pictures above show Euphrates Packet (left) dressed for a special occasion and (right) moored outside the I.C.C.

Canal Boat trips depart from the International Convention Centre Quayside daily from

Easter to October (and weekends in the winter) at 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.30 pm and 4.00pm

for our City Heritage cruises. 

PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE TRIP!

The City Heritage Route covers the Oozells Street and Icknield Port loops of the original James Brindley Canal, a section of the Telford Main Line and the area around the National Indoor Arena and the International Convention Centre before going through the Worcester Bar at Gas Street Basin and turning to disembark at the ICC.

We also run 'Group Themed Cruises', such as Search for Santa Trips, St Valentine's Day cruises and Mother's Day, so call for details....

In addition we can also offer special charter rates for large groups and have tailor-made school trips, featuring the best of Birmingham's canal heritage. Jericho is ideally suited for school parties and we offer special discount packages.

In 1996, the 12 seater " Ariel " joined our company, running a waterbus service in and around the Gas Street Basin, Brindleyplace and Cambrian Wharf areas. Finally in 1997 we brought back holiday narrowboats to Birmingham with the introduction of "Sherborne Prince" and "Sherborne Tig" and with the acquisition of Heritage Narrowboats in Scholar Green we now have a holiday fleet of ten narrowboats and three dayboats from our two bases.  You may have seen our boats operating from the I.C.C. quayside - we are proud to run the cruises featured in the city's "Sightseeing Tours in Birmingham" and "Discover Birmingham" leaflets. Our boats are clean, warm and insured - you are most welcome to visit and inspect them, and all our staff are trained, qualified and enthusiastic.  We have run our school trips for several years, and have often liaised with the schools liaison officer at the National Sealife Centre.  Our school trips are ideal for all ages, with out taylor-made commentary and history of the canals - a great way to discover Birmingham's Canals. 

For school parties we usually use Jericho, which can carry a maximum of forty-eight passengers (this includes teachers and helpers!) For greater numbers we can use a second boat, or work on a swap-over basis by dividing the party into two groups.

Trip Number One
Start and finish at ICC
Usually we sail from the Quayside at the International Convention Centre and a one and a quarter hour cruise will take you around the Oozells Street loop, up the main line, round the Icknield Port loop, back down the main line past the National Indoor Arena, through the I.C.C., under Broad Street, into Gas Street Basin, turn at Salvage Turn and then back to the I.C.C. and Brindley Place. This trip shows Birmingham 'ancient and modern' and how the canals made the city prosperous.

Trip Number Two
ICC to Cambrian Wharf
As Trip One but, on our return, we swing right into Cambrian Wharf, and finish at the top of Farmer's Bridge Locks. The boatmen can demonstrate how a lock works, but because of water restrictions, we cannot actually travel through a lock. This is the ideal drop-off point for a visit to the Sea Life Centre and to explore the Farmer's Bridge flight of locks.

Please note: We can arrange transport with West Midlands Travel for schools within the Birmingham area; the bus prices will be those prevailing at the time of booking. However, you may find that it is cheaper to make your own travel arrangements particularly if you have contacts with local coach operators.

We also have classroom facilities available at the boatyard at no extra charge. Please state when booking if this will be required, as it may mean a slight change to the order of the trips.

Also at our yard we have a shop stocked with all sorts of books and postcards which you may find useful for your resource centre. These can be booked in advance.

Booking

To confirm a booking we require a 50% deposit and the full hire fee paid 14 days prior to departure. We need a completed booking form to confirm your booking.

Small print! We must point out that all canal travel times are approximate only, and depend on not getting a shopping trolley round the propeller! We must stress that maximum numbers are laid down by Law, and we can not carry more than the stated limit for each boat. We regret that any wilful damage caused must be made good by the school concerned.

We hope we may have the pleasure of your company shortly.

SKIPPERED TRIPS

Our 25ft trip boat - Ariel - can be hired by the hour and comes complete with skipper for a relaxing cruise on the canals for up to twelve people.

Call now for availability on 0121-455 6163 and have a pleasant day out on the 'Cut'.

Sponsorship Available
Ariel runs a special Waterbus Service in Birmingham from Easter to September. Sponsorship is
available for renewal on an annual basis. Please contact us at Sherborne wharf for an information pack on this unique sponsorship and advertising opportunity right in the heart of the city.

At Sherborne Wharf we can provide a complete tailor made Sponsorship Package to suit your needs, with traditional painted artwork to your specifications included in the price!

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