English Holiday Cruises

Edward Elgar cruising under Holt Bridge on the River Severn

The Full River Cruise - Our Flagship Holiday Cruise Experience - 6 nights

Our Full River Cruise aboard the Edward Elgar Riverboat Hotel provides our most elegant river cruise and tour to rival the best European river cruises. We combine superb views, sightseeing and an excursion on the Severn Valley Railway with more river cruising than the best boat cruise on the river Thames. There are also opportunities for walking, bird-watching and friendly socialising. We sail from Gloucester all the way up to Stourport-on-Severn and back over 7 days and 6 nights.

Sunday: Board and Sail to Tewkesbury

Board the Edward Elgar Riverboat Hotel on Sunday afternoon in Gloucester before casting off. We cruise up the River Severn for dinner and our overnight mooring just South of Tewkesbury. There you can visit the nearby Lower Lode Inn before retiring to your cosy cabin.

Monday: Cruise to Worcester

On Monday we cruise to Worcester, passing through two huge locks and enjoying good views of the Malvern Hills on the way. After lunch you may visit Worcester Cathedral nearby, the Civil War Commandery, or just go shopping. In the evening, we stage the Captain’s Cocktail Party.

‘Our 3rd Holiday with English Holiday Cruises. They seem to get better & better. Ambience, food & crew superb!’ – Mr & Mrs Nash, Southport

Tuesday: Sail to Stourport

On Tuesday we cruise up the river through three picturesque locks to Stourport-on-Severn. After lunch you may like to join our guided tour of the restored lock basin opposite our mooring.

‘My first ‘solo’ holiday and I have thoroughly enjoyed it!’

Wednesday: Excursion Day

After breakfast take our short coach trip up to Bewdley and board the acclaimed Severn Valley Steam Railway, for a fascinating rail trip up to Bridgenorth. This is an interesting town to explore, with strong links to the Industrial Revolution. In the evening we cast off again and cruise to a fine riverside restaurant to dine ashore.

‘We have enjoyed our first river cruise. The crew have been first class throughout the cruise. Hope to see you again in the near future’

Thursday: A Long Calm Cruise Back to Upton upon Severn

On Thursday morning we sail back down the river to Upton-upon-Severn. You can take a stroll over the bridge into this pretty little town and visit the ‘Pepperpot’ church tower Heritage Centre, or Tudor House Museum.

‘Probably the most relaxing cruise holiday I have ever had’

Friday: Return to Gloucester via Tewkesbury and Saturday: Disembark

On Friday morning we cruise to Tewkesbury where you may like to walk to the 12th Century Tewkesbury Abbey, which has the biggest Norman Tower in the country. Later on, we cruise back to Gloucester and enjoy a thrilling ride up through the lock from the river to the main docks. In the afternoon, join our interesting guided tour of the sights nearby, and visit Gloucester Cathedral or the Designer Shops at Gloucester Quays. In the evening, there is some excellent live entertainment after dinner. On Saturday morning we serve a generous continental breakfast before you disembark to look back on one of the best European river cruises available.