The River Severn has long held a place in the nation’s heart. Today it meanders through some of the most quintessentially British countryside imaginable. Take a look at these seven things about the Severn…
1. It’s the longest River in Great Britain
There’s quite a thing to start with. The River Severn is 220 miles long. You could say its origins are quite humble, its source being in a peat bog – but it soon makes good. From the bog and the Cambrian Mountains the Severn sweeps down, through Powys, leaving Wales to flow through Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, before reaching the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel.
2. Never boring, but it’s famous for its tidal Bore.
It’s the tides that flow into the Severn Estuary, and then ‘up’ the river that do it. They create the famous Severn Bore. It’s an impressive phenomenon – at high tide the Bore can drive a significant wall of water up stream for as much as 25 miles. It is in effect a tidal wave, and it can swell the depth of the river up to 50 ft. It’s reckoned to be the second highest tide in the world.
Such a dramatic tide inevitably attracts surfers. Of course it does – it’s the longest wave in the UK. But this is serious water, and you need to be experienced. So, do find out all about it before you attempt to ride it. Even if you’re not going to surf it, the informative Severn Bore website is interesting to visit.
3. Upton Lake and Marina
A bit less challenging than surfing the Bore, but great fun. Upton Lake and Marina is a glorious location and home to some of the best Waterfront Living around. It’s also right next door to Upton Marina, the biggest marina on the River Severn. And there’s a big choice of things to do.
Go to the Severn Expeditions website for all the details of boats to hire. You can drive yourself (should that be steer? Sorry), or why not celebrate a special occasion with a skippered trip on one of their larger boats? Or try a kayak?
If you’re looking for safe, family friendly, water borne fun there’s plenty of it at Upton Marina. And if you’re looking for classic pub grub and a friendly atmosphere, head to the on-site bar and restaurant. The Wheelhouse is popular with berthholders, homeowners, locals and visitors.
4. The Severn has more than seven attractions
One of this list of seven things about the Severn is that the river is so close to way more than seven attractions. See what we mean?
- There’s the majesty of Gloucester Cathedral
- The awesome Shrewsbury Abbey
- Not forgetting Shrewsbury Castle, home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum Trust
- Of course there’s many bridges crossing the River Severn. Head to The Iron Bridge – that’s the world’s first iron bridge erected in 1779 and the area is know as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
- Go take look at Coalport Bridge too, built not long after in 1799 but completed to it’s current form in 1818.
- And check out Victoria Bridge, the longest bridge of its kind in Britain at the time of opening in 1862.
- If you want to savour the landscape, have a wander in Severn Valley Country Park – it’s only an hour or so from Upton Lake & Marina.
Plus, there’s so much more to this historic landscape, which shows you just how varied and accessible the attractions of the area around the River Severn are.
5. It’s home to Royal Worcester
By the River Severn is ancient Worcester, and it’s there, on the site of the company’s former factory, you’ll find the Royal Worcester museum. There’s a huge collection of the legendary porcelain to see but this is not a place of silently looking into cabinets – as interesting as that can be. There are always activities, events, and interactive opportunities going on.
6. Factories feature in the Severn’s story
Royal Worcester isn’t the only industrial link in the Severn’s history. The river was a a major connection between the coal and iron fields of the Midlands and the west country. In fact, by the late 17th century The Severn was the busiest river in Europe. River trade declined sharply with the arrival of the railways. Nowadays the river traffic is much more to do with canoeing, boating and fishing. But you can find lots of interesting places to visit and learn about the river’s industrial past.
7. Waterfront Living on upton lake
And from the past, we come right up to the present with Waterfront Living at Upton upon Severn. A new concept, new designs and a new way of living, these floating homes are superb. They have an open plan lounge, a dining area and a kitchen. There’s a master bedroom with an en-suite, and a second bedroom plus a family bathroom. It’s all the fun, sights and sounds of living on a boat – but with all the feel of a luxury home.