One of the West Midlands' most enticing attractions, the Birmingham canal pathway is forever proving it's much more than just a cute water feature. Spanning the length and breadth of the city, these waterways offer a wealth of action to get involved with, from pastimes like canoeing and cycling, to more laid-back affairs, such as tipples on the towpath. We're helping you take the plunge as we round up the best things to do on the Birmingham canal, and we're even throwing in some post-pursuit sipping spots.
School Yourself In Local Gin
Sat just a stone's throw from the National SEA LIFE Centre, The Distillery is an idyllic pub along the Birmingham canal. Fronting a lineup of excellent food and local craft brews, the venue also offers a look at the HQ of Round House Gin. Take a tour of their working copper still, which produces this small-batch spirit onsite, before settling down for an interactive infusion session with their gin school.
Learn about the city's top-tier gin at one of the best Birmingham canal bars.
Play Shuffleboard And Pool
If you're after Birmingham canal trips with lunch and an indoor activity (when the sun gets a little too scorching), head to Broad Street's Felson’s. The perfect plot to settle into after a walk along the waterways, the boozer promises plenty of cracking entertainment and American food. While munching on a juicy burger, you and your crew can get stuck into some seriously fun shuffleboard shenanigans, followed by a game of pool.
Hungry? This serves as an excellent Birmingham canal restaurant too.
Splash About In A Canoe
There's no better way to get one-on-one with the water than in a canoe. Outdoor activity hubs such as Ackers Adventure offer you fun Birmingham canal tours, embarking from Icknield Port, through to the green suburbs and into the city centre. Ideal for ca-newbies as well as more advanced paddlers, the three-mile expedition lets you explore the city from a new perspective. Looking to refuel afterwards? Head to The White Swan, which boasts tasty gastro-grub, beers and a pretty garden.
Get up close and personal with the Birmingham canals on one of these canoe tours.
Explore Gas Street Basin
A unique part of the canal network, Gas Street Basin offers key insight into the city's industrial past with its imposing refurbished factory buildings. Offering one of the best Birmingham canal walks, the basin is home to a selection of bars and restaurants, such as Gas Street Social. What's on the menu? Oh, only some of the best pub grub around, including fried chicken and waffles, and fish and chips.
Chock-full of the best bars along the Birmingham canal, Gas Street Basin is a cracking nightlife destination.
Enjoy A Cycle Down The Towpath
Birmingham's 100-mile canal system makes it, essentially, the largest cycle path in any British city. Hop on your bike and see if you can explore a cut of the Birmingham Canal Old Line and other notable landmarks - we mean the likes of the gorgeous Edgbaston reservoir, Symphony Hall and a whole host of pubs. Our personal favourite? There's nothing better than sitting outside with a pint in hand at Pitcher & Piano.
Fun history fact: Most of Birmingham's canals were built in the 1700s and 1800s - wowza.
Looking for more things to do near the Birmingham canal? Check out our favourite bars and restaurants by the water. Plus, you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to our newsletter.
