Inland canal and river boating

The River Avon passes through some of the most scenic parts of Worcestershire and Warwickshire. It involves working through 17 locks (most of which are unmanned) but a reward is to moor opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford.

	From Tewkesbury to Evesham the river was administered by The Lower Avon Navigation Trust . From Evesham to Stratford upon Avon was administered by the Upper Avon Navigation Trust .
Tewkesbury Lock

Navigating the River Avon

Access to the navigation is from the River Severn by locking up at Tewkesbury (see details) or from the narrow canal at Stratford upon Avon. The picturesque River Avon has many meanders and the passage is interupted by many locks. Most of the locks have to be worked by yourself but at busy holiday periods, members of the trust may be on hand to help you. In summer, boating on the River Avon is very popular with cruisers, hired narrowboats and experienced narrow canal boaters alike. Finding a mooring can be difficult at these times. The navigation is well signposted and in favourable conditions offers few problems. But remember, there is always a river current. The River Avon is prone to flooding and at these times, boats should moor up and wait for water levels to drop.

There are attractive river side villages, and the towns of Tewkesbury, Pershore, Evesham and Stratford upon Avon to visit.  It is possible to moor opposite the Royal Shakespeare theatre at Stratford. Detailed boating books for the River Avon are available and may be purchased from local bookshops or at Tewkesbury and Evesham locks.