Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 39 near Stratford upon Avon

Canal Holiday near Stratford upon Avon

Your gateway to Shakespeare Country and the heart of rural England.

About the location

Base 39 is in Shakespeare country at the heart of rural England. It is a day's cruise from Stratford upon Avon, home of William Shakespeare, arguably England's greatest playwright. The famous Navigation Inn is next to the base.

The base is run by one of the large canal boat operators and offers a full range of short break, week and longer cruises.

  • Short breaks, one-week and two-week cruises
  • Day's cruise from Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Worcester cathedral
  • Evesham Abbey
Avon Ring Map - Where in the UK

Routes from this base

Your holiday isn't tied to a specific route. You simply hire a boat for the time you choose, then explore the canals however you like. Our short-break, week, and two week routes are just ideas to help you plan your ideal canal holiday.

Short break routes (3 - 4 nights)

Stratford & Return

34 locks • 12 hours cruising

Stop the first night at Wilmcote near Mary Arden's house, then reach Stratford by lunchtime the next day. Moor in the beautiful canal basin and visit the town where the many half-timbered buildings give a glimpse of Shakespeare's England.

Countryside near Wilmcote

Hatton Locks & Return

36 locks • 16 hours cruising

Cruise north to Kingswood Junction, then down the rural Grand Union Canal to the top of the Hatton flight of locks and return. A great choice if you enjoy impressive lock engineering and open countryside.

Hatton flight of locks

One week routes

Stratford & Warwick

53 locks • 38 hours cruising

Travel south to Stratford and then return past the base to descend the Hatton flight to Warwick and its famous castle. A perfect mix of riverside town, countryside and iconic fortress.

Warwick Castle from the river

Stratford & Birmingham

106 locks • 42 hours cruising

Travel south to Stratford and then return past the base on the Stratford Canal to the centre of Birmingham. Enjoy the restored canalside near the National Sea Life Centre and the National Indoor Arena before returning to base.

Mary Ardens House

Two week routes

Avon Ring

130 locks • 58 hours cruising

A world-famous ring that contrasts the quiet of the River Avon with the locks of the Lickey Hills. Visit beautiful towns such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester with its magnificent cathedral, and Tewkesbury.

Time spent on the River Avon requires an additional licence fee, payable on the river.

Worcester Cathedral by the river

Warwickshire Ring

155 locks • 60 hours cruising

A largely rural route passing wonderful landmarks including Warwick Castle, the canal village of Braunston, and the fashionable, cosmopolitan Gas Street Basin in the heart of Birmingham.

Braunston canal village

Important note for first-time boaters

We would not advise first timers to cruise from Wootton Wawen as it is quite heavily locked, and some may find it too much. If you are new to canal boating, consider a shorter route or a less lock-heavy base.