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Routes from Wootton Wawen
The Avon Ring
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
10 or 11 nights 
109 miles 
61 hours 
131 locks 
All levels
The Avon Ring
Wootton Wawen Head south along the Stratford Canal, crossing the A3400 road via a short aqueduct. You’ll see Yew Tree Farm with its Cowshed Cafe.
The View Restaurant A mile later you’ll pass Hill Farm Marina, home to The View restaurant in a converted cattle and grain store.
Bearley Lock Soon after you’ll reach Bearley Lock, also known as Odd Lock.
Edstone Aqueduct Next you’ll cross over the 105-metre long Edstone Aqueduct, consisting of an iron trough resting on 13 piers. It crossed the North Warwickshire Railway, a road and a brook and as you cross you’ll enjoy views across the Warwickshire countryside.
Wilmcote You can moor up north of Bridge 59 and take a ten minute walk into the village of Wilmcote. Here you’ll find the Mary Arden Inn and Mary Arden’s Farm, the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Next you’ll make your way through the Wilmcote Flight of 11 locks, beginning your descent downhill into Stratford-upon-Avon. Soon after Bridge 62A there’s a water point where you can top up with water if you need to.
Bancroft Basin There are five more locks before you reach Bancroft Basin in the heart of Shakespeare’s Stratford. It’s a sharp turn into the basin where you can moor up to explore the this world-famous town. There are plenty of places to eat, shop and visit, including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm.
River Avon Transfer onto the River Avon (you’ll need an extra licence from The Avon Navigation Trust).
Welford-on-Avon You’ll soon reach the village of Welford-on-Avon and riverside pub at Binton Bridges.
Bidford-on-Avon Continue cruising through the Warwickshire countryside and next you’ll reach Bidford-on-Avon. The 7 arched medieval bridge at Bidford dates from 1482. Look out for signage, as only one of the arches is suitable for boats to pass through. There’s a good choice of pubs at Bidford, including the Bulls Head.
Evesham The next place you’ll reach is Evesham, with its famous abbey and plenty of pubs and cafes. Moor up near Workman Gardens and Abbey Park to explore this historic market town.
Fladbury You’ll go through the historic village of Fladbury next, with a choice of pubs including The Chequers Inn.
Wyre Piddle Continue on cruising through the Worcestershire countryside to the village of Wyre Piddle and its Anchor Inn.
Pershore Next you’ll reach Pershore, one of the finest market towns in Worcestershire. There are lots of places to eat and shop, and a magnificent abbey to explore.
Bredon Continue meandering through the countryside past Tiddesley Wood. The Shakespeare’s Avon Way follows the river for a while between Eckington Bridge and Strensham Lock. You pass through Bredon next with the National Trust’s Bredon Barn and a choice pubs.
Twyning Green Continue on past Twyning Green with its riverside Fleet Inn.
Tewkesbury Cruise under the medieval King John’s Bridge and into the historic market town of Tewkesbury with its 12th century abbey, half-timbered buildings and historic pubs.
River Severn At Tewkesbury, you’ll transfer onto the River Severn, Britain’s longest river. You’ll pass through Upton upon Severn where there’s a marina and shops.
Kempsey Then the village of Kempsey with a choice of pubs, including the Crown Inn and Anchor Inn.
Worcester At Worcester you’ll transfer onto the the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Diglis Basin.
Tardebigge You’ll soon reach the Tardebigge Flight of 30 locks, the longest in the country. You can break up the journey through at the Queen’s Head pub at Stoke Wharf.
Alvechurch Once you’ve completed the Tardebigge flight, go through the 560-metre long Shortwood Tunnel. There’s a choice of canalside pubs at Alvechurch. The Weighbridge put at Alvechurch Marina and the Crown pub.
Hopwood You’ll pass the Hopwood House pub at Hopwood and then you’ll go through the 2,493-metre long Was Hill Tunnel.
Kings Norton At Kings Norton Junction you’ll transfer onto the North Stratford Canal. You’ll go through the 321-metre long Brandwood Tunnel and then the Horseshoe pub is canalside at Kings Heath.
Hockley Heath Pass through Hockley Heath where you’ll find The Wharf pub, fish & chips, a Chinese take-away and a Co-op store nearby.
Lapworth You’ll go through 14 locks at Lapworth and then you’ll be on the South Stratford Canal.
Lowsonford The canalside Fleur de Lys pub at Lowsonford is well worth a visit. Next you’ll go through the tiny hamlet of Yarningdale Common, with a barrel roofed cottage at lock 34.
Preston Bagot At Preston Bagot there’s another barrel roof cottage at lock number 37. Soon after you’ll be back at Wootton Wawen.
FAQs
What are the best routes for canal boat holiday beginners?
Anglo Welsh offers a variety of beginner-friendly routes across the UK. From the historic beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the scenic Llangollen Canal, there’s something for everyone. Routes without too many locks tend to be best for beginners. Our team can recommend a route tailored to your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
