Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 38

Situated in a lovely spot, close to both the M5 and M42, base 38 is for those who want a more active holiday, being at bottom of the Tardebigge flight of locks. It is a base of contrasts, with routes taking in the rivers Severn and Avon, as well as a number of different canals. Equally it covers beautiful countryside as well as such cities as Birmingham and Worcester. Several rings can be completed from here, with the Stourport Ring being the most popular, as well as a large number of other routes.

ONE WEEK ROUTES

Stourport Ring:
74 miles, 105 locks, 6 hours cruising per day. Leaving Stoke Prior, you encounter the Tardebigge flight, after which there is lock free cruising to Gas Street Basin and the International Convention Centre via the very pleasant University, Botanical Gardens and Cadbury World.
Cutting through Netherton Tunnel to Merry Hill and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal you encounter some beautiful countryside leading to the Severn at Stourport. At Worcester you leave the Severn and climb gently back to Stoke Prior through open countryside.

Gloucester & Return:
84 miles, 52 locks. An interesting trip southwards to Worcester, where you join the River Severn to Tewkesbury. The River, widening all the time, joins up with the Avon to take you to the old port of Gloucester. Newly restored, the old Victorian dock buildings have been converted to offices and also houses the National Waterways Museum.
Beyond Gloucester you can visit the Wildlife and Wetlands Centre at Slimbridge. An interesting and varied trip encompassing rivers and canals, town and country.

TWO-WEEK ROUTES

Avon Ring:
109 miles, 131 locks, 5 hours cruising per day. Starting up the Tardebigge flight, you join the North Stratford Canal at Kings Norton and on to the South Stratford Canal, where the canal character changes with split bridges and 'barrel-roofed' cottages. At Stratford you can moor opposite the theatre before joining the River Avon.
The Avon, different again, meanders down to Tewkesbury, through Evesham, where you join the River Severn for a short trip up to Worcester, before returning home. Avon Licence required. An easy two-week trip.

Warwickshire Ring:
128 miles, 190 locks, 10 hours cruising per day. Up the Tardebigge flight to the North Stratford at Kings Norton, you continue to the Grand Union. Travelling south, you progress through the Hatton flight, via Warwick and Leamington Spa to Napton and Braunston.
From Braunston, you travel the North Oxford & Coventry (perhaps taking in the Ashby or Coventry itself) to Fazeley, and then head into the centre of Birmingham via Farmers Bridge Locks.
Home down the Worcester and Birmingham via Tardebigge. A more strenuous fortnight.

Additional Information
Parking is free of charge