Description
Looking for a kayak tour, want to explore Birmingham’s canals, or just something fun to do in Birmingham? See Birmingham’s canals as they were intended with a kayak tour through the heart of the city.
The Bustling Birmingham Kayak 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, our guides will get you on the water in no time and cruising along the city’s watery highway.
The tour is around 3 miles in total. Every participant must wear a buoyancy aid, regardless of your swimming ability, so you’ll be safe if you fall in. Tours are led by a professionally qualified British Canoeing Instructor who will give full tuition. All kayaks, paddles and safety equipment are provided. Sit back, paddle and have fun!
This tour won ‘Experience of the Year’ at the West Midlands Tourism Award 2022.
#SeeTheCityDifferently
Great for: 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.
Fancy organising a private tour just for your group? Please get in touch
Food/drink:
Looking for something to eat and drink before or after your tour? Ticket holders receive 20% off food at The Distillery pub next door. Discount is valid on the day of your tour on production of your ticket. You will need to place your order through a member of staff. Booking is recommended.
Event Details
Dates: Various occasions.
Time-slots: As booked
Meeting Point: Check in at the Roundhouse Visitor Centre on arrival, 15 minutes before your tour starts.
Finishing Point: Back at the Roundhouse!
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.
Number of Steps? Not many steps but quite a few strokes, a basic level of fitness (walking up the stairs without being out of breath) will suffice. We’ll be paddling approximately 3 miles.
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.
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 will get a wet lower half, because our kayaks are sit on top kayaks, you are exposed to the drips from your paddles and splashes, and you may get a small puddle in your seat - we'd recommend wearing some waterproof trousers if you have them. We do have some waterproof trousers and jackets available.
There's a small chance you may fall in, we recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes- just in case.
What to bring:
We have lockers available for your valuables and bags, however, 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 not be held responsible for any loss incurred, please use the lockers provided.
Be sure to check in at our reception at least 15 minutes prior to the tour to make sure we're ready to start on time!
Food/drink:
Looking for something to eat and drink before or after your tour? Ticket holders receive 20% off food at The Distillery pub next door. Discount is valid on the day of your tour on production of your ticket. You will need to place your order through a member of staff. Booking is recommended.
Please provide proof of your eligibility for concessions or discounts on arrival.
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
Visitor review (verified owner) –
It was an amazing experience. The guides were super friendly and very helpful.
Visitor review (verified owner) –
It was so comfortable for my first time, all thanks to Lily and Andrew. Will definitely try the other tours as well.
Visitor review (verified owner) –
Very enjoyable, guide very onformative & interesting. Would recommend to others. Thank you.
Visitor review (verified owner) –
fun, relaxing, funny. tour guide very funny and knowledgable
Visitor review (verified owner) –
wonderful experience, delivered brilliantly
Visitor review (verified owner) –
Brilliant just tiring
Visitor review (verified owner) –
Wonderful experience. Guides went out of their way to make it special
Visitor review (verified owner) –
Excellent guide, commentary and instruction on how to use paddles. Thank you!
Visitor review (verified owner) –
Very knowledgable and welcoming
Visitor review (verified owner) –
Thank you. Great experience. Keith was great fun, and this 72 year old could hear