Brummies have plenty of ways to row, row, row (or in most cases, cruise) their boat gently down the canals. But never as merrily as with the eco-friendly, electric boat company GoBoat in Birmingham. Taking off from the lively canalside development, Brindleyplace, this self-driven cruise offers guests the opportunity to see the city from an entirely new perspective.
Groups of up to eight guests can charter these electric boats and set sail, exploring Birmingham’s famed canal network. (Don’t fret if your sense of direction is terrible, a route map to help guide you through the canals is provided.) People can choose between one- or two-hour trips, enjoying a leisurely cruise, travelling at speeds of 4mph.
GoBoat is described as “the perfect activity for friends and family alike, or for anyone looking to do something out of the ordinary and explore the midland city from the waters”.
Located at The Water’s Edge, alongside Brindleyplace and opposite the ICC and Utilita Arena, whilst on these eco-friendly, electric boats you can look out for historic landmarks like the ‘roundabout’ at the Old Turn Junction and the former wharves and houses at Gas Street before you reach the modern architecture of the Cube and Mailbox.
Travelling west, discover modern housing at Port Loop and Soho Loop as the Mainline canal cuts through a number of meandering older canals in a mile-long straight. To ensure you have the best experience, however, we advise packing up a picnic and grabbing a bottle of prosecco before taking to the open water and experiencing all that Birmingham has to offer.
The experience by GoBoat is both dog and child-friendly with life jackets and buoyancy aids provided and no prior boating knowledge necessary, as staff give a full tutorial on land, before guests set sail and steer the boat along the Birmingham canals. To plan your trip on GoBoat in Birmingham head here.