UK Canal Boating

Start & Finish : Alvechurch marina, Worcestershire

Day 1
Setting off from Alvechurch, you soon leave the traffic behind and cruise through lovely Worcestershire countryside to your 1st Tunnel at Wast Hills which at 2726 yards is one of the longest in the country!

For your 1st nights stop it is nice to cruise for an hour to Hopwood & then stop by Bridge 67 where there is a convenient pub- The Hopwood House, by the Canal.

Day 2
Continuing on through the Tunnel, about 3 miles later you arrive at the Gas Street basin which is in the heart of Birmingham's canal network, and has been redeveloped into a unique experience where traditional narrow boats moor up next to cosmopolitan cafes and bars. The surrounding area is a vibrant arts & entertainment area and there are many shopping options within a short walk. You can moor up by Cambrian Wharf by the Sea Life centre.

Amongst some of the attractions are the National Sea Life Centre and the Jewellery Quarter Discovery centre, also many fine Art galleries and over 500 restaurants offering every choice of food!
For shopping a visit to the new Bullring is a must, which covers an area the size of 26 football pitches and a has a huge range of shops.

Close by is the national Indoor Arena, one of the busiest large scale indoor sporting & entertainment venues in Europe.

Total cruising hours from Alvechurch to Cambrian Wharf/Gas Street basin is 4 ¾ hours.

Day 3
Cruise back to Alvechurch stopping off at Cadbury World,visitor moorings at Bournville (booking is advisable, which is 1 mile north of the Kings Norton Junction. It is sign posted from the canal. There is an exhibition dedicated to the history of chocolate, audio visual displays, Victorian Birmingham and a Jungle to explore! Cadbury World has 14 amazing zones to explore, you can learn how chocolate is made, uncover the fascinating story of chocolate, and plain in chocolate rain!!

The average visit is about 3 hours and you get free chocolate samples to take away, plus there is the worlds biggest Cadbury Shop, and places to eat and drink.
For more information or to book online go the Cadbury's World website.

 

NB: This route has been provided as a guide only. Information may become inaccurate or out of date. You should always check with the marina that the route is possible within your time frame, current weather conditions and canal stoppages etc.