When you think of Birmingham what’s the first thing that springs to mind? For many, it’s our iconic canal system. Birmingham is the capital of the country’s canals. Once integral to the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution, this idyllic backdrop is now one of the best spots to explore the beauty of English waterways. Famous for having more miles of canal than Venice – 35 miles, in fact – there’s no excuse not to jump on a boat and cruise our gorgeous canals (just don’t expect any Venetian gondolas…)
1. Jump on a big ol’ boat
There are plenty of services that allow you to take to the waters on a long canal boat. It’s right there at your fingertips in Birmingham. Probably best-known among them, however, is Sherbourne Wharf Ltd. Departing near the ICC, you’ll cruise along quiet stretches of the canal – covering parts of the original James Brindley Canal, a section of Sir Thomas Telford’s Main Line and the Gas Street Basin – for 65 minutes. Canal Boat trips depart daily from Easter to the end of October (and on weekends only in November, January, February and March) at 11.30 am, 1.00 pm, 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm
2. Kayak to your heart’s content
There is an array of Birmingham canal trails to lose yourself in. Rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board and relax among nature. Roundhouse Birmingham guided kayak tours will lead you on a journey through the city on their sit-on-top kayaks which are stable and ideal for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Choose from a range of kayak tours and discover the heart of the canal systems and the greenery nearby.
3. Take a canal boat holiday
If one day on the water isn’t enough for you, then maybe think about renting a canal to stay on all bloody week, captain. Stay out on the waters and get a taste of the life of a sailor while powering through the rough waters of Brummie canals. You can book your watery vacation with Black Prince narrowboat holidays.
They offer a range of experiences – so you don’t need to be a seasoned sailor – from beginner-friendly canal boat holidays to three-week adventures sailing the country. You don’t need a licence either – you’ll be shown the ropes before you cruise away – but you will need to depart from either Stoke Prior (Worcestershire) or Napton on the Hill (Warwickshire).
4. Go underground in Dudley
Yes, Birmingham canals are pretty special, but even we’ll admit there’s nothing like the ones in Dudley.Dudley Canal & Caverns regularly runs a magical underground trip into 428 million years of history. Just pop on your hard hat and cruise into hidden worlds of tree-lined basins and spooky caverns. The family-friendly, 45-minute boat trip also offers a sound and light show, informative commentary on the Industrial Revolution and tropical seabeds filled with fossils.
5. Throw a boat party on the Birmingham canals
Stumped for a stag or hen do? Want an original idea? Look no further than a party at the canal, baby. You can go wild on the boats at night and explore the quiescent waters by day. Just triple-check the bride- or groom-to-be doesn’t get seasickness, mind. Check out Central Boat Parties based at Gas Street Basin for your Brummie boat raving requirements.
You can fit up to 30 guests on here and celebrate on deck anything from birthdays and anniversaries to corporate events or after-work parties. Manned by a friendly crew, you won’t have to worry about a thing – as it offers a full bar service, arranged buffet food and an integrated soundsystem.
6. Enjoy a boozy cruise on the water
Run by local gin connoisseur, The Gintleman, you can book a ticket for one of these gin-tastic tours along the city’s prettiest waterways. Over two hours, you’ll be treated to an impressive selection of perfectly matched gins and tonics, complete with paired canapés and a cream tea featuring gin-infused jam. Now that’s something we can get on board with!
7. Learn a little knowledge
Not everyone’s looking to party on Birmingham canals. Some of us are here to learn something Brindley Cruises is Birmingham’s only public trip boat offering live commentary on the expansive history of the Birmingham Canal Network. Operating seven days a week, the captain will share his knowledge of its 250-year-old history (plus, the future of the canal system). Costing £6.50 for an adult and £4.50 for a child, these hour-long tours are a bit of a bargain too.
8. Don’t bother looking for your sea legs
We get it, not everyone’s built for water. One foot on a boat and we’re seasick. Luckily, Birmingham’s lengthy and lovely canals are largely explorable by foot too. Roundhouse has several walking tours exploring these cobbled canals and their connection to the Industrial Revolution.
If you’d like to take in more of the city, however, this two-hour Birmingham walking tour covers everything from Gas Street Basin to the Library of Birmingham. Discover the iconic canals, Birmingham’s industrial Georgian pioneers, Victorian heritage and the more recent architecture all around this city. To get your tickets head here.
There’s a reason Birmingham’s sometimes called the Venice of the North. But we all know who has the best canal system in Europe now – and a Venetian gondola in sight (or even a Brummie one)! Okay, there isn’t anyone singing romantic Italian love songs over our shoulders, but travelling Birmingham canals always feels fresh and exciting.