A BOAT trip into the past will be the centrepiece of National Heritage Day in Kidderminster next month.

Bramble, an 85-year-old working narrowboat operated by Stourport Forward, will transport passengers along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal as part of a tour of historically important sites.

The town’s Heritage Opportunities Group (HOGS) has laid on the unique glimpse into history as part of a walking tour of the town led by HOGS historian Dave Laverty, a former history teacher at King Charles I School, on Saturday, September 14.

Walkers will set off from the town hall at 10am and hear about the golden age of carpet-making before boarding Bramble. The commentary will continue on the 68ft narrowboat as it makes its way through the town and on to Wolverley for canalside refreshments at the Old Smithy Tearooms.

It will then return to Kidderminster where passengers resume their town walk from the old town wharf, Church Street and Vicar Street before finishing with a guided tour of the town hall.

While Bramble is making its way to Wolverley, another 75-minute walking tour of the town will begin at 11am from the town hall.

HOGS chairman Colin Hill said: “It will be a unique opportunity to see some of our town’s history from a completely different vantage point. We expect tickets to sell quickly as there is only one boat trip and numbers are limited.”

Tickets for the boat trip and walking tour cost £20 and include refreshments at Wolverley and a guided tour of the town hall. Tickets for the 11am walking tour cost £5. Bookings can be made by calling 01562 732158.

As part of Heritage Day, the town hall will host exhibitions by local historical groups from 10am-3pm and young visitors can take part in a free stamp-making workshop to celebrate Kidderminster’s Rowland Hill who founded Britain’s postage system in 1840.

Baxter Church and The Rose Theatre will also be opening their doors as part of the heritage celebration between 10am and 2pm.