The Canals of Birmingham
The heart of the industrial revolution, the Birmingham canals, has developed into a fascinating center of culture and relaxation for the whole family.
The canals of Birmingham remain a focal point of the city and it is not surprising that locals often proudly boast that Birmingham "has more canals than Venice". With a crossroads in the busy Gas Street Basin, the Birmingham Canals (BCN) stretch over 160 km and continue into the Sherborne Wharf marina, then through picturesque tunnels and crossroads to a peaceful landscape.
Canals played a crucial role during the industrial revolution when raw materials such as coal and iron were sent to the canals. The first canal that was built was the Duke of Bridgewater's canal, completed in 1761 and used to transport the Duke's coal to Manchester. Transport through the canals continued until the advancement of roads and rail technology made the transport of goods by land faster and cheaper; The Cadburys were the last to stop shipping products from their factory in Bournville and all commercial traffic stopped in 1980.
More recently, however, many Birmingham canals have been restored and are a source of heritage and interest for all visitors. The recently restored Roundhouse has been described as "a hidden gem in the heart of the canal system" and is the perfect example of a heritage right in the center of the city. The incredible horseshoe-shaped Roundhouse is now a listed building, originally built in 1874 as a horse stable along the canals.
The Roundhouse offers year-round workshops and is an ideal base for visitors to explore the canals on foot or by boat and to learn more about local stories and legends. The distillery, next to the roundabout, houses a bar and a restaurant with courtyard and gin terrace. With a micro-gin distillery on site, this is the perfect place for visitors with a strong interest in good food and alcohol. There are many other boat trips on the local canal (Sherborne Wharf Ltd is one of those companies) that provide fascinating commentary on the past of the canals while seeing local attractions.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Birmingham's canals is to visit the many bars and restaurants where the canals provide the perfect backdrop. Brindleyplace is a popular place for business and leisure, with many bars, restaurants and cafes, and is named after James Brindley, one of the pioneer technicians in the chain. The mailbox in Gas Street Basin is a trendy center of luxury shops and restaurants overlooking the canal, while the always-welcoming Everyman Cinema is hosted, making it the perfect location for a night out.
The canals provide the perfect backdrop for leisurely walks and an outing into the hectic life of the city. For nature lovers there are many ducks, swans and coots and you may even have the chance to spot a black redstart or peregrine falcon. There are many access points on the canal routes that residents, students and visitors use on summer evenings for jogging or cycling. Many start in the city center with paths that lead to a more open landscape. There is a wide range of local pubs and restaurants (such as The Canal House or Tap & Spile) that are the ideal resting place for a drink or a meal.
For narrow and well-seasoned boat owners, the Birmingham canals are an ideal escape if you are looking for quiet walks in the countryside or a fantastic landing closer to the bustle of the city. To discover more local heritage, the canals also cross the Black Land, where you can plan a family trip to the Black Country Living Museum along the Cruise Road (navigation in the UK channel suggests a seven-night two-night cruise). days to take the center and museum attractions). The open-air museum is a reconstructed canal village with attractions such as workshops and a mine where you can learn more about life in the dark country, more than 300 years ago. For licensed paddlers, there is also a trail on the Cambrian Wharf Canal, 16 km from Shirley Drawbridge.
For those who are looking for something a little different, why not have breakfast on a narrow boat? The Floating Coff
Canals played a crucial role during the industrial revolution when raw materials such as coal and iron were sent to the canals. The first canal that was built was the Duke of Bridgewater's canal, completed in 1761 and used to transport the Duke's coal to Manchester. Transport through the canals continued until the advancement of roads and rail technology made the transport of goods by land faster and cheaper; The Cadburys were the last to stop shipping products from their factory in Bournville and all commercial traffic stopped in 1980.
The Roundhouse offers year-round workshops and is an ideal base for visitors to explore the canals on foot or by boat and to learn more about local stories and legends. The distillery, next to the roundabout, houses a bar and a restaurant with courtyard and gin terrace. With a micro-gin distillery on site, this is the perfect place for visitors with a strong interest in good food and alcohol. There are many other boat trips on the local canal (Sherborne Wharf Ltd is one of those companies) that provide fascinating commentary on the past of the canals while seeing local attractions.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Birmingham's canals is to visit the many bars and restaurants where the canals provide the perfect backdrop. Brindleyplace is a popular place for business and leisure, with many bars, restaurants and cafes, and is named after James Brindley, one of the pioneer technicians in the chain. The mailbox in Gas Street Basin is a trendy center of luxury shops and restaurants overlooking the canal, while the always-welcoming Everyman Cinema is hosted, making it the perfect location for a night out.
The canals provide the perfect backdrop for leisurely walks and an outing into the hectic life of the city. For nature lovers there are many ducks, swans and coots and you may even have the chance to spot a black redstart or peregrine falcon. There are many access points on the canal routes that residents, students and visitors use on summer evenings for jogging or cycling. Many start in the city center with paths that lead to a more open landscape. There is a wide range of local pubs and restaurants (such as The Canal House or Tap & Spile) that are the ideal resting place for a drink or a meal.
For narrow and well-seasoned boat owners, the Birmingham canals are an ideal escape if you are looking for quiet walks in the countryside or a fantastic landing closer to the bustle of the city. To discover more local heritage, the canals also cross the Black Land, where you can plan a family trip to the Black Country Living Museum along the Cruise Road (navigation in the UK channel suggests a seven-night two-night cruise). days to take the center and museum attractions). The open-air museum is a reconstructed canal village with attractions such as workshops and a mine where you can learn more about life in the dark country, more than 300 years ago. For licensed paddlers, there is also a trail on the Cambrian Wharf Canal, 16 km from Shirley Drawbridge.
For those who are looking for something a little different, why not have breakfast on a narrow boat? The Floating Coff
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