NAPTONNARROWBOATS
Stratford Canal Basin
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Napton Marina · 7–14 nights

Napton to Stratford-upon-Avon

A lock-filled journey through Warwickshire towards Shakespeare’s town. Choose extra days if you want more time to explore ashore.

Find a holidayFollow the journey
Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from
NaptonGrand Union · Stratford
Time aboard
7–14 nightsActive cruising
Distance
70 miles

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 · Warwick Castle · Edstone AqueductExplore these stops
  • Shakespeare's Birthplace ★ 4.5/5 · Google

    A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.

    Map & reviews · Rating source

  • Warwick Castle ★ 4.6/5 · Google

    A day ashore exploring Warwick’s medieval castle and grounds. Plan your walk or local transport from the canal.

    Map & reviews · Rating source

  • Edstone Aqueduct

    A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.

    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.

Pubs & restaurantsThe Folly Pub · Two Boats Pub · Blue Lias pubExplore 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.

This is an out-and-back route. The return stages retrace your outward cruise. Leave enough time for the locks and confirm the full itinerary with our team.

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

    Work Calcutt and Stockton locks towards Long Itchington.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    After your handover, take time to get comfortable with the boat and controls. Ask the base to suggest a realistic first stop.

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

    Suggested stop area: Long Itchington. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

  2. Stage 2 · A historic destination

    Long Itchington to Warwick

    Follow the Grand Union through Leamington towards Warwick.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Choose time ashore in Warwick, and leave a realistic margin for the locks on the way home.

    See the suggested stopping area on a map
    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Radford Semele — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Bridge 34. Find on map
    • The White Lion Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 34. Visit website Find on map
    • Sydenham — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Pub, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Find on map
    • The Fusilier Pub — Pub. Access: Bridge 37. Visit website Find on map
    • Sydenham Shops & Takeaway — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Visit website Find on map
    • Food stops in Royal Leamington Spa — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Find on map
    • The Moorings at Myton — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 43. Visit website Find on map
    • Cape of Good Hope pub — Warwick pub beside the canal. Access: Cape Moorings. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Radford Semele — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 34. Find on map
    • Royal Leamington Spa — Explore this town along the route. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Best One Convenience Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 34. Find on map
    • Sydenham — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Pub, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Find on map
    • Sydenham Shops & Takeaway — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Visit website Find on map
    • Supplies in Royal Leamington Spa — Listed local facilities: newsagent / convenience store, off licence, post office. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Find on map
    • Pharmacy — Pharmacy. Access: Bridge 40. Find on map
    • Morrisons — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Towpath moorings outside. Find on map
    • Sainsburys, Leamington — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 43. Find on map
    • Lidl, Leamington — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Canalside from Towpath. Find on map
    • Co op, Leamington — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 40. Find on map
    • Tesco - Warwick — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 46. Find on map
    • Sainsburys, Warwick — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 51. Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Warwick. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

    The kettle is on. The view has changed. This is your time to slow down.

  3. Stage 3 · Enjoy the journey

    Warwick to Lowsonford

    Work Hatton and head towards the Stratford Canal and Lowsonford.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.

    Pubs & food
    • The Hatton Arms — Pub overlooking the Grand Union lock flight, with an outdoor terrace. Access: Footpath from canal bridge 4 locks down. Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
    • Tom O' The Wood, Rowington — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 63. Visit website Find on map
    • Fleur de Lys Pub — Lowsonford pub beside the Stratford canal, serving pies and offering a children’s playground. Access: 'New Road' bridge. Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Shrewley Tunnel — Explore this village along the route. Access: The Canal!. Find on map
    • Kingswood Junction — Explore this village along the route. Access: The Canal!. Find on map
    • Lowsonford — Explore this village along the route. Find on map
    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 stop area: Lowsonford. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

  4. Stage 4 · Your destination deserves time

    Lowsonford to Stratford-upon-Avon

    Continue through the locks towards Stratford, keeping time for your return.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Give yourself time to enjoy Stratford before beginning the return cruise.

