Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 39 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
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
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.
Hatton Locks & Return
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.
One week routes
Stratford & Warwick
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.
Stratford & Birmingham
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.
Two week routes
Avon Ring
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.
Warwickshire Ring
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.
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.
