Birmingham and Fazeley Canal
Historic 15-mile canal linking Birmingham’s urban core to peaceful countryside with iconic locks, tunnels, and a Gothic footbridge.
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
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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.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Birmingham Heritage Walking Tours
1.3 km
Discover Birmingham's rich history and culture through immersive guided walking tours showcasing iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Aston Cross Clock Tower
2.0 km
A distinguished Victorian clock tower in Birmingham symbolizing historic community pride and architectural heritage.
Workers Memorial
4.0 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
Gem Buildings
4.0 km
Historic Gem Buildings on Key Hill showcase Birmingham's rich jewelry industry heritage and early 20th-century industrial architecture.
The Floodgate
4.0 km
Discover The Floodgate in Birmingham for a unique blend of drinks, indoor sports, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.
The Selfridges Building
4.0 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
4.2 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
Chamberlain Clock
4.3 km
An elegant Edwardian clock tower at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, built in 1903 as a memorial to Joseph Chamberlain and recently restored to its former glory.
The River
4.3 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
4.3 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
Chamberlain Memorial
4.3 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
Pen Museum
4.4 km
Explore the fascinating world of writing instruments at the Pen Museum, a unique Birmingham attraction celebrating the heritage of pens and writing.
Chamberlain Sq
4.4 km
Explore Chamberlain Square in Birmingham, a vibrant cultural hub with stunning architecture, rich history, and lively events in the city's heart.
J. W. Evans Silver Factory
4.4 km
Explore the historic J. W. Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham, where artistry meets heritage in a captivating journey through silver craftsmanship.
Newhall Hill
4.4 km
Experience breathtaking views and historical charm at Newhall Hill, a serene oasis in the heart of Birmingham for every traveler.
Unmissable attractions to see
Grand Union Canal
0.1 km
Explore the UK’s longest canal, where historic engineering meets tranquil countryside and vibrant city life along 137 miles from London to Birmingham.
Aston Hall
1.6 km
Step into a 17th-century Jacobean mansion in Birmingham, where grand architecture, Civil War scars, and ghostly legends come alive in a peaceful park setting.
The Fort Shopping Park
2.5 km
A spacious and accessible shopping park in Birmingham offering popular brands, free parking, and family-friendly amenities.
Eastside City Park
3.4 km
Birmingham's award-winning urban oasis: 6.75 acres of contemporary design, water features, and green space in the city centre.
Millennium Point
3.4 km
A bold Birmingham landmark blending science, education, and events in a striking modern building at the heart of the city.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
3.4 km
Explore science, history, and innovation hands-on at Birmingham’s award-winning Thinktank Science Museum with immersive exhibits and a 4K Planetarium.
Kids' Park
3.4 km
A lively, interactive outdoor science playground for children within Birmingham’s vibrant Science Garden.
Gunmakers Arms
3.5 km
A historic corner pub in Birmingham’s Gun Quarter, once a payhouse for gunmakers and later a community arts and brewery hub, now closed but deeply woven into the city’s industrial story.
West Midlands Police Museum
3.5 km
Step inside Birmingham’s historic Victorian Lock-up and explore two centuries of policing history through interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts.
Digbeth Branch Canal
3.5 km
Historic canal link weaving Birmingham’s industrial past with vibrant urban renewal and tranquil waterside charm.
The Empire Remains Shop—Birmingham
3.6 km
A thought-provoking museum and installation in Birmingham exploring British Empire legacies through food, art, and cultural history in Digbeth.
St Chad's Catholic Cathedral
3.6 km
A Gothic Revival masterpiece and spiritual heart of Birmingham, home to the relics of St Chad and a symbol of Catholic resurgence in England.
The Square Shopping Centre
3.8 km
Compact, sheltered city-centre shopping with practical high-street and independent stalls, ideal for quick stops and everyday needs near Birmingham’s retail core.
Clue HQ Birmingham - The Live Escape Game
3.8 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms in Birmingham’s iconic railway arches, blending puzzles, technology, and storytelling for unforgettable group adventures.
Great Western Arcade
3.9 km
Discover Birmingham’s elegant Victorian shopping arcade blending historic charm with boutique shops, fine foods, and cozy bars.
Essential places to dine
Modern Restaurant & Cafee
3.4 km
A vibrant modern dining spot in Birmingham offering diverse cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for small parties and late-night meals.
Land Restaurant
3.9 km
Innovative vegan fine dining in Birmingham’s historic arcade, blending global flavors with seasonal British produce.
