A weekend break in Worcestershire is perfect for exploring the heartland of historic central England. It’s a region that offers a wealth of history and variety on the waterways, from the natural beauty of the scenic English countryside to bustling towns and cities and attractions like the Malvern Hills, Worcester cathedral, Worcester porcelain and several National Trust properties.
From our hire base in the city of Worcester, you can explore the Birmingham and Worcester Canal taking in both these historic towns and also access the Avon Ring and the Stourport Ring and the River Severn.
Recommended Routes For Weekend Breaks
There’s a whole host of routes you can take for a weekend away from our Stoke Prior base in the midlands several miles from Worcester. Here are a couple of suggestions but the best thing about a canal boat holiday is that you can make your own itinerary to suit how long you wish to cruise for. There are regular winding holes (turning points) along every route that allows you to turn and head back to base whenever you choose.
Mid-Worcestershire Ring
Miles: 46 miles
Locks: 20
This canal boat weekend break in Worcestershire offers a packed itinerary for the enthusiastic boater! The Mid-Worcestershire ring can be completed in a weekend’s boating when it’s all hands on deck! This would suit a family or friends holidaying together on holidays in Worcestershire and it includes a stretch on the River Severn.
Worcester and return
Miles: 14
Locks: 46
Again, this area in Worcestershire offers an active weekend break as you cruise from Stoke Prior down to Worcester, then head back again. There’s a nice mix of town and countryside, with plenty of locks to keep the whole cruising party busy.
Mini Breaks to Remember in Worcestershire
A weekend self-catering short break in Worcestershire starts from our narrowboat hire base in Stoke Prior and this area takes you into the canal boating heartland as you navigate the waterways and locks on the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal.
It’s a truly memorable weekend break, unlike any other, and one that all the family or friends can join you on or you can enjoy as a romantic break.
Family Weekend Breaks in Worcestershire
Look no further than Black Prince to experience a fun family weekend break in Worcestershire. You can hire a narrowboat from either Friday afternoon or Saturday and be on your way, cruising through the Worcestershire countryside past country houses after your initial coaching section and induction, which the whole family can take part in.
Particularly suited to older children and teenagers, canal boat breaks in Worcestershire offer the opportunity to get fully involved in driving the boat and managing all the aspects of this type of holiday, from casting off in the morning to mooring up for the night.
Many of the weekend break routes offer cruises along the waterways close to Worcester and also managing the locks that you may come across. Opening and closing the lock gates and ensuring smooth passage is just one of the activities that the whole family can be involved in.
Black Prince also offer family activity packs that children can use to get fully immersed into their canal boat break. Find out more about hiring a boat from our base in Worcestershire – there’s never been a better time to plan Worcestershire family weekend breaks!
Spring, Summer and Autumn breaks in Worcestershire.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in the spring, summer or autumn then Black Prince can help you! We offer short breaks throughout the season in the Worcestershire countryside, including the peak summer months of July and August.
Spring and autumn weekend breaks tend to be popular for quieter waterways and lower prices, whilst the summer weekend breaks offer more lively canals with the opportunity to be more social on your holiday!
Dog-friendly Weekend Breaks
You are more than welcome to bring your pets on your weekend break in Worcestershire. We can cater up to two dogs on our dog-friendly boats, with the first pet travelling free of charge, and we also accept other family pets as well.
You just need to remember to bring all your normal pet supplies with you, such as the dog bed, lead, poop bags, toys etc.
Regarding pets such as cats, birds etc, please call our team and we will confirm if we can cater for them too!
You can read more about our pet and dog-friendly boating holidays here.
Last-Minute Weekend Breaks in Worcestershire
It’s always best to give us a call if you are looking for a last minute weekend break in Worcestershire.
Call our friendly team on 01527 575115 if you would like to book five days before travel. We can search the remaining availability for you and book you in, ensuring that you will relevant information that you’ll need before travelling.
Starting days for weekend short breaks in Worcestershire are Fridays and Saturdays, with departure times between 2pm and 5pm. Friday departures are for three nights and you are due back to base on Monday morning by 9.30am, Saturday departures are due back Tuesday morning by 9.30am.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see on a weekend break in Worcestershire?
A narrowboat holiday means that you can wake up to a new view every morning! Our short breaks from Stoke Prior in Worcestershire offers you the opportunity to cruise to Worcester and Birmingham and see these historic cities as you’ve never seen them before.
Do all your bases offer weekend breaks?
Yes, you can cruise over the weekend from any one of our nine canal boat hire bases across England, Scotland and Wales. Please note that we have both Friday and Saturday departure days.
How many nights is a weekend break?
A weekend break is 3 nights, departing either on a Friday or Saturday (please note that this is dependent on the boats we have available).
Can I travel for just two nights on a weekend?
No, I’m afraid our minimum hire duration is 3 nights.