Yanks are coming back!

[Frankgh]

Hello boaty friends!

 

A short 5 months after our last holiday we booked our return! We will be in Droitwich next week on the newly refit Arthur Owl. Cafwin Cruises has refit him as a hybrid!

 

Like last year, our plan of doing the Avon ring has been dashed by uncontrollable events. Last year it was silted locks on the Avon, this year it is the demise of the Tardebigge flight. 

 

No reason to fret! We are going to venture up to the Trent & Mersey and back. I thought about a side trip to the Black County museum but I think instead we will just leisurely cruise up and down the Staff & Worc. On the way back down the Severn, if time permits, we may go down to Diglis and up the Worcester & Brum back to Droitwich.

 

There is a new post here about pubs on the Staff & Worc. I found it very informative! Anymore suggestions? If we spend a day in Worcester, what are some “must sees” and great food options?

 

Are there any places one would recommend avoiding along our route? We will need a laundry day on the north end of our journey. And recommendations for that?

 

Thanks in advance!

[gatekrash]

Loads of places to eat in Worcester. We love Bendictos, really good Italian restaurant, moor either on the VMs at Diglis or at the Commandery, walk up to the Commandery bridge then up towards the cathedral, it's on your left as you go up the hill. If not, then there's the Olive Branch in the centre of town which is also excellent. Or the Anatolian Palace in the covered shopping area does Turkish.

 

If real ale is your thing then the Dragon inn up towards the end of the main street is a full-on ale house, but no food there.

 

Worcester cathedral is free to walk around. If you like history then there's Greyfriars house (National Trust) but that has an entry fee.

 

In terms of avoiding places, I probably wouldn't overnight in Kidderminster from about Caldwall through to Wolverley (good VMs there below and above the lock). Not that it's any worse than any other industrial / urban type area but it's noisy and a bit grim and Wolverley is much nicer. Tesco's and Sainsbury's supermarkets in Kidderminster both have moorings right outside and are handy for a quick shopping stop.

 

Kinver is a nice place to stop, the rock houses are interesting but a bit of a walk up the hill. Several pubs and a couple of takeaway places there. 

 

Another historic house is Wightwick Manor at Tettenhall, VMs quite close and the house is close to the canal. But I have a feeling it's covered in scaffolding at the moment! Once north of Compton Lock I probably wouldn't plan on stopping until Coven, there are moorings at Autherley but nothing really there.

 

If you stop at Penkridge on a Wednesday or Saturday then there's a large market, but I wouldn't necessarily plan my trip around it, lots of what I call 'the usual tat' stalls, but a good butcher and a guy doing fantastic venison sausages and burgers on market days.

 

If you like peace and quiet (or at least being woken by wildlife) then stop at Tixall Wide, it's a nice spot.

 

Wave at us when you leave the marina if we're there, we're moored right outside the office.

 

Here's Tixall from when we were there a few weeks ago.

 

[LadyG]

I just Google launderette near me, and phone them up to see if they will pick up and deliver, best to have cash DAMHik.

[IanD]

1 hour ago, Frankgh said:

Hello boaty friends!

 

A short 5 months after our last holiday we booked our return! We will be in Droitwich next week on the newly refit Arthur Owl. Cafwin Cruises has refit him as a hybrid!

 

Like last year, our plan of doing the Avon ring has been dashed by uncontrollable events. Last year it was silted locks on the Avon, this year it is the demise of the Tardebigge flight. 

 

No reason to fret! We are going to venture up to the Trent & Mersey and back. I thought about a side trip to the Black County museum but I think instead we will just leisurely cruise up and down the Staff & Worc. On the way back down the Severn, if time permits, we may go down to Diglis and up the Worcester & Brum back to Droitwich.

 

There is a new post here about pubs on the Staff & Worc. I found it very informative! Anymore suggestions? If we spend a day in Worcester, what are some “must sees” and great food options?

 

Are there any places one would recommend avoiding along our route? We will need a laundry day on the north end of our journey. And recommendations for that?

 

Thanks in advance!

