The Classic Severn Cruise - 2023 Itinerary

6

Nights Long

90

Miles of Cruising

8

Included Tours & Excursions

Experience The River Severn And Its Historic Towns And Cities

Launching in 2023, The Classic Severn Cruise takes in all the riverside highlights our passengers have enjoyed since we began cruising in 2005 as well as a new destination in the Cotswolds on a six night itinerary.

Highlights
Gloucester's Historic Docks 
Worcester Cathedral & Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum
Painswick Rococo Gardens in the Cotswolds
Stourport on Severn 
Upton Upon Severn & Great Western Steam Railway
Tewkesbury and Tewkesbury Abbey 

The Only Cruise To The Top Of The Severn Navigation

This cruise sails the full length of the navigable inland River Severn, from Gloucester to Stourport on Severn and is our only cruise which travels north of Worcester.

The Edward Elgar lowers her flybridge and upper deck to shoot under Worcester Bridge and then squeezes into locks only a few inches wider than her.

At every stop there is a Cathedral, Abbey, museum or place of historic interest.


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We expect this cruise to sell out before our season begins. Book today to avoid disappointment.

Highlights
Gloucester's Historic Docks 
Worcester Cathedral & Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum
Stourport on Severn 
Upton Upon Severn & Great Western Steam Railway
Tewkesbury Abbey
Painswick Rococo Gardens in the Cotswolds

Itinerary

Day One - Gloucester to Upper Lode Lock

11.30am: Check-in and park at our purpose-built canalside location "The Boathouse" near Gloucester. 
12pm: Welcome lunch and drinks.
1pm: Board the Edward Elgar
1.30pm: Set sail for Upper Lode Lock
6pm: Arrive Upper Lode Lock. Walk to the Historic Lower Lode Inn

Day Two - Upper Lode Lock to  Worcester 

8am: Set sail for Worcester
1pm: Arrive in Worcester
2pm: Guided tour of Worcester Cathedral and visit Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum.
6.30pm: Live pianist during dinner

Day Three - Worcester to Stourport to Bevere

7.30am: Set sail for Stourport. Deck Quoits en route.
10.30am: Arrive in at the Angel Inn, Stourport on Severn. Guided tour of Stourport Basins
4pm: Sail to Bevere Lock. Walk to the Camp House Inn.

Day Four - Bevere to Upton Upon Severn

8am: Set sail for Upton upon Severn.
11.30am: Arrive in Upton Upon Severn.
2pm: Coach to GWSR Steam railway.
8pm: Evening to explore Upton upon Severn.

Day Five - Upton Upon Severn - Tewkesbury - Gloucester

9.30am: Coach to Tewkesbury Abbey, returning 12.00
12.30pm: Set Sail for Gloucester.
4pm: Arrive in Gloucester and moor overnight.

Day Six - Gloucester and Painswick Rococo Gardens

9.30am: Walking Tour of Gloucester Docks enging at Gloucester Cathedral. Explore the Cathedral. 
12.30pm: Sail back to our home base, The Boathouse, during lunch.
2pm: Coach to Painswick Rococo Gardens in the Cotswolds. Guided tour.
4.30pm: Return to the boat.
6.30pm: Final night dinner party ashore in the Boathouse, with English Wine Tasting. 

Day Seven - Departure Day

8-9.30am: Breakfast served in the Boathouse.
10.00am: Checkout.

*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:
All meals with traditional English food. Special diets catered for.
Unlimited house pour wine, beer, spirits, mixers and soft drinks.
Tea & Fresh Coffee from our coffee machine at all times. 
Afternoon cake.
All tours and excursions listed on the cruise itinerary.
Unlimited free WiFi on board.
Live in crew providing hotel style service.
All cabins are twin en-suite with climate control and window. 
Reduced rate cabins for single occupancy on every cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to pay and when?

Secure your booking with a £200 per cabin deposit. Balance payments must be paid in full 60 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 £7 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 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?

