Canal Walk to The Canal House Restaurant

Birmingham is well known for its beautiful canals and waterways, and Walk Run Cycle loves to explore them. Let’s take you on a short walk along the Birmingham Canal Old Line to The Canal House Restaurant. Birmingham’s canals were constructed between the 1700s and 1800s, which makes them one of the oldest parts of the city and massively contributes to their cultural heritage. At its height, the Birmingham Canal Network stretches over 273 km in total. To put that into perspective, that is the same length as the Hoanib River in Namibia which runs through the Namib River up to the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the most pristine canal walks in Birmingham. This short walk can be done both ways; to and from The Canal House Restaurant.

Click here to populate this route in Google Maps.

The walk starts off at The Mailbox, you can park in Commercial Street if you drove to the starting point. Take the stairs between the two buildings and proceed on the path down to the starting point of the canal and route.

Starting off with the route, move along the path and make your way across the bridge.

There are a few other coffee shops and restaurants along the way that we might not mention as this is a short route but if you feel up for a few stops, there are ample of them to choose from, each with their own unique charm, décor, and unique views of the canal.

On the second part of this route, make your way down the path.

The third part of this route is a straight walk along the canal with different vegetation growing on the opposite banks and boats docked in the canal. There are a few cafés up ahead if you plan on popping into them. We’ll mention them as we reach them on the various parts of the route.

Along this part of the canal, there are more boats docked and vegetation on the opposite side of the canal. The first possible stop would be 52 Gas Street, which is a wood-trim setting bar. You could always pop in for a quick G&T if that’s something you’d be interested in.

On this part of the route is a French restaurant named Bistrot Pierre, known for its incredible cuisine. Next to Bistrot Pierre is Canal Side Bar. Canal Side Bar has more of a rustic vibe, which is perfect for grabbing a pint.  

Right after the Canal Side Bar, turn left and keep to the left to get on top of the bridge that crosses the canal. 

Once you have crossed the bridge, follow the path down along the docked boats. This part of the route is a walkway in the centre of The Gas Street Basin and connects on the other side at The Canal House Restaurant.

On the final stretch, The Canal House Restaurant is right up ahead. There are usually a few boats docked on the right, which makes it a great place to take a few pictures.

The Canal House Restaurant also has incredible views of the canal and basin. At night, there are lights which create a wonderful atmosphere. 

This route can be done back to Commercial Street, if you parked there. Alternatively, if you’re looking to get a cab, make your way back along the walkway across the canal and head straight up over the bridge – there is a door opening to Gas Street where you could easily get a cab/uber, depending on the time of day.

Have fun, be safe and happy exploring!