canal and river cruises stratford upon avon

Canal & River Tours

You can now enjoy leisurely 45 min boat tours from the very centre of Stratford upon Avon with regular departures every day. Canal & River Tours Ltd is the only company licensed to operate tours from Stratford Canal Basin that travel through the historic canal lock, down onto the River Avon for sightseeing tours and back again. The canal basin is centrally located between the world famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre and main shopping areas of the town. It is surrounded by beautiful riverside gardens which are public open spaces to relax and enjoy. These areas are a magnet for locals and visitors and a 'must see' during any visit.

'Jennifer May' has been purpose built and is amongst the safest and most accessible passenger boats in UK having been built to the very latest Maritime Coastguard Agency standards. She is licensed to carry up to 50 passengers in a comfortable all weather environment and has hydraulic lift access, a fully accessible WC with baby changing facilities and large glass roof sections for unparalleled passenger viewing.

Included is a fun audio tour that has been professionally written and narrated by leading actors. Passengers will discover unusual and interesting facts concerning Stratford's industrial heritage, town history, river wildlife and William Shakespeare in a fun and amusing narration. A multilingual app version is free to download and provides the tour in text format, essential for non English speaking and hearing impaired passengers.

Group Bookings and exclusive private hire enquiries welcome, please see our website for further details.

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Website canalandrivertours.com

Email [email protected]

Phone 01789 608001

Address Canal and River Tours, Stratford Canal Basin, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6AT

Canal and River Tours

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Canal and River Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Cruise Times & Menus

Cruising down the enchanting river avon, monday through to friday evenings menu changes seasonally.

This cruise is £44.50 . To find out more about the cruise, including the boarding, cruise times and menu please click view cruise.

Saturday Evenings Menu changes seasonally

This cruise is £47.50 . To find out more about the cruise, including the boarding, cruise times and menu please click view cruise.

Sunday Evenings Menu changes seasonally

Monday through to friday lunches (***only available from 1st may - 30th september 2024***).

This cruise is £31.50 . To find out more about the cruise, including the boarding, cruise times and menu please click view cruise.

Saturday & Sunday Lunches Menu changes seasonally

This cruise is £39.50 . To find out more about the cruise, including the boarding, cruise times and menu please click view cruise.

Corporate Events

Cream tea cruises, bookings & enquiries.

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Enhance your tour of the Cotswolds with a leisure cruise on one of the Cotswolds rivers including the Avon, Severn and Thames.

See below a list of local companies offering River Cruising and Trips.

Hotel Boat Cruising

River Boat Trips

Stratford-upon-avon.

AVON BOATING LTD

Enjoy a cruise aboard one of the traditional Edwardian passenger launches from Stratford-upon-Avon . Cruise downstream past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church (the site of Shakespeare's tomb) before turning around and passing under the 15th Century Clopton Bridge.

Once through the bridge, the scenery changes as you are carried upstream to discover quiet river-banks and meadows with glimpses of large secluded houses and beautiful river-side gardens.

For more information see - www.avon-boating.co.uk

NATIONAL WATERWAYS MUSEUM

Experience the fascination of Gloucester waterways at first hand on a 45-minute long trips along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

Boat trips depart from the National Waterways Museum (at Gloucester Docks) between April and October, accompanied by expert commentary on the history of the canal. Times and availabilty vary with up to three sailings a day during peak periods. Please check with the museum by telephoning 01452 318200 before planning your trip.

Combined boat trip and museum entry tickets are also available.

For further information see - www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/gloucester-docks

Enjoy the River Avon

River trips from Evesham are available from the end of March through to mid October and operate from the beautiful and award-winning Abbey Park in the centre of Evesham, with excellent facilities, shops, museums and car parking close by.

The 55 seater passenger boat – The Handsam Too – is simply the best way to enjoy the River Avon. Twenty five minute trip taking in Evesham Lock and Hampton Church.

11.00 to 16.30 on the hour and half hour.

For further information - www.handsamboatcompany.co.uk/rivertrips.html

Short Cruise on the River Thames

Trips are available from Lechlade (subject to weather and river conditions) aboard the Thames launch  Inglesham  throughout the summer season ( 9th April to the end of September for 2011 ). The departure point is on the south bank of the river from the popular Riverside Park (by kind permission of The Cotswold Water Park Society ).

You will be taken on a relaxing and informative cruise every weekend and Bank Holidays during the season and often operate on weekdays as well during the spring & summer school holidays. Normal operating times are from 11:00 until 17:00. Car Parking is available at the Riverside Park.

