Trent & Mersey Canal Boating and Narrowboating Holidays
The Trent and Mersey canal is a 94-mile (150km) waterway in the East Midlands, West Midlands and North West of England, which was opened in 1777 to link the River Trent, at Derwent Mouth, Derbyshire, to the River Mersey. It is a very popular venue for canal boat and narrowboating holidays. For much of its length, the canal can accommodate narrowboats up to 72` (22m) long and 7` (2.1m) wide. However, east of Burton-upon-Trent, the canal is wider, with locks and bridges capable of accommodating boats up to 14` (4.3m) wide. Along with activities directly related to the canal, such as fishing or walking / cycling on the towpaths, holidaymakers on a Trent and Mersey canal holiday can take advantage of a wide range of attractions within easy reach of the canal.
Birmingham is particularly popular, with free narrowboat / canal boat mooring available in the centre of the city.
Restaurants
The multi-ethnic nature of the city of Birmingham is perhaps best illustrated by the vast choice of restaurants available. For narrowboat holidaymakers seeking just a quick bite or something more substantial, the city offers the cuisines of approximately 30 nations, with outlets to suit all budgets.
Shopping
Birmingham has been described by some as a "shopper`s paradise." The convivial assortment of new and refurbished shopping malls offer eye-catching chic fashions, while lively markets provide bargain hunters with plenty of opportunities. Furthermore, the world renowned "Jewellery Quarter" features a wide range of hand-crafted items at incredibly low prices.
Art and Culture
Birmingham has invested heavily in Arts and Culture, resulting in some of Europe`s premier venues, which consistently attract the best talent. Birmingham Symphony Hall, widely considered the foremost European concert hall is home to the famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The city`s diverse arts scene has been aided by a multi-million pound investment in the Birmingham Hippodrome, which enticed the Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet to become the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Substantial, "across the board" investment has meant that Birmingham`s art galleries, thriving theatres and live music venues offer a great deal of variety and quality. For live music, the huge LG Arena, along with smaller venues such as the O2 Academy and the Jam House attract a seemingly endless stream of renowned musical acts. Coupled with minor theatres hosting a vast range of concerts and a network of folk / jazz clubs, the city provides for all musical tastes.
Other Nearby Attractions
Stratford-upon-Avon Stratford,
the birthplace of William Shakespeare, has 3 theatres run by the Royal Shakespeare Company, one of the most prestigious worldwide theatre companies. Only an hour away from the centre of Birmingham, Stratford continues to attract the best actors, along with millions of worldwide visitors.
Stoke-on-Trent
The canal also passes through the centre of the city of Stoke-on-Trent, which offers award-winning visitor centres, striking museums and 30+ pottery factory shops. With stately homes, theme parks and numerous other attractions, it adds to the appeal of a Mersey / Trent canal holiday.
Cheap car rental in East Midlands Airport can provide an ideal method of getting to some of the attractions more distant from the canal.