Roundhouse Birmingham

About

Roundhouse Birmingham is a heritage enterprise and independent charity. We look after the Grade II* listed building and use it as a base for our tours and activities exploring Birmingham.   

The charity was created through a landmark partnership between Canal & River Trust and the National Trust which aimed to find a new and sustainable purpose for one of Birmingham’s hidden gems, the Roundhouse.

What do we do?

Roundhouse Birmingham offers visitors a chance to See The City Differently through a range of volunteer-powered guided city and canal tours, whilst securing a sustainable future for the historic site through a range of lettable spaces. With our custodianship of the Roundhouse and its story as a starting point, we create links between our visitors, volunteers, and the city.

Just dropping in?

Free drop-in 'Workers of the Roundhouse' tours are launching in 2023. During this free and interactive tour, you'll discover the Victorian people (and horses) who made the Roundhouse a 24/7 hub for the city of Birmingham. Starting 6 April From tours will run from Thursday to Sunday at 11:30 and 14:00, just sign up in the Roundhouse Visitor Centre 15 minutes before. 

Learn the history of the Roundhouse and Birmingham's canals through free displays, artworks and films in the Roundhouse Visitor Centre. Book into Jonathans in the Roundhouse, an independent tearoom and restaurant, for everything from afternoon teas to Sunday lunches. 

Regular tours for 2024

Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour 

A chance to see Birmingham from a different perspective, no previous experience required for this guided kayak tour on the canal.

Green Escape Kayak Tour 

This tour will take you to the edge of the city, in search of urban green space. It's closer than you think...

Explore Hidden Birmingham Kayak Tour 

On this new kayak tour, our guides will take you off the beaten track to discover hidden parts of the canal.

Paddle, Pizza & a Pint Kayak Experience 

Experience Birmingham's canals from a different perspective with a guided kayak experience, then head to The Distillery for pizza and a pint.

Beginner Stand Up Paddleboard Experience 

Stand up paddleboarding in the heart of Brum's canals, our guides will get you on your feet and cruising the 'cut'.

Heritage Working Boat Trip 

Step into the cargo hold of the Canal & River Trust’s restored 1930’s heritage working boat and take a trip around the local canal loops.

Birmingham Bingo Walking Tour 

Join us for an interactive tour discovering some of Birmingham's best B's. Tick them off on your Bingo card for the chance to win a prize.

Package tour: Roundhouse x Coffin Works

Discover the people who put the graft and the craft into Brum’s working-class history with this package tour exploring both sites. 

Run of a Kind x Roundhouse Birmingham

A brand-new running tour exploring Edgbaston Reservoir and Harborne walkway, starting from the Roundhouse. 

Green Spaces Walking Tours

Uncover Birmingham's hidden green space secrets, meet new people and get your steps in on a walking tour out of the city.

Bike tours

Birmingham's only guided cycling tours that include bike hire. Join us to explore Birmingham's canals by bike.

Self guided trails and audio tours

We also offer a range of self guided trails and audio tours so visitors can explore the city at their own pace. These are pay-as-you-feel and available to pick up from the Roundhouse visitor centre or through our website. 

From a black history walking tour around Ladywood to a cycling trail out to Bournville, each of these tours and trails explores a different area of the city and its history. You can also keep the kids occupied with our local look around trail for families. 

Visit our website to find your next adventure.