For further information - www.lechladetripboat.co.uk

Oxford River Cruises on the River Thames

Take in a fascinating stretch of the River Thames from Oxford and cruise down the university regatta course towards quaint Iffley village. You will pass the ancient Folly Bridge, Christchurch College and Meadows and the university rowing houses.

This is one of the busiest and most colourful stretches of the Thames (the stretch locally known as The Isis). Rowing eights, punts, university boats and large pleasure cruisers come together in a lively display of all that the river has to offer.

For further information see - www.oxfordrivercruises.com

For an experience to remember go aboard the “Silver Salmon” for your Bath river cruise on the river Avon.

Enjoy a luxury river cruise and see the beauty of the historical city of Bath and the relaxing scenery of the countryside and wildlife down river.

The river vessel is fully equipped for safety and comfort and the moorings are very conveniently situated close to Avon Street car park, the Riverside coach park and Bath Spa station.

Every booking is tailored for your personal requirements and Bath cruises can be arranged for any duration.

Typically, a Bath river cruise of up to 2 hours takes in the sights of the city where we sail right into the weir at Pulteney bridge and see a variety of wildlife on the outskirts of the city. 3 hours takes us downriver through the lock at Weston island, as far as Newbridge and back, and 4 hours allows us time to go further downriver towards Saltford.

For further information see - www.avonrivercruises.co.uk

River Boat Trips & Cruises

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Canal Holidays Guide to the Avon Ring

The Avon Ring travels through the heart of England on canals and rivers, and includes some of the prettiest countryside and most famous sights in England.

The route takes the River Avon from Stratford-upon-Avon between the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds through typical English villages.

An experienced crew can cover this Ring within a week but it is advisable to spend longer if you want to visit the attractions en route.

For most people 2 weeks gives a good blend of sightseeing and cruising. Please note that a licence (approx £50) is purchased on entering the River Avon.

Cruising the Ring

Follow the Stourport Ring route up the Worcester and Birmingham canal to Kings Norton junction outside Birmingham.

Join the North Stratford Canal through splendid countryside and past delightful villages with quaint names.

If time allows you can have a detour along a lock free stretch of the Grand Union to the top of Hatton Locks and then take a train the short distance to Warwick and visit its superb medieval castle.

Continuing the Avon Ring, on the South Stratford Canal the canal character changes with split bridges and 'barrel-roofed' cottages.

Before reaching Stratford visit Mary Arden's Cottage, Shakespeare's mother's home, close to the canal at Wilmcote. Cross the Edstone Aqueduct in a 754 feet long cast iron trough before reaching Stratford-upon-Avon.

At Stratford moor opposite the Shakespeare Theatre in Bancroft Basin and enjoy Shakespeare's birthplace and its many attractions. Details are available from the Tourist Information Office adjacent to the canal basin.

In Stratford join the River Avon, which meanders to Tewkesbury, through Evesham and Pershore (reputed to be Borchester in the long running Archers serial on BBC radio).

In Tewkesbury visit the magnificent abbey and join the River Severn at Tewkesbury lock.

It is a short trip along the wider and picturesque River Severn from Tewkesbury to Worcester and the Worcester and Birmingham Canal to complete the Ring.

Distance, Time, and Locks

• Out-and-back trips and short breaks are available from all bases.
• A licence (about £50) is required to enter the River Avon.

Places of Interest

Tardebigge Flight

Edstone Aqueduct

Mary Arden's House , Wilmcote

Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare Theatre, Ann Hathaway's Cottage, Shire Horse Centre, Butterfly Farm

Evesham: Abbey and historic market town

Pershore: Bird garden and model railway

Tewkesbury: Abbey and half-timbered buildings

Worcester: Historic cathedral city

Stoke Prior: Avoncroft Museum of Buildings

Possible Holidays

One Week Out-and-back holidays can be taken from any of the bases along the Avon Ring. For a week's cruise, try out-and-back cruises from Bases 35 and 42 to Stratford upon Avon, or consider the adjacent Stourport Ring.

Short Breaks Mid-week and weekend breaks are available from all Canal Holidays bases on the Avon Ring. A short break from Base 39 includes Stratford upon Avon.

Longer Holidays In a two week trip the Avon Ring can be extended to Gloucester and its restored docks area with the National Waterways Museum.

Narrowboat bases on the Avon Ring

Click on a boat base below for more information and possible routes from that base.

