Office open Mon-Thursday for bookings.

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

Boat Hire on the Avon River

Take in stunning Stratford-upon-Avon

From the tranquility of the river

Dog Friendly

Boat Hire

Open

7 days a week from 10 AM - 4 PM

Family

& Couples Activity

Boat Hire & River Cruises

The river naturally draws people down to its grassy banks, and what better way to enjoy its tranquil waters than by boat.

Rowing Boat Hire

Hire Rowing Boats and Punts by the hour. Available on a first come first served basis with a queue system in place and there is no pre-booking.

Motor Boat Hire

Motor Boats are available on a first come first served basis with a queue system in place and there is no pre-booking on motor boats..

Electric Launch Hire

Hire by the 45 min slot and explore further along the River Avon. “Elver” is currently available to pre-book online up to 24 hours before, gaps in bookings can be taken on the day.

Self Drive Punts

Hire by the hour and explore further along the River Avon. Currently available to pre-book online up to 24 hours before and gaps in bookings can be taken on the day.

Big Canoe

Why not try something a little different that everyone can join in on with our fleet of 8 seater canoes! As stable as a rowing boat and a great way to see the river.

Wheelyboat

Perfect for an outing for up to 6 to explore the river Avon upstream from Stratford. Simple controls and a quiet electric motor make them easy to operate. Full instruction given.

Public River Cruises

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.

Tickets are available on the vessel on the day.

Enjoy a 30 minute cruise aboard one of our traditional Edwardian passenger launches. Cruise downstream past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church (the site of Shakespeare’s tomb) and upstream passing under the 15th Century Clopton Bridge.

Small Group Private Charter

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.

Private Charter Available

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 tranquillity of the countryside, which the river Avon passes through as it winds its way towards Alveston. 

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.

Large Group
Private Charter

Enjoy exclusive hire of our passenger vessels seating up to 50 passengers per boat, Corporate charter also available on request.

Enjoy a cruise aboard one of our traditional Edwardian passenger launches. Cruise downstream past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church (the site of Shakespeare’s tomb) and upstream passing under the 15th Century Clopton Bridge. 

Once through the bridge, the scenery changes as we discover peaceful river-banks and meadows with glimpses of large secluded houses and beautiful river-side gardens.

Dog Friendly

Dog Friendly

We are delighted to welcome well-behaved dogs aboard our boats and river cruises. 

We understand that your furry friends are an important part of your family and want to ensure they can join in on the fun too. 

Whether you want to take your dog for a leisurely cruise down the river or explore the beautiful surroundings of Stratford upon Avon together, we’ve got you covered. 

So, grab the lead and biscuits, and come and join us for an unforgettable adventure on the river.

Where to find us

Swans Nest Boathouse,

Swans Nest, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LS.

(Booked Trips, Small Boat Hire, Head Office)

River Frontage next to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre,

Waterside, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6NA.

(Public River Cruises)

Scroll to Top