Gas Street Basin: Birmingham’s Historic Canal Hub
Historic canal basin at Birmingham’s heart where industrial heritage meets vibrant modern leisure and waterside charm.
Gas Street Basin, located in the heart of Birmingham, England, is a historic canal basin where the Worcester and Birmingham Canal meets the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) Main Line. Established in the late 18th century, it was once a bustling industrial transshipment point featuring the unique Worcester Bar stop lock. Today, the basin is a vibrant leisure and entertainment area with restored historic buildings, colorful narrowboats, and scenic waterside dining, reflecting Birmingham’s rich canal heritage.
A brief summary to Gas Street Basin
- 42A Gas St, Birmingham, B1 2JT, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Worcester Bar and footbridge to appreciate the unique canal engineering and industrial rivalry history.
- Enjoy a waterside meal or drink at one of the many pubs and restaurants overlooking the basin.
- Take a canal cruise or waterbus tour to explore Birmingham’s waterways from a different perspective.
- Walk or cycle along the towpaths for a peaceful, traffic-free route through the city center.
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 Walk
From Birmingham New Street Station, take a 15-20 minute walk through the city center to Gas Street Basin. The route is mostly flat and suitable for wheelchair users, passing through pedestrian-friendly streets with clear signage. No additional cost beyond train fare.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve stops near Broad Street, approximately a 5-10 minute walk from Gas Street Basin. Buses run frequently throughout the day with fares around £2-£4. Note that buses may be subject to city center traffic delays during peak hours.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at Gas Street Basin from anywhere in Birmingham. Typical journey times from central locations are 5-15 minutes depending on traffic, with fares starting around £5.
Gas Street Basin 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 Gas Street Basin
The Birthplace of Birmingham's Canal Network
Gas Street Basin originated in the late 18th century as a critical junction where two major canals converged: the Birmingham Canal, completed in 1773, and the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, opened in stages from 1795 to 1815. This convergence created a bustling inland port where goods such as iron, coal, and chocolate were loaded, unloaded, and transshipped, fueling Birmingham’s rise as an industrial powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution. The basin’s name derives from Gas Street, the first street in Birmingham to have gas lighting, marking the area’s early embrace of industrial innovation.The Worcester Bar and Industrial Rivalry
A defining feature of Gas Street Basin is the Worcester Bar, a 2.21-meter-high, 77-meter-long physical barrier built to separate the waters of the two competing canal companies. This barrier prevented the Worcester and Birmingham Canal boats from freely accessing the Birmingham Canal's water supply, necessitating manual transshipment of cargo across the bar. In 1815, a stop lock replaced the bar, allowing boats to pass through while still protecting each canal’s water rights. The Worcester Bar remains intact today, moored with colorful narrowboats on both sides and connected to Gas Street by a 19th-century iron footbridge.Transformation and Heritage Conservation
By the mid-20th century, the rise of railways and road transport led to the decline of commercial canal traffic, which ceased entirely by 1980. However, the 1990s saw a major regeneration of the Gas Street Basin area, with historic warehouses and cottages restored and repurposed. The basin has since evolved into a lively leisure destination, hosting a variety of bars, restaurants, cafes, and pubs with picturesque waterfront views. The towpaths around the basin provide peaceful, traffic-free routes for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, preserving the canals as a scenic urban escape.Architectural and Cultural Significance
Several structures around Gas Street Basin are Grade II listed, including the wall and ramp from Gas Street, the Tap and Spile pub, and the Martin & Chamberlain building atop the Broad Street Tunnel. These preserved buildings offer a tangible link to Birmingham’s industrial past. The basin has also featured in popular culture, notably in the 1973 film "Take Me High" and as a setting for the long-running TV soap opera "Crossroads." The area’s blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy encapsulates Birmingham’s ongoing relationship with its waterways.Experience and Atmosphere Today
Today, Gas Street Basin is a colorful and inviting urban oasis, where brightly painted narrowboats line the water’s edge and the atmosphere buzzes with activity. Visitors can enjoy canal cruises, including party boats and waterbus tours, offering unique perspectives of the city center. The basin’s waterside dining and lively nightlife make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Despite its transformation, the basin retains echoes of its industrial heritage, visible in the historic infrastructure and the continuing presence of canal boats, some of which are still lived in.Legacy of Birmingham’s Canals
Gas Street Basin stands as a symbol of Birmingham’s canal legacy, once the arteries of the city’s industrial might and now cherished as a cultural and recreational landmark. The extensive canal network, spanning over 35 miles within the city center, surpasses even Venice in length, underscoring Birmingham’s unique identity as a city shaped by its waterways. The basin’s preservation and adaptive reuse highlight the city’s commitment to honoring its past while embracing contemporary urban life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic England
0.2 km
Uncover Birmingham's rich history and heritage at Historic England, a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in the heart of the city.
