Stratford-upon-Avon · The Rita Ellen
A day on the River Avon, made just for you
Bespoke private charters with a live local guide, real catering and a licensed bar, aboard our heated, fully enclosed cruiser.
- Live local guide
- Licensed bar
- Wheelchair lift aboard
- Dogs welcome
- Heated & fully enclosed
Private charters only
Your own stretch of the river, and a host who looks after every detail
We no longer run hop-on sightseeing trips. Every cruise is a private charter, booked just for you and your guests, from an hour to a full afternoon or evening.
You drift through Stratford’s two historic bridges, past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity church, then out into open Warwickshire countryside, herons, the odd kingfisher, and the Stratford swans for company.
A live local guide
Stratford's only river cruise with a real guide aboard, never a recording.
Genuinely accessible
A wheelchair lift from the mooring into the cabin, an accessible toilet, and crew trained to help you board.
Heated and enclosed
Fully enclosed and warm, so cruises run whatever the weather, all year round.
Real catering and a bar
Cream and afternoon teas, buffets and barbecues, with a licensed bar. The kettle is always on.
Dogs welcome
Four-legged guests are part of the family. Bring them along for the cruise.
Wildlife and quiet
Away from the crowds, into the countryside, with the river largely to yourselves.
The route
Where the Avon takes you
A round trip of about an hour each way, through the heart of Stratford and out into open country.
What's the occasion?
Charters for every kind of day
Whatever you are marking, we build the day around it, the timing, the food, the route and the little touches.
What guests say
Loved by visitors and locals alike
More than 400 reviews on TripAdvisor, with one name coming up again and again: Fiona, the owner and host.
A real treasure of a find. A personal commentary allowed us to interact and ask questions of Fiona, who had plenty of interesting information to share and tales to tell.
“There is a wheelchair lift into the boat and they could not be more helpful. My friend was made to feel like a million dollars instead of a second class citizen as she is in a chair.”
“I can't thank Bancroft Cruisers enough for the time, effort and thought they put into our wedding. They did everything possible to make sure we had our dream day.”
“A truly unique experience, and such a refreshing change from the standard corporate party. It's not often you can say you partied on a boat, spotted a heron and danced till you dropped, all in the same night.”
Food & drink
From cream teas to a riverside barbecue
Everything is made with Stratford caterers using local produce, and served on board as you cruise. Our signature afternoon tea arrives on pretty cake stands, with a glass of chilled Prosecco if you are celebrating.
Finger buffets, hot fork dining, canapes and on-location barbecues at Luddington Lock, all bespoke to your day.
The boat & access
The Rita Ellen, built for comfort and a proper welcome
An elegant event cruiser with fairy lights, fresh flowers and a warm welcome from the moment you step aboard.
Aboard
The Rita Ellen
- Guide
- A live local guide, never a recording
- Access
- Wheelchair lift aboard, accessible toilet, step-free, trained crew
- Bar & galley
- Fully licensed, and the kettle is always on
- Seating
- Tables of four with reserved seating
- Comfort
- Heated and fully enclosed, all year round
- Facilities
- Full-size flushing toilet and wash basin
- Capacity
- Up to 40 guests
- Mooring
- Crowne Plaza, five minutes from the car parks
Plan your day
Ready to plan your day on the river?
Tell us roughly what you have in mind and we will come back with an indicative price. Every cruise is bespoke.
- 01
Build a price
Use the cruise builder, it takes a minute.
- 02
We confirm the detail
Date, numbers, menu and timings.
- 03
All aboard
Your own day on the River Avon.