This site was produced by: LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLISHING
Publishers for local authorities throughout Great Britain. View more Official Guides at www.officialguides.co.uk

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.

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 are currently undergoing a major regeneration programme that will be completed in March 2008. The basins are still open and it is fascinating to see the restoration work in progress as the area gradually returns 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.

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: 12pm , 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