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£0.00 (inc. VAT)
SOLD OUT.
Unfortunately, our free Birthday Kayak Tour is now fully booked. If you’d like to see what other kayak tours we offer throughout the year, from taster sessions and short tours to award-winners, click here.
Very limited chance to join us for a paddle!
Our big birthday present for you, experience our fan favourite Bustling Birmingham kayak tour for FREE!
See Birmingham’s canals as they were intended with a trip through the heart of the city on our award-winning tour during our buildings 150th birthday.
This tour includes regular stops at iconic landmarks, where your guide will share the history of Birmingham and its canals.
Suitable for almost everyone, this kayak tour is led by our qualified and experienced guides. Places are very limited, come and celebrate with us.
Join us for a FREE tour of Birmingham’s canals during our 150th Birthday weekend. The Bustling Birmingham tour takes you into the heart of Britain’s canal system. Starting along the route of James Brindley’s first canal into Birmingham; that resulted in the industrial revolution booming!
You’ll discover Birmingham’s hidden heritage and have plenty of opportunities to see its landmarks from a different angle. Birmingham certainly has more canals than Venice but ours are quieter! Even though we’ll be heading towards the International Convention Centre, The Cube, The Mailbox and the heart of Britain’s canal system, Gas Street Basin, we’ll still be able find quieter areas along our blue highway.
You don’t need any kayaking experience, specialist clothing or equipment – but a basic level of fitness (walking up the stairs without being out of breath) will ensure you can enjoy our kayak experience.
The tour is around 3 miles in total.
All kayaks, paddles and safety equipment are provided. You must wear a buoyancy aid, regardless of your swimming ability, so you’ll be safe if you fall in. Sit back, paddle and have fun! Party hats optional, but heavily encouraged.
This tour won ‘Experience of the Year’ at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2022.
What’s included:
What happens on the day:
What about the weather?: Guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we need to cancel the tour due to high winds or thunderstorms, we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.
What should I wear?: Gym-style clothing is best because these won’t hold any water when wet. Everyone must wear footwear; old trainers, crocs, flip flops are all great.
Great for: Celebrating our birthday with us! Finding out something new (and old) in Birmingham; seekers of hidden gems; anyone looking for an alternative to a lecture-style museum tour; a bit of fresh air with people; something memorable to do with visiting family and friends.
Dates: Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May.
Time-slots: 10:30am-12:30am.
Meeting Point: Please check in at the Roundhouse Visitor Centre on arrival, 15 minutes before your tour starts.
Directions: View our Getting here page for detailed directions.
Duration: From introductions through to a chat at the end, you should allow around two hours for this guided experience, with 90 minutes on the water.
Suitable For: 8 years plus, all under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend that those that are 8-12 years take advantage of our two person kayaks to get the most out of the experience. Requires a basic level of fitness and mobility. Maximum weight: 18 stone.
Visitor Info:
Guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we do need to cancel a tour due to high winds or thunderstorms we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.
Please provide proof of your eligibility for concessions or discounts on arrival.
Spectators are welcomed but unfortunately we can’t guarantee full sighting of the participant for the whole duration of the tour.
What to wear:
It is best to wear gym-style clothing because these won’t hold any water when wet; jeans, leather and wool are not ideal for kayaking.
Everyone must wear footwear; old trainers, crocs, flip flops are all great.
You’ll get a wet lower half, as you are exposed to the drips from your paddles and splashes. You may get a small puddle in your seat, so we'd recommend wearing some waterproof trousers if you have them. If you don’t own any, we do have some waterproof trousers and jackets available to borrow.
There's a small chance you may fall in, so we recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes, just in case. Should you be unlucky enough to fall in, we have an onsite shower.
What to bring:
We have lockers available for your bags, and we recommend that no valuables are brought to the Roundhouse. We strongly recommend that no phones, wallets, or sunglasses are taken on the water and we will not be held responsible for any loss incurred.
Food/drink:
Looking for something to eat and drink after your tour? Ticket holders receive 20% off food at The Distillery pub and 10% off food and drink at Ristorante Caffe Arena. Discount is valid on the day of your tour on production of your ticket. Booking is recommended.
Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat in our courtyard.
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We are an accredited British Canoeing Delivery Partner.
You want to know that the centre you choose is high quality, and that’s what the Delivery Partner badge means. A paddling centre displaying the British Canoeing Delivery Partner badge has agreed to the Delivery Partner Charter. This means the paddling centre has agreed to high standards of safety, value for money and customer service.
The badge is an indication to schools, parents and other customers that the partner takes its responsibilities seriously. They will use highly trained, qualified and competent staff, to deliver a high-quality customer focused product.
Venue: The Roundhouse
Directions: 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
The Roundhouse, 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE
0121 716 4077
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Registered Charity No. 1169232
