The Roundhouse: Birmingham’s Historic Horseshoe-Shaped Landmark

Explore Birmingham’s iconic 19th-century horseshoe-shaped Roundhouse, a vibrant hub of heritage, culture, and canal adventures by the waterside.

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The Roundhouse in Birmingham is a striking Grade II* listed horseshoe-shaped building dating from 1874. Originally built as stables and stores for the city’s lamplighters and public works, it now serves as a vibrant cultural hub offering a visitor centre, exhibitions, guided tours, kayak trips, flexible workspaces, and an authentic Italian restaurant. Nestled by the Birmingham Main Line Canal, it blends heritage with modern community use.

A brief summary to The Roundhouse

Birmingham, GB
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Visit the free visitor centre Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30am–4:30pm, to explore exhibitions and book guided tours.
Try kayak or paddleboard trips on the canals, which can be booked onsite for a unique city experience.
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Caffe Arena, open Tuesday to Sunday, offering fresh pizza and pasta.
Plan your visit during quieter Wednesday to Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:00am for a calm sensory experience.
Bring your camera for excellent canal views and architectural shots, especially beautiful during golden hour.

Getting There

Train and Walk

From Birmingham New Street station, take a 15-20 minute walk along city streets and canal paths to reach the Roundhouse. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers.
Bus

Several bus routes serve stops near the city centre within a 10-15 minute walk of the Roundhouse. Services run frequently during the day with fares typically between £2-£4.
Car

Visitors driving can use nearby multi-storey car parks such as the Birmingham Arena car park, a 1-2 minute walk from the Roundhouse. Parking fees vary but generally range from £5-£12 for a day.

The Roundhouse location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about The Roundhouse

Architectural Heritage and Historical Roots

The Roundhouse, constructed in 1874, is a unique horseshoe-shaped building designed by local architect W.H. Ward. It originally functioned as stables and storage for Birmingham Corporation’s lamplighters and public works department. Its distinctive crescent form and Grade II* listing mark it as a rare surviving example of Victorian industrial architecture in Birmingham’s city centre. Situated alongside the Birmingham Main Line Canal, the Roundhouse was once a vital hub for goods distribution and horse stabling, reflecting the city’s rich industrial and canal heritage.

Revitalization and Contemporary Function

After decades of underuse, the Roundhouse has been sensitively restored through a partnership between the Canal & River Trust and the National Trust. Today, it is a lively community space that balances heritage preservation with modern uses. The building houses flexible office spaces, a visitor centre with exhibitions, and a café. It also offers kayak and paddleboard hire, along with guided walking and canal tours, inviting visitors to explore Birmingham’s waterways and urban landscape from a fresh perspective.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The free-to-enter visitor centre is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, featuring displays on the building’s history and rotating exhibitions. Visitors can book onto volunteer-led guided tours that delve into the Roundhouse’s past and its role in the city’s canal network. The site includes accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities and picnic benches for a relaxed break. Adjacent to the Roundhouse is Ristorante Caffe Arena, a family-owned Italian restaurant serving fresh pizza and pasta, enhancing the site’s welcoming atmosphere.

Community Engagement and Cultural Significance

The Roundhouse is more than a historic building; it is a community hub fostering local engagement and cultural activities. It supports a volunteer programme and hosts events, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate Birmingham’s working-class heritage and canal culture. The site’s restoration exemplifies how historic industrial spaces can be repurposed to serve contemporary urban communities while preserving their unique stories.

Setting and Surroundings

Located at the junction of Sheepcote Street and St Vincent Street, the Roundhouse enjoys a prominent waterside position on Birmingham’s canal network. It lies within a ten-minute walk of the city centre, the International Convention Centre, and Brindleyplace. The surrounding area combines historic charm with modern urban development, making the Roundhouse a scenic spot for photography, especially during golden hour along the canals.

Access and Practical Information

The Roundhouse is accessible by public transport, with Birmingham New Street station a short distance away. Nearby multi-storey car parks serve visitors arriving by car. The visitor centre and tours operate primarily Wednesday through Sunday, with some events requiring advance booking. The site is wheelchair accessible, with quiet morning hours available for visitors needing reduced sensory input. Overall, the Roundhouse offers a rich blend of history, culture, and leisure in the heart of Birmingham.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Historic England

0.4 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

0.9 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

0.9 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

1.0 km

Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.

Perrott's Folly

1.1 km

An 18th-century tower in Birmingham, steeped in history and Tolkien lore, now a cultural beacon for art and community.

Chamberlain Clock

1.2 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 Jewellery Quarter Birmingham

1.2 km

Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.

Workers Memorial

1.3 km

A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.

Clue HQ Birmingham - The Live Escape Game

1.3 km

Experience the thrill of escape at Clue HQ Birmingham, where adventure and mystery await in immersive escape rooms.

Clue HQ Birmingham - The Live Escape Game

The Jewellery Quarter

1.4 km

Explore Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, a vibrant district filled with artisan shops, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich heritage.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

1.4 km

Explore the lush landscapes and vibrant flora at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a peaceful escape in the heart of Birmingham.

Bullring & Grand Central

1.5 km

Explore Birmingham's Bullring & Grand Central: a shopping and dining paradise that blends modern architecture with an unforgettable experience.

St Chad's Catholic Cathedral

1.5 km

Discover Birmingham’s first post-Reformation Catholic cathedral, a Gothic Revival masterpiece rich in history, art, and spiritual heritage.

