The Waters Edge is Birmingham’s poetic heartbeat—where riverside paths wind beneath sky and skyline, ducks glide in morning mist, and golden sunsets paint the water in fiery hues. It’s perfect for a peaceful stroll, a romantic moment, or snapping that Instagram-worthy shot. One thing’s certain: this is where city life meets natural serenity.







Everything you need to know about The waters edge
Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre is a top choice just steps from The Waters Edge, offering easy access to the Birmingham Canal Navigation and the vibrant city core. The hotel features modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and free Wi-Fi, with direct connections via MetroBus and Cross City Line trains to major attractions like Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Library of Birmingham. Guests can also enjoy scenic riverside walks along the waterway, blending urban convenience with peaceful natural surroundings. Its prime location makes it ideal for travelers seeking both city access and serene riverside views.
Near The Waters Edge, visitors can enjoy renting single or tandem paddle boats to explore the historic Birmingham Canal Network, gliding past heritage buildings and lush green banks. Guided evening paddle tours with illuminated cityscapes and ambient lighting create a magical experience. Additionally, the annual Canal Festival features street markets, live music, and hands-on workshops, celebrating local culture and community spirit. All activities are within walking distance, making them easily accessible from the waterfront area. This blend of adventure and tradition offers a distinctive way to connect with Birmingham’s industrial heritage and natural beauty.
The easiest way from Birmingham city center is to take MetroBus 150 or transfer at New Street Station to Midland Metro Line 2, alighting at the Waters Edge stop—a journey of about 15 minutes. Alternatively, rent a Santander Cycle and ride along the Birmingham Canal Trail, passing parks and historic bridges for a relaxed, scenic commute. For drivers, use the Park & Ride system at Bordesley Park & Ride, then catch a shuttle bus into the area, avoiding congestion in the city core. Real-time transport details are available on the Transport for West Midlands website, ensuring smooth and efficient travel.
Near The Waters Edge, dining enthusiasts should try The Boathouse Restaurant, featuring an open-air terrace where guests can savor fresh seafood platters and British steaks while enjoying panoramic canal views. Another highlight is Riverfront Bistro, known for its seasonal chef’s menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients. For a taste of local life, visit The Wharf Market, a weekend pop-up market offering artisanal street food, craft drinks, and handmade desserts. All these venues are within a 5-minute walk, combining culinary excellence with scenic ambiance—perfect for experiencing authentic Birmingham hospitality and urban charm.
Jurys Inn Birmingham City Centre is a top choice located just a 5-minute walk from The Waters Edge, offering easy access to the scenic Aire Riverfront. The hotel features modern, spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk service, and a prime location for exploring both urban attractions and natural landscapes. Conveniently situated near the Birmingham Supertram, guests can quickly reach major destinations like the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Bullring Shopping Centre. At night, the illuminated riverside promenade provides a peaceful atmosphere perfect for evening strolls, blending city life with tranquil waterside views.
The easiest way to reach The Waters Edge from central Birmingham is via the Birmingham Supertram, alighting at Soho Station or Five Ways Station, then walking about 10 minutes. For drivers, take the M6 or M5 motorways into the city and follow navigation signs to The Waters Edge car park, which offers ample public parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations. Alternatively, local bike-sharing services are available, ideal for short trips along the scenic Aire River trail, allowing visitors to enjoy lush greenery and sustainable urban exploration.
Near The Waters Edge, visitors can enjoy guided river ecology walks, outdoor art installations, and weekend events like live waterfront concerts and local craft markets, showcasing Birmingham’s vibrant cultural scene. Photography enthusiasts can join riverfront photography workshops to capture morning mist reflections and golden hour lighting. Outdoor lovers also enjoy kayaking tours and well-maintained running trails along the Aire River. Family-friendly amenities include interactive play zones and open green lawns perfect for picnics. The area seamlessly blends nature, public art, and community energy, offering an authentic taste of British urban life.
See what other travelers say about The waters edge

Staying at Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from major attractions, shopping areas, and public transit. The apartment-style rooms were clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including a fully equipped kitchenette. The breakfast buffet offered a great variety of hot and cold options, with fresh pastries and local favorites that made mornings extra enjoyable. The staff were friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist—especially the front desk team who went above and beyond. I truly appreciated their professionalism and warmth. The overall atmosphere is peaceful, making it a perfect retreat after a busy day exploring Birmingham. I’d absolutely recommend this hotel to friends and family, and I’m already planning my next visit. Highly rated and well worth every penny.

The Novotel Birmingham Centre truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive—every request was handled promptly and with genuine care. The location is fantastic: just a short walk from the city center, with easy access to public transit, shopping areas, and local restaurants. The room was spotless, comfortable, and well-equipped, making it perfect for both business and leisure stays. Everything about this hotel felt thoughtfully designed, and the overall experience was nothing short of excellent. I’ll definitely be returning next time I’m in Birmingham—and highly recommend it to anyone visiting.

