Luxury River Dining Cruises christmas & new year Now Available
A Warm Welcome On Our Dining Cruise Awaits on Board
Relaxing River Cruises Great Food A Happy Team
The Countess Experiences
Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Join us for a relaxed 3-hour lunch or dinner cruise along the beautiful River Avon. Drift through historic locks to the charming village of Luddington, where you can hop off for a drink by the weir before heading back on board.
Enjoy a freshly cooked 3-course meal, great wines, and handcrafted cocktails, all served by our friendly crew. As the light softens over the river, it’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a truly memorable evening on the water.
£55 p/p
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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
Afternoon Tea Cruise
Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Treat your group to a 90-minute Afternoon Tea cruise on The Countess, perfect for parties of 15 or more. Relax on the gentle River Avon while you enjoy freshly brewed tea, seasonal sandwiches, and homemade scones with clotted cream and jam.
Add a glass of bubbly or a cocktail for a little extra sparkle. It’s a laid-back, delicious way to celebrate—or simply unwind together on the water.
From £31.50 p/p
Minimum 15 guests per booking
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Reserve Your Afternoon Tea Date Today
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Bites - Explore our summer and light lunch menus below.
About Us
Our Legacy
Since 1990, The Countess has been Stratford-upon-Avon’s much-loved dining barge—run by owner Nick Longden, who’s been welcoming guests aboard for over 30 years.
Step inside and you’ll find good, honest, freshly cooked food, great drinks and cocktails, and a friendly crew who make everyone feel right at home. Our menus are built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, offering hearty, flavourful dishes perfect for a relaxing lunch, cosy dinner cruise, chef’s table evening, or private celebration.
Warm, welcoming, and wonderfully unique—The Countess is all about great food, good company, and unforgettable moments on the river.
The Perfect Christmas 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!
The Countess Specials
Your Unique Wedding
Private Events Aboard
Private Events Aboard
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
Private Events Aboard
Private Events Aboard
Private Events Aboard
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.
The Countess Journey
A Grand Welcome & Setting Sail
The First Weir – A Gentle Descent
The First Weir – A Gentle Descent
Your experience begins at the vibrant Bancroft Basin, nestled between the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the historic town center. As you step aboard our 70ft luxury cruiser, you’ll be greeted with the warm hospitality that has made the Countess a Stratford icon.
Settle into your reserved table in our centrally heated, glass-sided saloon. A
Your experience begins at the vibrant Bancroft Basin, nestled between the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the historic town center. As you step aboard our 70ft luxury cruiser, you’ll be greeted with the warm hospitality that has made the Countess a Stratford icon.
Settle into your reserved table in our centrally heated, glass-sided saloon. As we cast off from the dock, enjoy your first glimpses of the world-famous theatre and the bustling riverside gardens with a drink in hand.
The First Weir – A Gentle Descent
The First Weir – A Gentle Descent
The First Weir – A Gentle Descent
The journey truly begins as we approach the first weir. This is a highlight for many guests—a feat of traditional engineering that allows the Countess to transition from the canal basin into the main river channel.
Watch from your window as the boat gently descends. It’s a peaceful, slow-motion moment that marks your entry into the wider, more majestic stretches of the River Avon.
Meandering Through History
The First Weir – A Gentle Descent
Meandering Through History
Now in the main river channel, we cruise downstream for approximately 15 minutes. This stretch of the river is steeped in beauty and history.
Keep your camera ready for the Holy Trinity Church (Shakespeare’s final resting place) and the weeping willows that line the banks.
This is often when our first courses are served. Enjoy gourmet Briti
Now in the main river channel, we cruise downstream for approximately 15 minutes. This stretch of the river is steeped in beauty and history.
Keep your camera ready for the Holy Trinity Church (Shakespeare’s final resting place) and the weeping willows that line the banks.
This is often when our first courses are served. Enjoy gourmet British cuisine crafted from locally sourced Warwickshire produce as the scenic countryside drifts by.
Navigating the Next Weir
The First Weir – A Gentle Descent
Meandering Through History
As we continue our voyage towards the quiet village of Luddington, we encounter our next weir and lock system.
The Atmosphere: The sound of rushing water and the precision of the navigation create a sense of old-world adventure. Our expert crew handles the transition seamlessly, allowing you to focus on your meal and the company of your guests.
The Scenic Lower Reaches
The Turnaround & Return Journey
The Turnaround & Return Journey
The cruise opens up into a more secluded and wild section of the River Avon. This stage is all about tranquility and nature.
Wildlife & Nature: Look out for kingfishers, herons, and swans. The river banks here light up beautifully during our evening cruises, creating a romantic, glowing atmosphere that is unique to the Countess.
The Turnaround & Return Journey
The Turnaround & Return Journey
The Turnaround & Return Journey
As we reach our destination point near Luddington, the Captain skillfully turns the Countess around.
The return journey offers a second chance to catch any sights you missed, all while you enjoy dessert, coffee, or a signature cocktail. We glide back toward the heart of Stratford, arriving back at the dock with memories (and photos) to last a lifetime.
View Customer's Photos of Our Food
