This is an easy and relaxed two-week canal boat holiday following the Avon Ring from our Stoke Prior narrowboat hire base. You will require an Avon Licence to follow the route, which you can buy via Black Prince.

You will begin by heading up the Tardebigge flight – the longest flight of locks in the UK – to the North Stratford Canal at Kings Norton.

Tardebigge flight

Kings Norton is the home of a 13th century church, St Nicholas’, and from there you can walk to the green to see the town’s three medieval buildings. Kings Norton was also at the centre of some skirmishes during the English Civil War.

You then head on to the South Stratford Canal, where the canal’s character changes, with split bridges and ‘barrel roofed’ cottages becoming a feature.

At Stratford you can moor opposite the theatre before joining the River Avon. Stratford-Upon-Avon is one of the UK’s most important cultural areas, and is mainly celebrated as the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare. Stratford is home to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and boasts over three million visitors each year. The town also offers stunning riverside views and perfectly preserved architecture. A must visit.

Performing Shakespeare at Stratford upon Avon

The Avon then meanders down to Tewkesbury, before passing through Evesham, where you join the River Severn for a short trip up to Worcester.

Evesham is a market town that sits between Worcester and Stratford Upon Avon. It once housed the third biggest Abbey in England, which was founded in the year 701. Despite its destruction during the dissolution of the monasteries, its lovely bell tower remains and is well worth visiting.  Now known as the Almonry Heritage Centre, it features exhibitions about the Abbey, the battle of Evesham in 1265, horticulture in the area, Anglo-Saxon burial treasure, 18th Century clothing and the impact of war upon this little market town. For children, this is a wonderful place full of exciting treasures to discover and during school holidays Activity Packs are available with trails, puzzles and crafts for children to do.

Almonry Heritage Centre

Worcester is a beautiful city of historical importance. It was here that Oliver Cromwell’s army defeated the Cavaliers of King Charles II in the final battle of the English Civil War. The city is bisected by the River Severn and is overlooked by its beautiful 12th century cathedral. Worcester is also renowned for its prominence in the manufacturing and glove making industries of the 18th and 19th centuries.

All routes from this base

Short Routes From Stoke Prior: