Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 39

If it's the history of England you're looking for, then you have to visit base 39, at the Heart of Shakespeare country and the heart of rural England.

If you wish to add culture to your canal holiday then base 39 could be the point for you to begin your adventure. A day's cruise takes you to Stratford-on-Avon, home of William Shakespeare, arguably England's greatest playwright. The famous Navigation Inn is next to the base.  Here you can moor in the beautiful canal basin and visit the town where the many half-timbered buildings give the visitor a glimpse of the town as it was in Shakespeare's day.

From Stratford a lock leads you into the River Avon to cruise the largely unspoilt meadows past overhanging willows to Tewkesbury and for those who have the time to complete the Avon Ring.

10 Day Cruising Rings:
Avon Ring - 149 locks (possible within one week of hard cruising but more suited to 10 days)
A world famous Ring that contrasts the quiet of the Avon with the locks of the Lickey Hills. Take time to visit the beautiful towns such as Shakespeare's Stratford
upon Avon, Worcester with its magnificent cathedral, and Tewkesbury. To complete this Ring in one week will require an arduous 9 hours or more cruising per day, whereas a two-week cruise means 6 hours a day and ample time to sample the historic places of English history. Remember, time spent on the River Avon costs an extra license fee, which is payable on the River.

Warwickshire Ring - 155 locks, (ten days hard cruising or 2 weeks at leisure).
Almost totally rural route passing some wonderful landmarks: Warwick Castle, with its Madame Tussaud's waxwork museum; The Braunston Canal Centre, the Inland Waterways only true Canal Village; The fashionable and cosmopolitan Gas Street Basin in the heart of Birmingham on the Birmingham Canal Navigation. A two week holiday requires seven hours per day, so allow yourself extra time if you want to enjoy some of the sights, or take in some retail therapy in Birmingham's fantastic shopping centres.

Stourport Ring - 190 locks, with 63 hours cruising (possible in a 10 days hard cruising or 2 weeks at leisure)
A superb Circuit taking in the Staffs & Worcs. Canal; Worcs. & Birmingham Canal; The Birmingham Canal Navigation, and an upper section of the River Severn. Visit Stourport on Severn, Kidderminster, Colwich & Rugeley. You can do this Circuit in a week at a rate of 8 hours cruising per day, but that won't offer the relaxation of a two week cruise at a more leisurely 5 hours per day, allowing time to explore some of the sights along the way.