English Holiday Cruises

Edward Elgar cruising under Holt Bridge on the River Severn

Grand Canal Cruise - 4 nights

Stunning Countryside and Fascinating Guided Tours

This cruise is designed for the more inquisitive holidaymakers who may be looking for a short sightseeing break and a canal boat trip. The Edward Elgar Riverboat Hotel sails along the massive Gloucester to Sharpness Canal, stops off at more ports of call and takes you to more of the nearby sights than our other river cruises. There are also opportunities for walking and bird-watching. The price for this package holiday includes all the side coach trips, entry charges and guided tours around Gloucester Cathedral, Tewkesbury Abbey, Berkeley Castle and the Slimbridge Wetlands Centre.

Start in Gloucester

Board the Edward Elgar Riverboat Hotel in Gloucester Docks on Wednesday at 6pm, unpack and enjoy dinner. We usually run a table quiz after dinner before you retire to your cosy cabin.

A Unique Cathedral and Awesome Abbey

On Thursday morning walk to the nearby Gloucester Cathedral for a guided tour. This cathedral has a fascinating history and unusual architecture which the guide will bring to life. Over lunch, we cruise down the big Gloucester to Sharpness Canal to Sellars Bridge. In the afternoon, we coach you to Tewkesbury and our guided tour around Tewkesbury Abbey, which has the biggest Norman Tower in the UK. Back on board, there is the Captain’s cocktail party and a delicious dinner.

‘Thank you for the supreme and sincere hospitality of a family business’

Cruise to the Slimbridge Wildfowl Centre

On Friday morning, we cruise to Slimbridge for lunch then taxi you to the nearby Slimbridge WildFowl and Wetlands Centre. We provide an inclusive guided tour of this famous birding centre founded by Sir Peter Scott and there are some excellent bird watching opportunities for both casual and keen birders. In the evening, you may like to take a short walk along the towpath to a nearby pub, the Tudor Arms.

‘This was our second holiday on the Edward Elgar and we have a strong feeling it won’t be the last.’ Bon Voyage!’ - Mr & Mrs Cunningham

Explore the Severn Estuary and the Longest Village Green in England

On Saturday, we cruise on to Sharpness where we moor up for a while so you can take a stroll beside the Severn Estuary and perhaps explore the Purton Hulks. We then cast off again to cruise to Frampton, where you may like to walk into the village to explore the longest village green in England. In the afternoon, we cruise to Saul Junction to explore the Cotswolds Canal Trust and the new Saul Marina. In the evening, there is some memorable live entertainment.

‘A most relaxing and interesting touring holiday – The Cathedrals and Castles were enthralling’

Discover the History of Berkeley Castle

On Sunday morning, we take you by coach to the nearby Berkeley Castle for a guided tour. This castle has the distinction of housing a single family lineage for longer than any other castle in the country – so there is a fascinating history to discover. After lunch, we sail back to Gloucester and disembark at 4pm to finish an excellent short sightseeing break and one of the best canal boat holidays in the UK.

Book your Grand Canal Holiday Cruise Now

This cruise is normally devoted to Groups & Tour Operators but we do have LATE AVAILABILITY on our Grand Canal Cruise boarding 6th October It is simple to book a cruise holiday with us, just check out our Dates and Rates, call us on 01452-410411 to reserve your cabin then complete our Booking Form 2010 or 2011.

You can also make an online enquiry or request a brochure.

A sightseeing break - on the Edward Elgar