Customer Comments

Read what some of our previous clients say about the Avon Ring

"Thank you for helping with the arrangements for our canal trip. It was just about the best vacation ever. There were seven of us on the narrow boat and we all had a great time. The boat was great and seeing the countryside by canal is one of the best ways. Always a good pub for dinner and pleasant villages to spend the evenings. I would recommend this kind of holiday to anyone who wants to relax." GJ, USA

"We found some marvelous places to stop over night, among these were Lowsonford, Stratford, Evesham, Eckington, Draw Bridge, Stoke Prior and near Tardebigge Top Lock. All places had charming inns/pubs with very good food." VH, Norway

"The 131 locks were a good work out, but a little ambitious for 2 people!! Boat amenities first class. Loved everything on the River Avon. Recommend the Angel Inn & Posting House, 9 High St, Pershore, Worcs. Quality restaurant. We even enjoyed the rain!!" DM, UK

"Excellent boat, facilities, instructions etc. Even the weather was wonderful. We went up a couple of miles then turned round and made it to the outskirts of Stratford. The route was very pretty and well worth doing for a short trip such as ours." JW, UK

"We went from Tardebigge to Stratford and back. Good pubs were The Crown, The Wharf Tavern and The Navigation. We liked Wedges bakery very much, the people were very nice and helpful." LE, Netherlands

"Did The Avon Ring, superb trip, no poor places, Stopped for lunch and dinner at a pub every day and was not once disappointed." AW, UK

Canal Holidays, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

River cruises and boating in Stratford-upon-Avon

There are several companies offering scenic river cruises and boating trips on the River Avon.

Sightseeing cruises

Several different companies offer boating and sightseeing cruises on the River Avon. These cruises are a good value and allow you to see Stratford from a different perspective. These cruises go under the Clopton and Tramway Bridges, past the Royal Shakespeare Theatres and the Recreation Ground and into the Warwickshire countryside just outside town.

Avon Boating operate 40-minute cruises departing from their base on the eastern bank of the River Avon near the Swan’s Nest Hotel. They use traditional open-top Edwardian vessels that are a lovely way to travel on the river when the weather is good. These cruises operate mid-March to late-October and cost £7.

Avon Boating also operate a gin cruise in conjunction with the Shakespeare Distillery . This one-hour cruise includes a guided tasting of three different gins from the Shakespeare Distillery plus a gin and tonic in a souvenir glass to take home. The gin cruise costs £22.50.

Bancroft Cruisers depart from their mooring near the Crowne Plaza Hotel. They use an enclosed canal barge that features a fully-licensed bar and you can have an afternoon tea or cream tea as part of your cruise. The 45-minute cruise costs £7.

As the name would suggest, Canal & River Tours operate not just on the river but also along the canal. This company operates with a newer purpose-built boat that is fully-enclosed making it a better option if the weather is not so great. The 40-minute cruise departs from the canal basin at the northern end of Bancroft Gardens. Cruises with Canal & River Tours cost £7.

The Countess of Evesham is a 21m- (70ft)-long restaurant cruiser that operates a 1½-hour River Avon cruise from Stratford-upon-Avon to Luddington and back. This cruise is more expensive than the others (£23.50–39.50 depending on the meal and the day of the cruise and it is cheaper at lunchtime on weekdays and more expensive on Saturday evenings) but it is a longer cruise than the others and the price includes a proper meal.

What is the best River Avon sightseeing cruise for you?

The best of the sightseeing cruises depends on what you want from your cruise.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced cruise then you should consider the Avon Boating cruise if the weather is nice but opt for the Canal & River Tours cruise if it looks like it may rain.

If you want a cruise with a meal, then Bancroft Cruisers is a great option for afternoon tea or cream tea and the Countess of Evesham is a great choice if you want a full meal. If you’re not after a meal but would like a drink, then Bancroft Cruisers is a good option as there is a bar on board and Avon Boating’s gin cruise is a great option if you love gin.

Boat rental

If you prefer to do it yourself, you can rent rowing boats, punts and small motorboats from Avon Boating.

Rowing boats are a delightful way to explore the River Avon and Avon Boating also rents Cambridge-style punts that hold up to six people. Rowing boat and punt rental both cost £7 per person per hour.

If you prefer to take it a little easier, you can rent an outboard motorboat or an electric launch. Outboard motorboat rental costs £25 per half-hour but this can include up to five people and electric launches cost £50 per 40-minute period, which includes up to six people.

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Privacy Overview

• Places to visit

Stratford upon Avon

Planning your visit.