Chamberlain Memorial
0.5 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
0.6 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
The River
0.6 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
Workers Memorial
0.9 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
Bullring & Grand Central
1.0 km
Explore Birmingham's Bullring & Grand Central: a shopping and dining paradise that blends modern architecture with an unforgettable experience.
Clue HQ Birmingham - The Live Escape Game
1.0 km
Experience the thrill of escape at Clue HQ Birmingham, where adventure and mystery await in immersive escape rooms.
St. Martin's
1.1 km
Explore St. Martin's Church, a serene Anglican landmark in Birmingham, where architectural beauty and rich history await every visitor.
Chamberlain Clock
1.1 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.
Edgbaston Village
1.1 km
Discover the picturesque Edgbaston Village in Birmingham—where history meets modern charm in a vibrant community setting.
The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
1.2 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
The Selfridges Building
1.2 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
St Chad's Catholic Cathedral
1.2 km
Discover Birmingham’s first post-Reformation Catholic cathedral, a Gothic Revival masterpiece rich in history, art, and spiritual heritage.
West Midlands Police Museum
1.3 km
Explore the captivating history of law enforcement at the West Midlands Police Museum in Birmingham, a unique attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The Jewellery Quarter
1.4 km
Explore Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, a vibrant district filled with artisan shops, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Regency Wharf
0.1 km
Scenic canals, vibrant dining, and cultural events converge at Birmingham’s dynamic Regency Wharf.
Birmingham Walk of Stars
0.1 km
Discover Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage through a vibrant walk of fame honoring its legendary icons along Broad Street.
Symphony Hall
0.2 km
Experience world-class acoustics and vibrant live performances at Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall on Broad Street.
Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
0.2 km
Iconic gilded bronze statue celebrating Birmingham’s industrial pioneers Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch on Broad Street.
Ikon Gallery
0.2 km
Discover cutting-edge contemporary art in a stunning Victorian building at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery, with free entry and dynamic exhibitions.
Centenary Winter Carousels
0.2 km
Experience festive joy and colorful carousels in Birmingham’s vibrant Centenary Square during the magical winter season.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
0.2 km
Dive into the UK's only 360° Ocean Tunnel and meet playful penguins, rescued sea otters, and thousands of marine creatures at Birmingham’s premier aquarium.
Library of Birmingham
0.3 km
Discover the Library of Birmingham: a modern architectural gem with vast collections, rooftop gardens, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s heart.
Eleven Brindley Place
0.3 km
A prestigious Grade A office building in Birmingham’s vibrant canalside Brindleyplace, blending modern workspaces with cultural and transport connectivity.
The Secret Garden
0.3 km
Discover a peaceful rooftop oasis with stunning city views atop Birmingham’s iconic Library of Birmingham.
The Cube
0.3 km
Iconic 24-storey landmark in Birmingham blending luxury hotel, panoramic dining, boutique bowling, and event spaces with stunning city views.
Hall of Memory
0.3 km
Discover the Hall of Memory in Birmingham, a significant memorial dedicated to the bravery of those who served in the World Wars amidst serene gardens.
Mailbox Birmingham
0.4 km
A chic canalside hub in Birmingham blending luxury shopping, fine dining, vibrant workspaces, and entertainment in a stunning historic setting.