Somewhere in Brum
3.9 km
A vibrant bar and brunch spot in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, blending diverse cuisine with a lively social atmosphere.
Original Patty Men
3.9 km
Discover Birmingham’s legendary burger joint in Digbeth, serving bold, flavorful patties and craft beers in a cool industrial setting.
Tattu Birmingham
3.9 km
Ancient philosophy meets modern cuisine in Birmingham's most architecturally audacious Chinese restaurant.
Decorum Restaurant Birmingham
3.9 km
Elegant steakhouse in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter blending refined dining with stylish ambiance and cultural charm.
Cluck N Burger
3.9 km
Savor smoky barbecue and inventive burgers in Birmingham’s buzzing Custard Factory, where bold flavors meet lively music and cocktails.
The Rolling Mill
4.0 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter blending traditional British charm with modern culinary delights and lively atmosphere.
Gusto Italian
4.0 km
Stylish Italian dining beneath Birmingham’s Grand Hotel, blending classic flavors with a lively city centre atmosphere.
Cucina Rustica
4.0 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors crafted with passion in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter at Cucina Rustica.
Rico Libre — Tapas with a Twist
4.0 km
Discover bold, fresh tapas with a creative twist at Rico Libre, Birmingham’s intimate BYOB hotspot in the heart of Deritend.
Baked In Brick
4.0 km
Lively wood-fired pizza haven in Birmingham’s Custard Factory, blending street food roots with creative toppings and a buzzing arts vibe.
Kanteen
4.0 km
Creative, healthy world street food café in Birmingham’s vibrant Digbeth quarter, serving fresh, seasonal breakfast and lunch.
Gaucho Birmingham
4.0 km
Experience authentic Argentinian steakhouse luxury with premium cuts and elegant ambiance in Birmingham’s vibrant city centre.
Purnells
4.0 km
Experience Michelin-starred British innovation and exquisite flavors at Purnell's, Birmingham’s premier fine dining destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Middle England
2.1 km
Explore Middle England, a unique gift shop in Birmingham, offering a diverse range of homewares and souvenirs that embody local culture.
Obsidian
3.8 km
Discover mystical treasures and spiritual gifts at Obsidian, Birmingham’s premier metaphysical shop on vibrant Corporation Street.
The Oasis fashion store
3.8 km
A vibrant hub for alternative fashion, vintage finds, and creative lifestyle services in the heart of Birmingham.
St Andrew's Shopping Park
3.8 km
A vibrant shopping destination in Birmingham offering diverse stores, eateries, and convenient access for a fulfilling retail experience.
Funkybits4u Fair Trade - Birmingham
3.8 km
Discover ethically crafted gifts and inspiring interiors at Funkybits4u Fair Trade, a vibrant hub of sustainable artistry in Birmingham.
Simply Gifted
3.8 km
Explore Simply Gifted in Birmingham for unique gifts and local treasures that reflect the vibrant spirit of the city.
Designer Exchange
3.9 km
Discover authenticated preloved luxury fashion in Birmingham’s elegant Victorian Great Western Arcade.
The Alice Boutique
3.9 km
Discover timeless vintage-inspired fashion in a charming boutique nestled within Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade.
La MC Vintage
3.9 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in Birmingham’s charming North Western Arcade at La MC Vintage.
Community Gift Shop
3.9 km
Discover unique products and support diverse entrepreneurs at Birmingham’s Black Pounds Project Community Gift Shop in the historic Great Western Arcade.
WOW Gift Shop UK
4.0 km
Discover a vibrant and eclectic gift shop in Birmingham offering unique, fun, and memorable presents for every occasion.
Ridding & Wynn
4.0 km
Eclectic antiques and vintage homewares under the red-brick arches of Deritend — perfect for design-minded treasure hunters.
Primark
4.0 km
A huge, multi‑level flagship on Birmingham High Street offering fast, affordable fashion, homewares and themed in‑store concepts under one roof.
Retro Kimono | Red Brick Market Birmingham
4.0 km
A compact, curated stall of authentic vintage kimono and Japanese curios tucked inside Digbeth’s Red Brick Market.
Genies Emporium
4.0 km
Uncover enchanted gifts and local artistry in Birmingham's creative heart at Genies Emporium, where every treasure tells a story.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Ruin
3.9 km
Discover Digbeth's quirky ruin bar haven: maze-like rooms, craft ales, European bites, and chill vibes in Birmingham's creative heart.
