The Severn Vale Discovery Cruise
6
Nights Long
90
Miles of Cruising
8
Included Tours & Excursions
Explore the Severn Vale
The Severn Vale Discovery Cruise is new for 2023 and is designed for those that want to discover more of the surrounding area near the River Severn and Gloucester to Sharpness Ship Canal. We're continuing to visit some of our favourite excursions but have added in some new ones, too.
Highlights
New Destinations To Discover
This cruise is packed full of glorious views, history and wildlife.
Whether you are taking in the sunsets in Worcester or Purton, watching the Kingfishers hunt or taking in the panoramic views of the Malvern Hills, this cruise is a feast for the eyes and the senses.
Whilst you absorb everything this fantastically traditional English region has to offer, we have the best seats on the river! Our top viewing deck is 15 feet off the water, but if you'd rather sit inside there are plenty of large windows and comfy seats in the saloon to help you relax and watch the views drift by.
Available April to October
Reduced rates and two single cabins available on this cruise in on our Low Rate Dates.
Itinerary
Day One - Gloucester to Upper Lode
Day Two - Upper Lode to Worcester
Day Three - Diglis Fish Pass, Upton Upon Severn and Morgan Motors
Day Four - Gloucester Docks
Day Five - Slimbridge WWT and Purton Hulks Barge Graveyard
Day Six - Tewkesbury
Day Seven - Departure Day
*Meal Times are 8.30 am Breakfast, 12.30 pm Lunch and 6.30 pm Dinner. Some cruises have lunch ashore during excursions which passengers must buy at their expense. The above itinerary is subject to change based on weather, tide and local conditions or events.
The MV Edward Elgar
All our cruises in England are on board the 4-star rated Edward Elgar hotel boat. With just 22 passengers and 5 crew, it provides a unique atmosphere whilst our crew look after everything.
98% of our passengers rate our service as "Good" or "Excellent" value for money. That's because we include:
Upgrade to the Plus Package and Stay at The Hatherley Manor Hotel and Spa
The Hatherley Manor Hotel and Spa is now our local hotel partner for pre-cruise hotel stays. Stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis with free access to the spa.
Twin or Double Rooms
Stay in a twin or double room, all are easy access on the ground floor.
Easy Check-in
Arrive when it suits you so you don't need to rush. On the boarding day of the cruise you are now only a short journey away.
Spa Access
Free access to the on site spa during your stay.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
Your package includes a continental breakfast, and up to ยฃ32pp to spend on dinner in hotel restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the "Plus" package and the "Standard" package?
Both the plus and standard packages include your cabin on board, excursion entry fees if included in your cruise itinerary, food on the boat, unlimited tea and coffee, and house pour drinks from the bar. The packages relate to hotel upgrades and parking:
Standard Package: This includes the onboard amenities and services described above only. Parking is extra at a per-night charge.
Plus Package: This includes everything in the standard package but also dinner, bed and breakfast at our partner hotel (ยฃ32pp allowance on food items only for dinner at the hotel), parking during the cruise OR a taxi transfer from the hotel if you arrive by public transport, and a souvenir pack.
What do I have to pay and when?
Secure your booking with a 20% per cabin deposit. Balance payments must be paid in full 90 days before the cruise is due to depart.
I'm a single traveller. Do you have single cabins and single rates?
Yes. The Edward Elgar and Deborah only musthave twin cabins on board, but we do have single rates available on all cruises. Please note that to make a single booking, you will need to do so by phone by calling us on 01452 410411 as single bookings cannot be booked online.
All our scheduled cruises will have at least one cabin available at a single rate. Cruises departing in April and October will have two single-rate cabins on every sailing.
Is there parking & is it secure?
Yes. We have on-site parking at the boarding point in Gloucester which is covered, locked and has CCTV.
Parking is ยฃ7 per night on our standard package and included in the "Plus" package.
I have reduced mobility, is this suitable for me?
We have been inspected by VisitEngland and received an M1 mobility rating. This means we are considered to be suitable for older and less agile guests with sufficient mobility to climb a flight of steps but who would benefit from fixtures and fittings to aid balance. If you would like a full copy of our access guidance then you can find it here.
Do you allow children?
Our holidays are designed to be completely laid back and relaxed. We do not usually allow bookings with children as it is an adult only setting. However, if you charter the vessel in full for Christmas cruises, we do allow children but we ask that children are a minimum of 7 years old for safety reasons.
Do you allow dogs?
Non service dogs are not permitted on board. If you want to bring a service dog then please call us to discuss your needs on 01452 410411.
Do I need travel insurance cover?
Yes. It is very important in case you have to cancel unexpectedly. We do not sell travel insurance but we will provide you with details of travel insurance providers that can arrange suitable cover for one of our cruises. You can use any insurer and we don't insist you use our partner insurer. It is important you purchase coverage as soon as you have booked your holiday. Having travel insurance is a condition of travel with English Holiday Cruises. Here is the link to our partner insurer, Just Travel Cover.
What happens if I need to cancel? What are your terms of booking?
Please make sure you have familiarised yourself and everyone in your party with our terms of booking and cancellation policy.
I have already made a booking. Where can I get the boarding pack information?
Please go to our FAQ Page for boarding pack downloads and how to find us.
Severn Vale Discovery Cruise Pricing & Availability
2025 Pricing
80% of our passengers choose a hotel extension package when taking a six night cruise. Upgrade to the plus package to have a seven night holiday, from only an extra ยฃ129 per person.
Standard Package
2026
Off-Peak Rate - ยฃ1,950
Peak Rate - ยฃ2,150
Per Person Twin Sharing
Off-Peak Rate - ยฃ2,920
Peak Rate - ยฃ3,220
Per Person Single Occupancy
Not got far to come? Our six night cruises now welcome guests from 11.30am on boarding day. If you have an easy journey to Gloucester and don't have concerns about getting to us on time without having to rush, then maybe the standard package is for you. Includes the cruise, pre boarding lunch but parking is extra at the current daily rate.
Plus Package
2026
Off-Peak Rate ยฃ2,079
Peak Rate ยฃ2,279
Per Person Twin Sharing
Off-Peak Rate ยฃ3,095
Peak Rate ยฃ3,395
Per Person Single Occupancy
Take the Plus package if you have something to celebrate or want to go all in. You get a pre-cruise stay at our partner hotel with dinner, bed and breakfast. Pre-boarding lunch on boarding day. Parking is included at no extra cost, and we also provide some free souvenirs!
Check Availability & Securely Book Online Today
The next available departure is shown. To find more availability, click the date and scroll through the calendar. This cruise departs on a Monday. Available departures are shown in green.
Have a discount code? Watch this to learn how to use it when booking online.
Severn Vale Discovery Cruise
The next available departure is shown. To find more availability, click the date and scroll through the calendar. This cruise departs on a Monday. Available departures are shown in green.
PLEASE NOTE - Prices below are per CABIN based on twin sharing. Single cabins can only be booked by phone on 01452410411
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English Holiday Cruises Ltd. Registered in England and Wales Company Number 05207004. Registered Address: Windsor House, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3AT. Please visit the Contact Us page for our correspondence address.
