Tardebigge New Wharf: Gateway to Britain’s Longest Canal Lock Flight
Historic canal wharf at the top of Britain’s longest lock flight, offering scenic walks and rich waterways heritage in Worcestershire.
Tardebigge New Wharf is a charming historic canal wharf located at 5 New Wharf Cottages, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. It serves as the northern gateway to the Tardebigge Locks, the longest flight of narrow locks in the UK, stretching over 3.6 km and raising the Worcester and Birmingham Canal by 220 feet. This serene spot offers picturesque waterside views, rich canal heritage, and access to scenic walking routes along the canal towpath.
A brief summary to Tardebigge New Wharf
- 5 New Wharf Cottages, Bromsgrove, Tardebigge, B60 1NF, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Start your walk along the canal towpath here to experience the full length of the Tardebigge Lock Flight.
- Visit the nearby Tardebigge Engine House area to appreciate the historic water pumping system.
- Bring a camera for picturesque waterside views and charming canal architecture.
- Check local schedules for guided history walks to deepen your understanding of the canal’s heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Bromsgrove town center takes approximately 10–15 minutes via the A38 and local roads. Parking is available near New Wharf Cottages but may be limited during peak times. No parking fees apply.
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Train and Walk
The nearest train station is Aston Fields, about 3 miles away. From there, a 1-hour walk along rural roads and canal towpaths leads to the wharf. The terrain is mostly flat but may be muddy after rain.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Bromsgrove with nearby villages, but no direct bus serves the wharf. Visitors can alight in Tardebigge village and walk approximately 1.5 miles to the wharf along quiet country lanes.
Tardebigge New Wharf location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Tardebigge New Wharf
Historic Heart of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal
Tardebigge New Wharf sits just above Lock 58, the topmost lock in the Tardebigge Flight, a remarkable engineering feat comprising 30 narrow locks over two and a quarter miles. The canal here was constructed in the early 19th century to connect Birmingham with Worcester and the River Severn, facilitating the transport of goods such as porcelain and chocolate. The New Wharf replaced an earlier Old Wharf and lies just beyond the 580-yard Tardebigge tunnel carved through solid rock. The site retains its historic charm with nearby listed buildings including lock cottages and sluices.Engineering Marvels and Water Management
The Tardebigge Flight is notable for its steep rise of 220 feet, with the top lock having an unusually high rise of eleven feet. Originally, a vertical boat lift was tried here but was replaced by locks due to fragility. The nearby Tardebigge Engine House, once housing a steam pump to maintain water levels by drawing from a reservoir 50 feet below, stands as a testament to the canal’s complex water management system. Though the engine house has been repurposed over the years, it remains a significant heritage feature of the wharf area.Scenic Walks and Leisure Opportunities
Tardebigge New Wharf is a popular starting point for canal-side walks, offering tranquil rural scenery and a close-up view of the lock flight in action. The towpath stretches southward to Stoke Prior, covering 3.5 miles through open countryside and providing a peaceful retreat for walkers and nature lovers. The wharf area itself is peaceful, with waterside cottages and moorings enhancing the picturesque setting.Community and Cultural Significance
The wharf and locks hold cultural importance, commemorated by plaques marking the founding of the Inland Waterways Association in 1945 at the top lock. This organization has played a key role in preserving Britain’s canal heritage. The surrounding village of Tardebigge offers a glimpse into canal life and history, with occasional guided local history walks helping visitors connect with the area’s rich past.Architectural and Environmental Character
The New Wharf area blends rustic canal architecture with natural beauty. The historic lock structures, cottages, and bridges are set against a backdrop of lush greenery and calm water, creating a quintessential English canal scene. The site is well-maintained and protected, contributing to the conservation of the local wildlife habitat and supporting sustainable leisure activities.Visitor Experience and Practical Details
Visitors can enjoy peaceful waterside views, watch narrowboats navigate the locks, and explore the towpath on foot. The area is accessible year-round and suitable for a range of visitors including families, solo travelers, and nature enthusiasts. Nearby amenities include parking options and local pubs, enhancing the visitor experience. The New Wharf offers a quiet retreat with a strong sense of history and connection to Britain’s canal heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Historic England
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Hall of Memory
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The Grand Central Bull
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Chamberlain Sq
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Victoria Square
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St. Martin's
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Chamberlain Memorial
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Bullring & Grand Central
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The River
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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
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Chamberlain Square
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Digbeth Art Space
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lickey Hills Country Park
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Sprawling woodland escape with panoramic views, free parking, and trails for every ability.
Jinney Ring Craft Centre
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Discover artisan crafts, rustic dining, and tranquil gardens in a charming 200-year-old barn complex near Bromsgrove.
