dinner boat cruise stratford upon avon

A unique experience awaits you....

Our boat & river avon cruise, about stratford upon avon.

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the River Avon, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK. With easy road, rail and airport access, Stratford upon Avon is the perfect place for a vacation or short break.

Corporate Events

Cream tea cruises, we have a fully stocked bar on board, including draft bitter, lager, cider, spirits, liqueurs, soft drinks and fruit juices..

Straw-yellow with light golden hue in colour. Sweet spices and jasmine jump from the glass with a defined and harmonious perfume. It has gracefully refined dry notes on the palate and a fresh finish.

A medium sweet wine, offering ripe honeydew melon, nectarine and pineapple fruit with an attractive sweetness.

Offers good concentration and depth of fruit, with a soft and plummy texture and hints of vanilla.

Fresh and crisp with very subtle strawberry fruit and a dash of sweet spice. This is a structured and vibrant wine.

With a subtle floral scent on the nose this white has flavours of melon, citrus fruits and a touch of fennel.

Raspberry and black cherry fruits on the hose that also emerge on the palate complemented by a touch of spice.

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Evening dinner cruise - Countess of Evesham Boat Tours

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• Warwickshire    
• Stratford-upon-Avon    
• Stratford-upon-Avon - Things to Do    
• Countess of Evesham Boat Tours

Friends from Ireland came with me …they thought Stratford was fabulous with beautiful views…lots of... read more

Your location  The Countess of Evesham Bancroft Garden, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37... read more

Evening dinner cruise

Had Sunday dinner on a lovely river cruise in Stratford on Avon. First Class in every way!! Very clean. Friendly staff. Great views. Great for all ocations.

Every other year I bring a group of my students to Stratford-Upon-Avon to study Shakespeare and participate in Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations. We always end our week there with a dinner cruise on the Countess of Evesham, and for most it is one of the top highlights of our trip! The interior of the boat is beautiful and of course there are great views from every table. The meal is good and afforable for our group (though I do wish they had served coffee or tea with the dessert.) The boat moves through several locks, and also docks shortly at the side of the river, giving time for a quick disembark and walk around the beautiful forests and fields surrounding Stratford. Watching the sunset from the boat is a real treat, and the wait staff was efficient and kind. I'd highly recommend this dinner cruise to couples as well as large groups like ours. Its a fantastic way to round out your trip to Stratford!

Trip bought us for Countess of Evesham cruise and meal for our ruby wedding anniversary from friends in the village where we live. Rang up to book and fixed date. Arrived at 11.15 am ready to board at 11.30 to be told they weren't cruising due to the weather. As we had travelled 30 miles to Stratford and had to leave the house at 10.00am to get there in plenty on time someone had tried to call at 10.20 om our phone. We were desperately disappointed and had been so looking forward to this outing from our friends. We decided to eat as we had come all that distance. The meal was ok, could have walked 50 yds from home and had better. As for the scenery all we could see were peoples feet as they walked by. Told the staff of our disappointment and was offered a round of free drinks as we had a voucher the trip already been paid for. Rang up to complain the next day to the owner and was told there was nothing she could do as it wasn't her fault the boat couln't cruise and if I had given her my mobile phone number, which I don't have, she could have contacted us. Very rude, very unprofessional and with no customer service at all. I work in the public sector and If I acted that way would have had "my marching orders" No offer of another outing, compensation of petrolmoney, just the £5 worth of drinks. It cost of at least £20 in fuel. So to all of you who are thinking of going check you are getting what you have paid for. Agree it wasn't her fault but her attitude was.

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Canal Basin

Stratford Canal Basin is a bustling environment centrally located between the world famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre and main shopping areas. You will find some unique and interesting boat based businesses permanently moored there. There are a good variety of food and refreshment options available, sightseeing boat tours or even dining on board a restaurant cruiser.

Discover locally produced, award winning ice creams, specialty blended coffees and boat ticket sales - all available at the Ice Cream Barge. There are freshly baked baguettes and sandwiches with a good selection of snacks available to take away from The Baguette Barge. Leisurely 45 minute sightseeing boat tours with regular departures throughout the day with Canal and River Tours Ltd. 'The Countess of Evesham' is a restaurant cruiser that offers daily lunch, dinner and cream tea cruises. If you have your own boat or wish to hire one locally, there are a number visitor moorings available within the basin.

Stratford Canal Basin 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.

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Address Canal Basin, Waterside, Stratford upon Avon, CV37

Office Open 10AM - 4:30PM | Mon - Thurs

BOATING OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10AM - 4:30PM

River Cruises

This is one of the most naturally beautiful and un-spoilt stretches of navigable river anywhere in the UK so come and enjoy it aboard some of the country’s finest Edwardian passenger vessels.

Dog Friendly

7 days a week from 10 AM - 4 PM

& Couples Activity

River Cruises & Private Charter

Our famous fleet of traditional vessels take you on a sightseeing tour on which you will enjoy stunning and unique views of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church as well as experiencing the tranquility of the countryside, which the river Avon passes through as it winds its way towards Alveston.

