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£6.50 – £9.00 (inc. VAT)
Heritage Working Boat Trips have finished for this year. We hope to share 2025 dates early next year.
Step into the cargo hold of a 1930’s heritage working boat and take a relaxing trip around Birmingham’s canal loops. A perfect way to explore Birmingham by water.
This family friendly activity takes visitors to experience some of the hidden areas of our local waterways. Make a Roundhouse day of it, why not double up with one of our other tours and learn about Birmingham’s heritage, on and off the water.
Please note that these boats are standing room only with no seats, and are exposed to the elements.
The extremely popular Heritage Working Boat trips are back for the Summer!
Step into the cargo hold of a 1930’s open-topped heritage working boat and take a relaxing trip around Birmingham’s canal loops. A perfect way to explore Birmingham by water!
You’ll be travelling in the open-air cargo hold where coal and other goods were carried through a very different canal network to today, so expect something a little different to the average trip boat!
Please note that these boats are standing room only with no seats, and are exposed to the elements.
These narrowboats are maintained by the Canal & River Trust’s Heritage Working Boat Group, a team of volunteers who will guide you through some of the more hidden stretches of the local canals.
There’s also a chance for a glimpse into the living conditions of the families who spent their lives on these working boats.
What’s included:
What happens on the day:
Joining us for a tour on a Friday or Saturday? Why not book onto a Workers of the Roundhouse tour and learn more about our unique building.
What about the weather?: Guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we need to cancel the tour because of very poor weather, we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.
What should I wear?: Our cobbled courtyard can be a little uneven, slippery and steep in places, and this tour will involve some walking. Sturdy, sensible shoes are your friend! Don’t forget to wear clothes suitable for a day outdoors as well.
Great for: People looking for boat trips around Birmingham’s canals; seeing some of the less accessible corners of the local waterways. A chance to relax on a canal boat trip. People looking for a family-friendly or group afternoon activity.
Dates: Various dates throughout July, August and September
Time slots: 10:45am-12:15pm and 1:15pm-2:45pm.
Meeting Point: Please 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 the welcome through to the boat trip itself is approximately one hour, with 15-30 minutes exploring the cabin and questions at the end.
Suitable For: 5+, all under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult.
Please note that the tour is standing only, and you will be in the depth of the boat. Children may need to be held to see over the side.
Number of steps: Not much walking to get to the boat, but this tour does requires a basic level of mobility to descend the steps into the boat.
Unfortunately, these 1930s boats are only accessible via a few steps down into the hold. Assistance is available but there is no lift or alternative to steps.
The open-topped boats are standing room only with no seats and are exposed to the elements, but we do have a stock of umbrellas on the boat for visitors to use. Our guided tours and walks will go ahead whatever the weather so plan accordingly.
There are no loos on board (but we do have them in the Roundhouse).
Your tour guide will use audio systems to ensure that they are audible in the busy city environment. Tour headsets are available so everyone can hear clearly. Please bring plug in headphones if you have them, or you can use those we have available. If a number of people in your group would benefit from the tour guide system’s hearing loop, call ahead to let us know on 0121 716 4077, or by emailing bookings@roundhousebirmingham.org.uk
When visiting the Roundhouse, our Victorian cobbles can be a little uneven and steep in places. View our access page for more details on what to expect when you’re here, though sturdy, sensible shoes are recommended.
Food/drink
Looking for something to eat or 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.
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.
The Roundhouse, 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE
0121 716 4077
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Registered Charity No. 1169232
