I’VE visited Birmingham many times over the years but rarely stray beyond the shopping or theatre districts, so the chance to take to the waters and appreciate our city from a different perspective was exciting.
Birmingham’s canal network is just begging to be explored and now there’s a fun new way to do just that – from the privacy of your own self-drive boat.
Eco-friendly electric boat company GoBoat recently opened its first location outside of London, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the unseen side of the second city from a new perspective.
Situated alongside the lively canalside development of Brindleyplace in the Westside district of the city, GoBoat is a fun new activity to do with up to eight family or friends – or in our case at the weekend, both.
We booked a lunchtime slot and made full use of the table on board and, armed with picnic – and glass of the cold stuff – enjoyed a leisurely lunchtime cruise in the spring sunshine. (We got lucky!)
You can choose between one, two or three-hour trips along one of two canal routes, which are explained to you by friendly staff before setting sail. And the experience is both dog and child friendly, with life jackets and buoyancy aids provided and no prior boating knowledge necessary. The vessels are simple to operate with little instruction needed – although a GoBoat team member is on hand to give full instructions beforehand.
Located at The Water’s Edge, alongside Brindleyplace and opposite the ICC and Utilita Arena, look out for historic landmarks like the ‘roundabout’ at the Old Turn Junction and the former wharves and houses at Gas Street before you reach the modern architecture of the Cube and Mailbox.
Or, travelling west, discover modern housing at Port Loop and Soho Loop as the Mainline canal cuts through a number of meandering older canals in a mile long straight.
Grant Sweeney, co-owner of GoBoat said: “Birmingham has such a rich history with its waterways, and when we launched the business in 2017, we always wanted to expand across the UK and Birmingham has always been at the top of our list as a second home.
“And with the city linked so closely to its historic waterways, we couldn’t be more excited to launch in such a vibrant and thriving city, bringing Brummies back onto the water, in a sustainable and enjoyable way. Brindleyplace is the perfect location, a vibrant hub within the city.”
GoBoat is a delightful option for whiling away a couple of hours (or more) with some of your favourite people. But of course, as is a consideration with all outdoor activities in this country, the quality of your experience is very much weather-dependant. Upon booking you’ll be advised to check the forecast two days in advance of your trip for cancellations.
At between £95 for one hour and £175 for three hours, it’s not what you’d consider a low-budget attraction at first glance. It does, however, work out much better value among groups if you fill the boat to capacity, from just £12 per person.
Worth every penny – as long as the sun’s out. Otherwise somewhat of a damp squib – quite literally.
Visit: https://goboat.co.uk/birmingham/
Brindleyplace is the original mixed-use, fully managed, sustainable, and award-winning business and leisure destination for Birmingham. It’s home to over 10,000 employees from a variety of international and local companies ranging from big corporates like Deutsche Bank, Avison Young, Deloitte and Natwest, to local SMEs and start-ups. It’s safe, inclusive, green and connected ethos attracts more than four million visitors a year to its 20+ bars, cafés and restaurants, contemporary art gallery, Ikon, the Crescent Theatre and the National SEA LIFE Centre. www.brindleyplace.com