The Cardinal's Hat in Worcester is a lovely old nooks'n'crannies pub with excellent real ale and bar snacks (not main meals). If you want to eat out beforehand, the Thai on 7evern is nearby (and near the canal) and excellent, but it gets very busy so I'd ring ahead and book to be sure of getting in.

[Kingdom Isambard Brunel]

There is or was  a launderette at Great Heywood, moor below the lock for easiest access.

Its been a while since I needed one so my info needs checking. The Anglo Welsh place will know if you ring them. They may even do the wash for you in there place if its not weekend.

[trane]

Rather than staying on the Staff and Worcester have you considered turning onto the Shropshire Union at Autherley Junction. There are only 2 locks until you get to Tyrley but the scenery just feels more rural (once you are out of Wolverhampton). While you have the pubs in Penkridge, there are options in the villages you pass on the Shroppie, at  Brewood, Gnosall, Wheaton Aston, Norbury, The Anchor  at High Offley, Goldstone Wharf. 

There used to be a laundry at the Bridge pub in Brewood but its some years since I've been in and it may well be closed now. However I'm pretty sure there was one in Gnosall last year. (google shows it as Gnosall Laundry Services) which was pretty close to the canal. Best to ring and check they are still open--Also I may well be thinking of somewhere completely different so it would be best to check.

If you go this way and dont want to go into Market Drayton down Tyrley locks, wind at Goldstone Wharf. The map book shows a winding hole above the locks but there is a chain across it.

[5239]

1 hour ago, Kingdom Isambard Brunel said:

There is or was  a launderette at Great Heywood, moor below the lock for easiest access.

Its been a while since I needed one so my info needs checking. The Anglo Welsh place will know if you ring them. They may even do the wash for you in there place if its not weekend.

there is a laundrette in the marina at Great Haywood and they’re happy for passersby to use it. Get the tokens from shop/office. 
only one machine though so take your luck regards it’s in use. 
 

whether they have one at the hire base for use 🤷‍♀️

22 minutes ago, trane said:

There used to be a laundry at the Bridge pub in Brewood but its some years since I've been in and it may well be closed now.

still there 👍

big machines,

identical to the ones at Great Haywood as it happens

27 minutes ago, trane said:

The map book shows a winding hole above the locks but there is a chain across it.

yes, new house owners have decided they don’t want anyone turning there,

unfortunately they are completely within their rights. 

[trane]

While I would definitely second Worcester as a place to visit dont neglect Droitwich itself. Its a delightful town which has suffered badly from subsidence (salt mining) over the years. As a consequence the urge to pull down beautiful old buildings and replace with modern bland boxes (opinions may vary) wasnt there and we are left with some really quirky old buildings. Well worth a walk. 

There are several supermarkets by the canal (Waitrose, Morrisons, an ALDI or LIDL?) and I recall several very pleasant pubs (Not on the boat so can't check the details). Just have the broad locks to the river which aren't my favourite. 

[Frankgh]

On 30/04/2025 at 10:00, gatekrash said:

Loads of places to eat in Worcester. We love Bendictos, really good Italian restaurant, moor either on the VMs at Diglis or at the Commandery, walk up to the Commandery bridge then up towards the cathedral, it's on your left as you go up the hill. If not, then there's the Olive Branch in the centre of town which is also excellent. Or the Anatolian Palace in the covered shopping area does Turkish.

 

If real ale is your thing then the Dragon inn up towards the end of the main street is a full-on ale house, but no food there.

 

Worcester cathedral is free to walk around. If you like history then there's Greyfriars house (National Trust) but that has an entry fee.

 

In terms of avoiding places, I probably wouldn't overnight in Kidderminster from about Caldwall through to Wolverley (good VMs there below and above the lock). Not that it's any worse than any other industrial / urban type area but it's noisy and a bit grim and Wolverley is much nicer. Tesco's and Sainsbury's supermarkets in Kidderminster both have moorings right outside and are handy for a quick shopping stop.

 

Kinver is a nice place to stop, the rock houses are interesting but a bit of a walk up the hill. Several pubs and a couple of takeaway places there. 

