As we approach winter,  we've decided to  offer another short trip to explore the potteries - With both Wedgewood and Middleport (where they film "The Great British Throw down") close by, what better way to spend a few autumnal days, than exploring them.

​

Our guests will join us at either Aston Marina OR Stone bottom lock (whichever is easier for them ) around 1.30pm  and after a quick introductory blah blah (and no doubt a glass of something fizzy) we’ll chug up stream through the Stone flight, Meaford locks and moor either in Barlaston Near “The Plume of Feathers” – or if there’s no space, a little farther on towards the Wedgewood factory in a bid to facilitate a visit the following day.

Once our guests have gone around the Wedgewood factory -  we’ll make the decision whether to overnight where we’re moored or chug on to the top of Etruria locks (there’s no where ok ish to tie up really before then).  Whatever we’ve done, the next day will allow time to visit the Etruria Industrial Museum.

​

If we overnight in Etruria, after dinner the Capt. Might suggest a wander up to the “Holy Inadequate” pub – it’s a lovely place with lots of beers and quite often (well pre-covid anyway) a singer/act of some sort in the background.

​

On our Penultimate morning, we’ll try and moor up at the visitors moorings outside Middleport Pottery” so our guests can have a wander around/take the guided tour.  Once finished there, we’ll chug a little farther on the beautiful Westport Lake for our final night together.

​

Our guests will depart after breakfast the following morning and we’ll head on to  Harecastle Tunnel to turn and then head back to Stone for a while and tie up in the Marina with the luxury of shoreline electricity.

​

​

A short cruise to explore the potteries - Total distance is 13 miles and 15 locks . There are 4 small aqueducts or under bridges - It's listed as a 4 night trip but can easily be done in 3 should guests not wish to spend too long in either/both potteries.

​

Another easy variation for this trip is to skip the journey from Wedgewood to Etruria and return to Stone to make rail travel easier... if this is of interest, please say so at the time of booking.