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Stourport Ring
Guides: P1, N2, L16
7 nights, 7.5 hours per day, 116 locks
One of the most popular one-week cruises of all. 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
Stratford-upon-Avon & return
Guides: P2, N2, L15
7 nights, 6 hours per day, 44 locks
(Avon Licence required, can be purchased on arrival at the Avon River)
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.
Staffordshire & return
Guides: P1, N2, L16
7 days, 6 hours per day, 80 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.
Avon Ring
Guides: P2, N2, L15
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.
