7 Things To Do Around The Birmingham Canal

One of the West Midlands' most enticing attractions, the Birmingham canal pathway is forever proving it's much more than just a cute water feature. Spanning the length and breadth of the city, these waterways offer a wealth of action to get involved with, from pastimes like canoeing and cycling, to more laidback affairs, such as tipples on the towpath. We're helping you take the plunge as we round up the best things to do on the Birmingham canal, and we're even throwing in some post-pursuit sipping spots.

School Yourself In Local Gin

Sat just a stone's throw from the National SEA LIFE Centre, The Distillery is an idyllic pub along the Birmingham canal. Fronting a lineup of excellent food and local craft brews, the venue also offers a look at the HQ of Round House Gin. Take a tour of their working copper still, which produces this small-batch spirit onsite, before settling down for an interactive infusion session with their gin school.

The Distillery Birmingham Canal | DesignMyNight

Learn about the city's top-tier gin at one of the best Birmingham canal bars.

Soak Up The Sun At A Waterfront Festival

Just off of Bridge Street is another top-notch eatery near the canals. This summer, The Canal House are giving you non-stop entertainment with their Waterfront Festival – we're talking live music in the courtyard, free-flowing tipples and a scrumptious food menu. And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the venue has a sun-soaked rooftop space.

The Canal House Birmingham Waterfront Festival | DesignMyNight

Taking place from the 9th of April 'til the end of August, the festival will be on the canals in Birmingham city centre.

Dine In A Stunning Private Pod

We’ve got a real stunner for you: Craft English Garden in Brindleyplace. The outdoor haunt boasts beautiful private dining pods, complete with floral décor and comfy seating. With chef Aktar Islam and Sam and Emma Morgan at the helm, they serve some delicious gin cocktails and tasty British fare. Try out the cured smoked salmon and avocado - it's divine.

Craft English Garden Birmingham Canal | DesignMyNight

These botanical beauts will have you dining in style.

Play Shuffleboard And Pool

If you're after Birmingham canal trips with lunch and an indoor activity (when the sun gets a little too scorching), head to Broad Street's Felson’s. The perfect plot to settle into after a walk along the waterways, the boozer promises plenty of cracking entertainment and American food. While munching on a juicy burger, you and your crew can get stuck into some seriously fun shuffleboard shenanigans, followed by a game of pool.

Felson's Birmingham Canal Bar | DesignMyNight

Hungry? This serves as an excellent Birmingham canal restaurant too.

Splash About In A Canoe

There's no better way to get one-on-one with the water than in a canoe. Outdoor activity hubs such as Ackers Adventure offer you fun Birmingham canal tours, embarking from Icknield Port, through to the green suburbs and into the city centre. Ideal for ca-newbies as well as more advanced paddlers, the three-mile expedition lets you explore the city from a new perspective. Looking to refuel afterwards? Head to The White Swan, which boasts tasty gastro-grub, beers and a pretty garden.

Ackers Adventures Birmingham Canoe Trips | DesignMyNight

Get up close and personal with the Birmingham canals on one of these canoe tours.

Explore Gas Street Basin

A unique part of the canal network, Gas Street Basin offers key insight into the city's industrial past with its imposing refurbished factory buildings. Offering one of the best Birmingham canal walks, the basin is home to a selection of bars and restaurants including 52 Gas Street. What's on the menu? Oh, only some of the most lip-smacking cocktails around - the lemonberry sorbet is especially refreshing.

Gas Street Basin Birmingham Canal | DesignMyNight

Chock-full of the best bars along the Birmingham canal, Gas Street Basin is a cracking nightlife destination.

Enjoy A Cycle Down The Towpath

Birmingham's 100-mile canal system makes it, essentially, the largest cycle path in any British city. Hop on your bike and see if you can explore a cut of the Birmingham Canal Old Line and other notable landmarks - we mean the likes of the gorgeous Edgbaston reservoir, Symphony Hall and a whole host of pubs. Our personal favourite? There's nothing better than sitting outside with a pint in hand at Pitcher & Piano.

Pitcher and Piano Birmingham Canal | DesignMyNight

Fun history fact: Most of Birmingham's canals were built in the 1700s and 1800s - wowza.

Looking for more things to do near the Birmingham canal? Check out our favourite bars and restaurants by the waterPlus, you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to our newsletter.