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

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.

Routes from this base

Short Break routes

Stratford and Return: 34 locks 12 hours
Stop the first night at Wilmcote near Mary Arden's house, then reach Stratford by lunchtime next day. Moor in the beautiful canal basin and visit the town where the many half-timbered buildings give the visitor a glimpse of the town as it was in Shakespeare's day.

Hatton Locks and Return: 36 locks 16 hours
Cruise north to Kingswood junction then down the rural Grand Union Canal to the top of the Hatton flight of locks and return.

One Week routes

Stratford and Warwick: 53 locks 38 hours
Travel south to Stratford and then return past the base to descend the Hatton flight to Warwick and its famous Castle.

Stratford and Birmingham: 106 locks 42 hours
Travel south to Stratford and then return past the base on the Stratford Canal to the centre of Birmingham and its restored canalside near the National Sea Life Centre and the National Indoor Arena. Enjoy the city life then return back to base

Two Week routes

Avon Ring: 130 locks 58 hours
A world famous Ring that contrasts the quiet of the Avon with the locks of the Lickey Hills. Take time to visit the beautiful towns such as Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon, Worcester with its magnificent cathedral, and Tewkesbury. Time spent on the River Avon costs an extra license fee, which is payable on the River.

Warwickshire Ring: 155 locks 60 hours
Almost totally rural route passing wonderful landmarks including Warwick Castle, with its Madame Tussaud's waxwork museum, the canal village of Braunston, and the fashionable and cosmopolitan Gas Street Basin in the heart of Birmingham on the Birmingham Canal Navigation.

We would not advise first timers to cruise from Wootton Wawen as it is quite heavily locked, and some may find it too much.