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Stourport Basins

Stourport Basins

Stourport Forward, 1 Severn Side, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 9EN.

This is the first ‘canal town'! When James Brindley first surveyed the route of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, he decided that this raised area of ground next to the River Severn would be the ideal place to build a series of canal basins and a complex of wharves and warehouses.

Stourport grew into a busy industrial town, but it also had a fun side. From its early days, the town has hosted a fair, river boat trips and amusements and has always been a favourite day-trip destination for Black Country holidaymakers.

Today, it's a great place to learn all about canal engineering, the growth of local industry and the people who lived and worked here.

Visit us at Stourport-on-Severn to find out how the canal was the catalyst for this Georgian town. School and group trips to Stourport Basins are run in partnership with Stourport Forward.

Educational visits to Stourport Basins

  • Workshops

    KS1 KS2 Build a Canal

    This workshop looks at how and why canals were built over 200 years ago, some of the problems faced by the canal engineers and the main cargoes that were carried by boat. Children also have the opportunity to dress up in canal costume.

    KS1 KS2 Guided Locks Trail

    Our education volunteers offer an insight into the town and the lives of the people who worked here. Schools and groups can follow the heritage trail, and visit one of the original stables for the impressive Tontine Building. Children can visit the cargo hold and living quarters of a real working boat from the 1930s.

    If you have time, we also look after a Ticket Office at the entrance to the basins where children can find out more through handling objects, smells of old Stourport and even a periscope view of the wharves!

    KS1 KS2 Stay SAFE Near Water

    All our visits include learning about water safety and how to respect the canal environment.

    Don't forget a boat trip!

    Boat trips can be booked direct with The Stourport Steamer Company. A charge will be made for these.

  • Learning Resources

    Stourport-on-Severn Canal Town Fact File

    All About Canals

  • Facilities

    Coaches are normally advised to drop off at the Riverside Car Parks, a five-minute walk from the basins, but minibuses can drop off at the basins by prior arrangement.

    There is one toilet at the Stourport Forward office and more toilets at the Riverside Car Parks.

    To ensure your visit runs smoothly and safely by water, we only provide visits for one class per booking (roughly 30 children)

  • Price

    Visits to Stourport Basins are FREE! Parking is pay and display.

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