I discover a hidden gem in Birmingham where the real Peaky Blinders were locked up

Standing outside the imposing red-brick facade of the former Steelhouse Lane Lock-Up, now the West Midlands Police Museum, you can almost feel the weight of its history.

This building once held some of Birmingham's most notorious criminals, including members of the real 'Peaky Blinders' gang.

Stepping inside, you're immediately transported to a time when law and order were carried out with very different methods.

Watch the video to see inside.

The cells remain largely unchanged, giving visitors a stark sense of what it was like to be locked up here.

Alongside the original features, exhibits showcase how policing has evolved, from handwritten records to modern crime-fighting techniques.

It's a hands-on experience that brings the past to life.

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Walking through these narrow corridors, it's clear that the museum offers more than just old uniforms and truncheons in glass cases. Interactive exhibits let visitors get hands-on with real police equipment, from radios to fingerprinting kits.

You can try on historical uniforms, step inside a preserved charge room, and even experience what it was like to be locked in a Victorian cell.

Mock trials and crime scene activities bring past cases to life, helping visitors understand the challenges of law enforcement through the years.

This mix of history and interaction makes for an experience that's both educational and engaging, appealing to all ages.

Among the museum's vast collection, some stories stand out.

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Original 'mugshots' of early 20th-century criminals, case files from notorious local crimes, and even weapons confiscated over the years paint a vivid picture of Birmingham's policing past. The Peaky Blinders exhibit offers a glimpse into the real gang behind the legend, separating fact from fiction.

Engaging with these artefacts offers visitors a unique perspective on crime and punishment in the region, showing just how much policing has changed--and how much has stayed the same.

The West Midlands Police Museum provides an enriching experience that delves into the region's law enforcement history.

It's an affordable day out that educates and engages, making it a valuable asset to both residents and visitors.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, this museum offers a unique glimpse into the stories that have shaped our community.