Full Spring & Summer Cruises Now Available
Stratford’s Iconic Dining & Cruising Experience
Full Spring & Summer Cruises Now Available
Since 1990, The Countess has been Stratford-upon-Avon’s only iconic dining cruise, offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience on the serene waters of the River Avon. Combining fine dining, handcrafted cocktails, and breathtaking scenery, we create an atmosphere of elegance and romance, perfect for special occasions, celebrations, and unforgettable evenings.
At the heart of The Countess is our exceptional dining experience, our menus are crafted by Chef Matt Barnes with the finest locally sourced ingredients, offering seasonal gourmet dishes that elevate riverside dining to new heights. Whether you’re enjoying a lunch or dinner cruise, an exclusive chef’s table event, or a private dining experience, every dish is designed to delight.
Join us for a 3-hour fine dining lunch and dinner cruise along the stunning River Avon. Sail through historic canal locks to the quaint village of Luddington, where you’ll step ashore for a drink overlooking a stunning weir. Back on board, enjoy a luxurious 3-course meal crafted by our expert Chef using the finest local ingredients—paired with fine wines and handcrafted cocktails. As evening falls, magical riverside lighting sets the scene for an unforgettable experience combining gourmet cuisine, tranquil waters, and timeless charm.
£55 p/p
Book Your Exclusive Dining Cruise Today
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Monday to Friday Dinner Cruise
Board 7.00pm - Arrive back 10.30pm
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Saturday & Sunday Lunch Cruise
Board 11.30am - Depart 12- Arrive Back 3pm
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Saturday Dinner Cruise
Board 7.00pm - Arrive back 10.30pm
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Sunday Dinner Cruise
Board 6pm - Depart 6.30pm - Arrive back 9.30pm
Escape for 90 blissful minutes aboard our Countess Lunch Cruise—a peaceful daytime experience through the scenic heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Glide past Warwickshire’s stunning countryside and historic canal locks while soaking in the natural beauty and riverside wildlife. Enjoy a hearty 2-course lunch featuring our signature Steak & Ale pie with herby parmentier potatoes, minted peas, and rich gravy, followed by a decadent Tart au Chocolat. Vegan pie available on request. Simple, flavourful food in a calming setting—perfect for a midday retreat
£35 p/p
Book Now
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Availability Weekdays May 2025 - September 2025
Board 12.15pm - Depart 12.30
Arrive back 2pm
Treat your group to a 90-minute Afternoon Tea cruise aboard The Countess, perfect for 15 or more guests. Drift along the tranquil River Avon, taking in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside as you enjoy freshly brewed tea, delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, and a tempting selection of sweet treats. Add a glass of bubbly or a handcrafted cocktail for a touch of extra indulgence. A refined riverside experience that blends elegance, flavour, and relaxation—ideal for special occasions or simply unwinding in style.
From £30 p/p
Minimum 15 guests per booking
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Reserve Your Afternoon Tea Date Today
Celebrate your dream wedding aboard The Countess, Stratford-upon-Avon’s most stunning and unique wedding venue. Exchange vows on the tranquil waters of the River Avon, arriving from your religious venue to a grand red carpet entrance. Step into our elegantly styled interiors, where every detail is designed to create a romantic and unforgettable experience.
Enjoy exquisite dining options, expertly crafted by Chef Matthew Barnes, tailored to your tastes with locally sourced gourmet cuisine. Our experienced wedding team ensure that your day reflects your personal style and vision.
With customisable cruising options, with a breathtaking riverside backdrop, your wedding will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
No wonder 80% of our wedding couples return to celebrate their anniversaries each year!
Reserve Your Dream Wedding Date
Host a private event aboard The Countess, Stratford-upon-Avon’s most unique venue on the River Avon. Enjoy a special experience, whether you would like to join us for a corporate event, staff party, tour group gathering, birthday, anniversary, or private celebration. Our expert team curates every detail, from gourmet dining and handcrafted cocktails to breathtaking river views, ensuring a seamless and memorable occasion.
With flexible venue hire options, we create bespoke experiences for groups of all sizes.
Call us today to discuss your requirements and let us craft an extraordinary event just for you.
Starters/Appetisers
Our chef uses the best seasonal produce of the day to make his legendary Countess Soup, served with Crusty Bread
Served with redcurrent jelly, pickles & crispy bread
Goats Cheese Mousse, Micro Salad, chopped toasted Hazelnuts
Mains Courses
Crushed New Potatoes, Seasonal Asparagus and Roast Chicken Velouté
Crushed New Potatoes, Seasonal Peas & Asparagus served with Minted Lamb Jus
Crushed New Potatoes, Seasonal Peas & Asparagus and Vegetable Jus
Desserts
Served with Raspberry Coulis
Chefs Selection of Cheeses, Pickles, Fruits and Crackers.
For 2 or 4
Tender Stem Broccoli
Chantenay Carrots
Artisan Bread Rolls
Marinated Mixed Olives
Mixed Salad of the Day
Margarita As it Comes or Spicy
Espresso Martini
Mimosa
Passion Fruit Martini
Aperol Spritz
Pimms
English Bloody Mary
Pink Raspberry Lemonade Mocktail
Penne alla Bolognese with Mozzarella
Penne alla Pomodoro with Mozzarella
Dessert
Mixed Fresh Fruit with Milk Chocolate Mascarpone or Vanilla Ice cream Scoops
Dietary Restrictions, Allergy Free, Vegan, GF Options available on request at booking .
We cannot guarantee we can meet dietary needs without notice as all product it brought on board daily.
Images guidance only Seasonal Dishes & Menus May Vary.
V/GF & Allergies Accommodated For. PLEASE ADVISE STAFF & RESERVATIONS 48 HOURS PRIOR. As we can't guarantee special requests after boarding.
Served with Herby Parmentier Potatoes, Crushed Minted Peas & Gravy
VEGAN option on request
SIDES
Blanched Tender Stem Broccoli (V/GF/VG)
Mixed Leaf Salad Bowl with Balsamic Dressing (V/GF/ VG)
Mixed Olives (V/GF/VG)
Rustic Bread Roll selection (V)
Surcharge £7
Tart au Chocolate
Cheese & Biscuits
Surcharge £9 for Two
V/GF & Allergies Accommodated For. PLEASE ADVISE STAFF & RESERVATIONS 48 HOURS PRIOR. As we can't guarantee special requests after boarding.
Get On Board!
Join us at The Countess for an unforgettable cruising dining experience.
Call Us On 07836 769499
Email Us reservations@the-countess.com
Use the enquiry form below
We love our customers, so feel free to visit. You will find us moored opposite the RSC in Bancroft Basin. Our cruises start from 11.30am daily.
Mon | 09:00 – 23:00 | |
Tue | 09:00 – 23:00 | |
Wed | 09:00 – 23:00 | |
Thu | 09:00 – 23:00 | |
Fri | 09:00 – 23:00 | |
Sat | 09:00 – 23:00 | |
Sun | 09:00 – 23:00 |
Looking for the perfect gift? The Countess gift cards are the perfect way to show your loved ones how much you care. Treat them to a unique cruising experience with delicious food and drinks!
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