STRATFORD ON AVON FROM WORCESTER
Route Info | Boats | Map overview of route | Cruising Notes | Maps & Guides | Links | Pub Guide
You can do this route from :
Worcester Marina.
Worcester has plenty to offer the visitor, including the imposing cathedral which dates from 1074.
In Friar Street is Greyfriars, dating from 1480 this is one of the finest half-timbered houses in the country. Charles II escaped from here after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
The museum at the Royal Worcester Porcelain works is well worth a visit, as it contains the most comprehensive collection of Worcester Porcelain in the world.
The historic town of Tewkesbury with its many attractive & ancient buildings including of course, it's cathedral-like Abbey, which is reckoned to be one of the finest Norman churches in the Country.
Stratford on Avon has endless streets of low-timbered buildings. The whole town is full of Shakespeare relics and buildings, like Ann Hathaway's Cottage, Shakespeare's birthplace, and Halls' Croft where his daughter lived.
Route Info
Read our cruising notes to help you plan your canal boat holiday
Read our cruising notes.
Cruising Notes
Day 1
Turn right out of Lowesmoor Wharf and proceed down the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, and perhaps moor at the Diglis basin before you get onto the River Severn.
It is 2 hours to here
Day 2
You go through the Diglis Locks to the River Severn. Once through the last lock turn left and you will begin your journey down to Tewkesbury. Cruising on the River is very different to the Canals, there is no continuous towpath and therefore no right to land and moor up as you please. The scenery is one of quiet water meadows & prolific bird life. Moor up only at recognised sites .
The River winds its way through lovely peaceful countryside passing delightful towns like Upton upon Severn, which is situated on the riverbank with various pubs close by. As Tewkesbury approaches, turn left just after King John's bridge, avoiding a shallow spit projecting from the junction with the River Avon.
The Avon Lock is operated by a resident Lock-keeper, & is only open from 9am to 6pm, or until 8pm in May-August. In the winter you can use the lock yourself. He is also closed for lunch between 1-2pm. last locking 15 minutes before closing time. You will need to buy a Lower Avon navigation trust licence to cruise on the River Avon.
You can moor up in Tewkesbury it is 6 hours cruising to here.
Time to explore the historic town of Tewkesbury with its many attractive & ancient buildings including of course, it's cathedral-like Abbey, which is reckoned to be one of the finest Norman churches in the Country. The abbey was completed about 1120, and is splendid both inside & out. Its magnificent and beautifully decorated tower stands at 130 feet high and 46 feet square, and is the largest Norman tower in existence.
The most unusual buildings in Tewkesbury are the row of medieval shops near the Abbey, in fact most of the medieval aspects & character of the town have survived to this day.
One of the more unusual aspects of the town is the maze of small alleyways leading off from the main street. There is a couple of museums, and the Tourist information office can tell you more about other attractions.
The Battle of Tewkesbury fought here in 1471 was the penultimate battle in the War of the Roses.
There are many pubs and hotels in Tewkesbury.
It is 5 hours to here.
Day 3
From Tewkesbury cruise along the River Avon which twists and turns through the lovely vale of Evesham, passing small villages like Bredon with its many fine timbered buildings. Just beyond the Severn Sailing club, beware of a weir which spills into the River creating a very strong cross current when the river in high. The same is true of the weir just past Pershore.
Pershore is a small market town with many well kept Georgian buildings set amongst the many fruit farms & market gardens that are scattered all over this area. Just past Pershore is Fladbury, another picturesque village of half timbered cottages and houses. Craycombe farm, just north of Fladbury & Evesham Golf course, is a farm shop where you can buy fresh fruit and veg, local ciders & country wines, and home make cakes & preserves. There is also a gift shop, both are open all year.
The River continues on its meandering course past small villages including the lovely named Wyre Piddle, just opposite Tiddle Widdle island, and where you will find the Brewery that makes 'Piddle in the Hole' Ale!! (Wyre Piddle Micro-brewery is North west of the Anchor Inn. Open Mon-Fri).
The Anchor Inn here is ideal for mooring.
On your approach to Evesham, look out for the cable across the rive, this is Hampton ferry, the wire will be lowered when the ferry man hears 3 blasts of your horn.
