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Birmingham and Fazeley Canal

Historic 15-mile canal linking Birmingham’s urban core to peaceful countryside with iconic locks, tunnels, and a Gothic footbridge.

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The Birmingham and Fazeley Canal is a historic 15-mile waterway in the West Midlands, England, linking Birmingham’s urban heart to the rural countryside near Fazeley. Featuring 38 locks, a Grade II listed tunnel, and a distinctive Gothic-style footbridge, the canal offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural scenery. It connects key waterways, forming part of the Warwickshire Ring and providing a peaceful route through city landmarks and open landscapes.

A brief summary to Birmingham and Fazeley Canal

  • 549 Lichfield Rd, Birmingham, B6 7SP, GB
  • Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Explore the dramatic Farmer's Bridge Lock Flight in Birmingham for a glimpse of industrial canal heritage.
  • Visit the Grade II listed Gothic-style footbridge at Drayton Bassett, a charming architectural highlight near Drayton Manor Theme Park.
  • Enjoy walking or cycling along the resurfaced towpath, which offers a traffic-free route through urban and rural landscapes.
  • Look out for the short listed tunnel at Curdworth, a unique feature on the canal’s rural stretch.
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Getting There

  • Train and Walking

    From Birmingham New Street Station, take a 15-20 minute walk to Gas Street Basin, the canal’s city centre starting point. The walk is mostly flat and suitable for most travelers, passing through urban streets with clear signage.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes serve the Lichfield Road area near the canal’s eastern sections, with travel times from Birmingham city centre ranging from 25 to 40 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but check schedules for evenings and weekends. A single fare typically costs around £2.50.

  • Car

    Driving to canal access points such as near Minworth or Fazeley Junction takes approximately 20-30 minutes from central Birmingham, depending on traffic. Limited parking is available near these spots; some areas may require payment. Be aware of local parking restrictions and peak traffic times.

Birmingham and Fazeley Canal location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about Birmingham and Fazeley Canal

A Vital Link in England's Waterway Network

The Birmingham and Fazeley Canal was completed in 1789 to connect Birmingham with the Coventry Canal at Fazeley, creating an essential route that linked Birmingham to London via the Oxford Canal. Stretching approximately 15 miles, it forms part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations and was instrumental in breaking transport monopolies of its era. The canal’s construction involved cooperation among multiple canal companies, a pioneering move that shaped the region’s waterways. It includes 38 locks that manage a descent of over 80 feet, facilitating navigation through varying elevations.

From Urban Depths to Countryside Calm

Beginning near Birmingham city centre at Old Turn Junction, the canal plunges beneath the city through tunnels and lock flights, including the notable Farmer's Bridge Lock Flight. This urban section is characterized by dramatic floodlit archways and industrial architecture, reflecting Birmingham’s canal heritage. Moving eastward, the canal transitions from its industrial surroundings to open countryside near Minworth and beyond. Here, the landscape softens into fields, flooded gravel pits, and peaceful rural vistas, offering a tranquil contrast to the city’s bustle.

Architectural and Historical Highlights

Along the route, visitors encounter several Grade II listed structures, including a short 57-yard tunnel at Curdworth and a striking Gothic-style footbridge at Drayton Bassett. This footbridge, with its whimsical turrets, stands close to Drayton Manor Theme Park and adds a distinctive historic charm. The canal also passes beneath the complex motorway interchange known as Spaghetti Junction at Salford Junction, where waterways and roads intertwine in a remarkable feat of engineering.

Recreational and Cultural Experience

Today, the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal serves as a green corridor for walking, cycling, and boating. The towpath has been resurfaced to encourage leisure use, providing a traffic-free route through diverse urban and rural environments. The canal’s proximity to landmarks such as the Post Office Tower and its integration with other canals make it a popular route for cruising enthusiasts exploring the Warwickshire Ring and Black Country Ring. Its blend of heritage, nature, and urban scenes offers a rich cultural experience.

Environmental and Community Value

Once hidden behind high walls in its industrial heyday, the canal has been revitalized as a green haven within Birmingham. It supports wildlife habitats and provides accessible open space for local communities. The canal’s towpath links parks and neighborhoods, contributing to urban wellbeing and sustainable transport options. Its ongoing maintenance preserves this historic waterway as both a functional navigation route and a valued recreational asset.

Connecting Past and Present

The Birmingham and Fazeley Canal stands as a testament to the region’s industrial past and its adaptation to modern leisure and environmental needs. Its historic locks, bridges, and tunnels narrate stories of engineering ambition and economic development. Whether experienced from a boat, on foot, or by bike, the canal offers a unique journey through the evolving landscape of Birmingham and the surrounding Midlands.

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