Sports and the Outdoors

Avon Boating. From April to October, Avon Boating rents out rowboats, punts, and canoes by the hour (£7). You can also hire a motorboat (£35 per hour), and river cruises (£7) are available onboard one of the quaint Edwardian passenger vessels. There are also gin cruises (£22.50) offered in conjunction with Shakespeare Distillery. Swan’s Nest Boathouse, Swan's Nest La., Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS. 01789/267073; www.avon-boating.co.uk.

Bancroft Cruisers. A family-run business, Bancroft Cruises runs regular 45-minute guided excursions (£7) along the Avon with lots of Shakespeare trivia thrown in. When booking, ask about the afternoon tea package. Crowne Plaza, Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6YR. 01789/269669; www.bancroftcruisers.co.uk.