Local events

History and heritage

Things to do and see

Getting here.

Download your free local map

Address: Waterside, Bancroft Basin, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6BB View on Google map

Price: Once you're parked up, it won't cost you a thing

Toilets: There are public toilets in the town centre

Bancroft Basin, on the Stratford upon Avon Canal , lies in the heart of historic Stratford. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and the River Avon, it's easy to miss this hidden gem. The basin is busy with colourful boats and is a great place to start your visit to Stratford and the many attractions devoted to William Shakespeare.

There's always something on - look out for the floating and Christmas markets here.

Or stop by our  welcome station on the ‘William James’ to meet our volunteers and to pick up a copy of our local visitor guide.

Meet Helen and David

Boating on the Stratford upon Avon Canal

Hello Steve and Izzie

Taking part in the Stratford River Festival

• Sightseeing

Places to eat:

• Countess of Evesham
• Shakee's ice cream barge
• The Baguette Barge
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre roof top restaurant

Boat trips:

• Avon Boating
• Bancroft Cruisers Limited
• Canal and River Tours

Picnic spot:

Picnic spots can be found along the riverside and in Bancroft Gardens

Wildlife spotting:

Be ready to feed loads of ducks, moorhens and swans - just make sure you feed them something healthy ! No bread as it's bad for their tummies.

By car - pay & display car parking is available along the riverside and in the town centre

By train - Stratford upon Avon train station is a 10 minute walk down the high street to the basin

Download our free regional guides

Nine regions to choose from - over 120 fantastic places to visit

South Stratford Canal

Admit it, you're discovering a whole new canal...

Local Events

• Locations »
• Departure points »
• Wootton Wawen »

Wootton Wawen

Canal Wharf, Wootton Wawen, Henley-In-Arden, West Midlands, B95 6BZ

Canal boat holidays on the Stratford on Avon Canal

Visit historic stratford-on-avon, warwick castle and the heart of england..

From Wootton Wawen you can cruise in a number of directions, heading south for beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon, which is just a leisurely short cruise away the next morning. Explore the Shakespeare scene. Rich in culture and history, this beautiful town, set on the banks of the River Avon, is one of the most popular destinations in the UK. Why not moor up in your ‘floating hotel room’ and take time out to steep yourself in all things Stratford.

From here you could buy a licence and lock down onto the River Avon, cruising further southwards through the countryside to Evesham and Tewkesbury.

Travel north from Wootton Wawen and you’ll be heading for Birmingham. Britain’s second city has fantastic shops and restaurants, and an amazing blend of old and new architecture that can only truly appreciated from the canal. The Symphony Hall, The National Indoor Arena, The Sealife Centre, The Jewellery Quarter, Chinatown …something for everyone.

Or keep it rural by heading onto The Grand Union Canal at Kingswood Junction. Cruise down to Warwick and its castle and take in the famous ‘Hatton Flight’ of locks for a real narrowboating treat.

From Wootton Wawen, you can complete the Warwickshire Ring on a 10 day or two-week break.

For more information about canal boat holidays on the Stratford Canal, click here

For more information about canal boat holidays on the grand union canal, click here, to read a review of a canal boat holiday on the river avon, click here.

For further information please consult the Pearson (P) or Nicholson (N) Guides indicated above and found  here .

Below is a selection of Narrowboat routes that we have hand picked to help you decide which holiday you would like to take.

So why choose Anglo Welsh?

Over 55 years providing unique canal boat holidays in England and Wales. Modern and spacious narrowboat and wide beam barge hire – from 2 to 12 berths. Wide choice of narrowboat hire locations and canal boat holiday destinations. Canal boat holiday routes for novices & experienced boaters. Flexible holiday booking, no hidden costs. Family friendly and pet friendly holidays. Great days out on the water. Luxury canal boat hire and Thames boating holidays.

...but don't just take our word for it

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250 boat marina close to the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon

Flower Workshop - March 2024

Welcome to Shakespeare Marina, situated in the heart of the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon.

This beautiful marina is the perfect place for boat owners to moor their vessels while exploring the local area, and for visitors to enjoy a tranquil and relaxing stay.

Shakespeare Marina is a modern, purpose-built marina that offers a range of excellent facilities and services for boat owners and visitors. The marina has 250 berths, all with water and electricity hook-ups, and a wide range of facilities including showers, toilets, laundry facilities and free WI-FI.

