Worcester & Birmingham Canal

The Worcester & Birmingham Canal takes you from the vibrant centre of Birmingham, through the green hills of Worcestershire, to the cathedral city of Worcester.

At its northern end, the canal joins the Birmingham Canal Main Line at Gas Street Basin, the heart of the country’s canal network. This pretty basin was once a thriving transport hub. Now, traditional narrowboats and elegant black and white iron footbridges sit side-by-side with modern bars and restaurants. Close by is luxury shopping centre the Mailbox, with its stylish clothing shops and cafes. 

Among the cargos that once travelled on the canal was chocolate crumb from the Cadbury factory. Today, this is Cadbury World, a great day out if you have a sweet tooth.

After the canal leaves Birmingham, the scenery becomes very rural, and there are lots of locks. The Tarddebigge lock flight has 30 locks in just over two miles, making it the longest in the country, and also one of the steepest. The flight is a real challenge for boaters, but the views of the surrounding rolling countryside are wonderful.

Download our free guide to Worcester, Droitwich Spa and Stouport's canals

Find stoppages, restrictions and other navigational advice for this waterway

Download Worcester & Birmingham Canal towpath guidance for cyclists