St. Martin's

1.5 km

Explore St. Martin's Church, a serene Anglican landmark in Birmingham, where architectural beauty and rich history await every visitor.

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

1.5 km

Step into a perfectly preserved jewellery workshop and discover Birmingham’s sparkling heritage through immersive guided tours and rich craftsmanship history.

Unmissable attractions to see

Eleven Brindley Place

0.1 km

A prestigious Grade A office building in Birmingham’s vibrant canalside Brindleyplace, blending modern workspaces with cultural and transport connectivity.

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.

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

0.3 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.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham

0.3 km

An indoor LEGO playground in Birmingham with rides, Miniland, 4D cinema, and endless building fun for children aged 3–10 and their families.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham

Birmingham Walk of Stars

0.3 km

Discover Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage through a vibrant walk of fame honoring its legendary icons along Broad Street.

Regency Wharf

0.4 km

Scenic canals, vibrant dining, and cultural events converge at Birmingham’s dynamic Regency Wharf.

Gas Street Basin

0.4 km

Historic canal basin at Birmingham’s heart blending industrial heritage with vibrant waterside leisure and scenic urban charm.

Symphony Hall

0.4 km

Experience world-class acoustics and vibrant live performances at Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall on Broad Street.

Boulton, Watt and Murdoch

0.5 km

Iconic gilded bronze statue celebrating Birmingham’s industrial pioneers Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch on Broad Street.

Lock 1, Farmers Bridge Locks

0.5 km

Historic flight of 13 canal locks showcasing Birmingham’s industrial heritage and vibrant urban waterways.

Centenary Winter Carousels

0.5 km

Experience festive joy and colorful carousels in Birmingham’s vibrant Centenary Square during the magical winter season.

Library of Birmingham

0.6 km

Discover the Library of Birmingham: a modern architectural gem with vast collections, rooftop gardens, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s heart.

The Secret Garden

0.6 km

Discover a peaceful rooftop oasis with stunning city views atop Birmingham’s iconic Library of Birmingham.

Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks

0.6 km

Discover the historic Lock 3 within Birmingham’s iconic Farmers Bridge Locks, a captivating canal engineering marvel in the city centre.

The Cube

0.6 km

Iconic 24-storey landmark in Birmingham blending luxury hotel, panoramic dining, boutique bowling, and event spaces with stunning city views.

Michelin-starred modern British fine dining in Birmingham with creative cuisine, elegant Art Deco style, and impeccable service.

Discover bespoke Sterling Silver and hallmarked gold jewellery in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where expert craftsmanship meets personalized service at Arnett Creations.

Arnett Creations - Unique Quality Jewellery

Gracious Harborne Road pub with polished wood interiors, a lengthy bar and several cosy dining rooms serving classic British fare in a convivial setting.

Lucky7

1.0 km

Precision mixology meets playful vibes in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—a relaxed haven for cocktail lovers seeking crafted perfection.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Snobs

0.2 km

Birmingham's 40-year indie-retro nightclub legend: cheap drinks, themed dance floors, and non-stop beats on Broad Street.

Popworld - Birmingham

0.2 km

Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.

Rosies - Birmingham

0.3 km

Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.

Reflex - Birmingham

0.4 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.

King of clubs

1.0 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

1.1 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

1.1 km

Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.

Mango Night Club

1.2 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

1.3 km

Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.

Bambu Nightclub

1.3 km

Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.

Tunnel Club Birmingham

1.3 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.

Sobar

1.3 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.

Nightingale Club

1.4 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.

Dreams Night club and Shisha

1.6 km

Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.

DIAMOND SPARKLEZ

1.8 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.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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The Roundhouse: Birmingham’s Historic Horseshoe-Shaped Landmark

A brief summary to The Roundhouse

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and Walk

Bus

Car

The Roundhouse location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of The Roundhouse

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about The Roundhouse

Architectural Heritage and Historical Roots

Revitalization and Contemporary Function

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Community Engagement and Cultural Significance

Setting and Surroundings

Access and Practical Information

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Historic England

Chamberlain Memorial

The Best of Birmingham Trail

The River

Perrott's Folly

Chamberlain Clock

The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham

Workers Memorial

Clue HQ Birmingham - The Live Escape Game

The Jewellery Quarter

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Bullring & Grand Central

St Chad's Catholic Cathedral

St. Martin's

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

Unmissable attractions to see

Eleven Brindley Place

Ikon Gallery

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham

Birmingham Walk of Stars

Regency Wharf

Gas Street Basin

Symphony Hall

Boulton, Watt and Murdoch

Lock 1, Farmers Bridge Locks

Centenary Winter Carousels

Library of Birmingham

The Secret Garden

Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks

The Cube

Essential places to dine

Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill

The Coconut Tree Birmingham

Bistrot Pierre - Birmingham

Aria Restaurant

Noel’s Bar and Restaurant

Opheem

The Blue Piano

Dishoom Birmingham

Chapter Edgbaston

The Birmingham Stable

Turtle Bay Birmingham

The ARK Birmingham

Cylla

La Galleria

Adam's Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Harvey Nichols

Fine Jewellery Collections & Bespoke Design Service

Miniso

SACET

Top Jewellery UK

Quarter Jewellery

Artfull Expression

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Buff Jewellery

Urban Outfitters

Adamas Antique Jewellery