Boarding Pack for Cruises Departing up to and including 24/7/23 - Download

Boarding Pack for Cruises Departing from 31/7/23 - Download

Pricing and Availability

In 2022, 90% of our passengers chose a hotel extension package when taking a six night cruise. Upgrade to the plus package to have a seven night holiday for only an extra £100 per person.

Standard Package

£1,850

Per Person Twin Sharing

£2,775

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.

Standard Cabin, on board service and complete cruise itinerary
All house pour drinks, meals and excursions during the cruise.
Pre boarding lunch during check in.
Car Parking or hotel taxi service included
1 night pre-cruise hotel stay
Pre-cruise hotel bed and breakfast
Dinner at pre-cruise hotel
Souvenir pack
No compulsory tipping or hidden extras.

Plus Package

£1,950

Per Person Twin Sharing

£2,875

Per Person Single Occupancy

 If you have something to celebrate or you just want to go all in, then take the Plus package. You get a pre-cruise stay at our partner hotel with dinner, bed and breakfast. Pre-boarding lunch Parking included at no extra cost and we also provide some free souvenirs!

Standard Cabin, on board service and complete cruise itinerary
All house pour drinks, meals and excursions during the cruise.
Pre boarding lunch during check in.
Car Parking or hotel taxi service included
1 night pre-cruise hotel stay
Pre-cruise hotel bed and breakfast
Dinner at pre-cruise hotel
Souvenir pack
No compulsory tipping or hidden extras.

Departure Dates

This cruise is currently scheduled to depart:

2023

1 (Coronation), 15 & 29 May, 12 & 26 June, 10,17 & 24 July, 7 & 21 August, 11 & 25 September

Please scroll down to the online booking area for live availability.

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All 2024 Sailing Dates Availability

Date Cruise Type Duration (nights) Availability
29/3/24 Easter Ship Canal Explorer Cruise 3 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
02/04/24 Ship Canal Explorer Cruise 3 Chartered Find out more Unavailable
05/04/24 Canal Getaway Cruise 2 Chartered Find out more Unavailable
09/04/24 The Severn Bore Cruise 4 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
15/04/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
22/04/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
29/04/24 Classic Severn Cruise 6 Over 50% Sold Find out more Book Now
01/05/24 Paris to Epernay & Champagne 6 Last Few Cabins Find out more Book Now
07/05/24 - New Date Steam Trains & Morgan Motors 5 Over 50% Sold Find out more Book Now
13/05/24 Classic Severn Cruise 6 Last Few Cabins Find out more Book Now
20/05/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
28/05/24 Steam Trains & Morgan Motors 5 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
03/06/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
10/06/24 Classic Severn Cruise 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
17/06/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
24/06/24 Classic Severn Cruise 6 Last Few Cabins Find out more Book Now
01/07/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
08/07/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
15/07/24 Classic Severn Cruise 6 Almost 50% Sold Find out more Book Now
22/07/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
29/07/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
05/08/24 Classic Severn Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Last Few Cabins Find out more Book Now
12/08/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Sold Out baqhFind out more Book Now
19/08/24 Classic Severn Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Last Few Cabins Find out more Book Now
27/08/24 English Vineyards & Wine Tasting Cruise 5 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
02/09/24 Classic Severn Cruise 6 Last Few Cabins Find out more Book Now
04/09/24 Paris & Medieval France 6 Sold Out Find out more Book Now
16/09/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise 6 Almost 50% Sold Find out more Book Now
23/09/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise 6 Almost 50% Sold Find out more Book Now
30/09/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Over 50% Sold Find out more Book Now
07/10/24 Severn Vale Discovery Cruise (Reduced Rate) 6 Almost 50% Sold Find out more Book Now
14/10/24 - NEW DATE Ship Canal Explorer Cruise 3 Almost 50% Sold Find out more Book Now
18/10/24 Canal Getaway Cruise 2 Chartered Find out more Unavailable

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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.

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