Stourport-on-Severn stands as one of England’s finest examples of a purpose-built canal town, created entirely due to the arrival of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in 1771. This Georgian gem on the River Severn showcases perfectly preserved canal architecture and working waterways that continue to attract boaters and heritage enthusiasts from across Britain.
The Canal Connection
The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal transformed this sleepy riverside location into a bustling inland port virtually overnight. James Brindley’s engineering masterpiece connected the industrial Midlands to the River Severn, creating a vital transport link for coal, iron, and pottery from Staffordshire’s factories. Stourport became the crucial interchange where narrow boats transferred cargo to Severn trows for onward journey to Bristol and beyond. The town’s unique basin system, with its series of interconnected docks, enabled efficient cargo handling and boat management, making Stourport one of the Midlands’ most important commercial waterways hubs.
What’s There
Current Facilities:
• **Stourport Marina**: Modern moorings with full facilities for visiting boats and permanent berths for canal enthusiasts
• **River Island Meadows**: Riverside park with walking trails, picnic areas, and excellent views of canal basin activity
• **The Tontine Hotel**: Historic coaching inn offering accommodation, dining, and traditional pub atmosphere overlooking the basins
Historic Features:
• **Upper and Lower Basins**: Original 1771 canal basins with Georgian warehouses, perfectly preserved lock chambers, and working mechanisms
• **Clock Warehouse**: Grade II listed Georgian warehouse building, now converted but retaining original architectural features and canal-side position
• **York Street Bridge**: Historic bridge crossing the canal with original stonework, providing excellent viewpoint over basin complex
• **Canal-side Cottages**: Rows of original workers’ cottages along Severn Side, built specifically for canal employees and their families
• **Narrow Gauge Railway Bridge**: Victorian railway bridge remnants showing later transport developments that eventually superseded canal trade
The town’s compact layout means visitors can easily explore all heritage features on foot, with excellent interpretation boards explaining the canal’s commercial importance and architectural significance throughout Stourport’s remarkable transformation from agricultural hamlet to industrial port.
Location and Map
The Stourport-on-Severn is located on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Use the interactive Google Map below to explore the complete route with heritage sites, lock flights, and connections to the wider canal network.
Photo Gallery
Explore historical and contemporary photographs showcasing Stourport-on-Severn’s canal heritage, auto-generated, and industrial archaeology throughout the canal development period.
YouTube Gallery
Watch informative videos featuring canal heritage tours, restoration projects, auto-generated, and educational programs exploring the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal’s waterway heritage and industrial development.
Sources and Further Information
- Canal & River Trust – Official Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal information, moorings, and facilities
- Inland Waterways Association – Canal restoration projects and heritage preservation
- Historic England – Listed structures and industrial heritage conservation
- British History Online – Local industrial development and historical records
- National Archives – Original canal construction documents and trade records
- Heritage Gateway – Archaeological evidence and monument records
- Visit England – Tourism information and visitor facilities
- Canal Museum – Educational resources and canal history
- Waterscape – Walking routes, cycle paths, and activity guides
- Pennine Waterways – Regional canal network and heritage sites
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Use local transport apps and tourist information centres for current travel options to Stourport-on-Severn.
Facilities: Check Canal & River Trust website for current opening times, mooring availability, and accessibility information.
Local Heritage: Contact local heritage societies and visitor centres for guided tours and special events.