There’s plenty of storage on board and we offer advice on what to pack
Wootton Wawen Canal Boat Marina
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
With our Price Promise you know you’ll be paying the best price.
Cruise from Wootton Wawen – Explore Warwickshire and the West Midlands by Canal
Located on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal in the peaceful village of Wootton Wawen, this base offers a fantastic starting point for exploring the Warwickshire countryside and the wider West Midlands canal network.
With a variety of scenic routes to choose from, Wootton Wawen is ideal for both beginners and experienced boaters, whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend break or an extended cruising holiday.
Routes & Destinations from Wootton Wawen
On the Stratford Canal in the Warwickshire countryside, Wootton Wawen offers a wide variety of routes
Stratford-upon-Avon
Start on Friday or Saturday
Stratford Canal, Warwickshire
Route details:
Stratford-upon-Avon and back
- 14 miles
- 34 locks
- 11 hours
On a short break you can cruise south through the Warwickshire countryside to Shakespeare’s Stratford and back, mooring up in Bancroft Basin to explore this world famous historic market town.
Hatton Locks
Start on Monday or Tuesday
Stratford Canal, Warwickshire
Route details:
Hatton and back
- 21 miles
- 34 locks
- 14 hours
On a four-night mid-week break you can cruise to the magnificent flight of locks at Hatton on the Grand Union Canal and back, passing through Lapworth along the way.
Birmingham Mini-Ring
Start on Monday or Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Stratford Canal, Warwickshire
Route details:
The Birmingham Mini Ring
- 48 miles
- 84 locks
- 33 hours
On a week’s break you can travel round the Birmingham Mini-Ring, which takes you into the heart of Britain’s vibrant second city. The journey takes you through 83 locks and takes around 35 cruising hours.
Warwick
Start on Monday or Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Stratford Canal, Warwickshire
Route details:
Warwick & back
- 28 miles
- 76 locks
- 23 hours
On a week’s break you can transfer onto the Grand Union Canal at Lapworth and cruise up the Hatton flight of locks to Warwick and back.
Tewkesbury
Start on Monday or Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Stratford Canal, Warwickshire
Route details:
Tewkesbury and back
- 99 miles
- 68 locks
- 45 hours
On a week’s break you can cruise the Stratford Canal to Stratford-upon-Avon and transfer onto the River Avon to historic Tewkesbury and back.
The Warwickshire Ring
Start on Monday or Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Stratford Canal, Warwickshire
Route details:
The Warwickshire Ring
- 116, miles
- 128 locks
- 59 hours
On a 10-day or two-week break you can navigate round the popular Warwickshire Ring. The journey travels 116 miles through 128 locks and takes around 59 cruising hours.
The Avon Ring
Start on Monday or Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Stratford Canal, Warwickshire
Route details:
The Avon Ring
- 109 miles
- 131 locks
- 61 hours
On a 10-day or two-week break you can complete the epic Avon Ring, cruising sections of the River Avon, River Severn, Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the Stratford Canal. The route travels 109 miles passing through 131 locks and takes around 61 hours.
Luxury Boats available at Wootton Wawen
We have 4 luxury narrowboats for hire at Wootton Wawen, ranging from boats for 2 to 6 people.
Collingwood
This Luxury 57ft Admiral Class narrowboat sleeps 2 people.
Duncan
This Luxury 65ft Admiral Class narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Aries
This Luxury 65ft Constellation Class narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Poppy
This Luxury 66ft Heritage Class narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Other Canal Boats available at Wootton Wawen
There’s a great choice of narrowboats available at Wootton Wawen, ranging from boats for up to 4 to 12 people.
Hanbury
This Standard 68ft Church Class narrowboat sleeps up to 9 people.
Rowan
This Premium 48ft Weir Class narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Marlow
This Premium 62ft Thames Class narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Teddington
This Premium 48ft Weir Class narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Summer
This Premium 67ft Bond Class narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Hudson
This Premium 60ft Explorer Class narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Larson
This Premium 60ft Explorer Class narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Sandfly
This Standard 62ft Trent II Class narrowboat sleeps up to 8 people.
Dodleaze
This Premium 62ft Woodland Class narrowboat sleeps up to 8 people.
Selene
This Premium 69ft Ocean Class narrowboat sleeps up to 10 people.
Scorpius
This Premium 69ft Constellation Class narrowboat sleeps up to 10 people.
Orion
This Premium 69ft Constellation Class narrowboat sleeps up to 12 people.
Day boats
We have three day boats at Wootton Wawen. Each boat has space for up to 10 people. They are family and pet friendly. Prices start at £99.
How to find us
Our Wootton Wawen boat yard is on the Stratford Canal near Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire. The entrance is on the A3400 next to the Navigation Inn.
Anglo Welsh, Canal Wharf, Wootton Wawen, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, B95 6BZ
Tel 01564 793427
Discover Canal Boat Hire in Warwickshire
Our Wootton Wawen base provides access to some of the most beautiful and historic stretches of waterway in the country. From quiet villages and open countryside to vibrant cityscapes, you’ll find something for every pace and interest.
Popular routes from this base include:
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Cruise south to Stratford-upon-Avon
A gentle, scenic route through Wilmcote and over the Edstone Aqueduct, leading into the historic market town known for its Shakespearean heritage and riverside charm. -
Head north towards Birmingham
Navigate through a series of locks into the heart of the city. With more miles of canal than Venice, Birmingham offers a lively mix of shopping, culture, and dining along its rejuvenated canal basin. -
Connect to the Grand Union Canal
Via Kingswood Junction, this route opens up to destinations like Hatton, Warwick, and Leamington Spa, ideal for week-long holidays. -
Take on the Warwickshire Ring
For longer cruises, the Warwickshire Ring combines urban energy with rural calm, featuring stretches of the Stratford Canal, Grand Union Canal, and Coventry Canal.
Explore at Your Own Pace
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🌿 Cruise through classic English countryside
Enjoy open views, wooded towpaths, and peaceful lock flights as you explore places like Lowsonford, Lapworth, and Henley-in-Arden. -
🛶 Choose your ideal break
Whether you’re planning a short escape to recharge or a longer exploration across multiple counties, Wootton Wawen offers routes for every schedule. -
🍻 Stop at canalside pubs and villages
Discover traditional inns, farmers’ markets, and historic hamlets right along the towpath. Popular stops include The Fleur de Lys and Navigation Inn.
Book Your Canal Boat Holiday from Wootton Wawen
Wootton Wawen offers flexible, scenic routes through the best of central England’s waterways — perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a memorable canal holiday. From cultural towns to countryside cruises, your next journey begins here.
Download a Brochure
Our brochure includes information on our boats, routes, destinations and prices. There are also tips for canal boat beginners, advice on what to pack and a list of our locations offering day boat hire.
FAQs
How do canal locks work?
A lock is a chamber with gates at either end. By emptying or filling the chamber with water, boats can move up or down a canal. With the lock gates closed, open the sluices (paddles) to let the water in or out. When the water level under your boat is the same as the level it’s moving to, you can move your boat in or out of the lock.
How long does it take to go through a lock?
It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to go through a lock.
Will my narrowboat have heating?
All our narrowboats have gas central heating with radiators throughout for cosy year-round canal boat holidays. Some of our boats also have a multi-fuel stove.