Public River Cruises

• £7 - £10 per person

Enjoy a 30 minute cruise aboard one of our traditional Edwardian passenger launches. Cruise downstream past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church.

Small Group Private Charter

• £120.00 - £180.00 per group
• 2-12 people

Private 45 Minute cruise for a group to a maximum of 12 aboard our historic Edwardian vessel ‘SWAN OF AVON’. The cruise will follow the same route as our popular public sightseeing tour.

Large Group Private Charter

• Bespoke Cruises For Your Group

Enjoy a 45 or 90 minute cruise aboard one of our traditional Edwardian passenger launches. Cruise downstream past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church and upstream passing under the 15th Century Clopton Bridge.

Gin Tasting Cruises

• £30.00 per person

We are partnering with the local company Shakespeare Distillery to offer Gin Tasting Cruises to the public. 

These cruises will take place every two weeks, starting in April through to October.

Operational Times and Locations

Public Cruises operate from Mid March to the end of October.

Cruises can be boarded from the Bancroft Gardens everyday throughout this period with two or three boats available to board every 15-30 minutes, weather and river conditions permitting. 

During peak periods, we also operate from our Boathouse on Swan’s Nest Lane.

If you have booked a private charter either location can be used for boarding, depending on what is most convenient to you.

Electric Powered Boats

Our fleet used extensively for public trips are electric powered, meaning they are quiet and vibration free and a more enjoyable experience for all onboard.

Our boats are zero emission and are therefore kinder to the river and its wonderful ecosystem.

For further information please see our  Terms and Conditions .

River Safety – Children must be accompanied by someone who is at least 18 years old. All children under the age of 16, non-swimmers and those with reduced mobility must wear a lifejacket, which will be supplied free of charge. Lifejackets and buoyancy aids are freely available to all who wish to have them.

Opening Times

(Opening hours may be extended on busier days)

Office Hours

9am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday.

Get In Touch

• Swan’s Nest Boathouse,
• Swan's Nest Lane,
• Stratford-upon-Avon,

Useful Links

Registered in England & Wales No. 05149985 ~ VAT 844 6269 04

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Bancroft Cruisers

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

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Request a booking

A bit about us

Visit bancroft cruisers for friendly tour guides, a relaxing  atmosphere, a complete range of private charter packages., we are taking bookings for private charters at the moment.      we’re a family business offering the best event cruises in stratford upon avon funny & informative guides perform a live commentary. wonderful afternoon & traditional cream teas onboard. and just in case the weather’s chilly the rita ellen is fully enclosed and heated. we have a lift for bringing wheelchairs into cabin and also wheelchair friendly toilet facilities. and we are the only riverboat cruise company on the river avon to offer our own onboard guide –  not a recorded or digital commentary..

Cruise past the Royal Shakespeare Theare

We specialise in pre-booked trips, corporate events, parties and school groups, and offer discounted rates for educational trips and group travel.

Our lovely vessel, The Rita Ellen, is an elegant event cruiser with a fully licensed bar and galley. She is ideal for a enjoying a cuppa, or something stronger! Or an afternoon or cream tea while relaxing on a sightseeing cruise and also very popular for holding a party to celebrate a wedding, anniversary, birthday or hen party! We have fantastic caterers and ensure your cruise is a success.

Cruises starts and finish at the quay at Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon, just a 5-minute walk from Stratford’s main coach and car park.

People we like and think you’d like too:

Go Cotswolds  Unique! Go Cotswolds is the only tour operator offering scheduled, guided minibus day trips of the Cotswolds from Stratford-upon-Avon. Tom and his team visit some of the most picturesque Cotswolds towns, villages and beauty spots in the area and come highly rated on TripAdvisor! Go Cotswold also run speciality tours (including Brewery & Pub tours – hic!) and private hire.

Stratford Town Walk  – An award-winning walk around Stratford’s historic streets.  Excellent guides and excellent value. Walks run (hop) 365 days a year – they’re committed! Town walk team give discount cruise vouchers too.

Loxley’s Restaurant & Wine Bar  – More really lovely people,  gorgeous food and great wine in a original Elizabethan surroundings – 10 minutes walk from us.  Excellent Tripadvisor reviews.

El Greco  A super family-owned independent restaurant – excellent menu, great service and atmosphere. They cater for large groups so excellent choice if you’re organising a hen party or family gathering.

Stratford upon Avon Holiday Park    – On the banks of the beautiful River Avon a complex of holiday parks tastefully laid out to take full advantage of this superb location. On the complex visit the Riverside bar & restaurant.

Visitor Information Centre  – the one-stop shop for visitor information – friendly & informative team & booking centre for our Sightseeing tours.

The Boat House Stratford-upon-Avon

Riverside dining and bar, sunday roasts, dessert wine, craft beer & cider, exclusive offers & updates, come & join us.

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Home » Restaurants » Afternoon Tea The Midlands » Afternoon Tea West Midlands » River Sightseeing Cruise and Afternoon Tea in Stratford Upon Avon

River Sightseeing Cruise and Afternoon Tea in Stratford Upon Avon

afternoon tea , Afternoon Tea Vouchers and Offers

[Special Offer – Scroll page for details]

Enjoy a relaxing river sightseeing cruise and delicious afternoon tea in the beautiful West Midlands town of Stratford Upon Avon in Warwickshire.

River Sightseeing Cruise

The historical town of Stratford Upon Avon is the perfect location to enjoy a day out in the West Midlands. What better way to explore its rich history than gently cruising along the River Avon past the renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church (the site of Shakespeare’s tomb), before turning around and passing under the 15th century Clopton Bridge. Audio tours are available for you to learn more about the sights and sounds of the Avon as you go.

Afternoon Tea in Stratford Upon Avon

Your visit to Stratford Upon Avon continues with a traditional afternoon tea in the delightful setting of The Arden Hotel which sits directly opposite the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres. Blending historical charm with contemporary style, the comfortable surrounds provide a leisurely ambience to enjoy your afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea is served on a tiered cake stand enhanced by delicately, floral patterned china. Bite into fresh, seasonal sandwiches with a variety of favourite fillings. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious selection of cakes, pastries and homemade fruit scones with strawberry jam and thick, clotted cream. Your afternoon tea is served with your choice of teas and infusions to provide the perfect pairing.

Enjoy a day out in Stratford Upon Avon

This combined river cruise and afternoon tea package is available to buy as a gift voucher from Virgin Experience Days at £79 for Two people. Get a further 15% off with our exclusive discount code. Simply select the Book  Now button, copy the code from the pop-up window and paste where prompted at check-out.

Whether you are looking to buy this experience as a gift for a special friend, or simply to treat yourself (select the e-voucher option), your voucher is valid for up to 12 months. Plenty of time to organise diaries.

To buy or for further information, simply select the Book Now button.

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THE 5 BEST Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in stratford-upon-avon.

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Gondola Cruises
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Canal and River Tours

2. Bancroft Cruisers

3. Avon Boating

4. Countess of Evesham Boat Tours

5. SUP Stratford

6. Excellence Afloat at Valley Cruises

7. 369 VIP tours

What travellers are saying.

• 369 VIP tours
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• River Boat Cruises & Trips
• River Dinner Cruises

Stratford-upon-Avon River Boat Cruise For Two

• Flexible Booking
• Instant Delivery
• Free Exchanges

Hop aboard a traditional vessel for some relaxed River Avon sightseeing in historic Stratford-upon-Avon.

Cruise downstream past the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church (the site of Shakespeare’s tomb), before turning around and passing under the 15th century Clopton Bridge. Audio tours are available for you to learn more about the sights and sounds of Avon as you go. 

What's Included

• Take a relaxed 30 minute cruise of the River Avon with Avon Boating Ltd
• Pass by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church
• Head back upstream under the historic Clopton Bridge
• Audio guides available to discover more
• Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card

What happens on the day?

Your river cruise departs from moorings at Bancroft Gardens, with trips commencing at 10.30 and running every 20 to 30 minutes subsequently.

The river cruise departs from the moorings at Bancroft Gardens.  Trips commence 11.00 and run every 20 to 30 minutes subsequently.  Simply present your voucher to the crew from Avon Boating Ltd for entry to the cruise.  The trip lasts for 30 minutes and includes a cruise downstream past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church, before turning around and heading upstream under the 15th century Clopton Bridge into the countryside.  The cruise then returns to the moorings on Bancroft Gardens where you’ll disembark.

Participant guidelines

• Under 16s must be accompanied by a full paying adult
• Due to the historic nature of the boats there is no wheelchair access for anyone who is wheelchair bound. There are a couple of steps onto the boat and they can store wheelchairs separately for anyone who can walk very short distances and are able to negotiate the steps. Crew members are always available at the boarding point to assist with boarding and alighting the boat. They are happy for customers to contact them for more details about access for those with limited mobility
• The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary 

Availability

Your voucher is valid for 12 months from the issue date.

The season runs seven days a week from 1 April to 31 October, with trips commencing at 10.30 and running every 20 to 30 minutes.

Please allow approximately 30 minutes to enjoy the River Cruise.

What about insurance?

The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.

Please ensure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the experience.

How it works

All you have to do is pay for the experience you wish to purchase and we’ll send a voucher and booking information to you or directly to the recipient, then you just need to check the info and book your experience.

Customer Reviews

out of 5 stars

Based on 1 review

Find out what others have to say about this experience

lovely short cruise down the river

lovely 20 minute cruise down the river weather was very good so we were able to relax and look at the sites down the river bank whilst enjoying an ice cream

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Warwickshire - Stratford-upon-Avon

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• Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
• Gifts for Explorers
• River Cruises
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