It’s difficult to feature a story about Birmingham’s canals without mentioning the amazing claim that the city has more of them than Venice!
But while our 35 miles of canal waterways may not have brought along a similar lifestyle that Venicians have come to know, the Brummie waterways are an integral part of city life.
Back in the day they played an important role in driving the industrial revolution by offering an efficient mode of transport to move goods around the country.
They’re an iconic symbol of the city too - and a key feature in the world famous Peaky Blinders series.
These days modern developments are giving people more access to enjoy them.
People love to stroll along them, cycle by them or sit and enjoy a meal or drink beside them.
Some people even live on them in the narrowboats - or take a trip or holiday along them.
Here are 15 fab photos of Birmingham canals from 1872 to 2021 to whet your appetite for a visit to one soon!
5. Australian cricketer Brad Hogg visits Birmingham’s canals on 26 June, 2005
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6. An art installation of spring daffodils sits next to the canal and graffitti deep inside the cavernous walkways underneath the M6 motorway’s Spaghetti junction. Part of a project by Bill Drummond, formerly of pop band KLF as part of his Eastside Projects exhibition, on 21 March, 2014
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7. Police patrol a canal near the Conservative party conference on September 28, 2014
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8. Security staff patrol the canal at day break close to the ICC Birmingham which is hosting the 2014 Conservative Party Conference on 29 September, 2014
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