Stourport Marina

Rows of narrowboats bob gently where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal meets the River Severn, creating one of the Midlands' more atmospheric waterside spots. The marina sits at the heart of Stourport-on-Severn, a proper Georgian canal town that's managed to keep its working character despite the tourist traffic.

Boat enthusiasts will find plenty to admire among the floating community of barges and cruisers, many painted in traditional canal colours. The towpath makes for pleasant wandering, especially if you fancy watching lock operations or chatting to boaters about life on the water. Kids seem particularly taken with the idea of floating homes, though don't expect theme park excitement.

What makes this spot work well is its genuine functionality - this isn't a heritage showcase but a living marina where people actually moor their boats. The surrounding basin area has a few cafes and the odd shop, nothing fancy but enough to justify an hour's potter about.

Staying at nearby sites like Lincomb Lock Caravan Park puts you within easy walking distance, making it a natural addition to any Worcestershire canal exploration. Combined with Stourport's Georgian architecture and riverside walks, it's a decent half-day diversion rather than a destination in itself. Free to wander around, though parking in town can be a bit of a faff during busy periods.