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!
9. Temporary duck lanes have been painted on busy towpaths in London, Birmingham and Manchester to highlight the narrowness of the space that is shared by a range of people and wildlife by The Canal & River Trust on 15 May, 2015
Photo by Bethany Clarke/Getty Images for Canal & River Trust
10. Extinction Rebellion activists continue their journey along the canals from Birmingham to London to protest outside the Old Oak Common HS2 site on 26 June 2020
Getty Images
11. Preparations underway at a pub along the Old Main Line canal in Birmingham city centre ahead of hospitality venues being able to fully reopen after a Covid lockdonw on July 2, 2020
AFP via Getty Images
12. Workers prepare an outdoor seating area at The pub along the Old Main Line canal in Birmingham two days before hospitality venues were allowed to fully reopen on 4 July, 2020
AFP via Getty Images