Stoke Prior – Stourton

Stoke Prior to Stourton canal boat holiday

This week-long cruise takes the most leisurely route available from our Stoke Prior base, to Stourton by way of beautiful canal views, historic towns and cities.

Firstly, you travel south to Worcester, a city of great historical significance. It was the location of the final battle of the English Civil War, where Oliver Cromwell’s Army defeated King Charles II’s Cavaliers. The River Severn bisects the centre of the city, which is overlooked by stunning Worcester Cathedral, originally built in the 12th century. The city is also renowned for its important position in the manufacturing and glove-making industries during the 18th and 19th centuries.

You turn upstream onto the river Severn, passing the Cathedral before cruising along the picturesque river for the next 13 miles. The River Severn is the longest river in Great Britain, running for around 220 miles, and this stretch is among the most beautiful areas.

There are three manned river locks on the journey to Stourport on Severn. Stourport is a Georgian town in the heart of the Severn Valley. You can go on a tour of the famous Stourport Canal Basins, perfect for the boat fanatic, whilst the Riverside area offers activities for the whole family.

After spending time in Stourport, you join the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal.

On the journey to Stourton, you will pass the Cookley and Kinver areas, which make up one of the most beautiful lengths of canal in the country. Kinver is a large and picturesque village that offers an ancient church dating from the 12th century and a pub built in the 14th century.

The main attraction in Stourton is its Castle, once a medieval hunting lodge that was one of the King’s houses during the reign of Henry II, before becoming classified as a castle in 1122. It was remodelled in the mid 19th century and retains its late medieval gate tower.