    See the suggested stopping area on a map
    Pubs & food
    • The Navigation Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside. Find on map
    • The Bull's Head, Wootton Wawen — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Wootton Wawen Aqueduct. Visit website Find on map
    • Food stops in Stratford-Upon-Avon — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Bancroft Basin. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    Shops & essentials
    • The General Store, Wootton Wawen — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Wootton Wawen Aqueduct. Find on map
    • Supplies in Stratford-Upon-Avon — Listed local facilities: off licence, post office, supermarket. Access: Bancroft Basin. Visit website Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Stratford-upon-Avon. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

  5. Stage 5 · Enjoy the journey

    Stratford-upon-Avon to Lowsonford

    Retrace this stretch towards Lowsonford, keeping time for the locks and your return to base.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.

    Pubs & food
    • The Navigation Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside. Find on map
    • The Bull's Head, Wootton Wawen — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Wootton Wawen Aqueduct. Visit website Find on map
    • Food stops in Stratford-Upon-Avon — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Bancroft Basin. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    Shops & essentials
    • The General Store, Wootton Wawen — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Wootton Wawen Aqueduct. Find on map
    • Supplies in Stratford-Upon-Avon — Listed local facilities: off licence, post office, supermarket. Access: Bancroft Basin. Visit website Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Lowsonford. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

    A pause on the towpath. A photograph. Another memory to take home.

  6. Stage 6 · A historic destination

    Lowsonford to Warwick

    Retrace this stretch towards Warwick, keeping time for the locks and your return to base.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Choose time ashore in Warwick, and leave a realistic margin for the locks on the way home.

    See the suggested stopping area on a map
    Pubs & food
    • The Hatton Arms — Pub overlooking the Grand Union lock flight, with an outdoor terrace. Access: Footpath from canal bridge 4 locks down. Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
    • Tom O' The Wood, Rowington — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 63. Visit website Find on map
    • Fleur de Lys Pub — Lowsonford pub beside the Stratford canal, serving pies and offering a children’s playground. Access: 'New Road' bridge. Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Shrewley Tunnel — Explore this village along the route. Access: The Canal!. Find on map
    • Kingswood Junction — Explore this village along the route. Access: The Canal!. Find on map
    • Lowsonford — Explore this village along the route. Find on map
    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 stop area: Warwick. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

  7. Stage 7 · Enjoy the journey

    Warwick to Long Itchington

    Retrace this stretch towards Long Itchington, keeping time for the locks and your return to base.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Radford Semele — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Bridge 34. Find on map
    • The White Lion Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 34. Visit website Find on map
    • Sydenham — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Pub, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Find on map
    • The Fusilier Pub — Pub. Access: Bridge 37. Visit website Find on map
    • Sydenham Shops & Takeaway — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Visit website Find on map
    • Food stops in Royal Leamington Spa — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Find on map
    • The Moorings at Myton — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 43. Visit website Find on map
    • Cape of Good Hope pub — Warwick pub beside the canal. Access: Cape Moorings. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Radford Semele — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 34. Find on map
    • Royal Leamington Spa — Explore this town along the route. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Best One Convenience Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 34. Find on map
    • Sydenham — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Pub, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Find on map
    • Sydenham Shops & Takeaway — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Visit website Find on map
    • Supplies in Royal Leamington Spa — Listed local facilities: newsagent / convenience store, off licence, post office. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Find on map
    • Pharmacy — Pharmacy. Access: Bridge 40. Find on map
    • Morrisons — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Towpath moorings outside. Find on map
    • Sainsburys, Leamington — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 43. Find on map
    • Lidl, Leamington — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Canalside from Towpath. Find on map
    • Co op, Leamington — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 40. Find on map
    • Tesco - Warwick — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 46. Find on map
    • Sainsburys, Warwick — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 51. Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Long Itchington. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

  8. Stage 8 · Homeward stretch

    Long Itchington to Napton

    Retrace this stretch towards Napton, keeping time for the locks and your return to base.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    For the final night, plan a mooring that leaves a manageable cruise to base. Use the return time agreed in your booking and handover.

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

    Suggested stop area: Napton. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

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?

Choose extra days if you would like more time for breaks and visits ashore. 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