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Try canal boating at one of our open days

Try canal boating for free at an Anglo Welsh open day

Try canal boating for free at one of our open day events

On Sunday 27 April 2025, we’re offering people the chance to try canal boating for free at six of our canal boat hire bases in England and Wales.

The taster sessions will include free short trips on skippered narrowboats, and the opportunity to look round our holiday-hire boats.

Our open day events will be on from 11am to 4pm at the following locations:

Bradford on Avon, Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire

Bradford on Avon Marina, Trowbridge Road, Wiltshire BA15 1UD

Bunbury, Shropshire Union Canal, Cheshire

Bunbury Lock, Bunbury, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9QB

Great Haywood, Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, Staffordshire

Mill Lane, Great Haywood, Staffordshire ST18 0RJ

Trevor, Llangollen Canal, North Wales

Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen, Wrexham LL20 7TT

Whixall, Llangollen Canal, Shropshire

Whixall Marina, Alders Lane, Whixall SY13 2QS

Wootton Wawen, Stratford Canal, Warwickshire

Canal Wharf, Wootton Wawen, Henley in Arden, Warwickshire B95 6BZ

Event information

Our open days on Sunday 27 April 2025 runs from 11am to 4pm.

Our events are family and pet-friendly.

Trips are subject to availability and operate on a first come, first served basis. It’s not possible to book in advance.

Parking is free.

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The East Midlands Ring

Map of canal boat holiday cruising rings

Also known as the Leicester Ring, this route travels 154 miles through stunning English countryside

Passing through historic villages and market towns, this rewarding ring takes in narrow and broad beam canals as well as two different river sections. It travels sections of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, Coventry Canal, Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, Oxford Canal, River Soar, River Trent and Trent & Mersey Canal. And goes through the counties of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.

Highlights include: Foxton Locks staircase on the Grand Union Leicester Line; the historic village of Shardlow on the River Trent; Coventry Cathedral; and Braunston.

The route can be completed on a two-week break from Great Haywood.  You’ll pass through 117 locks, cruising six or seven hours each day.

New boats for 2025

Gem class narrowboat

Every year we add brand new boats to our canal boat hire fleet

We’re building three new boats over the winter ready to launch in 2025.

Coral will be available at Trevor

At Trevor we’re adding a fourth 60ft Gem Class boat to our fleet. These cruiser stern narrowboats for up to six people are already available at Whixall (Garnet), Monkton Combe (Onyx) and Bradford on Avon (Citrine).

These popular boats have a reverse layout, meaning the galley is at the rear and the main sleeping areas are at the front and middle of the boat.  Our Gem Class boats feature two double cabins that can be configured either as a doubles or singles, a dinette double and two toilet/shower rooms.

2025 ‘Gem’ Class prices start at £1,265 for short break, £1,720 for a week.

Drake and Hamilton will arrive at Bradford on Avon

Two new luxury 67ft Admiral 6 class semi-traditional stern holiday narrowboats for up to six people will be available to hire from our Bradford on Avon base on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire.

These luxury boats will feature two doubles or four singles in two cabins, a dinette double and two toilet/shower rooms.  As well as central heating throughout, Admiral 6 Class boats will have multi-fuel stoves.

2025 ‘Admiral 6’ prices start at £1,370 for short break, £1,870 for a week.

Click here to check availability and book, or call us on 0117 463 3419.

 

Top 6 summer canal boat holiday circuits

Best canal boat holiday circuits and rings

Canal circuits and rings take in a wide variety of landscapes 

Canal boat holiday circuits and cruising rings bring you back to your narrowboat hire base without having to travel the same way twice.

Some are seriously challenging, with steep flights of locks and long dark tunnels to negotiate.  Others are easier and more suitable for boating beginners.

All offer a wonderful summer holiday adventure and the chance to explore some of Britain’s best loved countryside, as well as vibrant city centres, all from your very own floating holiday home.

