Where was Peaky Blinders filmed?
2013
City Locations
Manchester (UK), Liverpool (UK), Leeds (UK), Bradford (UK)
Location Types
Film Studio, Mansions, Retail, Church/Temple
Location Styles
Classic Car, Building Dated/Retro, Dilapidated/Neglected, Factory/Manufacturing, Federal Building, Foreign, Industrial Style, Luxury
About Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders, a British historical crime drama TV series devised by Steven Knight, takes place in Birmingham and chronicles the adventures of the eponymous criminal group in the immediate wake of World War I. Though inspired by an actual gang called Peaky Blinders that operated in the city between the 1880s and 1910s, the show's portrayal is largely fictional.
The show boasts a star-studded cast, including Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, Joe Cole, and Helen McCrory, who portray the gang's key members. Other notable actors include Tom Hardy, Sam Neill, Iddo Goldberg, Annabelle Wallis, Charlotte Riley, Natasha O'Keeffe, Finn Cole, Adrien Brody, Anya Taylor-Joy, Amber Anderson, Sam Claflin, and Stephen Graham. Premiering on 12 September 2013, the series aired on BBC Two for its first four seasons (with reruns on BBC Four) before transitioning to BBC One for the fifth and sixth seasons.
Netflix obtained the rights to distribute the show in the United States and worldwide through a contract with the Weinstein Company and Endemol. In January 2021, it was revealed that the series would conclude with its sixth season, followed by a spin-off movie. The final season aired in 2022.
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) has observed a noticeable cultural impact from Peaky Blinders. In 2018, the name Arthur reentered the top 10 boys' names for the first time since the 1920s, while Ada made its way into the girls' top 100 after a century-long absence. The ONS concluded that the resurgence in popularity for these names was likely influenced by the characters Arthur Shelby Jr. and Ada Thorne.
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind, a video game inspired by the TV series, was created by FuturLab and launched on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam in August 2020. Additionally, Maze Theory produced a virtual reality game called Peaky Blinders: The King's Ransom, which debuted on Meta Quest 2 and PICO 4 on March 9, 2023.
Peaky Blinders Locations
A trip to England's Midlands can provide a glimpse into the vibrant world of TV series Peaky Blinders. Although much of the series was filmed in Manchester, many scenes were shot in the city of Birmingham, the inspirations for the show. From iconic landmarks like Bournville and The Bullring Shopping Centre to real-life streets and pubs that appear on screen, there are plenty of locations to explore. The backdrop of Birmingham provides an interesting mix of industrial structures and modern buildings, as well as areas with green spaces and canals that run through it. It is this environment that helps anchor each scene and gives viewers a more realistic idea of what life would have been like during that time period.
Taking a trip to these locations for Peaky Blinders could be an enjoyable experience for fans of the show. Not only will people be able to truly appreciate the atmosphere behind each scene but they will also get a chance to explore local attractions such as museums, theatres, and galleries—some of which may have even been featured in the show. With so much to see and do, it is no wonder why fans from all over come to visit these places each year!
Tommy killing Danny scene in Peaky Blinders
Powis St, Liverpool L8 3UN, UK
The two Italian witnesses who saw Danny Whizz-Bang (Samuel Edward-Cook) murder a waiter in Little Italy observe with satisfaction as Thomas (Cillian Murphy) takes down Danny. Charlie Strong (Ned Dennehy) arrives on a boat, and Danny falls into it. Danny awakens under a canal tunnel, still on the boat with Strong, who discloses to him that they are headed to London for a job Tommy has assigned to Danny. It turns out Tommy had merely fired a shell filled with sheep brains at the back of Danny's head. Charlie informs Danny that he is now a member of the Peaky Blinders.
BT has reported seeing members of the Peaky Blinders cast and crew in Toxteth, a district in Liverpool's inner city. The Liverpool Echo verified this, adding that several props resembling old factory logos and storefronts have been placed around the neighborhood's deserted, terraced streets, which date back to the Industrial period's working-class community. The slums, constructed in the late 1800s, were razed due to being deemed "unfit for human habitation."
This scene was filmed on Powis Street in Liverpool. So how do you get there? Well, luckily, it's not too difficult. Simply head towards the city center and then make your way south towards the River Mersey. Once you get to Sefton Park, keep an eye out for the sign pointing towards Powis Street.
Grace singing scene in Peaky Blinders
Vaughan St, Manchester M12 5FQ, UK
In this scene, Grace Burgess (Annabelle Wallis) visits The Garrison Pub and inquires about a job posting with the landlord, Harry Fenton (Neil Bell). Initially, Harry declines her request, but after Grace sings a few lines from the Irish ballad "I Wish I Was in Carrickfergus," he changes his mind and hires her.
The Garrison pub has been a prominent fixture in Peaky Blinders since its debut, offering viewers a possible glimpse into the gang's actual history, as it was supposedly their preferred hangout spot. Although the actual Garrison Tavern is now closed and unavailable for filming, the show's interior scenes are instead recorded at Space Studios in Manchester. The studio has played a significant role in the UK's media industry since its establishment in 2014, supporting numerous film and television projects that have been filmed in the region. Space Studios has been used as a filming location for several well-known productions, including the popular Netflix series The Crown and the BBC series Doctor Who.
