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!
13. Swimming legend Ellie Simmonds joins litter picking charity ‘World Against Single Use Plastic’ to mark the launch of volunteer applications for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 9 May, 2021
Getty Images for Birmingham 2022
14. To mark the launch of volunteer applications for the Commonwealth Games, para swimming legend and Birmingham 2022 board member Ellie Simmonds spent the day helping to help clean up Pleck canal in her home town of Walsall, with litter picking charity ‘World Against Single Use Plastic’, also known as WASUP on 9 May, 2021
Getty Images for Birmingham 2022