Go on a killer tour of Britain’s crime film and TV locations

Step into the Shelbys’ world on an immersive tour of Liverpool – the place where most of the original hit TV show was filmed. You’ll get to explore the famous Epsom racecourse, Polly’s home, the spot where Tommy was attacked by Father Hughes’ henchmen – and much more. A real must for fans of the show. 

From series three to six of Peaky Blinders, Arley Hall was the home of Thomas Shelby. Both its interiors and exteriors were used for filming over six years. You’ll also recognise it from Netflix crime drama Fool Me Once, based on Harlan Coben’s novel. Explore Arley’s 15 acres of gardens, including a fun woodland play area for younger visitors – you can even stay after hours in one of the hall’s holiday cottages. 

Welcome to this 19th-century ‘model village’, created by the Lever Brothers for workers at its soap factory (now Unilever). It’s also where Aunt Polly – played by the late Helen McCrory – is gifted a house in series two, episode two of Peaky Blinders. If she’d visited today, we’re sure she’d love the Lady Lever Art Gallery, where you can admire a mighty collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. 

Famous for its red squirrels, this sandy stretch of coastline near Liverpool is home to many other rare species, so bring your binoculars. Look closely and you might even imagine a couple of gangsters: in the series four finale of Peaky Blinders, Alfie Solomons (Tom Hardy) and Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) have a tense face-off here. Don’t get caught in the crossfire! 

If the walls of this northern castle could talk, it would tell tales of witchcraft, crime and over 200 executions. From its ancient laws that marked Britain’s monarch as the Duke of Lancaster, to modern-day tours through its medieval Well Tower, there’s a whole host of history to discover. 

Step inside a 19th-century prison, to discover what life was like in the cell blocks (spoiler alert: not too cushy), and hear the stories behind its prisoners. Little of the building has changed since its heyday, and it is renowned for paranormal activity: ghost tours and overnight visits can be arranged, alongside less hair-raising visits to the museum, gift shop and cells. It’s open all week, and admission is free. 

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, this secret warren of houses and shops dates back over 400 years. Renowned for its ghosts and spine-tingling tales, this is a glimpse of Scottish history you’ll never forget – with guided tours hosted by historic characters. You'll get to dodge the cry of the gardyloo (the phrase used to warn passers-by of slops chucked from upper windows), meet the Plague Doctor, and the poet who inspired Robert Burns, and find the Foul Clenger who clears up the homes of plague victims. All set to a backdrop of murder... beware. Join the True Crime Tours in the summer on a social history tour of Edinburgh’s crime and punishment history. 

A nod to Edinburgh’s criminal past awaits on the Royal Mile, just outside the striking St Giles’ Cathedral. Look out for a cobblestone heart, a cute symbol that belies a grim history. This was the site of the Old Tolbooth prison, where torture and executions were commonplace, and the Heart of Midlothian marked its entrance. 

Test your problem-solving skills at these themed escape rooms, which are full of mind-bending puzzles, obstacles and riddles to crack. You’ll have to race against time to unlock the door, so grab your brainiest friends and take on the challenge!

One of the world’s best contemporary gardens, The Alnwick Garden combines provocative and traditional landscapes in the heart of Northumberland. Featuring the world's largest treehouse and Bamboo Labyrinth, The Garden also offers an expansive Rose Garden, climbing clematis and honeysuckle, as well as interactive water features and a stunning Ornamental Garden. Will you brave the fascinating Poison Garden on a guided tour, home to 100 toxic plants? You’ll learn more about the history of poison and hear about high-profile poison cases. 

Prepare to get spooky as you embark on a tour round Durham City's dark past. From family-friendly Horrid History to 18+ ghost investigations with state-of-the-art ghost hunting equipment, these tours are tailored to individual requirements. Find out about the last days of infamous mass-murderer Mary Ann Cotton, tour the remains of a lost castle in the middle of Durham or enjoy an entertaining overview of the city's past with one of Durham's best amateur historians. Book a private tour, or join a free one on the first Sunday of each month.

Every inch of this living museum is designed to transport you to a different era: from the Victorian-style shops and houses of Kirkgate, to the military memorabilia of the First World War, and the fashion, art and music of the “Swinging Sixties”. It covers 400 years of history, and offers exciting events too, such as history talks, craft workshops, theatre shows and more. Also part of the museum is York Castle Prison, which visitors can explore, and the castle is still a seat of justice today, as its 18th-century courthouse is now York Crown Court. 

With “Mad Alice” as your tour guide, this city adventure is truly unique. You’ll learn all about York’s fascinating and ghoulish history, visiting myriad landmarks along the way. Blending culture, heritage and a whole lot of horror, these entertaining tours explore the darker side of York – but are suitable for families too. Choose from small-group and private bespoke options, and look out for the Bloody Tour of the York Walls too.

