The season is in full swing at our new location, Kings Orchard Marina.
This is possibly our most beautiful, rural location. Yet Kings Orchard is ideally placed for urban exploration too.
The Birmingham Ring encapsulates the rural/urban mix perfectly. This route can be achieved in an energetic week of cruising, consisting of 79 locks and several canals. From meandering, tranquil countryside, to the 21 lock Wolverhampton Flight, to Birmingham city centre with its famous markets, galleries, museums, theatres, bars and restaurants. There really is something for everyone.
Another route to fill a week (or a more relaxed 10 days) is Market Drayton and return. Only skimming the outskirts of the urban Midlands, this is a lovely green route through the tranquil Shropshire countryside. Market Drayton is an historic market town, with origins dating back to before the Domesday Book. The canal runs close to the town centre, where modern buildings mix with 17th century architecture.
For a short, leisurely break, Tixall Wide and return is absolutely perfect. A mere 10 locks across 3 days of idyllic countryside, this could be an ideal introduction for beginners.
Why not start or finish your holiday with a meal at the fantastic Plough Inn, a short walk from the marina. Great food, the perfect way to get you started, or to help you recover from a busy week of cruising.