Kidderminster

A UK Canal Boating Article

Category : Places

 

Located on the River Stour Kidderminster was a cloth producing town as early as in the 13th century. Kidderminster is most famous for it's carpets and this industry began in the town in the 18th century. Large scale production was made possible with the invention of the power loom and with the coming of the canal system.

Running through the town The Staffordshire and Worcester Canal, built by James Brindley, allowed for cheap transportation of goods to other parts of the country.

The Carpet Museum - Situated in a grade II listed building originally used as a factory for carpet making the Museum's main attraction is a working power loom. You can experience hands-on the technical aspects of carpet production and visit the galleries to view the collections of machinery, artefacts and photographs.
Hartlebury Castle - A 13th century palace and once the home to The Bishops of Worcestershire.

Housed in the former servants' quarters the exhibits show the past lives of the county's inhabitants from the Romans to the present day. The Transport Gallery houses a large collection of vehicles including a fire engine, hansom cab, bicycles, carts and beautifully decorated Gypsy caravans. 'The Castle Kitchen' serves a wide range of refreshments from homemade cake and coffee to a filling main meal and uses many local ingredients as well as organic and fair trade products.

Wyre Forest - The area takes its name from The Forest of Wyre and was once a medieval hunting ground . The Forest now offers visitors a range of woodland walks and trails amongst ancient oaks woods. Go Ape on a course which trials through the trees, have hours of tree top adventure when you can climb 30ft up a rope ladder or Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net, zip wire through trees or tackle the high wire ropes.

Severn Valley Railway - Before you take your seats on the steam train visit the Railway Museum and the Coal Yard. Then climb aboard for a journey full of interest as you follow the meandering course of the River Severn. Cross the River Severn over the Victoria Bridge, a massive 200-foot single span, high above the water. Disembark at one of the quaint country stations each one giving access to local villages and riverside walks.

West Midlands Safari Park - Follow the Discovery Trail which is designed to fascinate and intrigue Admire the swimming skills of the sea lions at the underwater viewing area and learn about some of the most amazing creatures that live in our oceans. If you are looking for non stop fun the park has a wonderful variety of fun rides and attractions to suit the whole family. Feel the fury of the Venom Tower Drop as it plummets back to earth or get well and truly soaked on the Zambezi Water Splash.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings - Home to a large collection of historic buildings which have been rescued from demolition and rebuilt. The collection includes farm buildings, a working windmill, industrial workshops and a prison cell block. The buildings are open for you to go inside and explore and they are surrounded by a traditional cider orchard, gardens, a farm pond and a wildflower meadow.

Adjacent to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal the old commercial area of "Weavers Wharf" has been redeveloped and Springfield Mill has been converted into shops where you will find your favourite high street stores under one roof. Kidderminster offers a good selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants. Markets are held in the town on a Thursday and a Saturday and offer a good selection of local produce.

 

 

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Holiday Bases

Alvechurch
Gailey
Worcester

 

Canals

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Rivers

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Places to Visit

Kidderminster