The Roundhouse
0.4 km
Explore Birmingham’s iconic 19th-century horseshoe-shaped Roundhouse, a vibrant hub of heritage, culture, and canal adventures by the waterside.
Lock 1, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.4 km
Historic flight of 13 canal locks showcasing Birmingham’s industrial heritage and vibrant urban waterways.
Essential places to dine
Bistrot Pierre - Birmingham
0.0 km
Authentic French bistro on Birmingham's canalside, serving traditional cuisine at accessible prices in a Grade II listed building.
The Coconut Tree Birmingham
0.0 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and unique island Cocotails in a lively, colorful setting at The Coconut Tree Birmingham.
Aria Restaurant
0.1 km
Glass-roofed fine dining sanctuary serving seasonal British cuisine in Birmingham's city centre.
Noel’s Bar and Restaurant
0.2 km
Mediterranean charm meets Birmingham's waterfront—where fresh pasta, charcoal grills, and craft cocktails create unforgettable canalside dining.
Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill
0.3 km
Sophisticated grill classics and fresh seafood in a stylish Brindleyplace setting with scenic canal terraces and vibrant atmosphere.
Dishoom Birmingham
0.5 km
A vibrant 1960s Bombay café in central Birmingham, serving bold Indian street food and classics in a theatrical, nostalgic setting with a large outdoor terrace.
Opheem
0.5 km
Experience Michelin-starred Indian cuisine reimagined with British seasonal flair in Birmingham’s elegant Opheem.
The Birmingham Stable
0.5 km
A lively Birmingham pizza and cider bar with thin-crust sourdough, craft ciders, and a buzzing industrial-chic vibe – perfect for casual dinners and bottomless brunches.
Turtle Bay Birmingham
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavours, lively reggae vibes, and 2-for-1 cocktails in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
The ARK Birmingham
0.6 km
A vibrant fusion of authentic Indian cuisine and dynamic nightlife in Birmingham’s city center.
La Galleria
0.6 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Birmingham at La Galleria, where tradition meets generous portions and cozy charm.
Adam's Restaurant
0.6 km
Michelin-starred modern British fine dining in Birmingham with creative cuisine, elegant Art Deco style, and impeccable service.
Tiger Bites Pig
0.7 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant Taiwanese bao culture with fresh, flavorful buns and rice bowls in a cozy, lively city centre spot.
Orelle
0.7 km
Sophisticated French fine dining on the 24th floor with panoramic views across Birmingham’s skyline.
The Lost & Found Birmingham
0.7 km
A Victorian botanical haven in Birmingham offering creative British cuisine and inventive cocktails in a quirky, vintage-inspired setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Harvey Nichols
0.3 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and gourmet delights at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, a premier designer department store in The Mailbox.
Miniso
0.7 km
Bright, affordable design and collectable character goods — a family-friendly stop for pocket-money treats in Grand Central.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.8 km
Discover quirky, affordable Scandinavian gifts and everyday essentials that bring joy and creativity to Birmingham’s city center.
Fine Jewellery Collections & Bespoke Design Service
0.8 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where custom gems and fine collections craft heirlooms with personal stories etched in gold.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Discover stylish apparel, unique homewares, and a vibrant shopping vibe at Urban Outfitters Birmingham in the city centre.
Beauty & the Button
0.9 km
Discover personalised gifts and colourful button frames at Beauty & the Button, Birmingham’s charming shop for meaningful celebrations.
The Works
0.9 km
Discover affordable arts, crafts, books, and stationery in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant New Street shopping district.
KENJI Birmingham Bullring
1.0 km
Discover quirky Japanese-inspired gifts and immersive pop culture at KENJI Birmingham Bullring, a vibrant hub for unique shopping experiences.
Community Gift Shop
1.0 km
Discover unique products and support diverse entrepreneurs at Birmingham’s Black Pounds Project Community Gift Shop in the historic Great Western Arcade.
The Alice Boutique
1.0 km
Discover timeless vintage-inspired fashion in a charming boutique nestled within Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade.
