Description
A local boat trip with a difference!
Step into the cargo hold of the Canal & River Trust’s restored 1930’s heritage working boat and take a trip around the local canal loops.
The boats are maintained by the Heritage Working Boat Group, a team of volunteers who will guide you through some of the more hidden stretches of the local canals.
They’re not your average trip boat, so expect something a little different. You’ll be in the open-air hold, where coal and other goods were storied as they were transported through a very different canal network.
There’s also a chance for a glimpse into the living conditions of the families who spent their lives on the boats.
Why wander across a whole city, when one square can tell you so much?
Why not book this with another tour, either side of lunch?
#SeeTheCityDifferently
Great for: Seeing some of the less accessible corners of the local canals; locals wanting to learn more about their area; a chance to relax on the local waterways.
Event Details
Dates: August - 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
September - 16, 17, 18, 19.
Time-slots: 11:00 – 12:00, 13:30 – 14:30
Meeting Point: Check in at the Roundhouse Birmingham Visitor Centre on arrival.
Finishing Point: Back in the Roundhouse!
Directions: View our "Getting here" page for detailed directions.
Duration: Between 45 minutes and an hour.
Suitable For: 5+, all under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult.
Number of Steps? Not too many, just when getting in and out!
Visitor Info
Meet us at the meeting point in the Roundhouse Visitor Centre 10 minutes before the advertised start time.
Unfortunately, these 1930s boats are only accessible via steps.
The boats are standing room only, and are exposed to the elements. There are no loos (but we have them in the Roundhouse).
Your guide on the boats will use audio systems to ensure that they are audible in the busy city environment (near the boat engine!).
If you have headphones with a standard mini jack input, bring them along to use, if not, we have disposables (although we like to limit using them, for obvious reasons).
The audio systems are compatible with hearing loops which are available on arrival. If your whole group needs to use the audio loop, please let us know so we can prepare.
The importance of practical footwear.
When visiting the Roundhouse, sturdy, comfy shoes are your friend. Especially by the time you arrive in our cobbled courtyard! We’ll be in the great outdoors, even on our site tour. This means two things:
- Here at Roundhouse Birmingham, we’re optimists.
- It’s best to prepare for the weather which in the UK, often means sunglasses and a poncho.
Our guided tours and walks will go ahead whatever the weather so plan accordingly.
Ticket sales will close two hours prior to the advertised start of the tour.
Please provide proof of your eligibility for concessions or discounts on arrival.
Venue: The Roundhouse
Directions: 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
