Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
4.5
About
Stretching 25 miles from the Birmingham suburbs to the River Avon in Stratford, this scenic waterway passes through enchanting countryside in the very heart of England, cutting through the Forest of Arden and an area rich in Shakespearean history.
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13 within 3 miles
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42 within 6 miles
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- Sophie LBlackpool, United Kingdom97 contributionsBeautiful placeAmazing and beautiful Has an amazing park Lovely cafes And barges that you can get an ice cream or a drink alcohol or non. The shops are lovely and quaint and Shakespeare birth house attraction is there too. There's a wheel to go on And a lovely canal with wildlife Parking was easy too with a multi storey car park that wasn't expensive The place is very family friendly and dog friendlyVisited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 10, 2024
- VickimariaRotherham, United Kingdom4 contributionsGreat trip with fabulous guidesWe did the tour today with Dino and Dan they were brilliant, ensured everyone was involved, comfortable, and could hear. The commentry was very informative, fabulous way to see part of the town, but the guys made it a trip to remember. Thankyou both.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 20, 2024
- Jayne W1 contributionBRILLIANTWeather was a bit miserable so we decided to chance the boat trip. Glad we did Dino and Dan were brilliant. Dino made everyone feel welcome keeping us all entertained involving everyone on board Dan made sure the trip was smooth. Throughly enjoyed would recommend if visiting JayneVisited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 27, 2024
- Gary HChorley, United Kingdom158 contributionsWhat a great day.Nice boat trip along the canal, was busy due to weather being great. It was a Sunday and the market was on, full of food options atmosphere was great all day with buskers all around the canal. Would highly recommend.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 3, 2024
- DaldareKing's Lynn, United Kingdom324 contributionsRow,Row,row your boat.Choose from one of the many river tours. You can get a boat, row a boat, board, motorised boat.. however you wish to travel. Really relaxing with lots of swans everywhere.Prices range from £10 per person for 30 minutes.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2024
- A Midlife AdventureDursley, United Kingdom2,872 contributionsLovely stroll along the waterside with wildlife highlightsWe spent the day in Stratford avoiding the expense of umpteen tickets to get in everywhere and took great pleasure instead in completing a walk around the town photographing the historic buildings from the outside and learning about the town. No visit to Stratford is complete without a walk along the riverbank. You can go as far as you like and we explored both sides. Some lovely wildlife to photograph and although I imagine all the hire boats get really busy in the summer on this Autumnal day they didn’t detract from the beauty and tranquillity of nature and water.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 13, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,086 reviews
Excellent
664
Very good
356
Average
54
Poor
8
Terrible
4
Lghshortstay
Leicester, UK182 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
My husbands favourite place to visit. We come at least once a year and usually stay in the waterways premier inn. This was full so we have tried the central one.
We started our weekend with the trip from the water bowl along to the weir, and back, the most relaxing 40 minutes to start our day. There were only 34 of us on board, I over heard the man counting,
The classical music as we glided along was perfect, the information given was interesting without being dull.
The gentleman jumping on and off the boat was funny and entertaining especially with the children.
There are a few canal boats that offer trips, but you do not get the same experience, £9 per adult is worth it to keep this beautiful Dutch barge afloat.
We started our weekend with the trip from the water bowl along to the weir, and back, the most relaxing 40 minutes to start our day. There were only 34 of us on board, I over heard the man counting,
The classical music as we glided along was perfect, the information given was interesting without being dull.
The gentleman jumping on and off the boat was funny and entertaining especially with the children.
There are a few canal boats that offer trips, but you do not get the same experience, £9 per adult is worth it to keep this beautiful Dutch barge afloat.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tickers24
Folkestone, UK645 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Drove blind here not sure where to go or what to do, thankfully found a car park, and was a 10 min walk to a point by the canal... Great views with the willow trees by the canal providing much needed shade. Lots of people enjoying the fun fair or chilling on the grass... Ice cream vans ready to charge over the top prices for their drinks ices etc.. Booked a boat ride fir 40 mins up and down the canal.. and we put the dog 🐕 on the boat as well.. Really enjoyable day but too hot...
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip W
7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We booked online a canal trip and it couldnt of been easier to do. When we arrived we boarded and sat down in comfortable seats. The music that was played was a mood booster and the commentary was very knowledgeable about the town and history and some times humerous. Our Captain was called Corrie and he didnt sink us or exceed the 3mph speed limit (honestly officer!)
Dino was the on board entertainment officer and he did a fine job!
He made sure that everyone was ok throughout the trip.
Well done to all involved, we really enjoyed our trip thanks to you guys!!
Dino was the on board entertainment officer and he did a fine job!
He made sure that everyone was ok throughout the trip.
Well done to all involved, we really enjoyed our trip thanks to you guys!!
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucky lady
South Wales, UK225 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
The area around here is so beautiful, it’s a delight to sit and watch the boats on the water.
Canal boats are able to moor up and it’s a great area to grab a cuppa or ice cream and relax.
There’s plenty of seating and often people around singing to keep you entertained.
The shops and restaurants are a 2 minute walk away.
Bonus - free clean toilets opposite!
Canal boats are able to moor up and it’s a great area to grab a cuppa or ice cream and relax.
There’s plenty of seating and often people around singing to keep you entertained.
