1.
BIRMINGHAM – STRATFORD UPON AVON – Luddington
(River Avon) Weekend Break
Traveling the full length of the Stratford Canal, which maintains an individual
charm and personality. A town dedicated to William Shakespeare linked to
a modern bustling city.
Dep: 8 May and 3 July
Reverse Direction: 2 October - Prices»
2.
STRATFORD UPON AVON – WARWICK.
Mid Week Break.
Combining the delights of Shakespeare’s birthplace and the heritage
of an historic town by traversing the two different styles of canal.
Dep: 12 May, 9 June, 7 July, and 4 August
Reverse Direction: 29 September - Prices»
3.
WARWICK – BANBURY Weekend
Break
The trunk route of Britain's canal network, the picturesque Grand Union is
the longest single canal in Britain. The Grand Union Canal was once one of
the busiest in the country as the main line from London to the Midlands.
This section passes through the innovative modifications completed in the
1930’s before turning onto the picturesque Oxford Canal which meanders
slowly through classic scenery.
Dep: 15 May and 10 July - Prices»
4.
BANBURY – COVENTRY (Hawkesbury
Junc). Mid Week Break
A journey up the picturesque Oxford Canal meandering slowly through classic
scenery and over the section adopted by the Grand Union Canal improvements
from Napton to Braunston in the early 1930’s. Journeys end is at an
historic junction known to working boatman as Sutton Stop.
Dep: 19 May and 14 July - Prices»
5.
COVENTRY (Hawkesbury) – SNETTERTON Weekend
Break
A study of Coventry and the complete length of the Ashby Canal. Coventry
Cathedral a stunning modern building standing next to the shell of the original
cathedral, bombed in World War II. This is just a short walk from the attractive
terminus basin, which is visited on the first day. Once bustling with narrowboats
carrying coal, this surprising rural cruise then passes quietly by spoil
heaps that are today swathed in greenery on the way up to the current end
of the Ashby Canal . Steeped in history, this beautiful, tranquil canal gives
the opportunity to visit the historic scene of the Battle of Bosworth. It
meanders through a very level, rural environment - therefore no locks were
ever needed. .
Dep: 22 May and 17 July - Prices»
6.
SNETTERTON - COVENTRY (Hawkesbury
Junc). Mid Week Break
A study of the complete length of the Ashby Canal from the existing terminus
and Coventry. Once bustling with narrowboats carrying coal, this a surprisingly
rural cruise. Steeped in history, this beautiful, tranquil canal gives the
opportunity to visit the historic scene of the Battle of Bosworth. It meanders
through a very level, rural environment - therefore no locks were ever needed.
Leaving the Ashby Canal the cruise passes quietly by spoil heaps that are
today swathed in greenery on the way to Coventry’s attractive terminus
basin. Coventry Cathedral is just a short walk to see stunning modern building
standing next to the shell of the original cathedral, bombed in World War
II.
Dep: 26 May and 21 July - Prices»
7.
COVENTRY (Hawkesbury
Junc) – BIRMINGHAM Weekend Break
Travelling the back waters of the Heart of England canals from the Coventry
Canal through industrial mining heritage to a regenerated bustling city
Dep: 29 May and 24 July - Prices»
8.
BIRMINGHAM – WORCESTER Mid
Week Break
A unique opportunity to travel the full length of the Worcester - Birmingham
Canal. Complete with memorable views over the Malvern Hills and the unforgettable
Tardebigge flight of locks, the longest in England.
Dep: 2 June and 28 July
Reverse Direction: 30 June and 25 August - Prices»
9.
WORCESTER –STRATFORD UPON AVON Weekend
Break.
A tranquil cruise over two rivers. The Severn to Tewkesbury and then meandering
up the Warwickshire Avon to Shakespeare Country finishing at Stratford upon
Avon.
Dep: 5 June and 31 July - Prices»
10.
WARWICK – STOKE BRUERNE Weekend
Break
Travel down the Grand Union through Braunston the home of English canals
from the modernised section of canal in the 1930’s to the original
double locks finishing at another famous canal village.
Dep: 12 June and 7 August - Prices»
11.
STOKE BRUERNE - MARKET HARBOROUGH Mid
Week Break
Take a leisurely cruise from another village famous for canal memories, through
history with the Grand Union (Leicester section) canal and down the Foxton
flight, arriving at a market town at the centre of the canal resurgence of
the 1950’s.
Dep: 16 June and 11 August - Prices»
12.
MARKET HARBOROUGH - SAWLEY Weekend
Break.
The canal meanders its way through unspoilt rural surroundings, constantly
changing direction as it lazily motions you northwards, to the River Soar,
once the most profitable waterway in England. The Soar is also a tranquil,
meandering river navigation extending through Leicestershire to the junction
with the River Trent which leads off to Sawley at the start of the Trent & Mersey
Canal.
Dep: 19 June and 14 August - Prices»
13.
SAWLEY – GREAT HAYWOOD Mid
Week Break.
The Trent & Mersey Canal was the most ambitious plan to connect the principal
rivers of England. Its importance was recognised by its early name of the
'Grand Trunk' Canal. It offers rural cruising through Derbyshire leading
to Staffordshire passing through the brewery town of Burton on Trent and
an historical junction at Fradley with a truly boaters pub.
Dep: 23 June and 18 August - Prices»
14.
GREAT HAYWOOD - WORCESTER Mid
Week Break.
A journey down the entire length of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire
Canal, linking the River Trent and the Severn. Opened early in 1772 it was
the vision of James Brindley to make this canal part of the “The Grand
Cross” linking his Trent & Mersey with the River Severn. The canal
skirts the Birmingham and Black Country conurbation without ever becoming
truly urban, making a delightful route through scarce West Midlands countryside.
Dep: 26 June and 21 August - Prices»
15.
BIRMINGHAM – GREAT HAYWOOD Weekend
Break
A journey down two canals offering superb views mingled with fascinating
canal history from the forgotten heritage.
Dep: 24 March - Prices»
2009
Bed & Breakfast
Winter (October to March & Summer subject to availability).
Overnight or Weekend Breaks in a new 21st century Birmingham with the latest
shopping opportunities, sightseeing and canal side amenities.
Top of page
2009
Exploratory Cruises
A.
GREAT HAYWOOD – ANDERTON LIFT 5
days cruising and 5 nights
A journey on a canal through the North Midlands which offers excellent views
over the Cheshire Plain and impressive engineering feats. This includes Harecastle
Tunnel, the first of its kind and finally spending an afternoon exploring the
Anderton Boat Lift. An incredible edifice, perched on the banks of the River
Weaver like some giant three-storey high iron spider designed to lift cargo
boats the 50 feet onto the Trent & Mersey Canal. The lift worked until
1983 when serious deterioration of the structure was discovered. Some £7m
was raised to fund the restoration, which was completed in 2002.
Dep: 27 March - Prices»
B.
ANDERTON LIFT - LLANGOLLEN 5
days cruising and 6 nights.
A combination of three canals in the North West, starting on the Trent & Mersey
pioneered by the need to convey Pottery safely. Joining the Middlewich branch,
part of the Shropshire Union Canal which leads across unspoilt countryside
to the The Llangollen Canal. This has understated rural countryside, including
the market town of Ellesmere, giving way to the majesty of the Chirk and Pontcysyllte
Aqueducts - two of Britain's greatest waterway landmarks.
Dep: 1 April - Prices»
C.
LLANGOLLEN - ELLESMERE 3
days cruising and 4 nights.
A Llangollen experience with an opportunity to venture down part of the controversially
restored Montgomery Canal. A whole day is spent exploring the restoration which
is open and navigable as far as Gronwen Wharf. Leaving the Montgomery Canal
a short journey to Ellesmere completes the cruise leaving time to explore.
Dep: 7 April - Prices»
D.
ELLESMERE – CHESTER 4
days cruising and 5 nights.
The cruise follows the remainder of the Llangollen Canal, which is popular
for the understated rural countryside leading onto the original Chester Canal.
A wide beam waterway cruising to a city which has a fine cathedral, town-crier
and street theatre, but it still manages to feel friendly and on a small scale.
An afternoon opportunity to explore is provided.
Dep: 11 April - Prices»
E.
CHESTER - LLANGOLLEN 7
days cruising and 8 nights.
Travel across the Cheshire Plain on a wide beam waterway to Britain’s
favourite canal. The Llangollen Canal has understated rural countryside, including
the market towns of Whitchurch and Ellesmere, which gives way to the majesty
of the Chirk and Pontcysyllte Aqueducts - two of Britain's greatest waterway
landmarks.
Dep: 16 April - Prices»
F.
LLANGOLLEN - NANTWICH 3
days cruising and 4 nights
A complete Llangollen experience as this canal has understated rural countryside
and the majesty of the Pontcysyllte and Chirk Aqueducts - two of Britain's
greatest waterway landmarks. The journey includes the market towns of Whitchurch
and Ellesmere with time to explore the latter
Dep: 24 April - Prices»
G.
NANTWICH - NORBURY JUNCTION 4
days cruising and 5 nights
Starting from the original wide beam terminus of the Chester canal cruising
through deserted Shropshire farmlands to one built in the twilight of canal
building. It utilised railway techniques in rural Cheshire to form an arrow
straight functional waterway to serve a purpose.
Dep: 28 April - Prices»
H.
NORBURY JUNCTION - BIRMINGHAM
4 days cruising and 4 nights.
Departing from a Historic Junction on the “Shroppie” and experience
the changing scenery from rolling farmland to an urbanised area mixed with
a wealth of industrial heritage. The Wolverhampton 21 flight of locks initiates
the changing scene.
Dep: 3 May - Prices»
I.
BIRMINGHAM – LONG ITCHINGTON.
Mid Week Break.
A fascinating passage around the backdrop of Birmingham City Centre starting
with the Farmers Bridge flight of locks to reach the traditional route to London
which starts at Sampson Road Depot on the Grand Union Canal. Follow the route
of the last working boats that brought cement to Birmingham from the Rugby
cement Plant at Long Itchington, including the infamous Hatton flight of locks
to Warwick.
Dep: 1 September - Prices»
J.
LONG ITCHINGTON – MARSWORTH. Weekend
Break.
The trunk route of Britain's canal network, the picturesque Grand Union links
London through the Chilterns with Birmingham via the longest single canal in
Britain. A late 1920s marriage of historic waterways that was once one of the
busiest in the country. Today, its charm lies in its diversity:, it offers
a wide variety of landscapes, wildlife, architecture, historic craft and buildings,
seen passing through Long Buckby, Stoke Bruene, to Marsworth.
Dep: 4 September - Prices»
K.
MARSWORTH – LONDON (Little
Venice). 4 days cruising and 4 nights.
The final part of a great journey down trunk route of Britain's canal network
to London. This ruise passes famous landmarks of canal history, little remains
of the layby at Bulls Bridge where Working Boats of the Grand Union Canal Company
waited for “orders”. Nearby is the site of the destination of the “Jam ‘ole” run.
This was the name given to the journey from Atherstone to Brentford carrying
coal from the mines to the Kearley and Tonge jam factory. The cruise finishes
through the last miles of the Grand Union Canal in West London to Little Venice
hiding behind Paddington Station in a world set apart from the big city.
Dep: 8 September - Prices»
L.
LONDON CIRCULAR (Little
Venice). Special Weekend Break.
A unique opportunity to travel down the Regents Canal through historic parts
of fashionable London including London Zoo in Regents Park and Camden Town
Locks famous for markets and antique shops. A pause in Limehouse Basin before
a spectacular trip up the Thames passing under Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the
Houses of Parliament. Reentering the canals at Brentford through the historic
Brentford Depot and Gauging Lock before returning to Little Venice.
Dep: 12 September - Prices»
M.
LONDON (Little Venice) – MAIDENHEAD.
Mid Week Break.
A cruise to experience the start of the original route to the Midlands via
Oxford. A short passage to Brentford and then a dash along the Tidal Thames
to Teddington Lock passing Richmond and Twickenham. A gentle cruise up to Maidenhead
past Hampton Court and Windsor.
Dep: 16 September - Prices»
N.
MAIDENHEAD – OXFORD.
Short Weekend Break.
Travelling along on one of the most famous rivers in the world to Oxford, the
Thames is steeped in lore along virtually its entire route. Rights of navigation
were laid down in Magna Carta, but the river's history extends much further.
Festivals and rituals such as the Henley Regatta imbue a character found nowhere
but Old Father Thames. This site and more will seen on this cruise through
Sonning, Wallingford and Clifton Hampden.
Dep: 19 September - Prices»
O.
OXFORD – BANBURY.
Mid Week Break.
