A Guide to the Best Birmingham Canal Tours
Once known as the ‘workshop of the world’, Birmingham’s rich industrial past is still evident today. Nowhere is this more apparent in the extensive canal network that still crisscrosses the city.
During the Industrial Revolution, canals were vital for moving goods in and out of the landlocked city, now they offer some of the most beautiful and interesting landscapes in Birmingham and are a haven for walkers, cyclists, and canal boat enthusiasts. So, no stay in the city would be complete without taking a Birmingham canal tour. Below, we share some of the best canal tours to help you make the most of your stay.
Best-known Birmingham Canal Tour – Sherborne Wharf
One of Birmingham’s best-known canal tours is Sherborne Wharf, which runs trips daily from Easter to the end of October.
The City Heritage Route takes you along quiet stretches of the canal, which first brought industrial life to Birmingham over two hundred years ago, like the Oozells Street and Icknield Port loops of the original James Brindley Canal built in 1769. It then joins a section of Sir Thomas Telford’s Main Line and the area around the National Indoor Arena before going through the Worcester Bar at Gas Street Basin, which is now a bustling area full of restaurants and bars, before turning to disembark back at the International Conference Centre.
All trips depart from the canal side next to the International Convention Centre at 11 am, 1 pm, 2.30 pm, and 4 pm. Adult tickets cost £10 per person, and tickets for children (0-15) cost £6.
Best Historic Tour - Roundhouse Heritage Working Boat Trip
If you’re looking for a historic tour of Birmingham’s canals and industrial past, the Roundhouse Heritage working boat trip is the perfect choice. As you step into the cargo hold of a 1930s heritage boat, you step back to a time when canals were still ferrying goods across the city.
It takes in the historic Oozells Loop, before taking you out towards Birmingham Island Port Loop.
Trips run twice a day, and you can buy tickets online or at the visitor centre. Either way, you need to head to the Roundhouse to meet your guide and pick up your headset before the trip. The tour is approximately an hour long, with full-price tickets costing £9 and concessions £6.50.
This canal tour takes place on an original cargo boat, so there is standing room only, and it is open to the elements, so be sure to pack a jacket.
Best All-Day Trip – The Two Tunnel Tour Dudley Canal & Caverns
If you’re lucky enough to have a whole day to while away on the water, this is the best trip for you. This six-hour Birmingham canal tour transports you through the heart of the city’s historic industrial past, as well as taking in some of its spectacular natural scenery.
The tour begins at The Portal, where you are expertly guided through the mysterious Dudley tunnel and down a flight of locks to the Parkhead Conservation area. From there, the boat drifts along the Dudley number 2 canal to reach the Bumble Hole Nature Reserve and the historical Cobbs Engine House. The trip takes a half-hour break here, giving you the chance to take a moment to soak up the surroundings or enjoy a picnic lunch.
Following the stop, the adventure continues as the boat navigates the Netherton tunnel, ascending the Factory locks and joining the Birmingham and Wolverhampton main line before returning to the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust.
This immersive trip runs on set dates throughout the year, so we encourage booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £28.50 for adults, £27 for children, and under 3s go free.
Best for Something Different – The Dudley Underground Experience
The Dudley Underground Experience is the perfect tour for those looking for something a little different from the average Birmingham canal boat trip.
At just 45 minutes long, the tour is shorter than many others but packs plenty in during that time as you journey into an underground world that dates back 428 million years.
There are sound and light shows and historic recreations, as well as informative commentary delivered by knowledgeable skippers. Plus, as you exit the underground world, you will encounter hidden tree-lined basins, now a tranquil paradise for wildlife.
Underground boat trips operate seven days a week, with the last trip of the day leaving at 4 pm. Tickets cost £12 per adult, £10 per child (3-16), and under 3s go free. There are also family and group ticket options, which can offer further savings.
Be sure to arrive 10 minutes before your planned trip and take a jacket with you, as the temperature can drop as you delve underground.
Best for Toddlers – Toddler Boats from Dudley Canal & Caverns
If you’re visiting Birmingham with little members of the family, why not take advantage of Dudley Canal & Caverns ‘Toddler Boats.’
Operating every Wednesday, they are designed for under-fives and their parents or carers. At just 20 minutes long, with stories and songs shared along the way, there is plenty to keep even the busiest little minds occupied.
Tickets are available for just £2 per person, but you can’t pre-book as spaces are strictly allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where to Stay?
After a day out exploring, you’ll want somewhere to grab something to eat and relax for the evening. At Westmead Hotel, our restaurant has something for everyone, from delicious wood-fired pizzas to familiar favourites like steak and chips, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible.
While our well-appointed rooms have been designed for quality and comfort, offering a quiet sanctuary from the bustle of your day.
Plus, our convenient location is just half an hour from the Roundhouse Visitor Centre and Dudley Canal and Caverns, making it the perfect place to stay if you’re planning a Birmingham canal tour.