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View of the canal from a kayak. There is another kayaker ahead and a large amount of trees on either side of the cut.
A map showing the Green Escape tour route
A group of Roundhouse kayakers spread across the canal
Group of Roundhouse kayakers moving down the canal closer to the photographer. The leader of the group is waving
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Green Escape Kayak Tour

£35.00 – £40.00 (inc. VAT)

Looking for a kayak experience around Birmingham’s canals? On this tour you’ll do more paddling with less stops and get to explore scenic hidden areas of the canal system. You’ll head around the Soho Loop with one of our qualified and experienced guides, paddling around 5 miles in total.  

Booking for a group of six or more? Visit our Group Booking page.
We also offer a private version of this tour for stag and hen parties, learn more here.

Disclaimer and consent: 

In order to take part everyone will need to complete our disclaimer and consent form. (Opens in new window) 

You will be asked to complete the consent form once you have received your booking confirmation. To save time on the day please complete the form before arrival and please ensure all members of your group do so too. 

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Once you select ‘Book ticket’, your tickets will appear in your shopping cart, located at the top right of the screen. Continue shopping, or click this to go to checkout.

Description

Not only will you get to see Birmingham from a ducks-eye-view, you’ll discover some of the hidden green areas of our city. 

Want a kayak experience on Birmingham’s canals? The Green Escape kayak tour explores hidden green spaces around the Soho Loop, a section of the canal that saw the birth of the industrial revolution and played its part in turning Birmingham into the city of a thousand trades.  

Today, the Soho Loop connects many green spaces and is used by wildlife as a quick shortcut, so you’re likely to see some local birds and animals. If you’re extremely lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive otters that have been spotted in this part of the canal. 

On this tour you’ll be paddling more and there are just a few stops for a rest and to discover the history of the canals. Kayaking on the canal is very easy as there is no current and you can glide along taking in the scenery. 

You don’t need any kayaking experience just a basic level of fitness (walking up the stairs without being out of breath). We’ll be paddling approximately 5 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! 

#SeeTheCityDifferently 

Great for: People looking to go kayaking in Birmingham; seekers of hidden gems; a unique experience; a bit of fresh air with people; something memorable to do with visiting family and friends. 

 

9 reviews for Green Escape Kayak Tour

  1. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    Very supportive and friendly staff

  2. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    Friendly tours

  3. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    Roxana and Andrew were fabulous and the tour was great. Pay them well – they are fab!

  4. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    Interesting and fun way to see Brum!

  5. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    Really fun and insightful! Great guides 🙂

  6. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    A fantastic escape and a different way to see the city

  7. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    Brilliant experience! So zen

  8. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    Really beautiful way to spend a Sunday!

  9. Visitor review (verified owner) –

    Great guides and beautiful trip

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Event Details

Dates: Various occasions. 

Time-slots: 13:30-15:30 

Meeting Point: Check in at the Roundhouse Visitor Centre on arrival, 15 minutes before your tour starts. 

Finishing Point: Back in the Roundhouse! 

Directions: View our "Getting here" page for detailed directions. 

Duration: From introductions through to a chat at the end, you should budget 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 5 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. Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat in the courtyard.

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

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Kayak Tour FAQs

Most frequent questions and answers

Kayaking is easy to pick up, we cater for all abilities on our tours and our guides are trained in being able to assist you should you require further advice.

Many people may think that kayaks are easy to flip over but they are a lot more stable than they might look, we have chosen the kayaks specifically for their stability.

Sports clothing is light, dries easily and doesn’t make you freeze, simply stay away from denim, leather and wool and you will be fine. We can provide waterproof jackets and trousers to keep you drier too!

You need to wear something on your feet during the tour; old trainers, crocs, sandals all work well.

There will always be the odd splash and dribble that will get you damp and, because of the nature of the kayaks that we use, you will get a wet bottom!! We can provide waterproof jackets and trousers to keep you drier though.

And, of course, we recommend bringing a change of clothes should you capsize.

Yes, we always assume that no-one can swim. If someone should capsize our guides will be there to assist you; normally, because the canals are only 4-6 feet deep, you could stand up.

All participants regardless of ability will be required to wear a buoyancy aid provided by us.

Due to equipment limitations the maximum weight we can currently cater for is 18 stones.

Our buoyancy aids have a maximum chest size of 50 inches.

Both of our kayaking tours involve approximately 90 minutes on the water

It’s better to book all our tours in advance. You may be lucky if you show up on the day and one of our guides will be available but we recommend always pre-booking.

8 years old and upwards (because of the size of our equipment)

We don’t recommend taking any valuables on the water, we are not responsible for any damage and loss.

We have lockers available free of charge for tour participants.

We have lockers suitable for bags and personal items available for all tour participants free of charge.

Please visit Visitor Reception to book in, your guide will meet you there.

A canoe is paddled with a single-bladed paddle, and you will have seen these paddled generally by two people. A kayak is paddled from a sitting position with a two-bladed paddle.

We use sit-on-top kayaks, which mean should you fall off you’ll simply slide into the water.

We paddle on the canals so if you are not participating you can walk alongside but there is a lot of places that can’t be accessed by pedestrians.

We do have 2 x Two person kayaks available; these are ideal for an adult and young person. These will need to be arranged on the day so please mention this at the earliest opportunity.

We do have facilities for changing available in our visitor centre and a shower should you take a dip in the canal, however the shower is not for general use.

Group Booking FAQs

Most frequent questions and answers

Please get in touch with us to organise a group booking.

Alternatively please visit our Group Booking Page for more information on how to make a booking enquiry.

Roundhouse Birmingham accepts card payments and cash. We accept all card, Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay, except for American Express. We don’t have a cash machine on site – you’ll find the nearest one in Brindley Place.

Need help? We're here to help you with anything you need, don't be shy, get in touch.

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Roundhouse Birmingham

Registered Charity No. 1169232

1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE

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