River Avon
England, Warwickshire
The River Avon snakes its way through Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque town in England that's famously the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This scenic river also links several waterways in the Warwickshire countryside, joining the River Severn at Tewkesbury and flowing via canal to Birmingham.
The basics
With its postcard-perfect path through Stratford-upon-Avon and the West Midlands, the River Avon is best explored by boat. Cruise through Shakespeare’s hometown and admire waterfront landmarks such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Swan Theatre, Holy Trinity Church, and Clopton Bridge. A boat ride is best paired with a walking tour of the medieval old town. The river is also ideal for a SUP (standup paddleboard) excursion to spot native wildlife and aquatic birds such as herons and kingfishers.
Things to know before you go
The River Avon is exposed to the moody weather of the West Midlands. Check the forecast and always be prepared for showers.
With both urban and rural stretches, this waterway is an ideal boat trip for history and culture lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Expect excellent views along the river in the city and countryside, so be ready to snap photos.
There is a wheelchair-accessible river walk in Stratford-Upon-Avon to admire the historic waterway from the banks. Not all boat tours are accessible, so confirm in advance.
How to get there
The most popular gateway to the River Avon is in Stratford-Upon-Avon, about 2.5 hours by train or car from London. The river runs for 85 miles (137 kilometers) from Naseby in Northamptonshire to join the Severn River at Tewkesbury, so you can also enjoy the river by boat, on foot, or by bike along its course through the countryside.
When to get there
With its panoramic route through Stratford-Upon-Avon and the surrounding countryside, the River Avon is a delightful spot to visit from late spring through early fall (May–October). The River Avon hosts several annual events, including regattas, river festivals, and boat races.
Waterfront sights in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Boat tours and river cruises are a popular way to take in the historic sights along the banks of the River Avon in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Most tours pass the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theater, the Hamnet and Judith Shakespeare Memorial, the 15th-century Clopton Bridge, and Holy Trinity Church, home to Shakespeare’s tomb. The route also passes through locks that connect the river to the canal that flows to Birmingham, a waterway that fueled England’s Industrial Revolution.
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