Leaving the Thames our cruise enters the Oxford Canal which is one of England's
most peaceful waterways, running lazily through the countryside from Oxford
to Napton in part. It was briefly the principal waterway from London to the
Midlands, but was superseded soon after construction by the more direct Grand
Junction Canal - now the Grand Union. Consequently, the Oxford Canal has escaped
large-scale development and few towns have sprung up on its banks. This southern
section is particularly charming and remains largely unaltered.
Dep: 22 September - Prices»
P.
BANBURY – WARWICK.
Weekend Break.
This cruise follows the northern section of the Oxford Canal meandering slowly
though classic scenery. Joining the Grand Union following the route that the
last working boats took to bring cement to Birmingham from the Rugby Cement
Plant at Long Itchington as far as Warwick.
Dep: 25 September - Prices»
R.
LAPWORTH LOOP Spring/Autumn
Weekend Break.
A contrast in canals between the rural Stratford Canal and the Grand Union
with a fascinating flight of locks through a regenerated city centre.
Dep: 20 March, 28 August, 9 October and 16 October - Prices»
Top of page
Information
Daily
Menu Onboard the canalboat
|
DAILY
MENU
|
BREAKFAST
|
|
LUNCH
|
Fruit
juice
Selection
of Cereals and Fruit
Platter
of Eggs, Bacon, Sausages, Grilled Tomatoes,
Mushrooms
and Hash Browns.
Toast,
Muffins or Croissants with Preserves
Tea,
Coffee or Hot Chocolate.
Freshly
Brewed Coffee and Homemade Biscuits
served during the morning cruise
|
|
- Vegetable
Frittata and Salad
Brioche with Greek Yoghurt
- Afternoon
Tea
and Homemade Cake served during the afternoon cruise
|
| |
DINNER
|
|
|
|
- Crab
Cakes with Tomato Salsa
- Escalope
of Turkey with Lemon & Sage, Sauté Potatoes,
Cauliflower
and Savoy Cabbage with Blue Cheese and Cream
or
Spinach & Lentil Roulade (v) nesting on a White Wine Sauce
- Raspberry
Soufflé
Selection of English & Continental Cheeses with Grapes
Freshly Brewed Coffee with Mint Crisps
(v) Vegetarian option
|
|
ITINERARY
FIRST
DAY
Join the boat at 10:00am introduction to your cabin
and the facilities.
Meet fellow guests over coffee, discuss and agree “walk thru”during
the day.
Skipper gives Health & Safety briefing and outlines the cruise ahead.
Cruising starts at 10:30am.
SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT DAYS
8:00am - Early Morning Drink of your choice served in your cabin.
8:30am - Breakfast is served in the saloon. Cabins
and Shower/Toilet compartments are serviced during Breakfast
9:30am - Morning Cruise starts after daily briefing
from skipper.
There are options to walk or ride on the boat and if you feeling energetic,
the crew welcome a helping hand operating the locks.
The effect of slowing down begins. Mid Morning Coffee and Homemade Biscuits
are served during the morning cruise.
12:00pm –1:30pm Moor for Light Lunch,
for approximately an hour.
2:00pm - Depart for
more cruising in the afternoon. The
same options apply in the afternoon.
Afternoon Tea and Homemade Cake served during the afternoon cruise.
5:30pm –6:30pm Moor for the night at a designated
point which could be a heritage wharf or a country mooring, somewhere
where peace and tranquillity prevail..This gives the opportunity to relax
and reflect on the day and enjoy a pre-dinner drink.
7:30pm Four Course Evening Dinner is provided by your personal
chef and served by your skipper. Complimentary wine is offered in a relaxed
atmosphere where topical conversation flows amongst the guests with the
sunset as a backdrop.
9:30pm Guests are free to pursue the local hostelry
or relax with their fellow guests before retiring.Bar available
until late.
FINAL DAY Arrive at destination during mid afternoon providing
opportunity to explore before holiday concludes at 5:00pm with
transfer back to start point.Variable pre/post holiday Bed & Breakfast
options on the boat vary the first and last days.
Times
onboard the canalboat
Times for
Arrival at the boat on day cruise starts
1000
Times for Arrival at boat for Dinner, Bed & Breakfast 1700
Departure on the day the cruises finishes 1700
Times for Departure from the boat following Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
0930
|
