Here we have picked a number of great places with particular historical significance and etched in waterways heritage.

Hatton Locks

The Hatton Locks or Hatton Flight are a flight of 21 locks on the Grand Union Canal in Hatton, Warwickshire.

Affectionately known as the ‘Stariway to Heaven’ the flight spans less than two miles of canal, and has a total rise of 45 metres.

These state of the art locks were built at Hatton to fight off stiff competition from the roads and railways and widened in the 1930s. Getting through them – remember there are 21 of them – is no mean feat and an achievement in itself, so give yourself plenty of time and preparation to navigate them all.

Birmingham Canals

One of the most intricate canal networks in the world, the city’s extensive canal network is often said to have more miles of canal than Venice and played a crucial role in its industrial growth.

The canals were the life-blood of Victorian Birmingham and the Black Country. At their height, they were so busy that gas lighting was installed beside the locks to permit round-the-clock operation. Boats were built without cabins for maximum carrying capacity, and a near-tidal effect was produced as swarms of narrowboats converged on the Black Country collieries at the same time every day.

Today, Birmingham’s canals have been revitalized into scenic walkways, lined with bars, cafes, and visitor attractions. The Gas Street Basin is a particularly popular spot where visitors can see colourful boats and historic canal architecture sit side-by-side with vibrant modern restaurants, cafes and bars.

Read more about the route from Braunston to Birmingham here

Hawkesbury Junction

Hawkesbury Junction is the northern limit of the Oxford Canal where it meets the Coventry Canal, near Hawkesbury Village, Warwickshire.

Its alternative name, Sutton Stop, arises from the name of a family which provided several lock keepers there in the nineteenth century. In commercial carrying times, the junction was a major rendezvous for working boats awaiting orders for their next cargo from the many pits in the area. A stop lock on the Oxford Canal isolates the water levels of the two original canal companies, with the Oxford being a few inches higher.

The most immediately striking feature in what is now a conservation area is the elegant bridge over the actual junction of the two canals. This cast iron structure is a fine example of the Victorian engineer’s art, and has a span of 15.2 m (50 ft).

Edstone Aqueduct

Located in Shakespeare Country between the Warwickshire villages of Wotton Wawen to the north and Wilmcote to the south is the longest cast iron aqueduct in England spanning 475 feet (145 metres) of rural countryside. This aqueduct is located on the South Stratford Canal.

Completed in 1816, the aqueduct crosses a minor road, a stream and a railway carrying trains on the Birmingham – Stratford-upon-Avon train line, in fact many years ago, a pipe linked the canal to a point on the railway to enable steam locomotives to draw water.

An unusual feature of this structure is that the tow path runs along the base of the 4’9” (1.5 metre) cast iron trough giving a different view of oncoming boats.

The structure holds Grade 2 listed status. If you are ona trip or take the boats from Braunston to Stratford, take a few moments to appreciate the engineering that created this fine aqueduct.

Napton Locks

Napton-on –the- Hill, as it is properly known, is as its title suggests a hillside village, watched over by its majestic Windmill which can be seen for many miles around.

The Grand Union and Oxford Canal form a moat like quality at the foot of the hill, with a set of eight locks being some of the nicest locks around, set as they are in beautiful peaceful countryside and climbing 49 feet.

For such a small village, it offers a surprisingly large number of amenities which includes a village store including post office, general store and coffee shop, play park, plus canal side shops and marina.

Stoke Bruerne and Blisworth Tunnel

Stoke Bruerne is lovely village of which its canalside setting becomes a hive of activity especially during spring and summer.

Here you will a Canal Museum which is located just off the canalside path in a historic Grade II listed corn mill and has three floors of waterway heritage and panoramic views, a café and gift shop. Outside the museum you can normally find the historic boat called ‘Sculptor’ which was built in 1935 and still going strong.

To get here (and back to Braunston) is to navigate through another historic tunnel, the Blisworth Tunnel,  which at 3,075 yards (2,811 meters) long is the longest wide, freely navigable tunnel in Europe (it’s wide enough for two narrowboats to pass in opposite directions). It is the third-longest navigable canal tunnel in the UK, after Standedge and Dudley Tunnels and the ninth-longest canal tunnel in the world!

Watford Locks

This group of seven locks on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire is formed (looking from the south), of two single locks, a staircase of four, and a final single lock.

The locks are hemmed in by the A5 road, the M1 motorway, and the West Coast Main Line railway, which all fit through the narrow Watford Gap, between two hill systems. The locks are usually manned to prevent water shortages in the ponds between the locks and to speed up the process of boats getting through them (there is a queueing system in place during peak periods)

The keeper also ensures the locks run smoothly and quickly. It should take approximately 45 minutes to complete this flight; it is made quicker by the fact that the locks are single beam and the gates are light.