The shops and restaurants are a 2 minute walk away.
Bonus - free clean toilets opposite!
Written May 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry B
Southend-on-Sea, UK7 contributions
Jun 2023
First thing we saw in the canal basin was the Jennifer May offering 40 minute canal and river trips so we hopped (wife me and little dog). had a short wait listening to some lovely music and then we were off. The commentary was very interesting and clearly audible a d Dino always made sure all passengers were ok and kept us entertained with his antics. A highly recommended way to start a visit to Stratford Waterside.
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William M
Glasgow, UK103 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Exploring stratford I decided to go on a canal trip aboard the Jennifer May, the experience was 40 minutes and well worth it!
On board commentary tells the history of the canal, while taking in the surrounding sights.
The staff that done my trip were Dino and Adam and they made the experience even better with their humour and knowledge!
On board commentary tells the history of the canal, while taking in the surrounding sights.
The staff that done my trip were Dino and Adam and they made the experience even better with their humour and knowledge!
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric C
Verwood, UK67 contributions
Aug 2020
love the canal and river right at the end of the town centre. Huge grass areas each side to sit and people watch, I call them buskers but there are some very classy singers perform in the park throughout the day. We saw three lads about 16 to 18 doing Michael Bubblie type songs and they were absolutely fantastic. sat for 2 hours listening to them. Nice walks up and down the riverbanks once again watching the day drift by. Watch the canal bots through the locks is worth a few minutes of anyones time. Clean and very tidy.
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy C
Paignton, UK160 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We took a tour up the canal and it was beautiful. Relaxing experience. Great for wildlife spitting. Holy trinity Church can be seen from the water. You can spot Swan and geese nesting grounds also. Watching the long boats operate the locks a little further up was a bonus as well.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiKerry53
Wellington, New Zealand5,059 contributions
Sep 2019
This trip we wandered along the river bank as we made our way to and from the Holy Trinity Church from the Marina. It was great watching the narrow boats, particularly, as we'd owned one previously. It was nostalgic jumping in a opening/closing a few locks and getting my nephew involved.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard H
Ipswich, UK17 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This is for the canal , not the river Avon trips which exit from the basin and are beautiful.
The canal stretches north from Stratford through some run down areas which are dirty and litter strewn. Noisy youths on the towpath add to the atmosphere.
Thankfully there are few moorings until you are well out of town when matters improve after the flight of 11 locks.
Stratford itself has suffered a demise in the quality of retail post pandemic with large vacant buildings looking derelict such as the old BHS store complex.
It's a shame that many historic towns have suffered similarly. It's all a bit shoddy.
Best to get through the town and up to Wooton Wawen asap if going north or into the river if going south .
The canal stretches north from Stratford through some run down areas which are dirty and litter strewn. Noisy youths on the towpath add to the atmosphere.
Thankfully there are few moorings until you are well out of town when matters improve after the flight of 11 locks.
Stratford itself has suffered a demise in the quality of retail post pandemic with large vacant buildings looking derelict such as the old BHS store complex.
It's a shame that many historic towns have suffered similarly. It's all a bit shoddy.
Best to get through the town and up to Wooton Wawen asap if going north or into the river if going south .
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are looking to arrange lunch alfresco over looking canal near to Crowne Plaza Hotel where we are staying .In particular we are looking for a modern contemporary venue with outside parasols / umbrellas on a Terrace or Roof Top , or Glass conservatory . Prefer English food menu thanks in advance for any suggestions as unfamiliar with area
Written July 24, 2021
It's actually the River Avon, not the Canal.
Written July 11, 2020
Going Stratford upon Avon on Sunday and looking to have a nice walk along canal. Is it a solid footpath along side the canal or will I need boots or wellies. Also is there a nice pub on the walk.
Written January 7, 2020
good solid path. lots of pubs in stratford
Written January 17, 2020
people do cycle on the tow path but it is narrow in places and overgrown in places. there is a tarmac bit by the wilmcote locks. can be very busy with people around stratford so you may end up walking more than cycling!!
Written August 8, 2019
Has anyone had a disposable BBQ's here on the big green area?? Are you allowed?
Written August 26, 2016
I didn't see or smell any, but we were only there for 26 hours...!
Written August 29, 2016
I'm traveling from America and won't have a car. I'm trying to plot stuff out on the map (in relation to our hotel, etc.). Can someone tell me a good "stretch" of the canal to try and hit (with street names or landmarks)? Thanks!
Written June 16, 2016
its a tiny village as far as I remember and picture perfect. just like hansel n gretel fairytale. gingerbread houses. dont think there is much of a stretch to choose from.
Written July 14, 2016
Where is the nearest car park to the canal for blue badge holders please
Written June 2, 2016
Hello, we found parking very limited in fact we never found a car
park but parked on the road alongside the river and kept returning to update our ticket. Maybe try citizens advice to locate a carpark to suit your needs
Good Luck
Written June 3, 2016
i would like to know which attractions, including the canal trips are you able to take a small dog with you please
Written August 12, 2015
The owners of this page should make it clear that this listing is for the canal itself, not the barge companies who operate tours on it. Many of the reviews here are for Bancroft Cruisers or the other boat trip companies - these reviews belong on the pages associated with those companies.
Written April 29, 2015
Are dogs allowed on the barges
Written February 10, 2015
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