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 TIC 0870 2250127 )

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 TIC 01905 726311

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Stratford-upon-Avon & return

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 / www.rsc.org.uk ) - The convenient Tourist Information Centre (0870 1607930) gives details of all you need to know about Shakespeare's birthplace.

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The Black Country Ring

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 Amongst other attractions on the route are Dudley Zoo & Castle. 01384 215313 www.dudleyzoo.org.uk Drayton Manor Park . 08708 725252 www.draytonmanor.co.uk

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Staffordshire & return

Guides: P1, N2, L16
. From Gailey to Stourport 7 nights, 6 hours per day, 58 locks
. From Worcester 7 days, 6 hours per day, 80 Locks
. From Gailey to Worcester & return 7 nights, 8 hours per day, 72 locks

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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Avon Ring

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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Warwickshire Ring

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 and the 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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