NAPTONNARROWBOATS
Stratford-upon-Avon
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Napton Marina · 14 nights

Avon Ring from Napton

Cruise to Stratford, follow the Avon through Evesham to Tewkesbury and the Severn to Worcester, then climb Tardebigge and return via Kingswood and Warwick.

Find a holidayFollow the journey
Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from
NaptonGrand Union, Avon & Severn
Time aboard
14 nightsEnergetic canal & river ring

Times and figures are planning estimates from our route guides. Cruising stages are flexible, not fixed daily destinations. Confirm your itinerary with us.

Make time for the good bits

A few highlights along the way

A quick look at places to explore and food stops across the whole trip. Tap a card to open the details.

Places to visitShakespeare's Birthplace · Tewkesbury · Worcester CathedralExplore these stops

Google scores are published snapshots checked on 11 October 2026, not live ratings. Scores are shown only where verified; follow the source or open Maps for the latest reviews. Check opening times and walking access before setting off.

Pubs & restaurantsTwo Boats Pub · The Hatton Arms · The Queens HeadExplore these stops
  • Two Boats Pub ★ 4.5/5 · Google

    A place to enjoy along this holiday route.

    Map & reviews · Rating source

  • The Hatton Arms

    Pub overlooking the Grand Union lock flight, with an outdoor terrace.

    Map & reviews

  • The Queens Head

    A place to enjoy along this holiday route.

    Map & reviews

Google scores are published snapshots checked on 11 October 2026, not live ratings. Scores are shown only where verified; follow the source or open Maps for the latest reviews. Check opening times and walking access before setting off.

This route uses the Avon and Severn. Check river conditions and Avon licence arrangements with the base before departure.

ONE STRETCH AT A TIME

Let your holiday unfold.

Follow the water, find your favourite stops and make room for the moments in between. These stages show the order of the journey; spread them across your holiday at a pace that suits your crew.

  1. Stage 1 · Settle aboard

    Napton to Long Itchington

    Start with the Calcutt and Stockton flights on the way to Long Itchington.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    After your handover, take time to get comfortable with the boat and controls. Choose a first stopping point that suits your departure time.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Napton-on-the-Hill — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    • The Kings Head Napton — Napton pub serving food; use its current website rather than inherited food hours. Access: Bridge 109. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Folly Pub — Traditional canalside pub near the Napton locks, serving food. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Boat Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 21. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Blue Lias pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 23. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Long Itchington — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: two boats public house. Map & reviews
    • Two Boats Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Cuttle Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25. Map & reviews
    • Duck on The Pond — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25 - 1/2 mile walk. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Buck and Bell Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25 - 1/2 mile walk. Map & reviews
    • Harvester Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25 - 1/2 mile walk. Map & reviews
    • Green Man Pub — Pub. Access: Bridge 26A. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Napton-on-the-Hill — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    • Long Itchington — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: two boats public house. Map & reviews
    • Holy Trinity Church, Long Itchington — Church, Historical Structure. Access: Bridge 25/26/26A. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Napton-on-the-Hill — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    • Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Long Itchington — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: two boats public house. Map & reviews
    • Co op Shop — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Bridge 25. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Long Itchington. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  2. Stage 2 · On the water

    Long Itchington to Warwick

    Cruise through the Grand Union locks and Leamington towards Warwick.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Radford Semele — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 34. Map & reviews
    • Royal Leamington Spa — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Best One Convenience Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 34. Map & reviews
    • Sydenham — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Pub, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Map & reviews
    • Sydenham Shops & Takeaway — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Royal Leamington Spa — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Pharmacy — Pharmacy. Access: Bridge 40. Map & reviews
    • Morrisons — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Towpath moorings outside. Map & reviews
    • Sainsburys, Leamington — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 43. Map & reviews
    • Lidl, Leamington — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Canalside from Towpath. Map & reviews
    • Co op, Leamington — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 40. Map & reviews
    • Tesco - Warwick — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 46. Map & reviews
    • Sainsburys, Warwick — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 51. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Warwick. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  3. Stage 3 · On the water

