CANAL-BOATING.CO.UK - Key Persons

By Road : The marina is situated off the Gayton to Milton Malsor Road, adjacent to the A43. However, there is no direct access from the A43. Unless noted below, ignore signs to Gayton village.After 2 miles turn right towards Blisworth for 1mile. In the centre of Blisworth turn left just past Royal Oak pub (200m) towards Northampton. Do not turn into Chapel Lane.Turn left in front of a row of thatched cottages into Northampton Road (to Milton Malsor) for 1 mile.Turn left at the staggered crossroad (to Rothersthorpe & Gayton).Immediately after the bridge over the A43, turn left at the T-junction.Go over the canal bridge and the marina is 300m on the left. From the M1, exit at junction 15A and take the A43 towards Northampton for 1/4 mile.At roundabout turn left (to Rothersthorpe & Pattishall) for 2 miles to Rothersthorpe. At the crossroads turn left (to Milton Malsor & Blisworth).After going over the second canal bridge, the marina is 300m on the left. By Rail : Take the train to Northampton station and then a taxi to the marina (about 5 miles). Please contact the taxi company directly for a fare estimate. For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport please go to www.thetrainline.com. By Air : From Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Birmingham: There are a number of options including rail or coach to Northampton. For information on taxi companies see below. Please contact the taxi companies directly for an estimated fare. Things to do : Gayton - The pretty village is set in the Northamptonshire countryside with views to the upper Nene Valley close to the Northampton arm of The Grand Union Canal the village name is linked to the canal and gives its name to Gayton Junction where the Northampton Arm leads to the River Nene. Milton Keynes - A new city and a place that combines fun and enjoyment of city living with leisure activities see the world famous Concrete Cows designed by Canadian born artist Liz Leyh. Foxton Locks - Situated on the Grand Union Canal the flight of locks at Foxton was built in 1810 by W H Gwynne a very popular location with boaters, walkers and cyclists visit the Foxton Museum or watch the colourful boats make their way through the locks. Warwick - Situated on the banks of the River Avon and famous for its historic buildings and for the vast array of antique shops, second hand bookshops, cafes and restaurants the town is famous for the annual Mop Fair and Runaway Mop Fairs which first started nearly seven hundred years ago. The Grand Union Canal runs through the town and joins two of England's largest cities Birmingham and London Oxford - Is known the world over as the city of dreaming spires and is home to one of Europe's most revered Universities Oxford today offers many shopping opportunities from the well-known high street names to the interesting Victoria Markets.

By Road : If approaching from the South via the M5 motorway exit at junction 7 take the A44 to Worcester City Centre (Whittington Road then London Road).At the traffic lights in Sidbury (opposite Skellerns Motorcycleshop) turn right into City Walls Road (signposted A38 Bromsgrove). At the first roundabout take the second exit. After 100 metres you will come to a second roundabout where you will need to take the first exit into Pheasant Street. Drive along this road until you reach a set of traffic lights where you need to turn left into Lowesmoor.Immediately on your right is the entrance to Lowesmoor Wharf sign posted Viking Afloat. Drive in and follow the road round to the left and you will see Viking Afloat at the end of the road. If approaching from the North via the M5 motorway exit at junction 6 take the A449 to Worcester. Follow the signs to Worcester City Centre.Follow the one-way system to the left (Sansome Walk, sign posted A38).This brings you to the traffic lights at the junction of city walks road and Lowesmoor. Go straight over these lights and carry on to the first roundabout where you take the first exit.After 100 metres you will come to a second roundabout where you need to take the first exit into Pheasant Street. Drive along this road until you reach a set of traffic lights where you need to turn left into Lowesmoor.Immediately in your right is the entrance to Lowesmoor Wharf sign posted Viking Afloat. Drive in and follow the road around to the left and you will see Viking Afloat at the end of the road. By Rail : If you are approaching from Worcester Shrub Hill Railway Station which is the main line station, turn right out of the station and go down Shrub Hill Road. Then go left and walk to the mini-roundabout and follow it round to the left. Cross Pheasant Street via the pedestrian crossing and turn right. Crossing Lowesmoor will bring the entrance to Lowesmoor Wharf directly in front of you. Enter and follow the road around to the left and you will see the marina at the end of the road. By Air : From Birmingham International Airport - You can take a train to Birmingham New Street and then a train to Worcester Shrub Hill (Nearest to Base) or Worcester Foregate and get a taxi to the hire base. Or you can take a taxi direct from the Airport (About 1 hours journey) Please contact the taxi companies directly for an estimated fare. From Bristol - there is an express coach link between Bristol International Airport and Bristol railway station (Temple Meads) and bus station. Take a train from Bristol to Worcester Shrub Hill train station. You can buy rail tickets on-line at www.thetrainline.com or www.firstgreatwestern.com. Things to do : Worcester - Built on the banks of the River Severn the city is famous worldwide for its beautiful porcelain rich in heritage the Cathedral dominates the skyline. Worcester offers a unique shopping experience mixing the high street stores with an unrivalled choice of one-off independent retailers. The Royal Worcester Visitor Centre - Take a guided around the Centre a learn the techniques of the skilled artists even have a go at painting your own plate. The shops stock a wide range of quality china, porcelain and gift ware with great savings. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre - Owned by the Royal Shakespeare Company attend a performance of one of the Bard's plays or take a guided a tour of the theatre. Evesham - Situated in the centre of the Vale of Evesham the major attraction is the River Avon and is very popular for fishing, walking and boating. Since medieval times the region well known for its fruit and vegetable growing, especially asparagus and now an annual asparagus festival is held in the town. Stourport-on-Severn - A beautiful Georgian town located on the River Severn and built solely as the consequence of the canals, The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal linked the River Severn with the Trent and Mersey and as a result Stourport became one of the busiest inland port in the Midlands. The town is a popular tourist town with many attractions and events for the whole family.