In Evesham there are 3 lots of Visitor moorings along the River, as the Avon cuts a loop around Evesham, the last and most extensive are by Workman Gardens.
There are many pubs & restaurants in Evesham, and even a night club!
Evesham has many elegant Georgian houses and fine timbered buildings.
It is 8 hours 20 minutes cruising to here from Tewkesbury
Day 4
On your departure from Evesham take the centre arch at Workman bridge, avoid the weir just after Evesham lock, and then keep to the left for a short distance.
The Lock-keeper here sells Lower Avon Navigation trust Licences, he is open from 9-6 or 9-8 May to August. During the winter the lock is set for manual operation. Out of these hours you cannot go through the lock, nor during his lunch time 1-2pm!
Evesham Country Park at Twyford is a short walk on your left hand side as you approach Offenham on your right. This is a shopping & garden centre & also incorporates the Vale Wildlife Centre. There is a narrow gauge steam railway running through the 130 acre Park.
The River now heads away north approaching Bidford-on-Avon with its splendid bridge. The village makes a good place for mooring , there are a few pubs close by. The river continues to meander its way as it enters Warwickshire and Stratford -upon-Avon is reached. There are moorings opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre by the recreation ground.
Stratford has endless streets of low-timbered buildings. The whole town is full of Shakespeare relics and buildings, like Ann Hathaway's Cottage, Shakespeare's birthplace, and Halls' Croft where his daughter lived, and numerous bars and restaurants.
Cruising time to here is 8 hours.
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Retrace your steps
NB: This route has been provided as a guide only. Information may become inaccurate or out of date. You should always check with the marina that the route is possible within your time frame, current weather conditions and canal stoppages etc.
Boats
Maps and Guides
Useful Links
Link Description | Website | Telephone |
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Pub Guide
Pubs available on this canal route:-
Pub Name | Pub Address | Distance from Worcester | More Info | |
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Eagle Vaults | Frair Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ | Full Details | ||
Mercure Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel | Chapel Street, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6ER | Full Details | ||
Pen And Parchment | Bridgefoot Quay, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6YY | Full Details | ||
The Anchor Inn | 54 Diglis Road, Worcester WR5 3BW | Full Details | ||
The Anchor Inn | Main Road, Wyre Piddle WR10 2JB | Full Details | ||
The Beckford Inn | Cheltenham Road, Tewkesbury GL20 7AN | Full Details | ||
The Canterbury | Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury GL20 8BT | Full Details | ||
The Chequers Inn | Chequers Lane, Fladbury WR10 2PZ | Full Details | ||
The Dirty Duck | Waterside, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6BA | Full Details | ||
The Eagle Vaults | Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ | Full Details | ||
The Encore | Bridge Street, Stratford-upon-avon CV37 6AB | Full Details | ||
The Firefly | 54 Lowesmoor, Worcester WR1 2SE | Full Details | ||
The Fleet Inn | Twyning, Tewkesbury GL20 6FL | Full Details | ||
The Golden Bee | 41-42 Sheep Street, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6EE | Full Details | ||
The Kings Head Inn | 67 Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU | Full Details | ||
The Masons Arms | Aston Cantlow, Wilmcote CV37 9XX | Full Details | ||
The New Inn | Main Road, Cropthorne WR10 3NE | Full Details | ||
The Nottingham Arms | High Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5JU | Full Details | ||
The Old Swanne Inne | 66 High Street, Evesham WR11 4HG | Full Details | ||
The Royal Hop Pole | 94 Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RS | Full Details | ||
The Royal Oak | 5 Vine Street, Evesham WR11 4RE | Full Details | ||
The Windmill | Church Street, Stratford-upon-avon CV37 6HB | Full Details | ||
Berkeley Arms | Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5PA | Full Details | ||
Bridge Inn | Lowesmoor Terrace, Worcester WR1 2RX | Full Details | ||
The Garrick | 25 High Street, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6AU | Full Details |
NB: Distances are as the crow flies and will vary for actual canal boating travel distance.
The information above is provided in good faith to assist you with planning your canal boat holiday. Information accuracy cannot be guaranteed, however, if you do see something that needs updating, please don't hesitate to contact us.