Business Details
40 Years
experience
Historic Event Venue and Canal Experience in Stourbridge
The Bonded Warehouse stands as a testament to community dedication and historical preservation. Originally built in 1799, our iconic three-storey building was rescued from decay by volunteers in the 1960s and has since been transformed into a vibrant community hub. We specialise in hosting diverse events ranging from wedding receptions to corporate training, while maintaining our historic character. Our operations are driven by a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals who share a passion for preserving canal heritage. The warehouse's unique riverside location alongside the Stourbridge Town Arm Canal provides a picturesque backdrop for all occasions.We offer comprehensive facilities including versatile event spaces, boat trip experiences, and mooring services. Our commitment to accessibility is balanced with preservation efforts, though we acknowledge limitations for wheelchair users. Through partnerships like our trip boat company Fellows, Morton and Clayton Ltd., we continue evolving while honouring our rich legacy. The Trust's financial sustainability since 2000 reflects our effective stewardship of this important cultural asset. We actively seek new volunteers to contribute their skills to our ongoing mission of community engagement and heritage conservation.
Services
Room Hire
Boat Trips
Mooring Facilities
Catering Services
Dry Dock Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in preserving canal heritage
- Our dedicated volunteer team ensures personalized event planning
- We offer exclusive canal boat experiences on Stourbridge Canal
- Our venue combines historical charm with modern event amenities
- We support local community initiatives through sustainable tourism
Services
Room Hire
Our historic venue offers versatile spaces for weddings, parties, and corporate events. The three-storey building features distinctive architecture and canal views, creating memorable settings. We provide the Brindley Room, Board Room, and Coffee Lounge with flexible configurations for up to 50 guests.
Boat Trips
The Blackcountry Man offers scenic canal cruises from our historic warehouse. Passengers enjoy 2.5-hour trips to Stourton Locks, Bank Holiday excursions to Kinver, and summer music nights with live bands. Private charters available for special occasions with custom routes and durations.
Mooring Facilities
Secure mooring options include permanent residential spaces and temporary visitor berths. Our canal basin accommodates narrowboats with amenities like water points, fuel supplies, and pump-out services. Winter moorings require advance booking while summer visitor spots operate seasonally from April to October.
Dry Dock Repairs
ABC Marine Services provides professional narrowboat repairs and maintenance at our historic dry dock. Services include hull coatings, engine servicing, and installation work. Gary Waterfield's team offers expert advice and qualified engineering support for both scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs.
Catering Services
We facilitate independent catering arrangements for events with recommended local suppliers. Our venue supports bespoke catering solutions while maintaining quality standards. Caterers can access our riverside location to create tailored menus for weddings, parties, and corporate functions.
People
David Caunt
Chairman
David Caunt leads the Stourbridge Navigation Trust with over 40 years of volunteer experience in heritage preservation. He oversees strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in community engagement initiatives and historical conservation projects.
Gary Waterfield
Marine Services Manager
Gary Waterfield has operated ABC Marine Services at the Bonded Warehouse since 2008. He specialises in narrowboat maintenance, offering expert repairs and chandlery supplies while managing the upgraded dry dock facilities to support the thriving canal community.
Questions
What boat trips are available from the warehouse?
We offer scenic canal cruises to Stourton Locks, Kinver village excursions, summer music nights, and private charters with custom routes and durations.
Can I moor my narrowboat at the facility?
Yes, we provide secure permanent moorings and seasonal visitor berths with supporting amenities like pump-out services and fuel supplies.
Is the venue accessible for disabled visitors?
Wheelchair access is limited to ground floor areas only. The cobbled approach road creates access challenges for mobility-impaired visitors.
How can I get involved with the Trust?
We welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Contact us to discuss opportunities in event management, heritage conservation, or facility maintenance.
Reviews (7)
David Etheridge
Jan 14, 2022
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Fantastic venue for jazz every month with a great room and excellent facilities. No booze, which is a nice change, and overall a very civilised way to spend an evening listening to the very best in jazz.
John Hordell
Sep 08, 2021
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The facilities are great, location great, ample parking. The only thing letting this venue down is all the stairs into the venue and having no lift.
Baglady Poacher
Feb 13, 2021
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I love this spot, can't wait til things get back to normal and Grandad's Attic opens back up and the Bonded Warehouse starts having events, it is a lovely old building.
Sarah Davis
Jan 16, 2020
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Great food at the cafe upstairs during the Open Weekend. Told we might have to wait for food, but it arrived within five minutes! Beautiful food at a very reasonable price. Perfect ploughmans and wonderful cheesecake. Will always come back!
Amanda Baker
Jan 13, 2020
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Beautifully restored building which is an important part of Stourbridge's local history, nowadays it is the gateway to many an enjoyable boat trip. On summer evenings you will often hear the music and laughter coming from a trip boat as it makes it way up the Stourbridge arm and back, as the revellers disembark back at the Bonded warehouse, the laughter and chatter echo's around Canal Street, giving an idea of the days when this would have been a vibrant, working part of thetown of Stourbridge. Keep your eyes open for the Stourbridge Boat Festival too, a gathering of Narrowboat's both historical
Paul Schubert
Nov 06, 2019
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I used to enjoy visiting Canal Street and have used the Bonded Warehouse many times. Unfortunately they have now plastered the area with parking restriction signs claiming the territory as exclusively theirs, it makes it a very unwelcoming place as you are concerned about the restriction in 'their' area and are unsure as to whether you are allowed to stay there to go in the new pub after you've been to the BW.
Spelile Barker
Oct 09, 2019
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Got there not knowing what to expect, but saw that it was a good place for meetings and training. The Bonded Warehouse is situated by the Stourbridge canal. Good size parking lot and good facilities. The one thing I did not see was wheelchair access. If interested in booking canal tours that's the place. If anyone has information about wheelchair access let others know please?
