Gondola Hire and Venetian Boat Building

In keeping with one of Stratford's lesser known traditions Avon Boating are proud to own and offer trips on an authentic Venetian Gondola. At the beginning of the 1900's Miss Marie Corelli, the famous and eccentric, romantic novelist owned a gondola on the river here. We only thought it right that we restore the presence of a gondola on the river in honour of her eccentric lifestyle. If you have ever been in a gondola you will understand why she loved it so much and what it is that makes them so unique and unrivalled on the water.

History of our Gondola

We have just restored Marie Corelli's original gondola... Our Gondola's history will be updated soon...

Gondola Hire

Our gondola seats up to 3 people and comes with one or two skilled gondoliers. Pick-up and drop-off can be arranged to suit either at our boathouse, by the theatre, close to Holy Trinity church or anywhere else requested on the river.

The gondola is also available for hire nationally and internationally and can be trailered to location as it has been in the past for both TV work and Advertisements.

Gondola Special Package

1 to 3 people: £100.00

Gondola Wedding Package		  
  • Up to 1 hour on hire for the wedding
  • A gondolier in full costume and the gondola decorated with white ribbon

Price: £150.00 

Gondola Hire Nationally and Internationally

Our staff are experienced in organising transportation of our gondola and are able to operate to gondola on rivers, lakes or canals. Our gondola also provides a great attraction off the water. For national and international hire please contact us to discuss your requirements fully.

Venetian Rowing

We are part of a small club with a variety of genuine Venetian boats who row 'La Voga Veneta' or in the Venetian style. We arrange regular outings and attend events throughout the season and have close links to oarsman and rowing clubs in Venice. Please contact us if you are interested to learn more about Venetian boats and Venetian rowing. Training sessions are held regularly on the Thames and the Avon where you may see the boats and perhaps have a go.

Venetian Boats

The Boathouse has maintained a strong tradition of Venetian boat building thanks to our senior boat builder training with Nedis and Roberto Tramontin, the foremost gondola builders of Venice. We have plans of Venetian boats, oars, rowing forks, artifacts, and are able to build new commissions on request. Our head boat builder is trained as a Venetian oarsman and gondolier and speaks Italian.

Rowing Boats

  • Hire Rowing Boats by the Hour...
  • Enjoy a Peaceful Row Past the Theatre...
  • Row in the Tranqulity of the Avon's Countryside...

Boat Building

  • Our Team of Trained Boat Builders are able to Build a wide array of Wooden Craft...
  • They are also Trained in Boat Repairs, Both Wooden and Fibreglass...
  • Our Boat Building Team are also able to Build Beautiful Venetian Craft including Gondola's and Sandolo's...