The 108-mile Avon Ring takes narrowboat holiday-makers on a journey through Shakespeare country and along the magnificent River Avon.

What can you See & Do in a week?

To complete this popular circuit in a week, you will need to cruise around eight hours each day, giving time to visit canalside villages and pubs along the way, and perhaps one or two major attractions.

To create more time for visiting destinations along the way, we recommend booking a 10-day or two-week holiday to travel this route.

The Avon Ring

Take a delightful waterway tour through the English counties of Warwickshire and Worcestershire

Passing through 130 locks, this circuit takes around 58 cruising hours.  It can be done in a week, but setting aside 10 days or two weeks allows more time for visiting attractions along the way.

The Avon Ring takes boaters along parts of the Stratford Canal, River Avon, River Severn and Worcester & Birmingham Canal.  Places of interest include: Stratford-upon-Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre; panoramic views along the River Avon; the beautiful Vale of Evesham; the medieval town of Tewkesbury in the Cotswolds; the magnificent cathedral at Worcester; and the awesome flight of locks at Tardebigge.

  • GBB Hire Base

  • Numbered Attractions

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UK Canal map

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Things to see & do

From quiet country pubs and village churches, to exciting historic attractions where history and culture come to life, you’ll find plenty of places to visit on your canal journey.

Warwick Castle and the River Avon

Warwick Castle

This jaw-dropping castle on the banks of the River Avon is said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience, with over 1,000 years of fascinating history to explore.
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Canal boat holidays from Stratford-Upon-Avon

Mary Arden's Farm

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working Tudor farm at the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Perfect for History lovers.
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Fleur de Lys pub close to the Stratford-upon-Avon canal

The Fleur de Lys Pub

This historic village pub in scenic Lowsonford has lovely canalside beer gardens and is famous for its delicious home-made food, especially its pies.
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Hathaway Tea Rooms close to the route of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal

Hathaway Tea Rooms

Offers the quintessential English Tea Room experience in Stratford-upon-Avon. A perfect place to spend the afternoon during your boating adventure.
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Yew tree farm shop on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal

Yew Tree Farm Shop

Yew Tree Farm Shop at Wootton Wawen is a gem in the heart of rural Warwickshire, offering local produce for sale and refreshments at the Cow Shed Coffee Shop.
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The One Elm public house close to the Stratford-upon-Avon canal

The One Elm Pub

This award winning pub is situated close to Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon, where it serves traditional English food, including excellent Sunday roasts.
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Packwood House Gardens open to the public, close to the Stratford -upon-Avon canal

Packwood House

Visit the National Trust’s, Packwood House with its fine collection of 16th-century textiles and furniture, and enjoy views across its Grade II listed gardens, including its Yew Tree garden.
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Baddesley Clinton moated manor house, close to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal

Baddesley Clinton House

This stunning and exceptional moated manor house in the heart of the Forest of Arden, offers visitors over 500 years of fascinating and unexpected stories.
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Royal Shakespeare theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

This magnificent 1,040 seat theatre next to the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon is dedicated to the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare.
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Walking holiday in the Heart of England along the Heart of England Way

Walk the Heart of England Way

This  scenic 160 km walk takes you through the English Midlands and meets the Grand Union Canal at the Navigation Inn, Lapworth, next to Kingswood Bridge.
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Visit the Birmingham museum and art gallery whilst on a canal boat holiday with Great British Boating

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Home to the most important collection of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world and the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
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