used extensively for street scenes, including the Shelby family’s home, the betting shop, and many exterior shots in later seasons. It’s a proper museum with an entry fee. You need to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. The museum has seasonal hours and is closed on some weekdays in winter. Plan a half-day for this visit because there’s plenty to see beyond the Peaky Blinders connection. The museum is about 20 minutes by car from central Birmingham, or you can take a bus and a short walk.

St. Paul’s Square

This square in the Jewellery Quarter was used for several scenes. The Georgian architecture stands out and appears in the show. It’s a public square, so you can walk around freely. The area has several restaurants and bars if you want to stop for a meal. Worth visiting early in the morning for quieter surroundings.

Planning Your Own Self-Guided Tour vs. Booking a Guided Tour

This is the main decision you’ll face. Both approaches have clear tradeoffs.

Self-Guided Tour

• Pros: Cheaper, flexible schedule, more time to explore each location, no group to follow, you can skip places that don’t interest you.
• Cons: You have to do the research, handle navigation, manage timing between sites, and you might miss some behind-the-scenes stories a guide would provide.
• Best for: Experienced travelers who like independence, photographers who want to control their time, and budget-conscious visitors.

Guided Walking Tour

• Pros: A knowledgeable guide provides context, stories, and background. They handle navigation and timing. You see locations you might miss on your own. Group tours often include access to certain areas.
• Cons: Fixed schedule, group pace, more expensive. Less freedom to linger at a spot you like.
• Best for: Fans who want the inside scoop without doing the research, solo travelers who want a social experience, or those who want a structured day.
• Typical cost: GBP 20–30 per person for a 2-hour tour.
• Duration: Most tours run about 2–3 hours.

If you’re short on time or want the full experience with minimal planning, a guided tour is worth the money. If you prefer to go at your own pace and want to save, a self-guided route with a map on your phone works fine.

Essential Gear for Your Peaky Blinders Tour

The right gear makes a real difference. Birmingham is hilly in parts, and some locations have cobblestones or uneven surfaces. English weather is unpredictable, so preparation is key.

• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be on your feet for several hours. Cobblestones at the Black Country Living Museum and the canals demand sturdy footwear. Avoid new shoes for this trip. Travelers dealing with uneven surfaces may want to consider a pair of walking shoes designed for cobblestone paths.
• Portable phone charger: You’ll rely on your phone for maps, navigation, and photos. A power bank keeps you from being stranded with a dead battery. Look for one with at least 10,000 mAh.
• Waterproof jacket: Even if the forecast looks clear, pack a lightweight waterproof jacket. English weather can shift quickly, and you don’t want a sudden shower to cut your tour short.
• Camera or smartphone with good low-light performance: Indoor spots like pubs and the museum can be dim. A phone with a good night mode or a compact camera with a wide aperture helps get decent shots without flash. For those looking to improve photos in darker spots, a compact camera with strong low-light performance is a sensible option.

Where to Stay for Your Birmingham Tour

Your accommodation choice affects your walking time and overall comfort. Staying near the city centre or the Jewellery Quarter puts you within walking distance of The Garrison, the canals, and St. Paul’s Square. For the Black Country Living Museum, you’ll need transport regardless of where you stay.

• Budget Option: Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre. A reliable chain with clean rooms and reasonable rates. About a 15-minute walk from The Garrison. It’s basic and can be crowded. Expect to pay around GBP 60–80 per night.
• Mid-Range Option: Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre. Slightly better quality, better breakfast, and a convenient location near the canals. Rates are typically GBP 80–120 per night. Good value for the spot.
• Luxury Option: The Grand Hotel Birmingham. A historic property with character, located in the city centre. Close to several locations and offers a higher level of service. Expect rates above GBP 150 per night. Worth it if you want to treat yourself and be central.

Best Time of Day and Year to Visit Each Location

Timing matters more than most people think.

• Morning (8:00–10:00 AM): Best for the canals and St. Paul’s Square. Fewer people, better light, and you can get photos without crowds in the frame.
• Midday (11:00 AM–2:00 PM): The Garrison and other pubs are open and less busy than evening. Good window for indoor locations.
• Afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM): Best for the Black Country Living Museum. You avoid the morning school groups and still have decent light.
• Evening (5:00 PM onwards): The Garrison gets busier. Avoid if you want a quiet visit.

