Weekly Route Suggestions
Week long breaks from Tardebigge
The Stourport Ring (44 hours, 118 locks)
On a week’s holiday from Tardebigge, canal boat holiday-makers can complete the Stourport Ring, travelling a total of 74 miles through 118 locks in around 44 cruising hours.
It’s recommended to travel the route anti-clockwise, so begin by heading north to Gas Street Basin, then transfer onto the Birmingham Canal Main Line heading North West towards Wolverhampton.
The route continues lock-free for a while, passing through Cosely Tunnel, then Wolverhampton Tunnel, after which there are visitor moorings for exploring Wolverhampton, including its Grand Theatre and the fantastic Pop Art collection at its Art Gallery.
The Wolverhampton flight of 21 locks is next to negotiate, which takes around four hours, before reaching Aldersley Junction and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.
Six miles and another six locks later, boaters reach Bratch Top Lock and pumping station in the pretty village of Wombourne, with its popular Railway Café and choice of village pubs.
A mile later, the canalside Waggon & Horses pub with an extensive menu and large beer garden, is a welcome stopping place.
After another eight locks, boaters reach Stourton Junction, where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal meets the Stourbridge Canal. From here, it’s an eight-hour journey on to Stourport, travelling through 13 locks, past Kinver with access to the National Trust’s intriguing Kinver Rock Houses, and the historic market town of Kidderminster, with canalside dining at The Watermill and The Lock Inn.
On arriving at Stourport, once a busy inland port, boaters can explore the basins by following circular walks, and enjoy dining at the Bird in Hand, Windlass Café or Rising Sun Inn.
Next there’s a 12-mile section of the River Severn (Britain’s longest river) to travel along to reach the beautiful Cathedral City of Worcester. Here the Stourport Ring route transfers boaters back onto the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Diglis Basin in the heart of the city, offering the chance to see some of the City’s many splendid buildings, including its spectacular Cathedral – with medieval cloisters, ancient crypt and magnificent stained glass.
Now on the last leg of the journey, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal takes boaters out of Worcester and steadily upwards through rolling fields and wooded cuttings, passing through the village of Tibberton, with its Bridge Inn.
Dunhampstead Tunnel is next and then Hanbury Wharf, where the Droitwich Canal meets the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.
After travelling through the Stoke flight of six locks boaters can rest at The Queen’s Head at Stoke Pound, which offers wood fired pizzas, barbeques and live music, before tackling the mighty Tardebigge flight of 30 locks.
One of the largest flights in Europe, these locks take the canal up 67 metres over a two-and-a-quarter mile stretch, and take around five hours to complete before returning to our boatyard at Tardebigge Old Wharf.
The Droitwich Ring (30 hours, 117 locks)
On a week-long break from Tardebigge you can complete the Droitwich Ring.
Also known as the Mid-Worcestershire Ring, the Droitwich Ring is a 21-mile, 33-lock circuit which takes around 16 hours to complete. It travels sections of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the River Severn, as well as the Droitwich Barge and Junction canals.
Highlights include: the City of Worcester with its magnificent cathedral; the historic spa town of Droitwich; Hanbury Hall; the ancient village of Salwarpe; Dunhampstead Tunnel; and Diglis Basin.
The Droitwich Canals were historically important for the transportation of salt, as Droitwich Spa was known for its salt production. The canals fell into disuse but were restored and re-opened in 2011, offering boaters the opportunity once again to navigate the Droitwich Ring.
The Birmingham Mini-Ring (27 hours, 49 locks)
On a week-long break from Tardebigge you can complete the Birmingham Mini-Ring.
The Birmingham Mini-Ring takes boaters through industrial heritage sites, historic neighbourhoods and green spaces, providing a unique perspective of Birmingham’s diverse landscape. The route offers views of city skylines, waterfronts and charming canalside pubs and cafes.
The 45-mile circuit passes through 49 locks and takes in sections of the Worcester & Birmingham, Birmingham Main Line and Grand Union canals. Highlights include: the historic village of Bournville, home of Cadbury’s chocolate; Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham; the bars and restaurants at Brindleyplace; the flight of 13 locks at Farmers Bridge; and Pelsall Common.
10-day/two-week breaks from Tardebigge
The Warwickshire Ring (62 hours, 125 locks)
On a 10-day or two-week break from Tardebigge you can complete the Warwickshire Ring.
The circuit runs for 104 miles through 121 locks. It takes in sections of the Grand Union, Oxford, Coventry and Birmingham & Fazeley canals.
Highlights include: the flight of 11 locks into Atherstone; the pretty canal villages of Hillmorton and Braunston; the flight of 21 locks at Hatton, also known as ‘The Stairway to Heaven’; Warwick Castle, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience; Stockton Locks; Tamworth Castle; Fradley Junction and Nature Reserve; Warwick Bar; and boating through the centre of Birmingham.
The Avon Ring (58 hours, 131 locks)
On a 10-day or two-week break from Tardebigge you can complete the Avon Ring.
The 108-mile long journey goes through 131 locks and navigates sections of the Stratford Canal, River Avon, River Severn and Worcester & Birmingham Canal. It takes you through the counties of Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
Highlights include: Bancroft Basin in Shakespeare’s Stratford; the River Avon with its panoramic views; the charming historic town of Evesham; the Cotswold medieval town of Tewskesbury; the City of Worcester with its magnificent cathedral; the flight of 30 locks at Tardebigge; and cruising through the remains of the Forest of Arden.
The Black Country Ring (53 hours, 79 locks)
On a 10-day or two-week break from Tardebigge you can complete the Black Country Ring.
The route, also known as the Staffordshire Ring, travels stretches of the Birmingham & Fazeley, Coventry Canal, Trent & Mersey and various sections of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. The Black Country Ring covers 75 miles, and passes through 70 locks, including 21 on the Wolverhampton Flight.
Highlights include: the 21 locks at Wolverhampton; the tranquil waters at Tixall Wide; the National Trust’s Shugborough Hall; Fradley Nature Reserve; the Black Country Living Museum; and Gas Street Basin in Birmingham city centre.
The Black Country canals wind through urban areas, rural landscapes and nature reserves, offering diverse and picturesque surroundings to enjoy along the way. The route offers the chance to explore the industrial heritage of the region.
The canals were once vital arteries for transporting coal, iron, and other raw materials to and from the factories and mines of the Black Country during the Industrial Revolution. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic locks, bridges, and former industrial sites that provide glimpses into the area’s industrial past.