Alvechurch Marina, Worcestershire

Discover the hidden delights of the Worcestershire countryside on a dog-friendly canal boat cruise beginning at Alvechurch Marina. Together with your best furry friend, meander along the gentle waterways on a comfortable berth packed with modern amenities through routes around the midlands. Stop off for some fabulous walking opportunities and make sure to visit fido-friendly sights along your route starting in Alvechurch. At the heart of an extremely varied canal network and local to the impressive 30-lock Tardebigge Flight, the longest flight of locks in the UK can be discovered leading down to Worcester and the River Severn. All ABC Boat Hire canal boats at Alvechurch Marina berth two to twelve and come equipped with all you need to swap the hustle and bustle of life in the city for an idyllic boating escape with your canine companion.

Begin your boating adventure for the first time or as a more experienced crew member with full tuition provided at the start of every journey. A handover ensures you are comfortable operating the canal boat and includes where you can moor and how to operate locks, lifts and swing bridges. Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers are governed by the Canal & River Trust and are free of charge, meaning your boat will be permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal as long as no obstruction is being caused. An overnight fee may be charged for overnight moorings at a select number of privately owned sites such as The River Thames. 

A suggested route for those wanting a longer escape is The Avon Ring, taking you along the River Severn and Avon to enjoy the stunning route covering Worcester, Tewkesbury, Evesham and Stratford-upon-Avon. This route from Alvechurch includes 139 locks and can be completed in 10-14 night with highlights including the historic Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare’s birth and home place where thatched inns and The Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre can be enjoyed before stopping off at the dog-friendly The Old Thatch Tavern or The Dirty Duck pub along Waterside. Wonderful walking opportunities can also be found when drifting lazily along the River Severn and the River Avon with plenty of greenery and wildlife to enjoy, especially the picturesque village of Arlingham which includes Hock Cliff, famous for its fossils.

If you’re looking for a shorter break the Birmingham Mini Ring takes in parts of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and includes several aqueducts, 4 tunnels and 49 locks which can be completed in four nights. Two reservoirs surround the landscape at Bittell, both idyllic spots for bird watching and angling where a footpath from bridge 66 leads the short distance to its shore, perfect for dog-walking. A recommended dog-friendly destination when cruising gently through the countryside includes the Drawbridge Inn, next to Shirley Draw Bridge, best enjoyed with your canine companion after a long day cruising along the canal.

All dog-friendly canal boats are available from April to November. Arrive on Friday, Saturday or Monday for a 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 or 14 night stay. Please note that each route has individual changeover dates. In a canal boat berthing 4, enjoy a 3 night stay from £999 or 7 night stay from £1,399 in the low season, excluding fuel supplement. Supplements apply on summer dates and larger boats.