The River Avon in Warwickshire winds through the heart of the English countryside, combining natural beauty with historical significance. Often referred to as the Warwickshire Avon, this river has its source near Naseby in Northamptonshire and flows southwest, passing through several charming towns and villages before joining the River Severn at Tewkesbury. In Warwickshire, it runs through historic places like Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick, offering scenic views and connections to England’s cultural heritage.
The Avon’s history dates back to Roman times, and it has long been a vital waterway for transport and trade. In the 17th century, it was navigable from Tewkesbury to Stratford, but by the 19th century, sections fell into disrepair. Restoration efforts began in the mid-20th century, and today, the river is once again fully navigable between Tewkesbury and Stratford-upon-Avon.
For boaters, the navigable section of the river between Stratford and Tewkesbury spans about 47 miles, featuring 17 locks. These locks, maintained by the Avon Navigation Trust, control water levels and help boats traverse the river’s changing elevations. The locks are manually operated, giving boaters a hands-on experience as they travel along the river.
The Avon is connected to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, providing a gateway to the canal network of England. At Tewkesbury, it meets the River Severn, which offers navigation south toward Gloucester and the Severn Estuary or north toward Worcester. These connections make the Avon a key part of the inland waterway system, linking the West Midlands to other parts of the country.
One of the most interesting features of the Warwickshire Avon is its association with William Shakespeare, who was born and died in Stratford-upon-Avon. The river runs right through the town, with the picturesque Bancroft Gardens and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre located along its banks. This stretch of the Avon is particularly popular with visitors, offering a tranquil backdrop to the cultural and literary heritage of the area.
Along the river, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife, including swans, herons, and kingfishers. There are also many historic bridges crossing the Avon, such as the stone Clopton Bridge in Stratford, which dates back to the 15th century, and Bidford Bridge, with its medieval origins.
For those traveling by boat, the Avon offers a unique journey through the Warwickshire countryside, past castles, historic towns, and lush landscapes, blending leisure boating with glimpses of England’s storied past.
YouTube Videos
- Minimal List – 118 – Finally allowed onto the River Avon
- Minimal List – 119 – Battling upstream on the River Avon to Pershore
- Minimal List – 120 – Our Least Favourite Lock! EVER!
- Minimal List – 121 – Blue Skies, Sheep Nuggets and a Celebrity Spot on the River Avon
- Minimal List – 122 – Not welcome in Bidford-on-Avon
- Minimal List – 123 – Not the only boat cruising the Avon after all
- Minimal List – 124 – Going Over Bard; Luddington to Stratford on the River Avon
- Minimal List – 125 – The very end of the Navigable Avon and back to Stratford Basin