Here’s a guide to our top six narrowboat holiday summer circuits to explore:

1. The Black Country Ring

Setting off from our canal boat rental base at Great Haywood, the Black Country Ring can be done in a week.  You’ll cruise sections of the Birmingham & Fazeley, Birmingham Main Line, Coventry, Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Trent & Mersey canals.  Highlights include: Birmingham’s Gas Street Basin; the 21 locks at Wolverhampton; and the peaceful waters at Tixall Wide.  To complete the Black Country Ring from Great Haywood you’ll travel 75 miles, through 79 locks in around 43 hours. You can also travel round the Black Country Ring from Tardebigge on a 10-day, 11-day or two week break from Tardebigge. The journey will take around 53 hours, passing through 79 locks.

2. The Four Counties Ring

Departing from our bases at Great Haywood, Bunbury or Whixall, this popular circuit can be completed on a 10-day, 11-day or two-week break.  It takes you through the counties of Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Cheshire and Shropshire. Highlights include: the 2670-metre long Harecastle Tunnel; the flight of 15 locks at Audlem; views of the rolling Cheshire Plains; and the Roman town of Middlewich.  To complete the Four Counties Ring from Great Haywood, you will travel 110 miles, pass through 94 locks, which will take around 55 hours.  From Bunbury, it will be 115 miles, 96 locks and 58 hours.  From Whixall, it’s 137 miles, 132 locks and 86 hours.

3. The Cheshire Ring

From our Bunbury base, you can complete the Cheshire Ring on a 10-day, 11-day or two-week break.  The journey will take you right through the heart of Manchester and into the Peak District via the Ashton, Macclesfield, Peak Forest, Rochdale, Trent & Mersey and Bridgewater canals.  Highlights along the way include: the incredible Anderton Boat Lift; stunning views of the Peak District; and Manchester’s China Town.  To complete the Cheshire Ring from Bunbury, you’ll travel 122 miles and pass through 102 locks, which takes around 86 hours.

4. The Warwickshire Ring

Setting off from Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal or Tardebigge on the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal, you can complete the Warwickshire Ring on a 10-day, 11-day or two-week break. You’ll travel along sections of the Grand Union, Oxford, Coventry and Birmingham & Fazeley canals.  Highlights include: the flight of 11 locks into Atherstone; the pretty canal village of Braunston; the awesome flight of 21 locks at Hatton; and Warwick Castle.  To complete the Warwickshire Ring from Wootton Wawen, you’ll pass through 128 locks in around 59 hours. Completing the Warwickshire Ring from Tardebigge takes around 62 hours, passing through 125 locks.

5. The Birmingham Mini-Ring

With more canals than Venice, exploring the Birmingham area by boat is one of the best ways to experience Britain’s vibrant second city. You can complete the Birmingham Mini-Ring on a week’s break from Tardebigge and Wootton Wawen.  The route 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 central Birmingham; and the flight of 13 locks at Farmers Bridge.  To complete the Birmingham Mini-Ring from Wootton Wawen it takes around 35 hours and you’ll pass through 83 locks. To travel round the Birmingham Mini-Ring from Tardebigge it takes around 27 hours and passes through 49 locks.

6. The Avon Ring

You can complete this epic circuit on a two week break Wootton Wawen or Tardebigge. The journey navigates sections of the Stratford Canal, River Avon, River Severn and Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Highlights include: 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; and the flight of 30 locks at Tardebigge.  To complete the Avon Ring from Wootton Wawen or Tardebigge, you’ll travel 109 miles and pass through 131 locks, which will take around 58 hours.

To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.

10 day, 11 day or 2 week breaks from Tardebigge

Hatton Locks, Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire

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.

Week long breaks from Tardebigge

Week long narrowboat breaks from Tardebigge on Worcester & Birmingham Canal

The Birmingham Mini-Ring (27 hours, 49 locks)

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 & BirminghamBirmingham 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.

On a week-long break from Tardebigge you can complete the Birmingham Mini-Ring.

First head north along the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal and you’ll soon reach the village of Alvechurch, with its canalside Crown Inn and Weighbridge Inn. You’ll pass through fields, wooded glades and one short tunnel along the way.

