Barging Around Brum
Discovering the network of canals around Birmingham and the Midlands, reavealing a rich legacy of heritage attractions, delightful waterside settings, historic boats and magnificent architecture
Discovering the network of canals around Birmingham and the Midlands, reavealing a rich legacy of heritage attractions, delightful waterside settings, historic boats and magnificent architecture
“Canals changed the map of Britain; they were the motorways of their age” – so considered by TV’s John Sergeant. Built in the fire of world changing industrial events yet set within gorgeous scenery they are bursting with undiscovered history. This interesting tour covers the network of waterways that developed around Birmingham and the Midlands during the industrial revolution. As a consequence the region has been bequeathed a rich legacy of heritage attractions, delightful waterside settings, flotillas of historic boats and magnificent Victorian architecture.
ITINERARY
Friday - Morning departure from Dorset with a stop at Gloucester Docks for lunch. The most inland port in the UK at the end of the Gloucester & Sharpness canal - enjoy museums and shopping. Continue to our hotel and after settling in relish a delicious buffet dinner in the restaurant.
Saturday - To the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield - we shall arrive at 10am in good time for the 11am Daily Act of Remembrance which includes a 2 minute silence. You are free to explore the site full of thought provoking memorials and rich in symbolism. At 12 noon drive to Penkridge on the Staffs and Worcestershire Canal to board our narrow-boat for a 2 hour cruise enjoying the waterside sights and wildlife. A small fish and chips lunch is served to you as you cruise. Return to the hotel later that afternoon.
Sunday- A visit to the Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust where we shall embark on a 4 hour open-water barge cruise on the canals around Dudley and Tipton. Guided by our expert skipper we delve deep into the rich tapestry of the local waterways, each stretch echoing tales of a bygone industrial era. We navigate two sets of locks - you can even get off and help. An exploration of the hidden gems and untold stories woven into the fabric of these historic waterways.
Monday - After breakfast to Stratford-Upon-Avon with an hours sightseeing boat trip on the River Avon. Later there is time for sightseeing in the birthplace of Shakespeare. Leaving early afternoon to drive back to Dorset, returning home by early evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Holiday Inn Coventry
A modern high quality 4 star hotel venue ideally situated just outside of Coventry and convenient for our chosen itinerary visits. All the bright and spacious bedrooms provide private bathroom with free toiletries and hairdryer, big comfy beds, large digital TV with satellite channels, telephone, tea tray, iron/press, air-conditioning and free wifi. A lift serves all three floors and room service is available. The restaurant is stylish and relaxed, offering a buffet breakfast and 3 course dinner with choices. There is a lounge/bar in which to socialise.
TOUR PRICE: £419.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement 100.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 3 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, National Memorial Arboretum, Penkridge canal cruise with lunch, Dudley canal cruise, Stratford river cruise.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Value House | Value House Car Park |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
