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From Stourport’s unique history as a Georgian canal town
to its beautiful location on the River Severn, there is a wide range
of attractions for the whole family to enjoy. For further  information
visit www.stourporttown.co.uk
The Stourport Canal Basins -
the very heart of Stourport-on-Severn and its origins as a canal
town, the Basins still remain largely intact from the golden age
of the canals in the late 1700’s - early 1800’s, and
underwent a major regeneration programme completed in March 2008.
The basins remained open and it was fascinating to see the restoration
work in progress as the area gradually returned to its Georgian
splendour. Not only is this area a great place to wander around
and explore, there are also many events being held in the Basins
over the next two years to coincide with the regeneration of the
whole area.
River Severn and Meadows
- a beautiful spot by the river, with plenty of open green space
for the whole family to enjoy. But that is not all - there are many
activities available by the river, including boats to hire, a modern
and exciting children’s play area, river cruises, crazy golf,
a putting green, go-karts, a paddling pool, plus many amusements.
The  meadows
also stage several big events throughout the year. Just the other
side of the bridge you will find an Amusement Centre - with ten
pin bowling, fairground rides, the dragon roller coaster, dodgems
and a large arcade. The amusements are varied from time to time
by the proprietor.
Hartlebury Common -
Located just on the edge of Stourport, this site of special scientific
interest has a wide range of flora and fauna and it is a great place
to enjoy a walk in the countryside. You will find oak and pine woods,
a large pool and lots of open common land to explore. There are
many well sign posted trails to follow on foot, by cycle or on horseback.
Bodenham Arboretum and Earth Centre
(4 miles N) - Bodenham Arboretum is a collection of over 2700 trees
set in 156 acres of Worcestershire countryside with 11 pools, four
miles of footpaths and a working farm. In addition there is an award-winning
Visitor Centre set in the hillside overlooking the Big Pool. Website:
www.bodenham-arboretum.co.uk - For further information Tel: 01562
852444
Hartlebury Castle
(11/4 miles E) - Home of the Worcestershire County Museum and State
rooms of  the
Bishop of Worcester. For further information Tel: 01299 250416
Arley Arboretum -
One of the oldest Arboretums in Great Britain. Tucked away in the
beautiful countryside of the Worcestershire and Shropshire borders
near Bewdley, it boasts more than 300 species of trees in formal
and informal plantings and gardens. The collection includes many
rare and spectacular domestic and exotic trees. Nestling in the
Severn Valley and overlooking the river, it has been growing and
maturing in this idyllic setting for two centuries. Website www.arley-arboretum.org.uk
- For further information Tel: 01299861368
Severn Valley Railway
(2 miles W) - Steam railway joining Kidderminster to Bridgnorth
via Bewdley. The journey is full of interest, for the route follows
closely the meandering course of the River Severn for most of the
way; one highlight of the trip is the crossing of the river by means
of the Victoria Bridge - a massive 200-foot single span, high above
the water. There being few roads in the valley, some of the views
are only visible
from the Railway; the scenery is varied and largely unspoiled, punctuated
by the quaint ‘olde worlde’ charm of country stations,
each one giving ready access to local villages and riverside walks.
www.svr.co.uk -For further information
Tel: 01299 401001
The Wyre Forest (3
miles) - One of the largest surviving areas of ancient semi-natural
woodland left in  Great
Britain. It is 2634 hectares in size now, but was once part of a
much larger forest that covered most of the West Midlands at the
beginning of the Middle Ages. The forest is home to a rich diversity
of plants, animals and fungi. The forest offers peace and tranquillity
and will reward each visit with new secrets. This beautiful area
has something to offer everyone, throughout the year. The Visitor
Centre combines restaurant, shop and unique displays. These displays,
which are produced in-house, change with the seasons and are designed
to inform and entertain. The shop has craft and gift items and specialises
in products for walkers. Maps and guide books are sold for the area,
together with specialist natural history and wildlife books. Website:
www.wyreforest.net - For further information Tel: 01299 266944
West Midland Safari Park
(2 1/2 miles W) - A drive through Safari Park with white rhino,
giraffes, camels, elephants, lions, tigers, wild-dogs and much more
- the safari park also has rides and other leisure attractions -
a great day out for all of the family. Website: www.wmsp.co.uk For
further information Tel: 01299 402114
Witley Court (4 miles
S) - A hundred years ago, Witley Court was one of England’s
great country houses, hosting many extravagant parties. Today it
is a spectacular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937.
The vast and rambling remains of the palatial 19th-century mansion
are surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens - the ‘Monster
Work’ of William Nesfield -  which
still contain huge stone fountains. The Woodland Walks in the North
Park pass many different species of tree and shrub, acquired from
all over the world to create a showpiece. Attached to Witley Court
is Great Witley Church, which has an amazing Italianate Baroque
interior. There is also a tearoom close by, and Witley Court has
a gift shop. The Perseus and Andromeda fountain is back in working
order, with even the original high cascades operating. The fountain
will be firing between April and September. Weekdays: 12 noon, 2pm
and 4pm. Weekends: on the hour every hour from 11am to 4pm. Owned
by English Heritage. Website www.english-heritage.org.uk - For further
information Tel: 01299 896636
Harvington Hall (6
miles E) - A moated medieval and Elizabethan manor-house. Many of
the rooms still have their original Elizabethan wall-paintings and
the Hall contains the finest series of priest-holes anywhere in
the country. Free Parking, Gift Shop, Moat-side Restaurant. Disabled
access to gardens, ground floor, shop and restaurant. www.harvingtonhall.com
- For further information Tel: 01562 777846
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