Stourport Ring canal boat holiday

STOURPORT RING – ROUTE A 

The Stourport Ring canal boat holiday leaves the Black Prince base at Stoke Prior for the Tardebigge flight, the longest run of locks in the UK, most of which date from the early 19th century.

Once you’re past these, you will enjoy lock-free cruising to the Gas Street Basin, situated in the centre of Birmingham, just a short journey from the International Convention Centre. Its location – sandwiched between the Mailbox and Brindleyplace developments – means it is just a short walk from a variety of shops, bars and restaurants. This area is also popular for various cultural attractions including the Symphony Hall, museums and art galleries.

You can also stop off at the pleasant University, Botanical Gardens and Cadbury World. The Botanical Gardens are particularly stunning. They opened in 1832, span 15 acres and house over 7000 plants. They are the home of the British National Bonsai Collection and also host a variety of events and exhibitions for all the family.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Cadbury World is a must: learn how Cadbury’s chocolate is made and even play in chocolate rain. There are 14 zones to explore so be sure to leave plenty of time to see everything.

After leaving Birmingham, cut through Netherton Tunnel to Merry Hill and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, encountering beautiful countryside in the process. The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal is one of the most historic in the country. It was originally built in 1771 to transport trade from the Potteries to Gloucester and Bristol and has retained many of its original structures.This canal leads you to the River Severn at Stourport. The riverside here boasts a wide range of activities for all the family against the beautiful backdrop of the Severn Valley. The basin area is brilliant for boat fanatics. Against a backdrop of listed Georgian warehouses, it holds nearly 100 narrow boats and yachts.

At Worcester, you leave the Severn and climb gently back to Stoke Prior through open countryside.