Foxton Locks

Further up the Grand Union’s Leicester Line, Foxton Locks is a Grade II listed site and home to the longest, steepest staircase flight of locks in Britain.

Each year, over 400,000 visitors experience the rich heritage of the site, including the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift, listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Also located at the site are two pubs, two cafés, and the historic Canal Museum located in the Boilerhouse run by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust.

Read more about the route from Braunston to Foxton Locks via Watford Locks here

Braunston – historic junction, locks and tunnel

Last but by no means least for this feature is Braunston, our mooring base and where the Grand Union Canal and Oxford Canal canals meet.

Braunston Marina, which you can see a stone’s throw from our boats are moored up, used to be a reservoir for the Grand Junction Canal. Water coming down the Braunston locks was collected and then pumped back up to the summit level. The pump, originally steam powered, and pump house, are still in place beside our mooring place and the initials GJC and 1897, the year of its build, can be seen in the chimney brickwork.

It’s here – at Bottom Lock – we have the first of the six locks of the Braunston flight onto the summit level of the main line of the canal before reaching the majestic Braunston Tunnel.

A true feat of engineering this, it opened in 1796 its construction was delayed by soil movement and it was probably the resulting movement that led to the tunnel having a slight ‘S’ bend.The tunnel is 2,042 yards (1,867 metres) in length.but has no towpath which means a walk over the top of the tunnel by the footpath if you are claustrophobic and don’t fancy going through it. Inside, it is 4.8 metres (16 ft) wide by 3.76 metres (12.3 ft) high providing just enough room for two 7 feet (2.1 m) beam boats to pass.

To go from one end of the tunnel takes you underground for approximately 25 minutes and it is well worth experience.

For more details about these great places and the routes to get to them, click here

To make a booking or check on availability and the dates you want, head to our Bookings Page here

Or please do get in touch to find out how we can help. Contact Nigel, our Bookings Officer, by calling on 07783 002073 or emailing him at booking@lnbp.co.uk

The post Heritage wonders of our canals to visit with LNBP appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

Not only are we convenient and easy to reach from all corners of the country to begin your short break or longer holiday with us, we are also at the very heart of the canal network and therefore able to provide you and your group with a wealth of choice on routes for your trip.

In the second of two features, we provide you with more suggestions of some of many great places you and your group can reach and visit depending on your length of trip.

5 days, 7 days, more 

• Coventry

A visit to one of the Midlands’ key cities, Coventry and some of its key landmarks including St Mary’s Guildhall and Coventry Cathedral are well worth a visit if time permits.

Having cruised from Braunston and skirted past Rugby on the North Oxford Canal, the scenic countryside returns past the villages of Brinklow and Stretton under Fosse before reaching the cathedral city and the Coventry Canal Basin which itelf has plenty to offer with waterside wildlife, walks and historic canal architecture. Situated in the heart of the city, it also marks the start of the Coventry Canal as the North Oxford reaches the big junction at Hawkesbury, which is the official end of the canal before it joins the Coventry Canal.

As you would expect from a bustling city centre, Coventry has plenty of shopping and leisure activity options.  You can discover the history of the British motor industry by exploring the excellent Coventry Transport Museum and or pay a visit to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

• Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick

Often referred to as Royal Leamington Spa, this historic spa town in Warwickshire is renowned for its Regency architecture.

The town gained prominence in the 19th century due to its natural mineral springs, believed to have therapeutic properties. The town is well worth jumping off the boats and paying a visit to explore its elegant streets, spacious parks like Jephson Gardens,  numerous shops, cafes and restaurants, and arts venues.

Find out more by reading here

The neighbouring historic market county town of Warwick is known for its stunning medieval architecture and rich history.

The county town is most famous for Warwick Castle, a well-preserved fortress with over 1,000 years of history and one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions for a day out (certainly bear that idea in mind)

Warwick’s charm includes its cobbled streets, Tudor houses, and landmarks like St. Mary’s Church. The town also has a vibrant community with independent shops, cafes with its proximity to the canal and River Avon adding to its scenic beauty.

Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick can both be reached via the Grand Union Canal

Find out more by reading here

• Stratford-upon-Avon

World-famous as the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is one of more popular places to visit by groups each year and for good reason.

Its historic connections to The Bard see visitors have the chance to explore sites like Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Plus the town’s Tudor-style architecture, scenic riverside along the River Avon, quaint shops, cafes and restaurants and general historical charm – notably celebrating the Bard’s legacy – are just a few of several reasons to moor up and explore.

Find out more by reading here

• Birmingham

Where do you start with Birmingham?  There is so much to see, do and explore, and as many groups over the years will attest to a visit here is well-worth the effort and recommended.

