English Holiday Cruises

Edward Elgar cruising under Holt Bridge on the River Severn

'Cruise to the Views' - 6 nights

Enjoy the Views and History of the Cotswolds River Severn

This English holiday cruise is an elegant river cruise and tour, one of the best package holidays in England. We combine our Weekend Break on the big canal with our River Severn Heritage cruise. This all makes for a superb touring holiday with plenty of opportunities for walking, bird watching, shopping, friendly socialising and quiet relaxation. As usual, the Edward Elgar Riverboat Hotel will be serving up delicious meals along the way to match the best European river cruises.

Board on Friday, Sail on Saturday

Board the Edward Elgar Riverboat Hotel in Gloucester Docks on Friday at 6pm, unpack and enjoy dinner before retiring to your cosy cabin. On Saturday, we cruise down the Gloucester & Sharpness Ship Canal and moor up near Slimbridge. After lunch, we taxi you for your inclusive tour of the Slimbridge WildFowl and Wetlands Centre . Then we sail on to Sharpness for some fabulous views over the Severn Estuary to the Forest of Dean. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner. You may also like to walk to the historic Purton Hulks nearby.

‘It was an excellent holiday in every way’ - Miss S of York

Stroll into Frampton and Tour Gloucester on Sunday

On Sunday morning we cruise to the quaint village of Frampton for a short walk into the village. We serve Sunday lunch as you sail back to Gloucester, where we moor up around 1.30pm. In the afternoon we provide a fascinating guided tour around the Historic Gloucester Docks to Gloucester Cathedral, where you might like to join a public guided tour. Alternatively, visit the fabulous Designer Shops at Gloucester Quays. After dinner, there is some fun live entertainment

‘An excellent and First class Holiday! Thank you all'

Sail Monday to Upton Upon Severn, Tuesday to the Historic City of Worcester

On Monday we cruise to the picturesque town of Upton-upon-Severn, passing through two huge and historic locks on the way. After lunch you can take a short stroll to visit the ‘Pepperpot’ church tower and Heritage Centre, or a longer walk alongside the river on the Severn Way. There is also the fantastic Tudor House Museum to visit. In the evening, we stage the Captain’s cocktail party before dinner. On Tuesday the cruise continues through some beautiful countryside with views of the Malvern Hills all the way to our mooring in the shadow of the Cathedral at Worcester. In the afternoon we provide a guided tour of Worcester Cathedral and you may also visit the civil war Commandery or walk into the extensive main shopping centre.

‘Superb! We will return’ - Charlie & Rose of Manchester

Return Downstream via the Abbey at Tewkesbury

On Wednesday morning we head back south to Tewkesbury where you may enjoy a leisurely walk to the 12th Century Abbey or a longer walk around Tewkesbury Ham. In the evening, sit down for our final dinner together and some memorable live entertainment. On Thursday morning we cruise back to Gloucester. After breakfast, there is plenty of time to take in the views and enjoy a thrilling ride up through Gloucester Lock from the river to the main docks. You disembark around 11 am to reflect on an elegant river cruise and tour which is one of the best package holidays in England.

‘The views from the top deck in beautiful sunshine were glorious and we enjoyed the commentary on the way’