The Heart of England.......
The 'Heart of England' is where canals were born to transport coal and manufactured goods from the Midlands to London and beyond. Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, but the area offers a huge range of cruising options including city breaks in Oxford, Worcester, Stratford upon Avon and Birmingham to a wide choice of scenic country routes.
You can enjoy a short break 'out and back' route or a more active week or fortnight exploring one of the many ring routes including the warwickshire Ring, Stourport Ring, Birmingham mini ring or the Four Counties Ring which passes through the Heart of England in it's Southern sections.
Our recommendations.....try a short break starting from one of the bases on the North Oxford Canal (close to Rugby) and visit Warwick where you can moor up within a short 10 minute walk of the famous Warwick Castle.
Alternatively, for a city break, why not start from Alvechurch or Tardebigge on the Worcester Birmingham Canal and visit Birmingham where you can moor up next to the superbly regenerated Gas Street Basin with its cosmopolitan atmosphere with many waterside pubs and restaurants plus great city centre shopping and entertainment on your doorstep. The Symphony Hall, The National Indoor Arena, The Sealife Centre, The Jewellery Quarter, Chinatown ...something for everyone.
For those in search of a cultural break, start from Wootton Wawen on the Stratford upon Avon Canal and visit the Royal Shakespeare theatre. You can moor overnight in the canal basin in the centre of Stratford upon Avon before either venturing onto the Upper & Lower River Avon.
Whatever type of cruise you are looking for, the Heart of England canals have something to offer all! |