 

Another historic house is Wightwick Manor at Tettenhall, VMs quite close and the house is close to the canal. But I have a feeling it's covered in scaffolding at the moment! Once north of Compton Lock I probably wouldn't plan on stopping until Coven, there are moorings at Autherley but nothing really there.

 

If you stop at Penkridge on a Wednesday or Saturday then there's a large market, but I wouldn't necessarily plan my trip around it, lots of what I call 'the usual tat' stalls, but a good butcher and a guy doing fantastic venison sausages and burgers on market days.

 

If you like peace and quiet (or at least being woken by wildlife) then stop at Tixall Wide, it's a nice spot.

 

Wave at us when you leave the marina if we're there, we're moored right outside the office.

 

Here's Tixall from when we were there a few weeks ago.

 

Sounds like great recommendations! I will certainly say hello! Thank You!

 

 

On 30/04/2025 at 10:12, LadyG said:

I just Google launderette near me, and phone them up to see if they will pick up and deliver, best to have cash DAMHik.

I never thought to ask for pickup and delivery, excellent idea!

 

 

On 30/04/2025 at 10:26, IanD said:

The Cardinal's Hat in Worcester is a lovely old nooks'n'crannies pub with excellent real ale and bar snacks (not main meals). If you want to eat out beforehand, the Thai on 7evern is nearby (and near the canal) and excellent, but it gets very busy so I'd ring ahead and book to be sure of getting in.

I'm always on the look out for good Thai food! Thanks!

 

 

On 30/04/2025 at 11:54, Kingdom Isambard Brunel said:

There is or was  a launderette at Great Heywood, moor below the lock for easiest access.

Its been a while since I needed one so my info needs checking. The Anglo Welsh place will know if you ring them. They may even do the wash for you in there place if its not weekend.

Awesome, Thanks!

 

 

On 30/04/2025 at 12:44, trane said:

Rather than staying on the Staff and Worcester have you considered turning onto the Shropshire Union at Autherley Junction. There are only 2 locks until you get to Tyrley but the scenery just feels more rural (once you are out of Wolverhampton). While you have the pubs in Penkridge, there are options in the villages you pass on the Shroppie, at  Brewood, Gnosall, Wheaton Aston, Norbury, The Anchor  at High Offley, Goldstone Wharf. 

There used to be a laundry at the Bridge pub in Brewood but its some years since I've been in and it may well be closed now. However I'm pretty sure there was one in Gnosall last year. (google shows it as Gnosall Laundry Services) which was pretty close to the canal. Best to ring and check they are still open--Also I may well be thinking of somewhere completely different so it would be best to check.

If you go this way and dont want to go into Market Drayton down Tyrley locks, wind at Goldstone Wharf. The map book shows a winding hole above the locks but there is a chain across it.

I considered the Shropshire breifly but from the storeies I've heard, mooring isn't the best with the underwater shelf. Are these stories exagerated? Oh all  the videos I've seen the Shropshire is truly lovely!

 

 

On 30/04/2025 at 13:06, 5239 said:

there is a laundrette in the marina at Great Haywood and they’re happy for passersby to use it. Get the tokens from shop/office. 
only one machine though so take your luck regards it’s in use. 
 

whether they have one at the hire base for use 🤷‍♀️

still there 👍

big machines,

identical to the ones at Great Haywood as it happens

yes, new house owners have decided they don’t want anyone turning there,

unfortunately they are completely within their rights. 

Last year we did laundry at the Lady Lane Marina on the Stratford-upon-Anon. It was a great, friendly place but it took hours!

 

 

On 30/04/2025 at 14:44, trane said:

While I would definitely second Worcester as a place to visit dont neglect Droitwich itself. Its a delightful town which has suffered badly from subsidence (salt mining) over the years. As a consequence the urge to pull down beautiful old buildings and replace with modern bland boxes (opinions may vary) wasnt there and we are left with some really quirky old buildings. Well worth a walk. 

