Guides: P1, N2, L16
From either Alvechurch or Worcester 7 nights, 7.5 hours per day, 116 locks
From Gailey 7 nights, 8.5 hours, 116 locks
One of the most popular one-week cruises. This route of contrasts takes in the 21st century Birmingham city centre, 19th century heritage and some of the most rural stretches of canal imaginable along with the river Severn .
Much of the stunning new development in Birmingham city centre is focused on the canalside area - Symphony Hall, the International Convention Centre and the Sea Life Centre. Branch off to the impressive Netherton tunnel or visit the award winning Black Country Museum. (Birmingham Tourist Info Centre 0870 2250127) www.beinbirmingham.org.uk
If time permits, experience the wonder of steam trains on the Severn Valley Railway, with a trip from Kidderminster to the picturesque market town of Bridgnorth. 01299 403816 www.svr.co.uk
Take an enviable river perspective of the magnificent Worcester cathedral in a city where you will also find both quaint and modern shopping malls and, of course, the Royal Worcester Porcelain factory. Worcester Tourist Info Centre 01905 726311
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Guides: P2, N2, L15
From Alvechurch 7 nights, 7 hours per day, 110 locks
From Worcester 7 nights, 6 hours per day, 44 locks (Avon Licence required from Worcester )
Cruise through idyllic stretches of countryside to this historic town, each route offering a superb mixture of culture, history and shopping. Moor in the beautifully maintained canal basin at Stratford , near to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (01789 403444)
The convenient Tourist Information Centre (0870 1607930) gives details of all you need to know about Shakespeare's birthplace.
Guides: P1, N3, L12
From Gailey 7 Nights, 7.5 hours per day, 76 locks
From Alvechurch 7 nights, 8 hours per day, 80 locks
This route is packed with options for family activities and also includes a rich mixture of canal scenery. Birmingham centre boasts the NIA, Symphony Hall and Brindley Place , all with canal frontage. Encounter life as it was when the canals were built for commercial use at the Black Country ' Living Museum ' at Tipton. 0121 557 9643 www.bclm.co.uk
Dudley Zoo & Castle. 01384 215313 www.dudleyzoo.org.uk
Drayton Manor Park . 08708 725252 www.draytonmanor.co.uk
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Passing through Worcester by canal, you join the River Severn for a leisurely cruise up to Stourport where you join the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal . Here you will appreciate the contrast between the wide river and the more intimate atmosphere of the canal, which threads its way unobtrusively through the landscape, encouraging you to stop at will. This canal takes you north past dramatic sandstone rocks and through the beautifully preserved Bratch locks towards Autherley Junction where you have the opportunity of joining the Shropshire Union Canal for a short while. You will probably want to turn here in order to make the most of the return journey which, apart from opening up new views of the countryside, will give you a chance to visit some of the attractions you may have missed on the way up, such as the Severn Valley Railway, or the sandstone caves at Austcliffe.
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Guides: P2, N2, L15
From Alvechurch 14 nights or (10/11 nights, 6 hours a day), 139 locks
From Worcester 14 nights or (10/11 nights, 6 hours a day), 139 locks (Additional licence required for River Avon)
To really enjoy the delightful river cruising on both the Severn and Avon you will need at least a 10 or 11 night break. In fact, allowing two weeks enables a detour down to Gloucester to visit its docks, warehouses and museums. Worcester ,Tewkesbury, Evesham and Stratford each offer a superb mixture of culture, history and shopping.
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Guides: P6, N3, L13
From Alvechurch 14 nights or (10/11 nights, 6 hours per day), 128 locks
From Rugby 7 nights, 8+ hours per day, 107 locks
From Gayton 10/11 nights, 7 hours per day, 120 locks
Another route with the option to moor at the heart of Birmingham , this cruise includes the spectacular Hatton locks and some fine stretches of the Grand Union Canal . Once at Coventry , it is a short walk to the war-torn cathedral and its striking 1962 replacement. Drayton Manor Park & Zoo 08708 725252 www.draytonmanor.co.uk
Snow Dome at Tamworth 08705 000011 www.snowdome.co.uk offer activities for all the family.
Warwick Castle is possibly the finest medieval castle in the country. Warwick Tourist Information Centre 01926 492212 www.warwick-uk.co.uk
On a two week cruise, include a trip along the Ashby Canal .
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Suggested routes and timings are approximate and will be affected by available cruising hours, weather conditions and amount of traffic on the waterway.
More detailed advice will be given when the boat is collected.
When planning any river cruising within your route, do bear in mind that in some weather conditions river navigation may be restricted, so it is worth having an alternative plan.