    Warwick to Rowington

    Climb Hatton and continue through Shrewley Tunnel towards Rowington.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • The Hatton Arms — Pub overlooking the Grand Union lock flight, with an outdoor terrace. Access: Footpath from canal bridge 4 locks down. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Tom O' The Wood, Rowington — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 63. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Shrewley Tunnel — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: The Canal!. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials

    No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Rowington. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  4. Stage 4 · On the water

    Rowington to Wootton Wawen

    Turn at Kingswood Junction onto the Stratford Canal and descend towards Wootton Wawen.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Fleur de Lys Pub — Lowsonford pub beside the Stratford canal, serving pies and offering a children’s playground. Access: 'New Road' bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Navigation Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    • The Bull's Head, Wootton Wawen — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Wootton Wawen Aqueduct. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Kingswood Junction — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: The Canal!. Map & reviews
    • Lowsonford — A village or town to explore along the route. Map & reviews
    • Wootton Wawen — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Wootton Wawen Aqueduct. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • The General Store, Wootton Wawen — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Wootton Wawen Aqueduct. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Wootton Wawen. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  5. Stage 5 · On the water

    Wootton Wawen to Stratford-upon-Avon

    Cross the aqueducts and descend the canal to Bancroft Basin in Stratford.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Stratford-Upon-Avon — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bancroft Basin. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Stratford-Upon-Avon — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Bancroft Basin. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Stratford-upon-Avon. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  6. Stage 6 · On the water

    Stratford-upon-Avon to Evesham

    Join the River Avon and cruise downstream towards Evesham when river conditions permit.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    Shops & essentials
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Evesham. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  7. Stage 7 · On the water

    Evesham to Tewkesbury.

    Continue down the Avon through the Vale of Evesham to Tewkesbury.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Tewkesbury — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: King John's Bridge. Map & reviews
    • Kingfisher Fish & Chips — Fish and Chips, Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Quay Street Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Black Bear, Tewkesbury — Pub, Restaurant. Access: King John's Bridge. Map & reviews
    • The Albion Inn, Tewkesbury — Pub. Access: King John's Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway — Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Quay Street Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Zitto e Mangia Italian Restaurant — Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Quay Street Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Tewkesbury — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: King John's Bridge. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Tewkesbury — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: King John's Bridge. Map & reviews
    • Tesco Express, Tewkesbury — Supermarket. Access: King John's Bridge. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Tewkesbury. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  8. Stage 8 · On the water

    Tewkesbury to Worcester

    Join the River Severn and head upstream through Upton-upon-Severn towards Worcester.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Upton-Upon-Severn — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Pontoon visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    • The Plough Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Pontoon visitor moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Ye Olde Anchor Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Pontoon visitor moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Worcester (Commandery Visitor Moorings) — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Ye Olde Talbot — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Commandery Moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The King's head, Worcester — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Commandery Moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Mother Hubbard's Famous Fish & Chips (Worcester) — Fish and Chips, Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Along the Canal Towpath!. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Upton-Upon-Severn — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Pontoon visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    • Boot Pharmacy, Upton-upon-Severn — Pharmacy. Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Worcester (Commandery Visitor Moorings) — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Asda Superstore, Worcester — Supermarket. Access: Commandery Moorings. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Worcester. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  9. Stage 9 · On the water

    Worcester to Stoke Pound

    Leave the Severn for the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and work towards Stoke Pound.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit

    Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

    Shops & essentials
    • Lidl, Worcester — Supermarket. Access: Blackpole Bridge (19). Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Stoke Pound. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  10. Stage 10 · On the water

    Stoke Pound to Alvechurch

    Climb the long Tardebigge flight before cruising towards Alvechurch.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • The Tardebigge Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Moorings between Tardebigge top lock & Tunnel. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Alvechurch — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Withybed Lane Bridge (61). Map & reviews
    • The Weighbridge Inn, Alvechurch — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Scarfield Hill Bridge (60). Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Crown Inn, Alvechurch — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Withybed Lane Bridge (61). Map & reviews
    • The Tudor Rose Fish Bar — Fish and Chips, Takeaway. Access: Withybed Lane Bridge (61). Map & reviews
    • The Swan Inn, Alvechurch — Pub. Access: Withybed Lane Bridge (61). Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Red Lion, Alvechurch — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Withybed Lane Bridge (61). Visit website Map & reviews
    • New Dilshad Indian Restaurant and Takeaway — Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Withybed Lane Bridge (61). Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Alvechurch — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Withybed Lane Bridge (61). Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials

    No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Alvechurch. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  11. Stage 11 · On the water

    Alvechurch to Hockley Heath

    Continue through the tunnels to Kings Norton, then follow the Stratford Canal towards Hockley Heath.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit

    Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

    Shops & essentials
    • Lidl, King's Heath — Supermarket. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    • Co-op, Hockley Heath — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Hockley Heath. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  12. Stage 12 · On the water

    Hockley Heath to Hatton Top Lock

    Descend to Kingswood Junction and rejoin the Grand Union towards Hatton.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Tom O' The Wood, Rowington — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 63. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Hatton Arms — Pub overlooking the Grand Union lock flight, with an outdoor terrace. Access: Footpath from canal bridge 4 locks down. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Kingswood Junction — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: The Canal!. Map & reviews
    • Shrewley Tunnel — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: The Canal!. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials

    No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Hatton Top Lock. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  13. Stage 13 · On the water

    Hatton Top Lock to Radford Semele

    Descend Hatton and cruise through Warwick and Leamington towards Radford Semele.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Royal Leamington Spa — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Radford Semele — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 34. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Royal Leamington Spa — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Pharmacy — Pharmacy. Access: Bridge 40. Map & reviews
    • Morrisons — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Towpath moorings outside. Map & reviews
    • Sainsburys, Leamington — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 43. Map & reviews
    • Lidl, Leamington — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Canalside from Towpath. Map & reviews
    • Co op, Leamington — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 40. Map & reviews
    • Sydenham — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Pub, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Map & reviews
    • Sydenham Shops & Takeaway — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Best One Convenience Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 34. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Radford Semele. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  14. Stage 14 · On the water

    Radford Semele to Calcutt Locks

    Continue east through the Grand Union flights towards Calcutt, keeping the marina return time in mind.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Long Itchington — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: two boats public house. Map & reviews
    • Holy Trinity Church, Long Itchington — Church, Historical Structure. Access: Bridge 25/26/26A. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Long Itchington — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: two boats public house. Map & reviews
    • Co op Shop — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Bridge 25. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Calcutt Locks. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

  15. Stage 15 · Homeward cruise

    Calcutt Locks to Napton Marina

    Finish the Calcutt flight and make the last short cruise into Napton Marina.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Follow the return arrangements agreed at handover and allow time for the final approach to the marina.

    Pubs & food

    No named food stops are listed for this stage. Ask the base team for local suggestions and check opening times before setting off.

    Places to visit

    Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

    Shops & essentials

    No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Napton Marina. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Avon river conditions · Avon licence information

THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE THE HOLIDAY

More than a journey.

A boat that feels like yours.

Your own kitchen, a comfortable place to sleep and a new view outside. Explore the classes and choose the layout that works for your crew. Equipment varies by boat.

Explore our boats

Leave room for doing less.

Coffee on deck. A towpath walk. Supper as the light changes. A route gives your holiday direction; the best moments often happen between the stops.

Bring your favourite people.

Share the steering, work a lock together and make the evenings your own. Full handover training helps you settle into life aboard.

A LITTLE PLANNING, A BETTER HOLIDAY

Before you cast off.

Use this guide to find your kind of holiday. We will help you check the practical details for your dates, boat and crew.

How much cruising should we expect?

Allow time for locks, tunnel passages, stops ashore and your agreed return to Napton. Choose extra days for a slower holiday. Locks, queues, weather and stops ashore all affect the time you need. Allow a margin for returning the boat.

Do we have to follow every stop?

No. These are suggested stages, rather than reserved moorings or a fixed day-by-day schedule. Choose suitable permitted moorings and agree your return time with the base.

How do we check the route before travelling?

Check current navigation notices and plan your daily cruising before departure. Check CRT notices · Open CanalPlan

Can you help us choose?

Tell us your dates, who is travelling and whether you prefer quiet cruising or an active adventure. Ask our team

START MAKING MEMORIES

Your next chapter starts aboard.

Explore boats and holiday dates from Napton Marina.

Find a holiday