Seasonally, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer milder weather and fewer tourists. Summer has longer daylight hours but more crowds, especially at the Black Country Living Museum. Winter has shorter days, so plan indoor locations like the museum for early in the day. Always check the museum’s opening hours online before going—they change seasonally and on public holidays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your Peaky Blinders Tour

I see these errors repeatedly, and they can mess up a good trip.

• Assuming all filming was done in Birmingham: Parts of the show were shot in Liverpool, Manchester, and at studios. Don’t expect to find every location in Birmingham. Focus on the confirmed spots.
• Expecting to see the show’s set interiors: Most indoor scenes were filmed on studio sets. The Garrison pub exterior is real, but the interior you see on TV isn’t the same as the pub interior. Don’t expect to find Tommy’s office behind a door.
• Underestimating travel time between locations: The Black Country Living Museum is a 20-minute drive or 40-minute bus ride from the city centre. Factor this into your day. Don’t try to squeeze it into a half-day trip without accounting for transport.
• Not checking for closures: The Black Country Living Museum closes on certain weekdays in winter. The Garrison can be closed for private events. Check websites and social media before you go.
• Relying solely on phone maps without offline backup: Signal can be patchy in some areas. Download an offline map of Birmingham on Google Maps or use a dedicated navigation app before you start. A portable power bank can help keep your phone charged for navigation throughout the day.

How to Get Around Birmingham for the Tour

Transport is straightforward if you plan it right.

• Walking: Best for the city centre cluster. The Garrison, the canals, and St. Paul’s Square are all within a 20-minute walk of each other. You’ll cover the most ground this way.
• Bus: Cheap and frequent, but the system can be confusing for visitors because different operators run different routes. Use Google Maps or the National Express West Midlands app. A day pass costs around GBP 4–5 and is good value if you take more than two buses.
• Taxi or Ride-Share: Best for reaching the Black Country Living Museum. About a 20-minute drive from the city centre. A ride costs around GBP 15–20 each way. Use Uber or a local cab company.
• West Midlands Metro Tram: Useful for reaching parts of the Jewellery Quarter. The tram runs from the city centre to Wolverhampton. A single ride is about GBP 2–3. Check the timetable for weekend changes.

If you plan to use buses and trams multiple times, buy a day pass from a machine or the app. It’s cheaper than paying per ride.

Other Peaky Blinders Attractions in the Area

You can extend your experience beyond the filming locations.

• Peaky Blinders Merchandise Shop: There’s an official shop in Birmingham city centre that sells clothing, hats, and souvenirs. Worth a quick stop if you want to pick up something authentic.
• Peaky Blinders-Themed Pub Tours: Some local operators run pub tours that combine the show’s history with visits to themed pubs. These are less about filming locations and more about atmosphere. They’re fun but don’t expect to see sets.
• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: This has exhibits related to the city’s industrial history, which gives context for the show’s setting. Free to enter, though some special exhibits may have a fee. A good indoor option if the weather is bad.

Final Tips for a Successful Tour

These small details add up.

• Bring cash. Some places, like smaller pubs and the souvenir shop, may not take cards.
• Download offline maps of Birmingham and the museum area before you start.
• Wear layers. The weather changes quickly, and indoor spots like the museum are heated differently than outdoor streets.
• Check opening times online the morning of your visit. Closures happen for events, and some places alter hours on public holidays.
• Start early. You want to maximize daylight and avoid the midday rush at popular spots.

Plan ahead, and the tour will be far better than showing up unprepared.

Book Your Peaky Blinders Tour Today

Now that you have the plan, it’s time to lock in your trip. Guided tours fill up quickly, especially in summer and around major events. Hotels in the Jewellery Quarter also book fast. Don’t wait until the last minute if you want a convenient base.

Check availability for a Peaky Blinders walking tour here to secure your spot. For accommodation, find the best hotel deals for your trip here and book early to get a good rate.