Canals of Central England
The canals of central England contain so many canals of really different character to choose from.
Birmingham was at the centre of the canal system, carrying goods and raw materials.
As well as over 100 miles of canals in the region, there are several rivers offering wonderful natural scenery. And there are some fantastic cruising rings to explore.
The popular Stourport Ring is a one-week cruise, incorporating a relaxing stretch of the River Severn, from Worcester to Stourport. You then climb towards the exciting city attractions, before entering the countryside again and descending to Worcester. Our Worcester, Stoke Prior and Alvechurch bases are on this ring.
The Black Country Ring takes you along 75 miles of canals in the Birmingham area. It can be done on a week’s break from Great Haywood or Gailey.
The Avon Ring includes historic destations such as Tewkesbury and Stratford-upon-Avon. This circuit takes 10 days or two weeks to cruise. Our Worcester, Stoke Prior, Alvechurch and Wootton Wawen bases are all on this ring.
You can complete the Droitwich or Mid-Worcestershire Ring on a short break from our Stoke Prior and Worcester bases.
The Four Counties Ring includes the industrial heritage of the Potteries, the rolling countryside of Shropshire and the Cheshire Plains. This journey is best done on a 10-day or two-week break. Our Nantwich, Stoke on Trent, Great Haywood, Brewood, Autherley and Gailey bases are all on the route.
Other highlights of the area are Tixall Wide lagoon, close to our Great Haywood base. And the deep wooded cuttings on the Shropshire Union Canal, close to our Brewood and Autherley bases. There are also many industrial museums in the area, and the Wedgewood Centre near to our Stoke on Trent base.
In Shakespeare Country, the Warwickshire Ring can be cruised in a week. But completing it in 10-days or two-weeks gives time to visit attractions along the way, including Warwick Castle. Our Stockton, Napton, Braunston and Kings Orchard bases are all on this circuit.
The Leicester Ring in the East Midlands journeys 154 miles through the Leicestershire countryside. Our bases at Braunston and Kings Orchard are on the route. This circuit is also known as the East Midlands Ring.
In the Fens of Eastern England, both the River Nene and the Great Ouse offer relaxed river cruising. Our bases at March and Ely give you access to these East Anglian waterways.