National Trust - Rosedene
7.6 km
Step into history at Rosedene, a rare Chartist cottage offering a peaceful glimpse into 19th-century working-class life in Worcestershire.
National Trust - Hanbury Hall
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Explore Hanbury Hall’s exquisite 18th-century art, gardens, and festive charm nestled in Worcestershire’s tranquil countryside.
Harvington Hall
12.8 km
Discover Harvington Hall, a moated Elizabethan manor famed for its secret priest hides and rich recusant Catholic history in Worcestershire.
Inkberrow Christmas Tree
12.9 km
A towering 52-foot festive fir in Inkberrow, lighting up the village and hearts with community spirit and charity every Christmas season.
Cadbury World
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Discover the magic of chocolate at Cadbury World, Birmingham’s immersive family attraction celebrating over a century of Cadbury heritage.
Bournville Experience
13.0 km
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Selly Manor Museum
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Step back into Tudor England at Selly Manor Museum, a lovingly preserved timber-framed manor with rich Cadbury family heritage and charming gardens.
English Heritage - Halesowen Abbey
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A quiet, evocative ruin of a 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey, visible from a footpath in the West Midlands countryside.
Woodgate Valley Country Park
13.8 km
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Wychbury Obelisk
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Lapworth Museum of Geology
15.0 km
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Winterbourne House & Garden
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Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
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Essential places to dine
The Mermaid Bar And Kitchen
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Tropea
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Discover Tropea, a modern Italian gem in Birmingham’s Harborne, where seasonal dishes and warm hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience.
1900 Restaurant and Bar
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Buonissimo Restaurant Birmingham
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Harborne Kitchen
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Experience innovative fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a vibrant, relaxed setting at Harborne Kitchen, Birmingham’s culinary jewel.
Rustic Table
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A warm, intimate tapas gem in Harborne, serving vibrant Mediterranean small plates and creative cocktails in a relaxed, convivial setting.
Carters
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Chakana
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Experience vibrant Peruvian cuisine and inventive cocktails in a stylish Moseley restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Robert Ortiz.
Zindiya Streatery & Bar
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The White Swan
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Classic British gastropub reimagined: cozy fires, gourmet comfort food, and stylish vibes in Edgbaston's heart.
Three Church Road Restaurant
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Elegant Georgian dining in Edgbaston offering seasonal British cuisine in an intimate, historic setting with attentive service.
Simpsons Restaurant
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Michelin-starred fine dining in a historic Georgian mansion, blending British tradition with modern culinary artistry in Birmingham's Edgbaston.
Cylla
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Fiesta del Asado - Edgbaston
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Praza Edgbaston
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gem Unique Crafts
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Smart Ideas
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Discover unique gifts and thoughtful treasures at Smart Ideas, a family-run gem in Droitwich Spa’s Salters Centre.
Helianthus Emporium
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Discover timeless antiques, vintage treasures, and handcrafted local crafts in the serene Worcestershire countryside at Helianthus Emporium.
Something Quirky
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Eclectic gift shop brimming with unique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds in Halesowen.
Cornbow Shopping Centre
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A modernized shopping hub in Halesowen blending major retailers, independent shops, and community amenities for a vibrant retail experience.
Sheanies
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Discover authentic vintage streetwear and timeless American workwear in Birmingham’s vibrant Sheanies boutique.
Top Banana
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Discover authentic retro sportswear and vintage treasures at Top Banana, King’s Heath’s vibrant hub for unique fashion finds.
Armadillo
14.9 km
Discover unique artisan gifts in the heart of King's Heath at Armadillo, a beloved local treasure for thoughtful shopping.
Living The Dream Antique Shop
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Unique
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Urban Village
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Store '94
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Disorder Boutique
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Harvey Nichols
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Warwickshire Lad
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Joe's Bar
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Duck and Scholar
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Barn Owl
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Garden House
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The Physician
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Loki Wine Bar & Shop Edgbaston
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The Mug House
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Boom Battle Bar Birmingham Broad Street
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Gas Street Social
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Aluna
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The Loft
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The Bierkeller Birmingham
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Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
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The Distillery
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Snobs
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Mango Night Club
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Popworld - Birmingham
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Rosies - Birmingham
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Club PST
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101 Night Club
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Reflex - Birmingham
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Sobar
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Bambu Nightclub
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King of clubs
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The Night Owl
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Next Door & Spotlight
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Quantum Vnues
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VOID Nightclub
19.0 km
Dive into Digbeth's underground heartbeat at VOID Nightclub, where marathon raves and thunderous bass fuel Birmingham's rawest nightlife from dusk till dawn.
What do you mean
19.0 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly