Business Details
14 Years
experience
Private River Cruises & Event Charters in Stratford-upon-Avon
Bancroft Cruisers has been providing bespoke river cruise experiences on the River Avon since 2012. As a family-run business, we specialize in private charters, guided sightseeing tours, and event cruises that showcase Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. Our heated cruiser 'The Rita Ellen' offers a unique combination of historical commentary, onboard catering, and accessible facilities including a wheelchair lift. With over a decade of experience, we pride ourselves on personalized service, having hosted everything from intimate family celebrations to corporate events and school excursions.Our expert guides deliver engaging narratives about local history and landmarks, while our partnerships with local caterers ensure exceptional food and drink options. We maintain a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, demonstrated through our consistent five-star reviews and repeat clientele. Our dedication to quality has made us Stratford's only river cruise operator offering live commentary from professional guides.
Services
Private Charters
Sightseeing Cruises
Corporate Events
School Excursions
Wedding Charters
Ashes Scattering
Afternoon Teas
BBQ Cruises
Group Travel
Special Occasion Cruises
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Family-run business with personalized service since 2012
- Only river cruise with live professional guides in Stratford
- Wheelchair accessible with dedicated facilities onboard
- Award-winning catering from local Stratford-based providers
- Customizable charters for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions
What people say
Fantastic service
Brilliant commentary
Lovely boat
Delicious cream tea
Perfect birthday experience
Services
Private Charter Cruises
Customizable private charters for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. The Rita Ellen accommodates up to 50 guests with full catering, decorations, and themed entertainment options. Ideal for creating unique river experiences with personalized itineraries.
Sightseeing Tours
45-minute to one-hour guided tours passing Shakespeare's landmarks. Features live historical commentary, river wildlife viewing, and scenic Warwickshire countryside vistas. Includes access to Holy Trinity Church and Royal Shakespeare Theatre locations.
Afternoon Tea Cruises
Traditional cream teas and afternoon teas served onboard. Features locally sourced scones, clotted cream, and finger sandwiches. Available for private groups or as scheduled public cruises with live entertainment options.
School Excursions
Curriculum-linked river tours for schools and colleges. Combines historical education with interactive commentary about Shakespearean history and local ecology. Includes discounted rates for educational groups.
Ashes Scattering Ceremonies
Dignified memorial charters for ashes scattering. Provides peaceful river locations away from public areas, with optional floral tributes and personalized ceremonies conducted by experienced staff.
People
Fiona
Owner & Skipper
With over a decade operating Stratford's only live-guided river cruises, Fiona combines hospitality expertise with local history knowledge. She personally manages bookings and often hosts special events.
Romeo
Tour Guide
Award-winning guide known for entertaining historical commentary. Has been featured in multiple five-star reviews for making educational content engaging and accessible to all ages.
Questions
What types of private charters do you offer?
We offer wedding charters, corporate events, birthday celebrations, school excursions, and ashes scattering ceremonies with customizable catering and itineraries.
Are your cruises wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we have a wheelchair lift from mooring to cabin and wheelchair-friendly toilet facilities onboard The Rita Ellen.
What food and drink options are available?
We offer traditional cream teas, afternoon teas, BBQs, and bespoke catering menus with hot/cold drinks and a fully licensed bar.
How long are your sightseeing cruises?
Standard sightseeing cruises last 45 minutes to one hour, with extended private charters available up to five hours.
What happens if river conditions change?
Cruises depend on weather and river conditions. We'll notify you in advance of any route changes or cancellations for safety.
Can we bring our own decorations?
Yes, we welcome personal decorations for special events and can assist with themed celebrations.
Reviews (4)
Jaspreet Kaur
Nov 18, 2021
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We used Bancroft River Cruises for the scattering of my grandmothers ashes. Myself and all of the family cannot fault the service and Fionas knowledge of different faiths and cultures. The boat was very clean and the masala chai was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all of the team.
Nav Chouhan
Apr 19, 2021
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We used Bancroft to facilitate the scattering of my fathers ashes. I have to say the team were fantastic prior to and during the event itself. The knowledge of the sikh culture was amazing. Thank you for making it painless as possible. Highly recommended!
S. Singh
May 30, 2020
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I can't comment on the cruises but I have found communication extremely poor. After several attempts at calling and emailing with regards to a booking to spread ashes there has been zero response.
Update: we managed to get a booking and the day could not have gone any smoother. Really accommodating and understanding. Nothing was too much. Very knowledgeable for all faith types too. I would highly recommend Bancroft for Ash spreading ceremonies.
Update: we managed to get a booking and the day could not have gone any smoother. Really accommodating and understanding. Nothing was too much. Very knowledgeable for all faith types too. I would highly recommend Bancroft for Ash spreading ceremonies.
Mrs. W.
Sep 10, 2019
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Lovely cruise, beautiful scenery.Very pleasant crew and the commentary is unobtrusive ...YOU choose if you want the commentary or not
