English river cruises edward elgar biography

English Holiday Cruises is a family-run firm launched in and currently has one ship, Edward Elgar, a charming cream-coloured vessel with maroon trim and a vintage look. At first glance you might think the ship dates back to the jazz age s but it was purpose-built for the River Severn in the by a specialist boat builder at Stourport-on-Severn.

Visit England has certified the ship as a four star hotel boat and as well as its regular itineraries it has two and three-night Christmas cruises plus group bookings and private charters. This is not a fancy ship full of amenities but it does have a very special atmosphere thanks to the welcoming staff who are genuinely friendly from the welcome drink onwards.

One word sums up the lifestyle onboard Edward Elgar: peaceful. There is very little do except soak up the sun on the top deck, chat to other passengers in the saloon or cosy bar and enjoy the included guided tours if you feel like getting off.

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These include the strangely moving Barge Graveyard at Purton — a collection of old wooden and even concrete boats and barges deliberately breached beside the River Severn to prevent it breaking its banks. Free excursions on the short canal cruises include a visit to WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre where there are almost as many flamingos as swans, ducks and geese.

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