Fans of the hit television series Peaky Blinders can now step into the gritty world of the Shelby family at a new immersive attraction near London Bridge. The experience, which opened its doors this week, invites visitors to begin their journey at the Garrison Tavern, a faithfully recreated pub from the show, before deciding whether to venture deeper into a ticketed underworld filled with missions and characters.
Performance director Kieron Smith explained that the tavern serves as the gateway to the experience. “We've got singing, we've got speeches, we are introducing the overarching story in there from these actors and from these characters to the guests,” he said. “And then some guests may want to stay and just have a drink. And we'll also sometimes have live bands as well, on certain evenings as well. Some guests can stay and have a drink, otherwise you can upgrade to go into the underworld itself.”
Those who choose to enter the paid portion of the experience can explore locations such as Garrison Lane, the Shelby family’s front room, and a bookmaker’s shop, all while taking on missions tied to the show’s narrative. The experience is designed to be non-linear, allowing visitors to roam freely rather than being shuffled from room to room in a fixed sequence.
Producer George Wood elaborated on the concept: “You meet characters along the way. You're given storylines and missions, and it's a whole world. The idea is that the audience don't move in a batched, linear way, where they move from one room to the next. They can go anywhere.”
The creators have packed the experience with nods to the broader Peaky Blinders universe. Smith noted that guests might discover hidden details, such as a phone that rings with Winston Churchill on the line, or a call from a character who sounds suspiciously like Alfie Solomons, delivering a rude remark. “There's these characters popping up all over and our cast bring a lot of those extra characters to life as well,” he added. “All the characters that the actors are playing are brand new. We've created new characters for the Underworld.”
An evolving world
Unlike static exhibitions, this immersive experience is intended to change over time. Wood emphasised that the storylines are designed to evolve, with new characters and narratives being introduced regularly. “What we wanted to create is a full immersive underworld where storylines can change,” he said. “It won't be that this is static, new characters, new stories can be brought in and the world can constantly evolve and that's what makes it so exciting.”
The attraction taps into the enduring popularity of Peaky Blinders, which has developed a devoted following across Europe and beyond since its debut in 2013. The show’s blend of historical drama, gangster intrigue, and sharp style has made it a cultural touchstone, and this new venture offers fans a chance to engage with the world in a hands-on way.
London has seen a surge in immersive experiences in recent years, from theatrical dining to virtual reality adventures. This latest addition, located in the bustling area near London Bridge, is likely to draw both locals and tourists. For those planning a visit, it’s worth noting that London’s transport links are extensive, though recent disruptions on some commuter routes have been reported. The city remains a top destination for European travellers, consistently ranking high in global welcome surveys.
The experience is a collaboration between the show’s creators and immersive entertainment specialists, and it reflects a broader trend in the industry toward participatory storytelling. As audiences seek more engaging forms of entertainment, such ventures are becoming increasingly common across Europe’s major cities.
For fans of the series, the chance to walk through the Shelby family’s world is a compelling draw. Whether they choose to linger in the tavern with a drink or dive into the underworld’s missions, the experience promises to be a memorable addition to London’s cultural landscape.
