Unique kayak tours on Birmingham’s canals have resulted in a prestigious trophy for one of Westside’s top attractions.
The Roundhouse Birmingham, a grade II-listed building based on the canalside at 1 Sheepcote Street, has won the Experience of the Year category in the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2022, sponsored by the West Midlands Growth Company.
The award recognises how Roundhouse Birmingham’s kayak tour allows visitors to “see the city differently,” taking them on a unique journey along the city’s famous canals.
During the tour, kayakers listen to stories of Birmingham’s rich history, people, events and find out how canals became a valuable commodity during the industrial revolution.
Keith Wraight, active outdoors officer at Roundhouse Birmingham, said he was “well and truly pleased” to see the history of canals recognised.
Roundhouse Birmingham, which once served as a canalside stable and store in the 1800s, is a heritage enterprise and independent charity set up as a hub from which to explore the city by foot, bike or boat.
It was created through a partnership between by Canal & River Trust and National Trust and offers visitors a chance to #SeeTheCityDifferently through a range of volunteer guided city and canal tours.
Mr Wraight added: “It’s amazing that we can finally see Birmingham revealed. It’s something totally different to your standard narrowboat tour, it’s something interactive, it’s something people can get involved in, it’s different.”
Mike Olley, general manager at Westside BID, said: “Everyone involved in Roundhouse Birmingham’s unique tours deserves a huge round of applause for making the city centre such an explorable place by canal.
“We all love the canalside views and venues on Westside, but what a great idea to get people our on the water to see Birmingham in such a different way.”
For more details, visit https://roundhousebirmingham.org.uk/.
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