Marina Manager

With a lifelong love of narrow boating combined with senior level experience at the Canal and River Trust Ruth Noon is delighted to join the team as Shakespeare Marina Manager.

Having previously established and run the hugely popular Stratford River Festival Ruth is excited to develop the marinas potential. Her immediate priority is to encourage new moorers and offer great customer service.

David Raby joined the team at Shakespeare Marina in August 2022 in the role of warden.

As keen boater and proud owner of a 60ft wide beam boat, David brings a wealth of practical experience from his previous roles including team leader within the motor industry and as a business driving lecturer. He is at his happiest tinkering on his boat or baking cakes.

Applications and availability

Please contact the marina office for available moorings 

Seven Meadows Road Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 9LE England

Email: [email protected] Tel: 07967 461057

Click on the link below to submit an application for a mooring.

Application

Mooring Application

Site Layout

Terms & Conditions

Mooring Licence

Marina office hours

Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 2.00pm Sunday 9.00am - midday

The Marina and Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales team share the open plan area at the front of the facilities building. Besides managing the day-to-day operations of the marina this airy open plan area is also the perfect location to host events including coffee mornings, private functions and training courses.

Fuel, coal, gas and wood is sold at the marina so all means of power will be at your fingertips, allowing you to restock easily and be prepared for all eventualities. There are state-of-the-art showers with disabled access offering warm showers and the opportunity to freshen up after a long boat adventure. The loos are accessible too and there is also an Elsan disposal unit.

The laundry facilities will meet everyone’s needs, quickly and efficiently. The facilities building is intended to take good care of everyone’s needs, allowing all boaters to either stay comfortably in the beautiful, tranquil environment of the marina or set off on an exciting adventure along the waterways.

Refer a friend and receive M&S vouchers worth £150

We’re delighted to announce the introduction of our ‘ Refer a Friend Scheme’ .

It’s simple - persuade your boating friends to join us here at Shakespeare Marina and you’ll be rewarded with £150 M&S Vouchers  for the introduction.

There’s no limit to the number of introductions you make but there’s a few T&Cs you'll need to read.

Any questions please get in touch

All best wishes,

DOWNLOAD T&Cs

Local attractions

Shakespeare Marina is ideally located for exploring the local area and its many attractions. Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic town with a wealth of cultural and historical sites to explore, including Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre, and the picturesque River Avon. The town is also home to a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering something for everyone.

Throughout the year, Shakespeare Marina hosts a range of events and activities for boat owners and visitors. These include boat shows, river cruises, fishing competitions, and social events.

News articles

Events and local attractions.

We like to keep abreast of local events and attractions when time allows. If you know of a happening that deserves promotion let us know.

Shakespeare Marina TV

Local stories and vlogs.

YouTube channel videos about Stratford-upon-Avon

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Discover the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the main auditorium in Stratford-upon-Avon where Shakespeare's plays and other works are performed.

Swan Theatre

The Swan is the favourite theatre of many actors, directors and audiences, where the work of Shakespeare's contemporaries is regularly performed.

The Other Place

The Other Place is our creative hub for learning, research and development with a cafe bar, rehearsal rooms and a 200-seat studio theatre.

The Bear Pit

The Bear Pit Theatre is Stratford-upon-Avon's first and only 'little' theatre in the heart of Shakespeare's town and home to The Bear Pit Theatre Company.

Stratford Playhouse

The Play House in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. An exciting and playful multi-purpose venue at the heart of beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon.

Waterside Theatre

The Waterside Theatre is an independent theatre/arts venue overlooking the Stratford Canal in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.

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Bancroft Cruisers

Guided sightseeing cruises and private charters in stratford-upon-avon.

Click below to

Request a booking

Bespoke Event Charters on The River Avon

We offer Bespoke Private Event Charters

On your private charter we will ensure you enjoy the charm and beauty of historic Shakespeare’s hometown with Bancroft Cruisers, Stratford upon Avon’s only river trip with a live tour guide.  Sit back and relax as you enjoy the glorious Warwickshire countryside from the comfort of our heated cruiser. On our one hour to five hour cruises, we provide a fantastic river experience – complete with expert guides and delicious food.   [start first column]

• Private Funeral Ceremonies – bookings now being taken  

All our cruises depart from our mooring at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Stratford-upon-Avon.

