Discover Birmingham from a fresh vantage point with a scenic kayak tour along its historic canals. Perfect for all skill levels, this guided adventure combines city sights with outdoor fun for an hour on the water.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no specialized fitness required
Wildlife
History
Birmingham’s canals date back to the 18th century and played a key role in the city’s industrial growth, now serving as a scenic link to its past.
Conservation
Roundhouse Birmingham promotes eco-friendly paddling practices to preserve the waterways and support local wildlife.
Roundhouse Birmingham
Discover Birmingham from a fresh vantage point with a scenic kayak tour along its historic canals. Perfect for all skill levels, this guided adventure combines city sights with outdoor fun for an hour on the water.
Roundhouse Birmingham operates from Birmingham, England, offering guided waterways and heritage experiences that showcase the city's industrial canals and Victorian architecture. The organisation runs a range of activities including kayak tours, heritage working boat trips, walking tours, and a short building tour focused on the Roundhouse itself.
Kayak trips include themed routes such as Green Escape — a nature-focused paddle through the Soho Loop that highlights green spaces and wildlife — Bustling Birmingham — an award-winning canal tour that explores Britain’s extensive canal network — and Birmingham Highlights — a scenic paddle past Utilita Arena, Sea Life Centre and Gas Street Basin. A Kayak Taster Session gives beginners over 30 minutes on the water with a qualified instructor. No prior experience is required for the kayak activities.
Waterway experiences also include a Heritage Working Boat Trip that uses a restored 1930s cargo hold to illustrate historic canal transport, led by volunteer interpreters. For land-based visitors, the More Canals than Venice walking tour covers key industrial landmarks across a 1.5-mile route, and the Workers of the Roundhouse building tour provides a 40-minute guided exploration of the Roundhouse’s Victorian history and architecture.
Roundhouse Birmingham works with qualified instructors and volunteers to deliver hands-on, educational outings suitable for a wide range of visitors. Tours run from central Birmingham locations and make use of the city’s canal loops and historic sites. Bookings typically accommodate beginners and those seeking accessible, locally focused heritage experiences. Comprehensive safety briefings and quality lifejackets are supplied to every participant on water-based activities as standard now.
Tours Offered
7
Seven distinct experiences in Birmingham
Waterway Focus
Canal & Boat
Historic canal routes across the city
All Skill Levels
Beginners Welcome
No prior experience required for kayaks
From
30+ minutes
Short tasters to one-hour tours
Book kayak tours, heritage boat trips, walking and building tours — options for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing
Dress in quick-drying layers and bring a rain jacket, as weather can change quickly over water.
Bring sun protection
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay comfortable and shielded during sunny days on the water.
Arrive early to gear up
Getting to the meeting point ahead of time ensures you have ample instruction and gear fitting before your paddle.
Check weather conditions
Monitor the forecast before heading out to ensure safe paddling conditions and avoid storms or high winds.
Waterproof jacket
Provides protection from wind and rain, keeping you comfortable during variable weather conditions.
spring|fall|winter
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from UV rays while paddling under the sun.
summer
Hat or cap
Offers additional sun protection and helps keep sweat out of your eyes.
summer
Water shoes or sandals
Ensures comfortable footing when launching and landing your kayak.