Known for its rich industrial history, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene, it boasts iconic landmarks like the Bullring, a lively leisure and food scene, The city’s extensive canal network is often said to have more miles of canal than Venice and played a crucial role in its industrial growth. Today, Birmingham’s canals have been revitalized into scenic walkways, lined with bars, cafes, and attractions like the National Sea Life Centre (again, an attraction well worth visiting). The Gas Street Basin is a particularly popular spot where visitors can enjoy boat tours (not that you and your group would have had enough of canal cruising by then) and picturesque views of the city’s modern and historic blend.

 Read more by reading here and here

• Drayton Manor Park

Not a town or city as such, but..a residential trip on the canal combined with a visit to experience the thrills and excitement of one of the UK’s leading theme parks?

Yes, that correct, there is chance for groups to visit the wonderful Drayton Manor Park as part of your itinerary. You cannot really go wrong can you?

Read more by reading here

A few extras to consider – options to head south

• Banbury

A historic market town in Oxfordshire, England, known for its picturesque setting and rich heritage.

Famous for the “Banbury Cross” and the nursery rhyme “Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross,” the town offers a charming mix of history and modern amenities. Explore landmarks such as Banbury Museum, the medieval Banbury Castle site, and People’s Park. The town’s canalside area provides scenic walks along the Oxford Canal and riverside cafes.

Find out more by reading here

• Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes has a lot to offer for visitors to enjoy.

Attractions such as the group and family-friendly activities at Xscape which features an indoor ski slope and entertainment complex are a good option, plus MK is also home to scenic parks, lakes, and over 200 miles of dedicated cycle paths, including the tranquil Willen Lake, making it a great spot for outdoor activities.

Find out more by reading here

• Head to the capital

Yes, you read right. 

There is a great way for your group to enjoy a day out in London whilst staying cruising and staying on our boats.

Why pay expensive prices to stay in the capital when you can simply wake up, visit London, and then return to bunk back down on Lancelot and Guinevere all in a day after a busy day exploring.

Find out more by reading here

For more details about these and other routes and great places you can visit, click here

Routes to take and explore with LNBP

To make a booking or check on availability and the dates you want, head to our Bookings Page here

Or please get in touch to find out how we can help and for any general advice. Contact Nigel Smith, our Bookings Officer, by calling on 07783 002073 or emailing him at booking@lnbp.co.uk

The post 10 great places to visit with LNBP – Part II appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

For further information about this route and destination, and others you can explore and visit, contact Nigel on 07967 406875 or email him at bookings@lnbp.co.uk.

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Now the boat is back and the dust has settled – or should it be ripples of the water have – it’s time to reflect on what has been a hugely productive and successful promotional trip..from Braunston to Birmingham and back!

 

We were based canalside in the Brindley Place area of Birmingham – not far from the ICC and SEALife Centre – from Friday 6^th to Sunday 8^th October, where we were pleased to welcome and talk to many people interested in who we are, and what we do and offer to community groups and organisations with our boats.
 

 
Our route took us from Braunston, leaving early just after 7.30am on the Wednesday morning aiming to get to at least in Leamington Spa; the fact the team reached The Cape by evening was a bonus.
 
Thursday, another early departure from the overnight stop to get through the Hatton Flight, aiming for at least The Wharf on the Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, which was successful. 
 
https://www.facebook.com/LNBPCommunityBoating/posts/1430427797034553
 

 
 
Friday, the plan was another early departure and to be in Birmingham for 1300 hours. 
 
https://www.facebook.com/LNBPCommunityBoating/posts/1431179770292689
https://www.facebook.com/LNBPCommunityBoating/posts/1431487893595210
 
Obviously an exercise of this size requires a substantial amount of planning and as part of it a whole host of invitations were sent to a number of organizations within the Birmingham and West Midlands area inviting them to pop along and see us; which we’re pleased to report many did.
 
In addition interest was shown from passers-by from a whole range of different organisations, including a Christian student group, a drama/dance school, two Beavers groups, a Birmingham-based housing association, a community group from South Yorkshire who have formed a Bridge club and a community activist from Stratford-upon-Avon.
 
Sunday also saw us welcome and talk to a teacher of primary children and a Guide leader from Stockton on Tees, a foster carer from Essex who has connections with Rainbows, and a Birmingham scout leader who had seen our promotion on the Birmingham County website.
 
So a wide range of different people with different interest and involvements in the community, both locally, regionally and further afield.
 
As with all these things, there was the odd hitch. The weather was not great at times over the weekend – in particular the gale-force winds – plus the boat broke down en route on Thursday which sadly caused us to cancel the school children and photo opportunity we had arranged for the Friday.
 
