A history lesson in Worcestershire

Stourport, on the Severn Way, provides the perfect early-spring educational escape 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 definitely wintry, so we decided to head somewhere scenic, but with interesting places where we could escape indoors if necessary.

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

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

The Severn Way

A riverside path, part of the Severn Way long-distance footpath, runs from the site into Stourport. It's just under a mile and is a manageable stroll beside the river, although as you would expect, it can be very muddy. There is an alternative route, which takes you through a housing estate behind the campsite 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 together 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 was the busiest inland port in the Midlands.

Today, the scenic river and waterways bring in scores of tourists during the summer months. The river runs along the southern edge of the town and the canals connect with the river at the historic canal basin site. This is a fascinating area of locks with narrow and wide canals.