At a glance :-
- Aldermaston Wharf, Padworth, Reading. Berkshire RG7 4JS[more]
- Alvechurch Marina, Scarfield Road, Alvechurch, Worcestershire. B48 7SQ[more]
- Anderton Marina, Uplands Road, Anderton, Cheshire. CW9 6AJ[more]
- Blackwater Meadow, Birch Road, Ellesmere, Shropshire. SY12 9DD[more]
- Gayton Marina, Blisworth Arm, Northamptonshire. NN7 3ER[more]
- Hilperton Marina, Hammond way, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. BA14 8RS[more]
- Union Wharf, The Canal Basin, Leicester Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. LE16 7UW[more]
- Worcester Marina, Lowesmoor Wharf, Lowesmoor, Worcester. WR1 2RS[more]
Aldermaston Wharf
Aldermaston Wharf is well positioned for cruising the picturesque and peaceful Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Thames.
Week cruising routes include : Windor and return, Pewsey and return and Oxford and return.
Two week cruising routes include : Lechlade and return and Bath and return.
- Windsor Castle - An official residence of HM The Queen Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Visit the State Apartments and marvel at the vast amount of treasures from the Royal collection. Take a guided tour which gives you a chance to take a glance at life at this magnificent castle.
- Reading - For a shoppers paradise visit The Oracle which is situated in the heart of the town centre which combines chic boutiques with major department stores. For a vast choice of dining experiences visit one of the many Riverside restaurants, cafes and bars which stretch along banks of the River Kennet.
- Oxford - Visit the City of Dreaming Spires and marvel at the unique blend of traditional and modern culture. As well as the beauty of the city's world famous colleges Oxford offers a host of tourist attractions and a vast selection of restaurants and pubs which give this historic city a vibrant and cosmopolitan feel.
- The Roman Baths - Built by the Romans as a magnificent temple and bathing complex visit this World Heritage Site and meet the Roman costumed characters. Walk in their footsteps and hear the stories from the people who lived and worked there 2,000 years ago.
Download our Aldermaston cruising notes(pdf).
Alvechurch Marina
Cruising from Alvechurch delves into the varied landscape of 5 Midlands counties with a rich mixture of sights and scenery - modern & historic, rural & industrial. Locks are met in majestic flights in this part of the country, so be prepared for some good bursts of activity.
The marina is at the heart of an extremely varied canal network, with a fine selection of ring routes. Features include the impressive 30 lock Tardebigge flight.
- Excellent selection of week-long cruises including Stratford & return or The Stourport Ring, and Black Country Ring.
- A good area for plenty of locks.
- Enjoy a short break into the centre of Birmingham – the Gas Street basin, with no locks !
- The marina itself is just 10 minutes from junction 2 of the M42, half way between the cities of Worcester and Birmingham - by road or by canal!
Alvechurch Marina has its own cosy canal-side pub 'The Weighbridge', serving real ales and bar food.
0121 445 5111 www.the-weighbridge.co.uk
Download our Alvechurch cruising notes(pdf).
Anderton Marina
The Anderton Boat Lift.
Experience the thrill of riding the number one wonder of the waterways, transporting your boat 50ft down to the River Weaver below.
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
The story of the potteries, displays and hands-on exhibits plus a Spitfire plane and section devoted to Reginald Mitchell, a local man who designed them.
Nearest mooring alongside Festival Park Marina, Bridge 118.
A short walk or bus ride into Hanley from the bridge. The museum is in Bethesda Street (a continuation of March Street South).
Download our Anderton cruising notes (pdf).
Blackwater Meadow
This is one of the most popular Waterways in Europe, and includes the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is one of the most spectacular and amazing feats of engineering on the Canal system.
Built by Thomas Telford in 1805, the Aqueduct is 126 feet high, and spans over 1000 feet across a valley with the River Dee thundering away in the distance below your feet.
The Chirk Aqueduct is another impressive structure built by Thomas Telford, and is 70 feet high, and beside it at 100 feet high is an impressive Viaduct built in 1848 to take the Shrewsbury & Chester Railway across the valley.
The Chirk Tunnel is 1,377 feet in length, and once through this you can moor up and walk to Chirk Castle, a 700 year old Castle managed by the National trust. Llangollen, at the Western end of the Canal, in Wales, is easily reached from our marina in a couple of days, and is a pleasant base to moor up for 24 hours.
Those who fancy a few more locks can cruise eastwards towards Grindley Brook, a set of 6 locks just past the bustling market town of Whitchurch.
Download our Blackwater Meadow cruising notes (pdf).
Gayton Marina
Our marina at Gayton is on the Grand Union canal, near Northampton, in the heart of the countryside, but just a few minutes from Junction 15a of the M1.
This base is very popular because of its easy access to the south East, and the choice of cruising routes available, including cruising toWarwick, Aylesbury or Market harborough. It is our closest base to London, and ideal for continental visitors coming to Harwich or Dover/Folkestone.
Delightful countryside and those enticing Canal pubs will ensure that you really slow down and enjoy a Canal boat holiday from Gayton.
Download our Gayton Marina cruising notes (pdf).
Hilperton Marina
Bath is close to Hilperton.
Bath has been designated a 'World Heritage City' with a history stretching back to the Roman Baths after which it is named and that can still be visited today. Moorings are available very close to the city centre and Bath is, without doubt, worthy of at least a couple of days of exploration.
Download our Hilperton cruising notes (pdf).
Union Wharf
Union Wharf with its impressively refurbished canal warehouses and excellent restaurant is a hive of quality boating activity.
Situated in Market Harborough, Leicestershire.
This pretty and traditional English market town dates from 1203. Enjoy delicious food and fine ales in the town's historic coaching inns or just potter about the market and the many fine family owned shops in this gem of a town.
It is just two hours cruising to the 'Leicester Line' of the Grand Union Canal from this beautiful and tastefully restored terminus of the 'Market Harborough Arm'.
The friendly lock keeper at the famous Foxton Locks opens the gate to the world ahead and away you go.
The Foxton Locks are 10 locks in the form of a staircase, and the staff here will guide you through the locks, so there is no need to panic!
Download our Union Wharf cruising notes (pdf).
Worcester Marina
The cathedral city of Worcester occupies an idyllic position on the banks of the River Severn.
The city has been delighting visitors with its particular blend of architectural heritage and natural beauty for decades.
Our most convenient base for river cruising, within 25 minutes cruising (including 2 locks) you will find yourself on the magnificent River Severn.
Cruising north along the Worcs & Birmingham Canal you get to the lower end of the Tardebigge flight (of which Alvechurch is at the top), travelling north into rural Worcestershire you pass through the heart of picturesque 'Archers' country and long stretches of idyllic scenery.
• In favourable weather you can cruise by river (the Severn and the Avon) all the way to Stratford - Shakespeare country.
• A variety of short break options include cruising by canal, river, or a combination of them both. Based near the heart of the city of Worcester in the 19th Century 'Port of Lowesmoor', our Worcester base has excellent road links via the M5 and a railway station 800yds away.
Download our Worcester cruising notes (pdf).
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