The next pub is the Hopwood House at Hopwood. Then the canal goes through the 2493-metre long Wast Hills Tunnel, one of the longest in the country before reaching King’s Norton Junction, where the Worcester & Birmingham meets the Stratford Canal. Transfer onto the Stratford Canal and go through the Lapworth flight of 26 locks.

At Lapworth junction you take the Lapworth link to connect onto the broad Grand Union Canal at Kingswood Junction.  The Heart of England Way connects to the Grand Union Canal at Kingswood Bridge no.65, next to the Navigation Inn.  From there it’s a short walk to the National Trust’s Baddesley Clinton house.  Cruise north along the Grand Union Canal towards Birmingham. The King’s Arms at Heronfield is canalside before you reach the Knowle flight of locks.

Continue on through the countryside, passing under the M42 motorway before reaching the Boat Inn at Catherine de Barnes. Pass through Solihull and the outskirts of Birmingham.  Go down the Camp Hill locks and you’ll reach Bordesley Junction. Continue past Typhoo Basin, through Ashsted Locks to Aston Junction. Turn onto the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and go through the Farmer’s Bridge Locks.  At Farmer’s Bridge Junction, turn to moor up in Gas Street Basin, giving easy access to Brindleyplace and city centre attractions. Carry on down the Worcester & Birmingham Canal through Edgaston Tunnel, close to Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens.

Soon after you’ll go through Bournville and Cadbury World. Then you’ll head back through Wast Hills Tunnels, Hopwood and Alvechurch before returning to our Tardebigge base.

Worcester and back (30 hours, 112 locks)

Head south from Tardebigge along the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal and down the Tardebigge flight of 30 locks. You’ll find the Queen’s Head pub at the bottom of the locks.

Next you’ll pass through the Dunhampstead Tunnel and then the pretty hamlet of Oddingley.

You’ll connect with the River Severn at Diglis Junction. You can moor up in Diglis Basin to explore the City of Worcester.

Warwick and back (38 hours, 82 locks)

Heading north from Tardebigge, you’ll soon reach the village of Alvechurch, with its canalside Crown Inn and Weighbridge Inn, passing through fields, wooded glades and one short tunnel along the way.

The next pub is the Hopwood House at Hopwood. Then the canal goes through the 2493-metre long Wast Hills Tunnel, one of the longest in the country before reaching King’s Norton Junction, where the Worcester & Birmingham meets the Stratford Canal. Transfer onto the Stratford Canal and head down the Lapworth Flight to the Lapworth Link. At Kingswood Junction, transfer onto the Grand Union Canal.

Soon after you’ll reach Shrewley Tunnel and then the flight of 21 Locks at Hatton. Traditionally known as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, the Hatton flight raises boats up by nearly 45 metres along a two mile stretch of the canal.  In Warwick, moor at the Cape of Good Hope pub where the moorings are free. You can turn around above the lock next to the pub.

Stratford-upon-Avon and back (40 hours, 108 locks)

Heading north from Tardebigge, you’ll soon reach the village of Alvechurch, with its canalside Crown Inn and Weighbridge Inn, passing through fields, wooded glades and one short tunnel along the way.

The next pub is the Hopwood House at Hopwood. Then the canal goes through the 2493-metre long Wast Hills Tunnel, one of the longest in the country before reaching King’s Norton Junction, where the Worcester & Birmingham meets the Stratford Canal. Transfer onto the Stratford Canal and head down the Lapworth Flight.

At Lapworth continue heading south along the Stratford Canal, passing the canalside Fleur de Lys pub at Lowsonford, famous for its pies. You’ll see a barrel roof lock cottage at lock 34 in the tiny hamlet of Yarningdale Common and you’ll cross over the Grade II* listed Yarningdale Aqueduct.

You’ll pass through the village of Wootton Wawen, with its popular farm shop and our Wootton Wawen canal boat hire base. 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

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.