If you are coming from Manchester city center, you’ll need to head southeast along the A6. The journey is about 2.5 miles and will take approximately 10 minutes by car.
Horse race scene in Peaky Blinders
Victoria Baths, Hathersage Rd, Manchester M13 0FE, United Kingdom
Thomas solicits aid from his secretary and former sex worker Lizzie Stark (Natasha O'Keeffe) to execute a scheme. Lizzie's task is to lure Field Marshal Henry Russell (James Richard Marshall) away to a secluded place to keep him preoccupied. As the horse race's commencement is announced, the packed bar clears out, leaving only Tommy and Major Campbell (Sam Neill) there. Campbell remains convinced of his own moral righteousness, while Tommy warns him, stating, "Today, one of us will end up dead. But whoever it is, they'll wake up in hell tomorrow."
This scene was filmed at Victoria Baths, a former public baths complex located in Manchester that was built in 1906. The building is considered to be one of the finest examples of Edwardian architecture in the country. During the early 20th century, there was a growing demand for better public sanitation facilities, which led to the construction of the baths. The complex has three swimming pools, including the well-known Gala Pool that was utilized for competitive water polo tournaments. Additional facilities available were a Turkish bath, sauna, laundry facilities, and a communal laundry area. The building has appeared in various films, documentaries, and TV shows, including Peaky Blinders, since its construction.
To get to Victoria Baths at Hathersage Road in Manchester, you’ll need to head around 2.5 miles southeast from the city center. If you're driving, there's plenty of on-street parking in the surrounding area.
Polly coming back to the deal scene in Peaky Blinders
Port Sunlight, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH62 4XN, UK
In this sequence of events, Michael (played by Finn Cole) convinces his mother to assist Tommy with the promise that he'll accompany her to Australia once everything is concluded. Tommy implores Polly (Helen McCrory) to return and she acknowledges that she comprehends what was said at John's funeral. Polly makes it apparent that she has altered her ways as she now understands that "when you're already dead, you're liberated." She symbolizes this realization by disposing of her tablets and whiskey.
The sprawling 56-acre model industrial factory and garden village, which is where Aunt Polly's home scenes were filmed, boasts an impressive 900 Grade II listed buildings located in northwestern Merseyside. With contributions from thirty different architects, the estate comprises 800 houses, an art gallery, several schools, a cottage hospital, a concert hall, a swimming pool, a church, and a temperance hotel—all of which were constructed to house the soap-making works and provide accommodation for laborers employed by Lever Brothers back in 1888. The buildings bear the distinct architectural features of the era, such as half-timbering, intricately carved woodwork, and twisted and molded chimneys.
To get to Port Sunlight in Birkenhead, you’ll need to drive about six miles southwest from the Liverpool city center. The journey should take around 15 minutes.
Political rally scene in Peaky Blinders
St George's Pl, Liverpool L1 1JJ, United Kingdom
During the speech at the rally, Barney (Cosmo Jarvis) is positioned in a way that provides a clear view of Mosley (Sam Claflin). He understands that he must wait until Tommy checks his watch and then count to ten before pulling the trigger. With the plan set, Thomas takes to the stage as Mosley begins his speech, and chaos erupts in the seating area. Tommy checks his watch while Aberama (Aidan Gillen) sneaks up on Jimmy McCavern (Brian Gleeson). Just as Barney prepares to shoot, he is unexpectedly fired upon by an unidentified person. Additionally, Aberama is fatally stabbed before he can take out McCavern. These events prompt both Mosley and Tommy to leave the stage, fearing that they may be next in line for an attack.
This scene was filmed at St George’s Place in Liverpool, a location that can be easily found in the heart of the city. It’s less than a mile east from the city center, close by the Lime Street train station.
Tommy getting a call scene in Peaky Blinders
Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich CW9 6NA, United Kingdom
In this scene, Tommy is contacted by Captain Swing (Charlene McKenna), an IRA agent who claims responsibility for preventing the assassination of Oswald Mosley. She also reveals to Tommy that the deceased bodies of Barney Thompson, Aberama Gold (Aidan Gillen), and Polly Shelby were returned following the failed attempt.
The filming location for Tommy’s manor was Arley Hall & Gardens, a magnificent estate located in Northwich, Cheshire. The hall was built during the Elizabethan era, and it's renowned for its stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. The estate has been in the same family for over 550 years. Arley Hall & Gardens is an excellent destination for families and nature lovers. The estate hosts regular events throughout the year, including plant fairs, open-air theatre performances, and food festivals. There's also a children's adventure play area, making it an ideal location for a family day out. To get to Arley Hall & Gardens in Northwich, you’ll need to drive about 25 miles southwest from Manchester. There is ample parking available at the estate.
Conclusion
Peaky Blinders is a gripping and powerful gangster family drama that features locations from both Manchester and Liverpool. Set in 1900s England, the series follows the exploits of notorious gang leader Tommy Shelby and his crew who sew razor blades into the peaks of their caps.
While most of the filming for the series was done in Manchester, scenes set in Birmingham were shot on location around the city; these included Digbeth, Small Heath, and Ladywood. As an added touch of realism and authenticity, some of the props used during production were sourced from local antique shops around Birmingham.
Thanks to its sweeping cinematography, gripping script and captivating characters, Peaky Blinders has become an iconic TV show that will long be remembered for its unique portrayal of England's murky underworld at the start of the 20th century.