Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, Stratford-upon-Avon (must see)

The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal is a historic waterway located in the south Midlands of England, stretching for 25.5 miles (41.0 kilometers) and connecting the region through two distinct sections. Constructed between 1793 and 1816, this canal has played a significant role in the area's industrial and recreational life. The canal's course is divided at Kingswood Junction, which serves as a critical link to the Grand Union Canal, marking a pivotal point in its navigational route.

In its early years, the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal thrived; however, after its acquisition by a railway company in 1856, it faced a gradual decline. By 1945, the southern section had become un-navigable, and the northern section was in a similar state of neglect. The canal's fortune began to turn in 1947 when the northern section became the focus of a landmark campaign by the Inland Waterways Association. The campaign notably included a dispute over the right of navigation under Tunnel Lane bridge, leading to a requirement for the Great Western Railway to adjust the bridge to allow for boat passage. This event was instrumental in saving the northern section from closure.

The southern section's revival was spearheaded by the National Trust in 1959, with significant restoration efforts led by David Hutchings and the Stratford Canal Society between 1961 and 1964. These efforts came after successfully preventing an attempt to close the canal, leading to its rejuvenation. The canal's restoration was honored by a reopening ceremony conducted by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, symbolizing its return to prominence.

In 1988, the stewardship of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal was transferred to British Waterways, marking a new chapter in its history. Today, the canal stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and importance of Britain's waterways, serving both as a vital link in the nation's navigable canal network and as a cherished recreational resource, reflecting the successful preservation and restoration of an essential part of England's industrial heritage.