Coventry Basin

Visited Jan 29th and 30th

I had never been to Coventry Basin, the nearest I had ventured was to bridge 5 many, many years ago to pick up a hire boat for a weeks hols.  I remember back then that the canal back up to Hawkesbury Junction was dirty and full of rubbish.  On that particular trip we didn’t turn left for the basin, our first night was at Hawkesbury Junction.

What a change now though.  The Coventry Canal was clean and the water clear enough to see the bottom.  Yes there were a couple of places that had some accumulated rubbish from a couple of black bin bags no doubt tossed in by city people who have no care nor any use of the city’s assets.

Our first view of what the basin was like was at the very low Bridge 1.  We knew this one was low, and had already taken the back canopy down a few bridges before this because that one was also pretty low and we weren’t sure if it would go under or not.  Just the chimney cowl had to come off, and No Problem slipped neatly under the bridge.

I enjoyed a quick good look round on Sunday, it’s nice to be in a big city once in a while.  I was even more amazed to see a Machine Mart just 50 yards across the road from the basin.  I had planned on buying a generator and battery charger from them on the internet and having it delivered to Calcutt Marine when we arrive next week.. but hey, no need to do that.  The basin was very quiet, although once outside the noise of the traffic was horrendous.. the basin all newly rebuilt, with the factory on the left of the picture above having been restored.. at night the lights were left on.  I didn’t mind that, it makes a nice change!

On the side where No Problem was moored was another new building housing some offices, a tea room and an information centre.  On the Monday morning a guy from there popped a bundle of information for boaters through the door… I must say a huge effort has been made by the council.  It is very safe in the basin, cctv cameras everywhere and signs that say zero tolerance.. those found drinking in public would get a slap on the wrist at the least and their beer or whatever taken off them. 

After picking up Tony from the bus station, which was only an 8 minute walk, we popped back to drop off his luggage before going over to the Transport Museum.  A huge place this, with all the history of the cars, motor bikes and push bikes that were made in this area all neatly sorted into decades.  Thrust 2 is also there, the land speed car, and if you are in the museum at the right time then you can go in a simulator to experience the winning land speed run.  Unfortunately we browsed for far too long and missed the last ‘flight’!

Full facilities for No Problem, loos, rubbish and water all available in a lovely round building… great place this was, I will be back!