There are several supermarkets by the canal (Waitrose, Morrisons, an ALDI or LIDL?) and I recall several very pleasant pubs (Not on the boat so can't check the details). Just have the broad locks to the river which aren't my favourite. 

Last year we flew in early on Sunday and went straight to Droitwitch. We spent Sunday afternoon exploring the town. It was simply lovely! I had seen Vines Park on one of David's "Cruising the Cut" vlogs. It was disappointing to see much of the vandalism. Also it was interesting to see the the statue of St Richard had been caged! David did mention that vandals were common there.

[Stroudwater1]

Other places to see in Worcester are the Guildhall and Commandery (Commandery is the building by the first narrow lock) Both are in the centre not far from the cathedral. 
 

Just below the cathedral by the river are markings where flood levels are indicated some going back many years 1700s at least,  most more recent. Hopefully it won’t be muddy round there, it can be after floods. 
 

Higher end eating could be at Brown's by the quay, just by the bridge centrally.  it’s years since I’ve been there. It overlooks the river. It’s quite nice to walk past  Glovers needle, just up from Brown's, nice modern fountains on the way hopefully working. The spire is the only part remaining of the church . You can see it easily from the river but it’s interesting close up. 
 

Unlike Droitwich Worcester was ravaged by development in the 1960s. (Other opinions are available) The Shambles also near the cathedral used to have a number of  historic houses much like York, many black and white buildings. It’s a shadow of its former self.

 

Did you visit Droitwich Lido? It’s an outdoor brine salty swimming pool. Not many outdoor pools remain. 

[trane]

Re the Shroppie Shelf-Yes, it's a menace. But it isn't present for all of the canal. There are good moorings, particularly in the villages, but also at isolated spots outside the villages. It's just a case of knowing where they are. Generally (very generally) when you see the metal Armco the bank has been repaired at sometime and you can get in to tie up without hitting the shelf. If you see other boats tied up this can signify a good mooring, but check whether they have tyres down as fenders.

For an out and back trip I would aim to stop in villages on the way out, mark down the rural moorings on your map and aim to stop there on the way back. While I like both canals, after Tixall lock you are near the railway, there is the motorway from Acton Trusell to the Gailey flight and Four Ashes chemical works above Gailey. Not always intrusive, perhaps a field away or behind a hill but always in the background.

Once you are out of Wolverhampton, under the Motorway Bridge the Shroppie is just more relaxing.

 

 

[jonesthenuke]

On the Staffs and Worcs:-

If you stop in Penkridge, try the bakery in the market square, Delightful cakes, buns etc. Expect a queue outside as it is very popular.

At Caunsall is the Anchor pub. Beer is OK but the cobs are great. Moor and Bridge 26 and its a short walk West to the pub.

 

Edited May 2 by jonesthenuke
Added cobs

[Frankgh]

17 hours ago, Stroudwater1 said:

Other places to see in Worcester are the Guildhall and Commandery (Commandery is the building by the first narrow lock) Both are in the centre not far from the cathedral. 
 

Just below the cathedral by the river are markings where flood levels are indicated some going back many years 1700s at least,  most more recent. Hopefully it won’t be muddy round there, it can be after floods. 
 

Higher end eating could be at Brown's by the quay, just by the bridge centrally.  it’s years since I’ve been there. It overlooks the river. It’s quite nice to walk past  Glovers needle, just up from Brown's, nice modern fountains on the way hopefully working. The spire is the only part remaining of the church . You can see it easily from the river but it’s interesting close up. 
 

Unlike Droitwich Worcester was ravaged by development in the 1960s. (Other opinions are available) The Shambles also near the cathedral used to have a number of  historic houses much like York, many black and white buildings. It’s a shadow of its former self.

 

Did you visit Droitwich Lido? It’s an outdoor brine salty swimming pool. Not many outdoor pools remain. 

Thank you for the information!

 

16 hours ago, trane said:

Re the Shroppie Shelf-Yes, it's a menace. But it isn't present for all of the canal. There are good moorings, particularly in the villages, but also at isolated spots outside the villages. It's just a case of knowing where they are. Generally (very generally) when you see the metal Armco the bank has been repaired at sometime and you can get in to tie up without hitting the shelf. If you see other boats tied up this can signify a good mooring, but check whether they have tyres down as fenders.