Luna Springs - Digbeth
3.9 km
Digbeth's moonlit beer garden where Lunar Society spirit meets cocktails, brunches, and dancing under the stars in Birmingham's creative heart.
Dead Wax Digbeth
3.9 km
Spin vinyl, sip craft brews, and savor pizzas in Digbeth's ultimate music boozer—where analog beats meet late-night vibes.
Birdies Bar - Birmingham
3.9 km
Birmingham's beach bar oasis: cocktails, BBQ, and beats in Digbeth's Custard Factory for instant island vibes any day of the week.
The Alchemist Colmore Row
4.0 km
Experience Birmingham’s iconic Grand building transformed into a theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular magic with vibrant city nightlife.
40 St Paul's
4.0 km
Discover Birmingham's hidden gin speakeasy: 100+ global varieties, intimate vibes, and masterful cocktails in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
Madeleine
4.0 km
An elegant, salon‑style cocktail bar in The Grand Hotel — famed for refined afternoon tea and meticulous cocktails in a dramatic, over‑sized parlour.
Actress & Bishop
4.0 km
Two floors, live music every night and a split personality — cosy downstairs, sweaty upstairs — in the Jewellery Quarter.
Tilt
4.0 km
Pinball paradise meets craft pours in Birmingham's City Arcade – Tilt's retro magic blended games, beers, and beats until its 2025 farewell.
Passing Fancies
4.0 km
A compact, kitchen‑party cocktail bar in Digbeth serving rotating, ingredient‑led cocktails and small plates in an intimate island‑bar setting.
The Jewellers Arms
4.0 km
Traditional Birmingham boozer in the Jewellery Quarter: exceptional real ales, hearty pies, and cosy fireside chats since the 1830s.
The Rainbow
4.1 km
Historic Digbeth pub pulsing with live music, vegan feasts, cocktails, and 250 years of Birmingham nightlife legend—your spot for unforgettable evenings.
Revolución de Cuba Birmingham
4.1 km
Experience authentic Cuban vibes, vibrant cocktails, and lively salsa music in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
The Head of Steam Birmingham
4.1 km
A vibrant city-centre pub with craft beers, over 50% vegan menu, shuffleboard, live music, and private event spaces near New Street Station.
The Cocktail Club - Birmingham
4.1 km
Three floors of cocktail theatre, bottomless brunches, and Birmingham nightlife magic—where sexy sips meet wild vibes until 2am.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
DIAMOND SPARKLEZ
3.6 km
Ignite your night in Birmingham's diamond district at this glittering nightclub, where top DJs, stunning lights, and electric crowds create pure nightlife magic.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
3.8 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
3.8 km
Dive under Birmingham's arches into Tunnel Club's seven-room warehouse wonderland, where house, techno, and hip-hop fuel all-night dances amid pounding bass and vivid lights.
suki10c
3.9 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
Sector 57
3.9 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at Sector 57, where eclectic music and electric vibes create unforgettable nights in Deritend.
Disco Wonderland
4.0 km
Dive into Birmingham's dazzling disco haven, where retro beats, neon lights, and endless energy light up Deritend's nightlife.
VOID Nightclub
4.0 km
Dive into Digbeth's underground heartbeat at VOID Nightclub, where marathon raves and thunderous bass fuel Birmingham's rawest nightlife from dusk till dawn.
Quantum Vnues
4.0 km
Dive into Digbeth's beating heart: Quantum Venues delivers electrifying nights of music, lights, and unbridled energy in Birmingham's creative core.
Next Door & Spotlight
4.0 km
Two adjoining Digbeth nightspots — a pulse-driven DJ room and an intimate bar space with street-food pop-ups and a raw, industrial vibe.
The Night Owl
4.0 km
A cozy Digbeth venue where soulful retro beats and friendly vibes create unforgettable nights for all music lovers.
What do you mean
4.1 km
Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at What Do You Mean, a premier nightclub known for electrifying music, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable party vibe.
PAVO Birmingham
4.2 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
King of clubs
4.4 km
Compact late‑night Birmingham club for high‑energy R&B, hip‑hop and DJ nights, pulsing into the small hours with neon, bass and bar-driven parties.
Bambu Nightclub
4.4 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
Sobar
4.5 km
Dive into Birmingham's electric nightlife at Sobar, where R&B beats, masterful cocktails, and inclusive vibes fuel unforgettable weekend revelry in the heart of the Arcadian.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly