Avon Boating

Who they are

The boat company of Stratford-upon-Avon, based at the Swan's Nest Boathouse, next to Clopton Bridge. It runs the Edwardian-style passenger launches seen in front of the theatre, boats that, according to the company itself, are more than a hundred years old, and hires out boats to go it alone. Its fleet includes the Swan of Avon, the Thelma and the electric launch Elver. The website gives neither the founding date nor the owners' names.

What they do

The 30-minute public cruise leaves from Bancroft Gardens, next to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre: it goes down to Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried, and comes back up under Clopton Bridge. They leave every 15 or 30 minutes, weather permitting, and the ticket is bought on board.

At the Swan's Nest landing stage they hire out rowing boats for two to six people at £11 per person per hour, motor boats for up to five at £40 per half hour, punts, the pole-driven boats, at £11 per person per hour, large canoes for four to eight and the electric launch Elver, for six, at £65 for 45 minutes. There is also a Wheely Boat, an adapted electric launch that a wheelchair user can board and steer, at £65 per group. For groups they offer private charters on the Swan of Avon, for two to twelve people for 45 minutes, for £120 to £180, and hire out whole passenger boats, of up to 50 seats, as well as cruises with gin tasting.

Safety, children and dogs

On the hire boats, a life jacket is free and compulsory for under-16s and for anyone who cannot swim, and anyone can ask for one. The large canoes carry buoyancy aids. On the passenger boats they are not needed. Children of any age are welcome; babies travel in arms and count towards each boat's capacity, and there are baby life jackets for the hire boats. Dogs may board if under control, but neither they nor people may swim from the boats.

The passenger boats are boarded by steps, so they do not take wheelchairs; for those there is the Wheely Boat. Pushchairs are left at the landing stage, with limited space and at your own risk.

Bookings and season

Rowing boats and motor boats cannot be booked: you queue at the landing stage, and on sunny days it is best to arrive early. The electric launch, the punts and the Wheely Boat are booked online up to 24 hours ahead, and free slots are sold on the day. If it rains they try to keep running; the passenger boats are covered at the back, but in torrential rain or floods the service is reduced or suspended, and it is best to call 01789 267073 first. The season runs from Easter to autumn, and in winter the office is open Monday to Wednesday. The explanations on board are in English.