For an out and back trip I would aim to stop in villages on the way out, mark down the rural moorings on your map and aim to stop there on the way back. While I like both canals, after Tixall lock you are near the railway, there is the motorway from Acton Trusell to the Gailey flight and Four Ashes chemical works above Gailey. Not always intrusive, perhaps a field away or behind a hill but always in the background.

Once you are out of Wolverhampton, under the Motorway Bridge the Shroppie is just more relaxing.

 

 

Oh, this is splendid! I passed on your advice to Catherin, Cafwin Cruises owner. The Tardebigge closure is a big deal to her operation and cracking advise such as this I'm sure will be useful to this season's patrons. I think we will leave the option open and decide once we reach the junction.

 

12 hours ago, jonesthenuke said:

On the Staffs and Worcs:-

If you stop in Penkridge, try the bakery in the market square, Delightful cakes, buns etc. Expect a queue outside as it is very popular.

At Caunsall is the Anchor pub. Beer is OK but the cobs are great. Moor and Bridge 26 and its a short walk West to the pub.

 

To be honest, British cousin does not have the best reputation here in the Colonies.  However this was completely dismissed by first hand experience. Every single meal was a superb treat! I have been spreading the word to all that will listen!

 

[Tigerr]

On 02/05/2025 at 08:18, trane said:

Re the Shroppie Shelf-Yes, it's a menace. But it isn't present for all of the canal. There are good moorings, particularly in the villages, but also at isolated spots outside the villages. It's just a case of knowing where they are. Generally (very generally) when you see the metal Armco the bank has been repaired at sometime and you can get in to tie up without hitting the shelf. If you see other boats tied up this can signify a good mooring, but check whether they have tyres down as fenders.

For an out and back trip I would aim to stop in villages on the way out, mark down the rural moorings on your map and aim to stop there on the way back. While I like both canals, after Tixall lock you are near the railway, there is the motorway from Acton Trusell to the Gailey flight and Four Ashes chemical works above Gailey. Not always intrusive, perhaps a field away or behind a hill but always in the background.

Once you are out of Wolverhampton, under the Motorway Bridge the Shroppie is just more relaxing.

 

 

The shelf is a damn nuisance. But, it can be eliminated completely, and lots of mooring opened up, with a couple of cheap wheelbarrow wheels as horizontal floating fenders. I wouldn't think of going back on that canal without them. 

I don't know why they aren't standard kit on the hire fleets as the damage to the boats caused by grinding on the shelf, not to say the impossibility of sleeping when the boat keeps crunching on it, must cost money and good reviews. 

Tixall wide is lovely. I had to spend two weeks there a few years ago, and it's such a lovley area to explore. Plus, top food from the local fancy farm produce shop. Nice pub in teh village too. 

I did a detailed pencil drawing of the gatehouse above the wide, which I was quite pleased with. 

Edited May 6 by Tigerr

[IanD]

22 minutes ago, Tigerr said:

The shelf is a damn nuisance. But, it can be eliminated completely, and lots of mooring opened up, with a couple of cheap wheelbarrow wheels as horizontal floating fenders. I wouldn't think of going back on that canal without them. 

I don't know why they aren't standard kit on the hire fleets as the damage to the boats caused by grinding on the shelf, not to say the impossibility of sleeping when the boat keeps crunching on it, must cost money and good reviews. 

Tixall wide is lovely. I had to spend two weeks there a few years ago, and it's such a lovley area to explore. Plus, top food from the local fancy farm produce shop. Nice pub in teh village too. 

I did a detailed pencil drawing of the gatehouse above the wide, which I was quite pleased with. 

Do you mean the canalside farm shop at Great Heywood (good but pricey -- except for bacon!) and the Clifford Arms (decent beer, and pub grub when the kitchen is open)? If so, both are about a 20min walk away, not sure that counts as "local"... 😉