The River Avon is the quiet heart of Stratford, and a cruise is a relaxing way to see the town's best-known buildings from the water. Boats leave from the Bancroft Gardens area beside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and glide along the river with the theatres, the old bridges and the spire of Holy Trinity Church as a backdrop. Trips are short and informal, usually around half an hour, with the skipper pointing out landmarks and local stories. Several operators work the river, including Bancroft Cruisers and the Countess of Evesham, which is heated and open through the year, and boat hire is generally on offer in the warmer months. A cruise is a sensible way to rest your feet between museum visits, and it is popular with families and with older visitors who prefer a seat to a long walk.
Choose the right operator for the season. The tourism board lists four providers, and two of them state that they operate all year: Bancroft Cruisers, open all year round with river conditions permitting, and the heated Countess of Evesham, which is open throughout the year. Others may run only in the warmer months, so check the operator before you set out. Sailings can be cancelled in high water or poor weather, and cold winter days call for a coat and gloves, even on a covered boat.
Expect an easy, scenic trip rather than a thrill. Routes vary by operator, but expect the theatre frontage, the swans and ducks that gather near the gardens and views towards the churchyard of Holy Trinity. If you prefer a seated trip with commentary, ask the operator about the heated boat; if you want to steer your own craft, rowing boats and self-drive launches are generally a summer option. The tourism board page does not give a fixed timetable, so confirm times on the day.
A cruise pairs well with a theatre tour or an evening performance, since the boats leave right beside the theatres. It also works well with a stroll along the towpath to Holy Trinity Church. For families, it is a gentle, low-cost break from walking, and children usually enjoy feeding the swans from the bank afterwards, though you should use proper bird food rather than bread.
What to expect
The experience
A short, informal cruise on the Avon from the Bancroft Gardens area, past the theatres, the bridge, the church and the meadows.
Best time
A dry, still afternoon in winter, or a bright morning in summer when the river is at its busiest.
How long
About half an hour on the water, plus a little time to queue and board.
Tips
Check the operator is sailing on the day, wrap up warmly, and choose the heated boat in cold weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, older visitors and anyone who wants a restful break between sights.
- Families
- Children enjoy the boat and the swans, and the trip is short enough to keep them interested.
- Couples
- Take a late afternoon trip on a clear day and finish with a walk to the church.
- Pair with
- A Royal Shakespeare Theatre tour or Holy Trinity Church, both beside the river.
- Time needed
- Allow about an hour including boarding and the walk back.
Good questions
Do Stratford river cruises run in winter?+
Some do. Bancroft Cruisers and the Countess of Evesham state that they run all year, weather and river conditions permitting. Check the operator before you go.
Where do the boats leave from?+
Boats leave from the Bancroft Gardens area on the riverfront beside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It is a few minutes' walk from the middle of town.
How long is a cruise?+
Most trips last around half an hour, though times vary by operator. The tourism board page does not give fixed timings, so check on the day.
Can I take a cruise in the rain?+
The heated Countess of Evesham is a sensible choice in wet or cold weather. Sailings may be cancelled in high water or poor conditions.
Can I hire my own boat?+
Rowing boats and self-drive launches are generally available in warmer months. Check with the operators for winter availability.
