Business Details
50+ Years
experience
The Bonded Warehouse: Stourbridge's Heritage Venue & Canal Hub
The Bonded Warehouse stands as a testament to community dedication and historical preservation. Established in 1962 through grassroots efforts to save the Stourbridge Canal, our organization has evolved into a multifaceted heritage hub serving the public since 1986. Our team of experienced volunteers and professionals maintains this Grade II-listed building and its surrounding canal infrastructure, offering unique event spaces, boat trips, and mooring facilities. With over six decades of collective experience in canal restoration, we combine historical expertise with modern event management to provide authentic experiences. Our Dry Dock facility, operational since 2008, and the award-winning Blackcountry Man boat trips demonstrate our commitment to preserving industrial heritage while serving contemporary needs.Supported by Heritage Lottery funding and local partnerships, we maintain rigorous standards in safety, accessibility, and historical accuracy. Our volunteer-driven model ensures community engagement remains central to our operations, with over 40 volunteers supporting major events annually. As stewards of this historic site, we balance preservation with innovation, offering adaptable spaces for weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings. Our strategic location alongside the Stourbridge Town Arm Canal provides a unique setting that combines historical significance with practical modern amenities.
Services
Boat Trips
Event Venue Hire
Mooring Facilities
Dry Dock Services
Catering Support
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of community heritage preservation experience
- Unique canal-side location with historic significance
- Award-winning boat trips since 1991
- Volunteer-driven with local expertise
- Heritage Lottery Funded restoration projects
What people say
Unique historic venue
Scenic canal trips
Well-preserved heritage site
Community-focused events
Knowledgeable volunteers
Services
Boat Trips
The Blackcountry Man offers 2.5-hour scenic cruises along the Stourbridge Canal. Our 70-foot vessel accommodates up to 50 passengers with onboard toilets and bar service. Operating April-October, we provide themed trips including music nights and special charter options for private occasions.
Event Venue Hire
Our three-storey historic warehouse hosts weddings, parties, and corporate events. The venue features multiple rooms including the Board Room and Brindley Room, with capacity for evening activity clubs and special celebrations in a unique canal-side setting.
Mooring Facilities
Secure mooring spaces available for permanent residential and pleasure boats. We offer 7-day visitor moorings April-October, winter moorings November-March, and 24/7 access to essential facilities including water points, pump-out services, and chandlery supplies.
Dry Dock Services
ABC Marine Services operates our modern Dry Dock facility for narrowboat maintenance and repairs. Services include hull coatings, engine maintenance, and chandlery supplies. Bookings available through direct contact with qualified marine engineers on-site.
Heritage Tours
Explore our rich history through guided tours of the 1799 warehouse and surrounding canal infrastructure. Discover the 1962 Battle of Stourbridge story, restoration efforts, and ongoing preservation work through regular open weekends and special events.
People
David Caunt
Chairman
David Caunt leads the Stourbridge Navigation Trust with over 40 years of volunteer experience. A qualified solicitor, he provides strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in preservation projects and community engagement initiatives.
Questions
What events can I host at The Bonded Warehouse?
We accommodate weddings, birthday parties, corporate training, and community events in our three-storey historic building.
Are boat trips accessible for all visitors?
Our Blackcountry Man boat has wheelchair access to main deck areas and accessible toilet facilities.
How do I book mooring space?
Contact our Trust Manager directly to arrange permanent or visitor moorings at our secure canal basin.
Is catering included with venue hire?
Catering must be arranged independently, though we can recommend local providers experienced with our venue.
What historical significance does the site hold?
Built in 1799, this Grade II-listed warehouse played key roles in the 1962 Battle of Stourbridge and subsequent canal preservation efforts.