Close to the Tourist Information Centre. Bridgefoot, Stratford upon Avon,  CV37 6YR

WHEELCHAIR LIFT FROM MOORING TO CABIN

Dogs welcome onboard

Here are a few things that may interest you  –

• Private charters
• Corporate charters
• Party Cruises
• Hen Parties
• Ashes Scattering Ceremonies

WHAT DO OUR CUSTOMERS THINK OF US?? CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR TESTIMONIALS 

[end first column] [start second column]

The kettle is always on and pre-booked Traditional Cream  or Afternoon Teas, buffets & canapes offered on all cruises. We also offer BBQ cruises.

 We’re always pretty busy so please get in touch to discuss your cruise and our availability.    Private Charters  of up to 5 hours can be booked throughout the day or evening.  Get in touch for more information or a quote. [end second column]

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'I grew up with good clothes – the UK high street offering is cheap garbage'

I drove a canal boat to Stratford-upon-Avon – it was the ultimate UK spring break

Hire a fancy canal boat and live your best Wind in the Willows life for the ultimate UK spring break, says Sophie Ibbotson

“Believe me my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” No, it’s not Shakespeare, but Ratty’s observation to Mole in The Wind in the Willows is just as insightful. And with spring blossom on the trees and the sun finally showing its face in the sky, I, too, can think of nothing as pleasurable as spending a long weekend floating along the English waterways.

You may well even spot a real-life ratty on the riverbank, though contrary to what Kenneth Grahame suggested, probably not at the helm of a rowing boat.

Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the home of William Shakespeare, but this picturesque market town on the banks of the River Avon is also the terminus of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, which runs 25 miles to Birmingham. Hiring a traditional canal boat for a long weekend, you can captain and crew your own expedition. It is such a gentle journey that anyone of any age can take part, and with picnics, pubs, and bird watching along the way, it is the ultimate way to relax and a brilliant spring break.

THE BOAT Poppy is a 66 foot canal boat. She looks like a traditional barge but is equipped with all mod cons, including two shower rooms, WiFi, and a wine fridge. There are enough berths to sleep six people, though if there are only four adults on board you can just use the bedrooms and there is no need to make up the third bed in the living area. The kitchen-diner is equipped in much the same way as a holiday cottage, with plenty of glassware and crockery, and towels and linens are provided, too. If it is chilly in the evening you can light the stove, but if you time your trip for finer weather, nothing beats sitting out at the front of the boat at dusk, watching the world slide by. Poppy runs on diesel but seems quite fuel efficient, all things considered, and as her batteries automatically charge when the engine is running, there is silent power overnight. There are regular points along the canal where you can top up the water supply, and there are good-size tanks on board.

THE ROUTE Pick up your boat from Wootton Wawen, where the small marina is conveniently located alongside The Navigation Inn and within walking distance of the village’s train station. For new boaters, it is a baptism by fire as you need to do a (thirty) three-point turn to get the boat out of the marina and facing towards Stratford, ideally without colliding with the bank, but once you have accomplished that, nothing else on the journey will faze you. The adventure then begins at a leisurely walking pace. It takes around six hours to reach Stratford, but that does depend on the number of boats you meet coming the other way, as there are 17 locks en route and they only accommodate one boat at a time. Highlights of the journey include floating along the canal at almost eye level with the ducks and swans, who know that boaters are a good source of snacks and will therefore invariably follow you; crossing two narrow aqueducts, one over the top of the railway, which make you feel as if you are boating through the sky; and chatting on the way with dog walkers, runners, and other towpath users who are curious about the canal boat and frequently offer a hand with the locks.

THE DESTINATION Canal boats can moor overnight at Bancroft Basin, right in front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in the very heart of Stratford. That means that you are only minutes away from the town’s many attractions. Literature lovers can of course embark on a Shakespearethemed tour, visiting his birthplace, home, school, and Holy Trinity Church where he is buried, but nothing beats watching a production by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Contemporary retellings of The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet are all on the schedule for early 2024, along with a new play Ben and Imo, about the creation of Benjamin Britten’s opera, Gloriana. Tickets start from £25 and can be booked at rsc.org. uk.

Boating is thirsty work, so head over to The Black Swan, better known as The Dirty Duck, which has stood on Waterside since the 1730s. Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench are former patrons, and when Kylie Minogue visited they allowed her behind the bar to pull a pint. Now it’s your turn: pop in to cheers your nautical success.

Book a spring break on the canal

Drifters Waterway Holidays offers 550 canal boats for hire from 45 bases across the UK. Narrowboats range from 32ft to 70ft and can accommodate from two up to 12 people. 2024 prices aboard Poppy start at £1,205 for a short spring break, or £1,735 for a week.

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