New Main Line

Birmingham Canal Main Line cuts a straight course from Gas Street Basin in the city centre to Tipton. This impressive waterway runs through massive cuttings and bold embankments.

The New Main Line is 8.4 miles long, nestled in the heart of our West Midlands region.

It was designed by Thomas Telford to shorten and straighten the course of the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line, taking seven miles off the original length. This was the height of modern canal engineering in its day. Modern boaters can easily imagine how it must have speeded up traffic – with no locks and a straight course, it is one of the few canals where you can get up to the 4mph speed limit.

Boating the New Main Line

All you need to know about boating the New Main Line in Birmingham

Things to do on the New Main Line

It's a great base for exploring central Birmingham, including the bars and restaurants of Brindley Place, the National Sea Life Centre and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Canal walk from Livery Street to The Mailbox

Enjoy this 1 mile walk through Birmingham city centre, taking in Farmer's Bridge Locks, Old Turn Junction and Gas Street Basin

Woman walks dog down the towpath towards a bridge, passing a moored boat.

1.5 mile canal walk from Aston Junction to Old Turn Junction

Enjoy this walking route through our canal capital. Explore Birmingham's hidden heritage along the way

Go fishing

Plenty of urban fishing in Birmingham

Places to visit near the New Main Line

There are plenty of green spaces, vibrant waterfront bars and restaurants and historic architecture to admire. Birmingham also boasts an active waterway with lots of cycling, canoeing, paddleboarding and walking routes.