Staying at ibis Birmingham New Street Station was an excellent choice for my trip to the city. Located right in the heart of Birmingham, it's just a short walk from the train station—perfect for quick commutes. Check-in was smooth and friendly, with staff who were helpful and efficient. The room was clean, spacious, and had a window that let in natural light, making it feel airy and welcoming. I especially appreciated the breakfast selection—it offered a good variety of options, from fresh pastries and fruit to hot dishes, all served with great taste. Everything felt well-organized and thoughtfully done. This hotel delivers on comfort, convenience, and value. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to any traveler visiting Birmingham.

The staff were absolutely fantastic—friendly, helpful, and always smiling. The location is perfect for getting to the Utilita Arena; it's just a 5-minute walk away, which made everything so convenient. Breakfast offered a great variety, and free hot drinks throughout the day was a nice touch. My only minor issue (which I didn’t report) was that my room had a slightly musty smell—nothing pleasant—but since I wasn’t spending much time inside, I decided not to mention it. Otherwise, the room was clean and well-maintained. Overall, an excellent stay with a great balance of comfort, convenience, and value. Definitely would recommend and return.

Absolutely loved our stay at Ibis Birmingham Bordesley Circus! This was the perfect spot for a much-needed reunion with close friends, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming from day one. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, efficient, and genuinely happy to help. We were pleasantly surprised with some fun little stickers as a welcome gift, which added a nice personal touch. The location is excellent: just a short walk from the city center and super convenient for public transit. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, making it ideal for groups, couples, or even families. If you're looking for a reliable, friendly, and hassle-free place to stay in Birmingham, this is definitely the one. Highly recommend—it’s more than just a hotel; it’s a great experience!

This was a business trip, and the stay was very comfortable overall. The location is convenient—just a short walk from the subway station and close to downtown Birmingham. I appreciated the variety at breakfast: fresh pastries, hot dishes, and a good selection of international options. The staff were friendly and attentive, always checking if we needed anything. The only small improvement would be having an extra pillow available, but that’s a minor detail. Everything else was excellent—the room was clean, quiet, and well-maintained. I’d definitely recommend this hotel for both business and leisure travelers. A great value with a welcoming atmosphere.

Staying at The Saltley Inn was an absolute delight. Just £22 from Birmingham Airport, this cozy guesthouse offers incredible value for money. The room was spotlessly clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep after a long journey. The host and staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful, making the entire experience feel personal and friendly. Located just a short ride from the city center, it’s ideal for travelers looking for convenience without the high price tag. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Birmingham—great quality, great location, and even better hospitality.

My stay at 100 Dale Road Studios in Guest House was absolutely delightful. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and close to public transit, making it easy to explore Birmingham without hassle. The studio was clean, well-designed, and surprisingly spacious for the price. The bed was comfortable, and the quiet atmosphere made for a restful night's sleep. What really stood out was the warm hospitality—the staff were friendly, helpful, and offered great local tips that enhanced our experience. It felt more like staying with friends than a typical hotel. For anyone looking for a cozy, convenient, and affordable base in Birmingham, this place is a must-try.

Stayed here with a group of teenagers for a weekend getaway, and it was an excellent experience overall. The apartments were clean, spacious, and well-maintained—perfect for a group. The staff, especially Magda, Mavis, and Samia, went above and beyond during breakfast service; their friendliness and attention to detail made the meal enjoyable. The lobby and breakfast area had a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, ideal for unwinding in the evenings. The vibe was chill but welcoming, making it easy to connect as a group. If you're traveling with friends or family, this is a great choice. Highly recommend for group stays.

This stay was absolutely delightful! Located just steps away from QE and UOB, the convenience of transportation couldn’t be better—everything is within easy reach via public transit. The studio itself is clean, well-designed, and fully equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable and relaxing trip. What stood out most was the incredible value for money—this level of quality at such a reasonable rate is hard to find. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. Overall, it was a perfect experience from start to finish. I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit Birmingham and highly recommend this place to fellow travelers.

Staying here was a great experience overall. The location is super convenient—just a short walk to QE and UOB, making it easy to get around the city. The room itself is compact but well-designed, with a fridge for storing drinks and snacks, which was a nice touch. Having a private bathroom was a big plus—it felt clean, private, and very functional. The bed was comfortable, and I slept really well, waking up feeling refreshed. The place is spotless, and the staff were friendly and helpful whenever I needed something. It’s a solid choice for travelers looking for comfort, cleanliness, and value in Birmingham. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to others.

The stay was absolutely fantastic—truly amazing from start to finish. Located just minutes away from QE, it's incredibly convenient for both business and leisure travelers. The studio is well-equipped with everything you'd need: a cozy bed, functional workspace, kitchenette, and excellent Wi-Fi. The location is quiet yet close to public transport and local amenities. Clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed—this place feels like home. I’ve already planned my next visit and will definitely book again. Highly recommend this hidden gem!
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