What To Do on Your Canal Boat Trip to Stratford-upon-Avon 

There are countless interactive things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon once you’ve moored at Bancroft Basin or along the canal. Arriving by narrowboat takes you into the heart of the historic market town, where you’ll find timber-framed buildings, theatre-lined streets, and a full-days itinerary. 

Discover how you can spend your time around the town during your canal boat holiday, and why you should add it to your must-visit staycation list. 

How you can explore Stratford-upon-Avon by canal 

Stratford-upon-Avon isn’t just a destination; it’s an attraction in itself. It’s famously known as it’s William Shakespeare’s hometown and the setting to the critically-acclaimed 2026 film, Hamnet, the town attracts around four million visitors every year and is well equipped to welcome canal boaters.   

It ranks in our top 11 cities, towns and villages to visit by canal in England, too. 

ABC Boat Hire offers two routes where you can float into the heart of the town: 

Stratford-upon-Avon and Return from Alverchurch Marina 

Duration: 7 nights 

Locks: Approx. 110 

Cruising time: Around 7 hours per day 

Cruise from the village of Alvechurch along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, passing Bittell Reservoir and through Wast Hills Tunnel, before joining the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal at King’s Norton. Navigate the scenic Lapworth Flight, cross the Wootton Wawen and Edstone aqueducts, and descend the Wilmcote Locks into Bancroft Basin in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. You’ll then retrace this route to head back to the marina.  

Best for: Crews who enjoy steady cruising and want to get stuck into lock work.  

Stratford-upon-Avon and Return from Worcester Marina 

Duration: 7 nights 

Locks: Approx. 44 

Cruising time: Around 6 hours per day 

Depart from Worcester, cruising the Worcester & Birmingham Canal before descending through Diglis Locks onto the River Severn. Follow the river past Upton-upon-Severn and beneath the Mythe Bridge at Tewkesbury, before joining the River Avon, winding through meadows, market towns and lock flights at Pershore and Evesham. After passing Bidford-on-Avon, the willow-lined Avon carries you into Bancroft Basin. You’ll head back the same way when you return to Worcester.   

Best for: Experienced boaters comfortable with river navigation. 

Where to moor in Stratford-upon-Avon 

You can find public moorings at Bancroft Basin and along the canal approach. Most are free for up to 48 hours, but check local signage for updated information. Spaces operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

If you’re travelling in peak canal boat season (late spring and summer) we advise to arrive before mid-afternoon to secure a spot. From Bancroft Basin, the main attractions are just a few minutes’ walk away.   

FIRST TIME AFLOAT? READ OUR BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CANAL BOAT HOLIDAYS HERE

8 Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon  

If you’re interested in culture, history and heritage, you won’t be short of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. Here’s a list of 8 things to do in this market town, inspired by visitor recommendations on TripAdvisor, VisitBritain and our Feefo reviews.  

1. Experience Shakespeare’s Stratford 

A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon wouldn’t be complete without heading to at least one of the many Shakespearean homes and attractions in the town. Known for being where William Shakespeare lived most of his life, VisitBritain also recommends:   

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace 

• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage 

• New Place, the bard’s family home of 19 years  

• Hall’s Croft, his daughter’s recently conserved home 

• Mary Arden’s farm,  the childhood home of his mother.  
  
  

Find out how to book a visit to these attractions here. 

2. Tour the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre 

Immerse yourself in the magic of an award-nominated tourist attraction at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre. As a finalist in the 2026 West Midlands Tourism Awards, this is a must-visit for all entertainment lovers and history enthusiasts. Browse costumes and sets between stories of theatre superstitions.  

Visit the RSC site here for more information. 

3. Try the world’s first Shakespeare escape room 

Hop off your narrowboat and visit Escape Live’s bard-inspired escape room. The one-of-a-kind event space takes you through a recreation of Shakespeare’s home trying to find the missing script. It’s perfect for families with older children, groups of friends or multi-generational trips, and ideal for rainy afternoons.  

Find out more from Escape Live here. 

4. Visit a tropical butterfly paradise 

If you can’t get enough of the canal wildlife on your narrowboat holiday, why not visit the Stratford Butterfly Farm? Discover birds, iguanas and other insects in the tropical paradise, and learn about the lifecycles of butterflies while they soar overhead. It’s especially popular with families and offers a warm indoor option if the British weather turns.  

Browse ticket prices and opening times here. 

5. Sign up for a gin tasting event 

If cruising is the highlight of your holiday, why step off the water entirely? Once you’ve moored up for the evening, book a gin tasting cruise along the River Avon and soak up the riverside sights while sipping on award-winning gins from the Shakespeare Distillery. Alcohol-free spirits are usually available too, making it suitable for mixed groups. It’s an ideal treat if you’re celebrating a birthday or a special occasion while on your canal boat holiday.  

Read more about the gin tasting cruise here. 

6. Explore the UK’s only permanent venue for mechanical art 

The MAD Museum, short for Mechanical Art and Design, is home to collections of interactive pieces of kinetic art, displays and sculptures designed for both purpose and fun. Head to the museum for a quirky day out of digital-free entertainment, including exhibitions and machines used in Wallace & Gromit and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It encourages visitors to interact with some of the tactile art, and is an inclusive, accessible for venue.  

Find out more about the MAD Museum here.  

7. Try paddleboarding on the River Avon 

If you’re looking for thrills where everyone can get involved, stand-up paddleboarding ticks all the boxes. Even with no experience, stand-up paddleboarding is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, especially as the River Avon is a slow-moving, shallow river. Try a new sport from a new perspective, and admire the gorgeous countryside views. 

Explore the SUP Stratford activities here.  

8. Have someone else cook for you near the water 

In between cooking your favourite meals on the narrowboat with your self-catering holiday, try some of the local food from the local floating cafés and waterside pubs just steps from the basin. Try The Barge and Quarterdeck or keep an eye out for pop-up vendors near mooring spots.  

Example itinerary on your canal boat holiday to Stratford-upon-Avon 

We’ve created a walking-friendly itinerary of activities to get up to in Stratford-upon-Avon when you book a canal boat holiday. Arriving by canal boat means you’re already in the centre of town.  

We recommend mooring at Bancroft Basin or along the canal nearby the night before or early morning on the day you plan to explore the town, so you can get a full day’s worth of exploring with your 48-hour mooring spot.  

After your jam-packed day, you could either do it all again, or take it easy in your mooring spot before heading off on your return journey.  

Book your Stratford-upon-Avon accommodation and travel in one package 

Stratford-upon-Avon brings nature-lovers, historians, and thrill-seekers all in one place. And the entertainment value alone fills your cup during a relaxing break. These all make it one of the most rewarding canal boat destinations in the Midlands. 

If you’re ready to plan your Stratford adventure, explore our 7-night routes from Alvechurch Marina and Worcester Marina.