10 day, 11 day or 2 week breaks from Tardebigge

10-day, 11-day or two-week breaks from Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

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 (108 miles, 58 hours, 131 locks)

This 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.

Head north up the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal from Tardebigge and go through the 560-metre long Shortwood Tunnel. You’ll find a choice of canalside pubs at Alvechurch. The Weighbridge put at Alvechurch Marina and the Crown pub. Next you’ll pass the Hopwood House pub at Hopwood and then you’ll go through the 2,493-metre long Was Hill Tunnel.

At Kings Norton Junction you’ll transfer onto the North Stratford Canal. You’ll go through the 321-metre long Brandwood Tunnel and then the Horseshoe pub is canalside at Kings Heath. Pass through Hockley Heath where you’ll find The Wharf pub, fish & chips, a Chinese take-away and a Co-op store nearby. You’ll go through 14 locks at Lapworth and then you’ll be on the South Stratford Canal. The canalside Fleur de Lys pub at Lowsonford is well worth a visit.

Next you’ll go through the tiny hamlet of Yarningdale Common, with a barrel roofed cottage at lock 34. At Preston Bagot there’s another barrel roof cottage at lock number 37. Soon after you’ll pass our canal boat hire base at Wootton Wawen.

Continue heading south along the Stratford Canal, past the canalside Navigation Inn.  Soon after you’ll go through a lock and then you’ll cross over the 105-metre long Edstone Aqueduct, with lovely views across the Warwickshire countryside.  You can moor up north of Bridge 59 and take a ten minute walk into Wilmcote.  The village is home to the Mary Arden Inn and Mary Arden’s Farm, the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother.

Go through the Wilmcote Flight of 11 locks, beginning your descent downhill into Stratford-upon-Avon.  There are five more locks before you reach Bancroft Basin in the heart of Shakespeare’s Stratford.  This world-famous town has plenty of places to eat, shop and visit, including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm. Transfer onto the River Avon (you’ll need an additional licence from The Avon Navigation Trust).

You’ll reach the village of Welford-on-Avon and riverside pub at Binton Bridges.  Continue cruising through the Warwickshire countryside and next you’ll reach Bidford-on-Avon.  The seven arched medieval bridge at Bidford dates from 1482. Look out for signage, as only one of the arches is suitable for boats to pass through. There’s a good choice of pubs at Bidford, including the Bulls Head.  The Bridge at Offenham is worth a stop. The next place you’ll reach is Evesham, with its famous abbey and plenty of pubs and cafes. Moor up near Workman Gardens and Abbey Park to explore this historic market town.  You’ll go through the historic village of Fladbury next, with a choice of pubs including The Chequers Inn.

Continue on cruising through the Worcestershire countryside to the village of Wyre Piddle and its Anchor Inn.  Next you’ll reach Pershore, one of the finest market towns in Worcestershire. There are lots of places to eat and shop, and a magnificent abbey to explore. Two bridges span the River at Pershore, including the Old (Great) Bridge built in the 14th century.  Continue meandering through the countryside past Tiddesley Wood.  The Shakespeare’s Avon Way follows the river for a while between Eckington Bridge and Strensham Lock.  You pass through Bredon next with the National Trust’s Bredon Barn and a choice pubs. Continue on past Twyning Green with its riverside Fleet Inn. Cruise under the medieval King John’s Bridge and into the historic market town of Tewkesbury with its 12th century abbey, half-timbered buildings and historic pubs.

At Tewkesbury, you’ll transfer onto the River Seern, Britain’s longest river. You’ll pass through Upton upon Severn where there’s a marina and shops. Then the village of Kempsey with a choice of pubs, including the Crown Inn and Anchor Inn. At Worcester you’ll transfer onto the the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Diglis Basin.  You’ll soon reach the Tardebigge Flight of 30 locks, the longest in the country. You can break up the journey through at the Queen’s Head pub at Stoke Wharf. Then you’ll be back at our Tardebigge base at the top of the flight.

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.