Sail the magnificent Severn
SAILING serenely along the River Severn, we sit back on deck and watch as England’s classic scenery slips past.There are the cathedrals – the beauty of Worcester, the grandeur of Gloucester – there are locks and bridges where people stand and wave and there are rural stretches, where herons stare as kingfishers dart about.
On the deck of river cruiser Edward Elgar – now a timeless floating hotel, creamcoloured with a regal red trim – we can sit comfortably for hours.
There is, however, the temptation to do so much more.
This might be gloriously peaceful but the Severn, and the Gloucester to Sharpness ship canal which shadows the river south from the city, are alive with attractions.
Our trip with English Holiday Cruises opens up the wonders of this part of the world, all served up with fine food and drink.
Edward Elgar carries only 22 guests so this is like a gently moving get-together where everyone gets to know each other in an informal atmosphere.
There’s a variety of shorter cruises, all with attractions and tours included, but the six-night SevernVale Discovery covers 90 miles and so many beauty spots on its tranquil voyage.We wander among the cranes and warblers at Slimbridge-Wetland Centre – just along the lane from where we dock – and later walk the banks at Purton Hulks, an eerie graveyard of barges sunk to stop river and canal drifting together.
Visits include Royal-Worcester Porcelain Museum, Cheltenham Spa and the wonderful Morgan Motor Company, while wandering around Gloucester Docks or watching fish darting through Diglis Fish Pass are relaxing insights into local traditions.
Cabins are comfy and cosy, there’s a bar area and a dining room where some guests are happy to sit and play cards and games.
Meals, of course, are included too.The four-course dinners, all created on board, are another example of wonderful Englishness.
I loved the beef braised in local beer and a starter of salmon cured in Cotswold orange gin. Breakfasts are the full English variety and lunches include a Sunday roast.
To make that laidback party atmosphere even better, unlimited house wine, beer, spirits, mixers and soft drinks are included – as is the wi-fi.There’s afternoon cake, too, as well as free tea and coffee all day. Evenings can involve local musicians climbing aboard while games and quizzes bring everyone even closer together.
A Severn cruise offers a world of beauty, from the swans swishing out of the way of the 4mph boat, to the distant panorama of the Malvern Hills, savouring the sunset on deck – G&T in hand – and enjoying dinner with a stunning view.
Sailing from Gloucester all the way up to Worcester then all the way down to Sharpness (as far as a craft this size can go) is a treasure trove of a voyage through the heart of England…