One Week Narrowboat Cruises

Down the river through the Vale of Evesham and Pershore to the junction of the River Avon at the beautiful old Abbey town of Tewkesbury. Return back through Bidford and beyond to Stratford-upon-Avon where you will have time to explore Shakespeare's historic town.

Alternatively go up river to join the South Stratford Canal at Stratford, a beautiful rural canal with 36 locks in 13 miles. At Kingswood Junction turn onto the Grand Union, down the 21 lock flight at Hatton to Warwick with its superb castle, museums and antique shops. Return via the same route. Allow at least half a day for Warwick Castle. 57 miles, 130 locks.

Two Week Narrowboat Cruises

Avon Ring - Taking in the rivers Avon and Severn, the Worcester and Birmingham Canal and the whole of the Stratford Canal. Contrasts between river and canal navigations with very little time spent passing through built up areas. Apart from over 130 locks the route takes you through tunnels and over aqueducts all amongst the beautiful Warwickshire and Worcestershire countryside. For those who have not already worked enough locks, a small detour at Kingswood Junction takes you down into Warwick - although another 23 locks it is well worth the visit. 109 miles, 131 locks.

Stoke Bruerne - The Avon to Stratford, the South Stratford Canal and the main line of the Grand Union Canal. A return trip to the Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne taking in the lovely rural Stratford Canal to Kingswood Junction, then down the Grand Union visiting Warwick and Leamington Spa, to the hub of the Canal system at Braunston. This trip takes you through the recently re-opened Blisworth Tunnel, the longest in use on the Canal system today. Just south of the tunnel is the little village of Stoke Bruerne. Just over 100 locks each way.

A Leisurely 2 Week River Trip - Especially suitable for overseas visitors and people interested in combining a waterway and sightseeing holiday. Downstream to Evesham with Almonry Museum and site of the Battle of Evesham. Catch a bus to Broadway for a taste of the Cotswolds. Sail on through the Vale of Evesham to Pershore - a pretty riverside town with a very fine Abbey. Stop at Great Comberton and walk up Bredon Hill with wonderful views of seven counties on a clear day. Tewkesbury is a beautiful town at the junction of the Avon and the Severn, site of the bloodiest battle in the Wars of 4he Roses, a lovely ancient Abbey, and the Black Bear, the oldest inn in Gloucestershire. Down the Severn to the famous city of Gloucester, then on to the Gloucester and Sharpness Ship Canal to visit the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust. Back upstream to Worcester - Elgar's birthplace, a fine Cathedral and the Royal Worcester Porcelain factory. On to Stourport, a canal 'new town'. Return through Bidford to Stratford with the Shakespeare Theatre, Birthplace etc. Catch a bus for a look at Warwick's superb castle, museums and antique shops.

These are just some of the possible cruises from Bidford Boats, and we would be pleased to discuss any other alternatives.