Nevertheless, these were minor disruptions to what was a hugely successful weekend and trip which essentially started weeks before with advance planning before we cast off on the Wednesday morning.
 
https://www.facebook.com/LNBPCommunityBoating/posts/1430029790407687
 
As ‘thank yous’ go, first and foremost a big, big thank you goes to Nigel Smith, our Bookings Officer, for all his substantial efforts in creating, planning and fulfilling this event from start to finish.
 
Not far behind, a big thank you to all other LNBP members who gave of their time in the delivery of this promotional exercise and event.
 
And to everyone who either planned and visited us over the weekend or dropped by in passing whilst we were in Birmingham – it was a pleasure to meet you and we hope to hear from and see you again [hopefully on our boats] in the near future.
 
And finally a thank you to all those well-wishers we passed and stopped to chat on our way to Birmingham and back.
 
 
 

The boating season may be drawing to a close, but now is the ideal time to think about booking up your community group and organisation for 2018.

Many have already, so don’t miss the boat (excuse the pun)

Check on our current availability here

The post Ripples settled – Review of 'Braunston to Birmingham..and back' Promotional Trip appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

It promises to be a busy week (and weekend) ahead for us as we embark on our Braunston to Birmingham and Back promotional trip

 
After arriving on Tuesday to stock up and board all the essentials for the next seven days or so ahead, here’s a brief plan of where we will be and passing each day.
 

Wednesday 4^th October – Off and Cruising

 
A nice early start planned with an anticipated depart from Braunston at 7.45am, with our route taking us along the Grand Union to the Napton turn, and then past Stockton and Long Itchington.
 

 
We are aiming for Leamington Spa or as far as The Cape of Good Hope Pub, Warwick, with a stop required in Leamington for provisions.
 

Thursday 5^th October – Halfway there

 
Another busy day ahead and so an early start to depart our overnight mooring, climb ‘the Stairway to Heaven’ of Hatton Locks, continue on until Kingswood Junction and turn left onto the North Stratford Canal and climb the top half of the Lapworth flight.
 
Tonight, we are aiming to moor between The Wharf pub (bridge 25) and The Drawbridge pub (bridge 8), which with a five mile ‘window’ should provide us with chance to moor easily enough (famous last words!).
 

Friday 6^th October – Into Birmingham

 
Nice early start (we’re used to them) to depart overnight mooring and aim for Bridge 3 to pick up school children for photo shoot, before travelling onto the Worcester and Birmingham Canal – our next aim: Birmingham City Centre. We have no guaranteed mooring but are aiming to slot ourselves in between The Mailbox and The National SEAL LIFE Centre.
 
Once there, our boat – Guinevere – will be open to the public from 1.00 to 6.00pm. You won’t be able to miss us. Look out for the flags, banners and pop-up displays!

 

Saturday 7^th October – Open for Visitors: come and see us

 
Guinevere will be open to the public from 9.00am to 6.00pm for visitors to come aboard and find out more about us and what we do. We look forward to seeing and welcoming you.
 
On the boat to show you around and answer any questions will be John, Linda, Nigel, Boz & Andrea (and possibly Mike)
 

Sunday 8^th October – Open for Visitors: the kettle will be on

 
Guinevere will once again be open to the public from 9.00am to 6.00pm for visitors, with John, Linda, Peter, Mike, and Nigel manning the boat today and available to guide you around, tell you more about we do and with whom.
 
If you cannot make it in Saturday, please do call in and visit and meet us on Sunday
 

Monday 9^th October – Heading home!

 
After what we hope will be a busy weekend, we depart Birmingham early morning (7.45am) for the return run back to base at Braunston, arriving on Wednesday.
 

 
 
 

You can chart our route from Braunston to Birmingham and back on the Grand Union Canal, on the interactive map on the Canal and Rivers Trust website here 

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook here and Twitter here for updates on our progress and pictures from our trip during the coming week.

The post Braunston to Birmingham and back – day by day appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

LNBP Community Boating are pleased to announce details of a new, exciting venture taking place next month.

 
As this year’s Community Boating season draws to a close and attention switches to bookings for 2018, we are heading out on the road so to speak, or in our case, on the water.
 
Our ‘Braunston to Birmingham…and Back’ Tour is a promotional trip to raise awareness to local groups and community organisations in the Warwickshire, Birmingham and West Midlands area what LNBP Community Boating do and can offer them.
 

Departing from our base at Braunston, on Wednesday 3rd October, we will be moored up in the area of The Mailbox / National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham / The ICC in the city centre-Brindleyplace area of Birmingham, from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th October 2017, before we begin our return journey back to Braunston on Monday 9th October.
 

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