To do the ring from Tardebigge, you’ll first need to head south along the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal and down the Tardebigge flight of 30 locks. Turn right onto the Droitwich Junction Canal at Hanbury Junction. The popular Eagle & Sun pub is close to the Junction.
The Droitwich Junction Canal is two miles long with seven locks. It joins the Droitwich Barge Canal at Barge Lock. You’ll pass the picturesque Vines Park in the ancient salt town of Droitwich. Next you’ll pass through the ancient village of Salwarpe. There are then five locks at Ladywood and two at Hawford.
At Hawford Junction turn left onto the River Severn. Soon after Bevere Lock you’ll travel through the outskirts of the City of Worcester.
Turn again at Diglis Junction to get back onto the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.  You’ll pass through the pretty hamlet of Oddingley and through Dunhampstead Tunnel. Then it’s back up the Tardebigge flight.

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.

Short breaks from Tardebigge

Gas Street Basin in Birmingham

Short break canal boat holidays available from Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

Birmingham Gas Street Basin & back (10 hours, 0 locks)

From our Tardebigge base near the top of the Tardebigge flight, it takes just five hours (with no locks) to reach Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham.

Heading north from Tardebigge, in just one hour boaters reach the village of Alvechurch, with its canalside Weighbridge Inn, passing through fields, wooded glades and one short tunnel along the way.

The next pub is the Hopwood House at Hopwood, which serves freshly roasted Rotisserie chicken and house and guest cask beers on tap.

Then the canal goes through the 2493-metre long Wast Hills Tunnel, one of the longest in the country before reaching King’s Norton Junction, where the Worcester & Birmingham meets the Stratford Canal.

Soon the canal passes Cadbury World in the historic village of Bournville, where Richard and George Cadbury decided to move their expanding business in 1879, with the canal a critical mode of transport for the chocolate factory’s products and raw materials.

The landscape is now increasingly urban as you travel on into the very heart of Birmingham, passing through Edgbaston Tunnel.

With more canals than Venice, travelling by canal boat is a great way to explore Britain’s vibrant second city.  Once moored up in Gas Street Basin, it’s a short walk to Brindleyplace with its National Sealife Centre, Ikon Gallery and dozens of waterside restaurants and bars.

Many of the City’s top attractions are within easy reach, including the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, home to the most important collection of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world.

Lapworth & back (14 hours, 0 locks)

On a short break from Tardebigge, you can cruise lock-free to the village of Lapworth, home of the National Trust’s Packwood House.

The journey takes you along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, through the remains of the Forest of Arden, to Kings Norton Junction.  You then transfer onto the Stratford Canal to reach moorings in Lapworth.

From there, it’s a short walk to the Tudor Packwood House, with 150 acres of parkland and gardens to explore, including the famous Yew Garden.  The journey to Lapworth takes around seven hours and passes through three tunnels.

Birmingham’s Black Country Museum & back (16 hours, 6 locks)

On a short break from Tardebigge you can cruise to Birmingham Black Country Museum and back, to visit this superb 26-acre open-air site, home of the Peaky Blinders.  Here you can meet costumed characters explaining what it was like to live and work in one of the world’s most heavily industrialised landscapes.

There are period shops and homes to explore, the ‘Bottle & Glass Inn’, a 1912 school lesson and traditionally cooked 1930’s-style fish and chips.  There are also vintage tram and bus rides and the chance to take a trip ‘into the thick’ to experience life in an 1850’s coal mine.

Christmas boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales

Cruise across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct this Christmas

Until 31 December 2024, our ‘Little Star’ (‘Seren Fach’) trip boat will be offering daily skippered Christmas cruises across the UNESCO World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Departing every day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, the 45-minute return trips take you across the incredible 38-metre high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, to experience amazing views across the Dee Valley.

Our knowledgeable team provides commentary on board, so you can learn more about the historical significance of the Llangollen Canal as they cruise gently along. Refreshments are available to purchase on board, and children will receive a free chocolate treat from Father Christmas on the trips running before Christmas Day.

Adult tickets are £10 each, children (aged under 16) are £6.  Family tickets for two adults and two children are £25 each.

Trips depart from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT and can be booked in advance at www.anglowelsh.co.uk/little-star, or call the bookings team on 0117 304 1122.

Tickets can also be purchased on the day, subject to availability.