Droitwich Spa

Droitwich Barge Canal and Droitwich Junction Canal

Salt was what made the Droitwich canals special!

Salt literally came up out of the ground in natural brine springs and people used it from ancient times for preserving and seasoning food, as a disinfectant and even in ceremonial offerings!

The prosperity of the town was built on salt production. When towns grew and there was demand for salt, the Barge Canal and later the Junction Canal were built, so that the salt could be transported away. As salt production moved to other areas and the railways were built, trade in the town and on the canal declined.

The canals eventually were no longer used and became derelict. But some people could see how beautiful these rural waterways were. Through the work of dedicated enthusiasts, bit by bit, the canals were restored.

Between 2005 and 2011, there has been a huge restoration project, involving the Droitwich Canals Trust, Droitwich Spa Town Council, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council, The Waterways Trust, British Waterways and many other partners. In 2011, the canal will finally open again for boats, but will also be a wonderful place for wildlife and for people to walk, fish or learn about history.

What is there to do?

• Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre

• Gateway Park

• Audio trail

• Boat trips

• Holiday boat hire

What about schools and groups?

Schools visiting can book a town tour with the Heritage Centre. Vines Park is a good place to have lunch and introduce the canals and Droitwich as a salt town.

• There is free coach parking in two former lay-bys along the Saltway

• Drop off arrangements The coach drop off/collection point is opposite the Lido Car Park (WR9 8AA). There is a 45 minute restriction

• Toilets Can be found in Salter's Shopping Centre (St. Andrew's Square)

• Facilities in the town Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre

Lido Park, Vines Park,Sacred Heart Church (Mosaic Interior)cafes and the Norbury Theatre

Want to know more?

British Waterways' website, Waterscape, will give you lots of information about different waterways all over the country, including the Droitwich Canals Waterscape

Droitwich Spa Heritage & Information Centre houses a small exhibition about Droitwich from pre-Roman times to the present day. The Heritage Centre offers pre-booked talks and guided tours to schools and groups. St Richard’s House, 22 Victoria Square, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 8DS T: 01905 774312 E: heritage@droitwichspa.gov.uk

Vines Park

The park is a good base for a picnic, walking, looking at the Barge Lock and an original brine pit. There is a small mosaic depicting the history of the salt making industry and seating area in the shape of a wych barge.

The park is just the other side of the Saltway road from the town’s shopping centre.

Note: There is a pay and display car park on the opposite side of the Saltway at Waitrose.

Gateway Park

The park offers a good base for visiting the junction canal. The small car park is next to a play area, wild flower meadow and stream. Access to the canal towpath is just over the bridge and is wheelchair accessible. The sign posted walk links to the audio trail detailed below.

The Gateway Park can be found just off the B4090 Hanbury Road, approximately 3/4 mile to the east of Droitwich Town Centre, in front of Droitwich Rugby Club Grounds.

Audio trail

A new Visitor trail leaflet and audio trail can now be downloaded from Waterscape. You will hear short clips about each place on the trail.

Boat trips

The Droitwich Canals Trust run special boat trips during the summer season. Look out for events at Droitwich Canals Trust] (http://www.worcs.com/dct), or telephone Mrs P Davey for details T:01905-773289.

To hire a small day boat for up to 12 people, contact Nb Nellie, Ladywood Lock, Droitwich T: 01905 485352

Holiday boat hire

It will soon be possible to cruise the Mid Worcestershire Ring, which links the Droitwich Canals, Worcester and Birmingham Canal and River Severn. It’s a short 21 mile cruise, taking in locks, the River Severn and of course, the Droitwich Canals. Contact local hire boat companies for advice

Brine baths

Droitwich Spa brine baths were refurbished and opened in 2008. The facility offered a natural spa bath and associated treatments. The baths are currently closed.

For more information about the canals go to:

www.wychavon.gov.uk

www.worcs.com

www.britishwaterways.co.uk/droitwich

New resources coming soon!

A new topic pack based on the Droitwich Canals will soon be available. The pack is a drama activity, which gives teachers guidance on building a Play in a Day around the canal stories.

The film about a performance of the play,A canal runs through it explains how this teaching resource was piloted in Droitwich.