If you’re looking for quirky things to do this weekend in Brum you’re in the right place. Roundhouse Birmingham has a full schedule of tours and activities which will make you see the city differently. From kayaking on the cities’ infamous canals to a relaxing boat trip, if you’re interested in history or enjoy outdoor activities you’ll want to read on.
If you’re looking for a relaxed tour of Birmingham’s canals with live narration then this is the trip for you. What makes this boat trip different from others in Birmingham is that you’ll be travelling in the cargo hold of a restored 1930s working boat. These were used for carrying goods along the canals and families would live and work onboard. You’ll also get a peek into the tiny living quarters and learn what life was like on the canals. Selected weekends, more information and booking here.
For the more adventurous or those that like a challenge, try a stand up paddleboarding (SUP) experience in the heart of Birmingham’s canals. If you’ve seen people on stand up paddleboards at the beach and on rivers and fancied giving it a try, this is a great way to test the waters (not literally we hope!) The canals are very still and there’s no current so it’s a bit easier than on the sea or a river. More information and booking here.
If you’re in Birmingham and want to learn more about its history and how it got its canals while being active, join a kayak tour. These are suitable for beginners and the guides will give you an introduction to kayaking during the safety briefing. There are three routes to choose from; Bustling Birmingham takes you into the centre of the city’s canal network, visiting iconic landmarks like the Mailbox and Gas Street Basin while a guide shares the stories of these places and how Birmingham came to be the city it is today.
If you prefer a bit more paddling and a bit less history, try the Green Escape kayak tour, which takes you around some of the cities’ quieter canal loops with a chance to see some wildlife. Like the sound of both? Try Explore hidden Birmingham to see parts of the canal you can’t get to on foot. From Friday to Sunday, more information and booking here.
The Roundhouse, 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE
0121 716 4077
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