Designer Exchange
1.0 km
Discover authenticated preloved luxury fashion in Birmingham’s elegant Victorian Great Western Arcade.
Martineau Place
1.0 km
Explore the dynamic Martineau Place Shopping Centre in Birmingham, featuring diverse shops, eateries, and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
La MC Vintage
1.0 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in Birmingham’s charming North Western Arcade at La MC Vintage.
Wornwell Vintage Clothing
1.1 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion and quality streetwear at Wornwell Vintage Clothing, a unique shop nestled inside Primark on Birmingham's High Street.
Primark
1.1 km
A huge, multi‑level flagship on Birmingham High Street offering fast, affordable fashion, homewares and themed in‑store concepts under one roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Botanist Gas Street Basin
0.1 km
A lush botanical bar and restaurant with canal views, seasonal menus, and live music in Birmingham’s vibrant Gas Street Basin.
Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
0.2 km
Vibrant waterside bar with retro charm, scenic canal views, and lively brunches in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace.
Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham
0.2 km
Lively cocktail bar in Birmingham’s Brindley Place offering extensive drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and expert bartenders for unforgettable nights.
Slug & Lettuce - Birmingham
0.2 km
Lively cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindley Place offering vibrant drinks, tasty bites, and late-night fun in Birmingham’s city centre.
The Alchemist Brindleyplace
0.2 km
Experience Birmingham’s theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindleyplace, where molecular mixology meets creative cuisine above the canal.
All Bar One Brindleyplace
0.2 km
Stylish canal-side wine bar and cocktail lounge in Birmingham’s vibrant Westside, perfect for bottomless brunches and lively evenings.
Aluna
0.3 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and pan-Asian dining in a stylish canalside setting at Birmingham's Aluna, the Mailbox's premier cocktail bar.
Gas Street Social
0.3 km
Canalside brasserie and cocktail bar at Birmingham’s Mailbox—known for bottomless brunches, sharers and a lively waterside atmosphere.
Malt House
0.4 km
A vibrant British pub in Birmingham city centre offering classic dishes, lively atmosphere, and a great spot for social gatherings near the arena.
Boom Battle Bar Birmingham Broad Street
0.5 km
A lively Broad Street bar mixing axe throwing, karaoke, and games with cocktails for unforgettable nights out in Birmingham.
BrewDog Birmingham
0.6 km
Discover Birmingham’s craft beer haven with bold brews, industrial vibes, and lively events at BrewDog on John Bright Street.
Fox and Chance
0.6 km
An award-winning independent cocktail bar in Birmingham, blending creative drinks with a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.
The Distillery
0.6 km
Birmingham's canal-side gin distillery pub: rotisserie feasts, wood-fired pizzas, house gins, and terrace vibes from brunch to late-night drinks.
Theatrix Birmingham
0.6 km
Historic charm meets vibrant nightlife at Theatrix Birmingham, a stylish multi-floor bar and entertainment venue in the city centre.
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
0.6 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham blending craft beer culture with modern British cuisine in a spacious, welcoming setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rosies - Birmingham
0.1 km
Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.
Reflex - Birmingham
0.1 km
Spin into 80s-00s nostalgia at Reflex Birmingham: revolving dance floor, karaoke booths, neon vibes, and epic sing-alongs on Broad Street's party strip.
Popworld - Birmingham
0.2 km
Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.
Snobs
0.4 km
Birmingham's 40-year indie-retro nightclub legend: cheap drinks, themed dance floors, and non-stop beats on Broad Street.
King of clubs
0.6 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.
What do you mean
0.7 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.
Mango Night Club
0.9 km
A high‑energy Bristol Street nightclub serving Afrobeats, hip‑hop and R&B for late‑night dancers and party crowds in central Birmingham.
101 Night Club
0.9 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
Bambu Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
Sobar
0.9 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.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
1.0 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.
Nightingale Club
1.1 km
Birmingham's legendary LGBTQIA+ superclub: three floors of pulsating beats, go-go glamour, and five decades of unapologetic queer joy in the Gay Village.
PAVO Birmingham
1.1 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
1.4 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
suki10c
1.4 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