This spooktacular attraction brings 2,000 years of York’s history to life – with ten live-action shows, professional storytellers and atmospheric sets. It’s just like travelling through time! You’ll meet lots of ghouls and ghosts along the way, from the Vikings to Guy Fawkes. It’s great fun for all the family, while the darker “Dungeon Lates” are designed especially for over-18s.

Known as the ‘Black Country’ for the soot produced by its many iron foundries, this open-air museum brings local history to life. It’s designed as a real-life community, with actors revealing what life was like in 19th-century Britain, complete with traditional food and street games. This is your chance to step into Tommy Shelby’s Birmingham – the Black Country Living Museum was a key filming location for Peaky Blinders!  

Digbeth has culinary delights to suit every taste. Check out 670 Grams, the restaurant helmed by Kray Treadwell, named Best Young Chef at the Michelin Guide awards 2021. Or head to Ball Park for street food, Instagrammable cocktails and a giant ball pit and slide. Filming for the upcoming Peaky Blinders film is taking place in this hip district, so look out for it on the big screen in 2025. 

Join your guide Lee on a tour of Birmingham’s iconic film and TV locations. There’ll be quizzes along the way and Easter eggs aplenty, making for a fun and memorable visit. 

Immerse yourself in the world of Peaky Blinders in these brain-bending escape rooms. In The Raid, you’re the gang’s newest recruits and must remove all evidence of criminality from Tommy Shelby’s bookies before Major Campbell raids it. Double Cross sees you summoned by London crime boss Alfie Solomons to his ‘Bakery’ in Camden. 

Love everything that glitters? This historic district is home to over 700 jewellery boutiques, dealers and studios, where you’ll find everything from contemporary style necklaces to dazzling traditional tiaras – alongside great restaurants, cafes and bars too. 

 

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, such as the Crown Jewels – a collection of 23,578 gemstones. Meet the tower’s famous ravens, tour with a regal Yeoman Warder, and experience the Ceremony of the Keys.

Step inside a former police station in Covent Garden to discover the history of law and order in London. This unusual museum tells the story of the Bow Street Runners (a Victorian policing body) and the Metropolitan Police. The station’s walls have centuries of stories to tell, with former cells turned into immersive galleries. 

Whether it’s the spellbinding Tudor gothic mansion, its palatial gardens or its enormous concerts, Knebworth certainly knows how to put on a show. You’ll spot it in Guy Ritchie’s hit Netflix series The Gentlemen (2019), a gritty gangster flick set against a stately backdrop.  

Uh oh – you’ve been summoned for jury service in this theatrical masterpiece from Britain’s grand dame of mysteries, Agatha Christie, in the unique setting of London’s County Hall. It’s up to you and the jury to decide if Leonard Vole can escape the hangman’s noose. See you in court... 

For over 200 years, the notorious Dartmoor Prison has held some of England’s most infamous inmates – as its fascinating museum explains. It is located just a stone’s throw from the working jail, and is full of artefacts and stories of life in the lock-up: from bloody riots and lethal weapons, to the escapees who absconded via daredevil ways. Sometimes funny, sometimes chilling, this is a compelling insight into Britain’s criminal history. 

Discover the holiday home of queen of mystery, Agatha Christie, which hugs the River Dart in rural Devon. Christie took inspiration for her stories from the area and its surroundings. You can take the Dartmouth Steam Railway here for the ultimate period adventure.  

Calling all sleuths! This annual literature and culture fiesta celebrates the work and life of Agatha Christie, one of Britain’s best-loved crime novelists. It is held in September, with most events taking place at Torre Abbey, in Torquay – including film screenings, walking tours, historian lectures and murder mystery nights. Look out for fun-filled fringe events too, such as river cruises, bar crawls and wild swimming.

Once one of Britain’s most notorious jails, Bodmin housed murderers, thieves, swindlers and smugglers – many of which were hanged for their crimes. It is a spine-tingling setting for ghost walks, Halloween nights and after-dark experiences, while also offering family-friendly heritage tours that bring history to life. Tours take place every day of the week, and the on-site hotel is a unique blend of spooky and sumptuous. Thrilling!

Featuring murder, scandal and the theft of a diamond necklace, this is no ordinary train journey! The plot, which is hosted by live actors in full 1940s costume, takes place on board the historic Bodmin & Wenford Railway – and the passengers are tasked with solving it. A real-life Agatha Christie-style experience, this is a treat for curious minds and mystery lovers, in an utterly charming setting.