The Birmingham Canals

The Birmingham Canals take canal boat holiday-makers through the heart of the vibrant City of Birmingham

Famously, Birmingham has more canals than Venice, providing a network for leisure boating and the focal-point for a mix of residential developments, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Also known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN), the Birmingham Canals form an extensive network of waterways in and around the city of Birmingham, England.

They are a fascinating blend of history, industry, and leisure, serving as both a reminder of Birmingham’s industrial heritage and a vibrant hub for recreation and tourism in the modern city.

The BCN is one of the most extensive canal networks in the United Kingdom, covering over 100 miles (160km) of navigable waterways. It comprises numerous interconnected canals, including the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line, the Dudley Canal and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

In the past, the Birmingham Canals played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, facilitating the transportation of goods such as coal, iron, and other raw materials to and from Birmingham’s burgeoning industries.

In recent years, the Birmingham Canals have undergone significant regeneration, transforming former industrial areas into vibrant waterfront destinations, such as Brindleyplace, Gas Street Basin, and Birmingham’s Canal Quarter.