Alvechurch canal routes for holidays and short breaks
7 – 14 Night routes
Key: ☉ Stourport Ring ☉ Black Country Ring ☉ Stratford/Rtn ☉ Avon Ring ☉ Warwickshire Ring
Guides: Pearson 1, Nicholson 2, Lockmaster 16
One of the most popular one-week cruises of all. This route of contrasts takes in the 21st century Birmingham city centre, 19th century heritage and some of the most rural stretches of canal imaginable along with the river Severn .
Much of the stunning new development in Birmingham city centre is focused on the canalside area – Symphony Hall, the International Convention Centre and the Sea Life Centre. Branch off to the impressive Netherton tunnel or visit the award winning Black Country Museum . Birmingham TIC 0870 2250127
If time permits, experience the wonder of steam trains on the Severn Valley Railway, with a trip from Kidderminster to the picturesque market town of Bridgnorth. 01299 403816 www.svr.co.uk
Take an enviable river perspective of the magnificent Worcester cathedral in a city where you will also find both quaint and modern shopping malls and, of course, the Royal Worcester Porcelain museum.
Guides: Pearson 2, Nicholson 2, Lockmaster 15
Cruise through idyllic stretches of Worcestershire & Warwickshire countryside to this historic town.
• Two National Trust properties – Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton Hall – are within walking distance of the canal.
• Moor in the beautifully maintained canal basin at Stratford, by the steps of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (01789 269191) www.rsc.org.uk – the convenient Tourist Information Centre (01789 293127) gives details of all you need to know about Shakespeare’s birthplace.
Guides: Pearson 2, Nicholson 2, Lockmaster 15
Avon licence required for this trip, obtainable at Tewkesbury Lock or Stratford
To really enjoy the delightful river cruising on both the Severn and Avon you will need at least a 10 or 11 night break, but is ideal if you have the full 14 nights. In fact, allowing two weeks enables a detour down to Gloucester to visit its docks, warehouses and museums.
Worcester ,Tewkesbury, Evesham and Stratford each offer a superb mixture of culture, history and shopping.
Guides: Pearson 1, Nicholson 3, Lockmaster 12
This route is packed with options for family activities and also includes a rich mixture of canal scenery.
• Birmingham centre boasts the Sea Life Centre, the NIA, Symphony Hall and Brindley Place, all with canal frontage.
• Encounter life as it was when the canals were built for commercial use at the Black Country ‘Living Museum’ at Tipton.
(0121 557 9643) www.bclm.co.uk
• Amongst other attractions on the route are Dudley Zoo & Castle (01384 215 313) www.dudleyzoo.org.uk and Shugborough Hall..
Guides: Pearson 6, Nicholson 3, Lockmaster 13
Another route with the option to moor at the heart of Birmingham, this cruise includes the spectacular Hatton locks and some fine stretches of the Grand Union canal.
• Once at Coventry, it is a short walk to the war-torn cathedral and its striking 1962 replacement.
• Drayton Manor Park & Zoo (01827 287979) and the Snow Dome at Tamworth (08705 000011) www.snowdome.co.uk offer activities for all the family.
• Warwick Castle is possibly the finest medieval
castle in the country. (0870 442 2000) www.warwick-uk.co.uk
• On a two week cruise, include a trip along the Ashby Canal.
3 – 4 Night routes
Guides: Pearson 2, Nicholson 2, Lockmaster 15
Briefly heading north, then turning down on the Stratford Canal towards Stratford, this relaxing route involves no locks at all. The views around the “Lapworth Flight” (of 18 locks) are stunning, and a leisurely walk along the canalside from the top lock allows you to take in the atmosphere without the effort of travelling through yourself!
4 nights, 19 hours, 36 locks (Bottom of Lapworth)
• Taking a midweek break gives time to go down the locks to Kingswood Junction. Just a couple of hours further cruising takes you towards either Knowle, the top of Hatton Flight or Wootton Wawen.
• Country World Craft Village is a short walk from the top of Hatton locks. (01926 843411) www.hattonworld.com
Guides: Pearson 1, Nicholson 2, Lockmaster 16
Use a canal boat as your base for a weekend in the active centre of Birmingham, or explore some of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. It is reputed that there are more canals in Birmingham than in Venice, and certainly just as much to see and do.
Guides: Pearson 1, Nicholson 3, Lockmaster 13
A four night mid-week break that takes you through some of Britain’s finest industrial architecture, travelling along the Worcester & Birmingham, Grand Union and Stratford-upon-Avon Canals.
• Breathtaking Warwickshire countryside cruising through some exclusive villages of the area.
• Moor at the National Sea Life Centre – a real treat for every member of the family.
(0121 643 6777) www.sealife.co.uk