LIVING HISTORY IN WORCESTERSHIRE

Stourport, on the Severn Way, provides the-perfect early spring educational eséape for Sue Greenwood

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Officially, the winter was over, and crocuses and daffodils heralded the start of spring, so we were really feeling the need to get away for a long weekend. However, the weather was still being decidedly fickle, so we opted to head somewhere scenic, but with a choice of interesting places where we could escape indoors if necessary.

We based ourselves at Lickhill Manor Caravan Park, Stourport, Worcestershire. The campsite is beautifully landscaped with mature trees, bushes and peaceful ponds.

Arriving on site in the early afternoon, we set up quickly and because the weather was fine, decided to take a walk into Stourport, to get our bearings and pick up some essentials.

The Severn Way

A riverside path, which is part of the Severn Way long-distance footpath, runs from the campsite into Stourport. It’s just under a mile and is a manageable stroll beside the river, although as you would expect, it can sometimes be muddy.

There is an alternative route, which takes you through a housing estate behind the site and onto the road. This is much the same distance and less muddy – but not as pretty.

Stourport was originally a small village, until the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal was built in 1771. Connecting the Severn to the newly built Trent and Mersey Canal, this linked four rivers – the Severn, Mersey, Trent and Thames.

As a result, Stourport became a thriving town and transport hub. By 1812, five canal basins had been constructed and it had become the busiest inland port serving the Midlands.