The River Avon at Evesham: Ferry Crossings, Walks and History

The River Avon at Evesham: Ferry Crossings, Walks and History

The River Avon at Evesham has shaped the town for more than a thousand years, and it is still one of the best ways to see the Vale of Evesham. Whether you want to cross by ferry, walk the riverbank or learn a little of the area’s history, this guide covers what you need to know. It is written by The Bridge Inn & Ferry in Offenham, about two miles from Evesham town centre.

River Avon at Evesham: the key facts

• Ferry: The Offenham Ferry runs daily from midday until 6 pm, seasonally and weather permitting. It does not run through the winter months.
• Routes and prices: a straight crossing is £2, and The Valley Country Park or Evesham town is £5. Under 14s travel at half price, and dogs travel free.
• Pick-up points: Evesham Lock, The Bridge Inn and The Valley Country Park.
• Booking: by phone only, on the dedicated ferry line, 07345 505050.
• Pub: riverside garden and terrace, dogs welcome, 01386 446565.

Crossing the River Avon at Evesham by ferry

After more than thirty years without a ferry, this stretch of the river has its crossing back. The ferry that once ran here was a simple chain ferry that took people straight across and back. The new ferry still does that, but it can do a good deal more.

There are now three ways to use the river from one pick-up point outside The Bridge Inn:

• Straight across the river, where you’ll find some lovely dog walking paths to explore
• To The Valley Country Park, for an easy day out surrounded by nature
• Into Evesham town, a different way to explore the area without driving

Routes and prices

• A straight crossing: £2
• The Valley Country Park: £5
• Evesham town: £5

Under 14s travel at half price and must be accompanied by an adult. All children under 14 wear a life jacket, which is provided. Dogs travel free of charge, always.

Times and season

The ferry runs daily from midday until 6 pm. Like any river crossing, it depends on conditions. If the river is running too high or visibility is too poor, the ferry cannot run safely, and safety always comes first. The ferry does not run through the winter, and this first season is a test run while the team learns what guests enjoy.

Good to know

• Maximum of 10 passengers per crossing
• Life jackets are provided and must be worn by all under 14s
• Pick-up points are Evesham Lock, The Bridge Inn and The Valley Country Park.

How to book

Ferry bookings are handled separately from the pub. Call 07345 505050, the dedicated ferry line. Please do not call the pub directly, as bookings cannot be taken by Facebook, email or any other channel.

The project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Wychavon District Council. Thanks also go to The Valley Country Park, Avon Navigation Trust and Offenham Parish Council, whose support helped bring the ferry back. For full details, see our Offenham Ferry page.

Walking beside the River Avon at Evesham

If you would rather stay on foot, the riverbank around Evesham and Offenham is well suited to a gentle walk. The ferry can also take you straight across the river, where there are some lovely paths for dog walkers.

For longer routes, the Evesham Rambling Club publishes a series of Evesham Vale circular walks. Walk 1 follows the river on the Evesham side, past the weir and Evesham Lock, with views across the water to Offenham. Walk 3 takes in Offenham itself, along with The Littletons and Cleeve Prior. Check the club’s route descriptions before you set off, as they include directions and notes on the paths.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in our bar, garden and terrace, so four-legged walkers are looked after too. There is more in our guide to dog friendly pubs near evesham.

A riverside pub on the River Avon at Offenham

The Bridge Inn & Ferry sits right on the water at Offenham, with a garden and terrace that lead down to the Avon. It is a traditional country pub with a history dating back to the 1700s, and it has a real fire for the colder months.

The food is the main draw. The kitchen is led by a Pub Restaurant Chef of the Year, and the pub was named Pub of the Year 2025 and Muddy Stilettos 2026 Best-Loved Local Pub. The seasonal menu changes daily with the best local ingredients, the Sunday roast is a local favourite, and the drinks and wine list leans towards boutique and up-and-coming producers.

To find us from Evesham town centre, take the B4510 towards Offenham. After about two miles, turn right onto Boat Lane and follow it to the river. The pub is at the end on your left.

A little history of the river at Evesham

Evesham grew up on a bend in the Avon. An abbey was founded here in the 8th century and became one of the largest in Europe. It was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and only Abbot Lichfield’s Bell Tower remains.

The river is tied to a more turbulent chapter too. The stretch beside Offenham is linked to the Battle of Evesham, fought in 1265, and was historically known as Dead Man’s Ait.

The Bridge Inn & Ferry itself dates back to the 1700s, and its deeds include the right to operate a bridge, ferry or similar crossing along this stretch of the river. That is why the return of the ferry is such a meaningful moment for the pub and the village.

Plan your visit to The Bridge Inn & Ferry

Whether you arrive by ferry, bike or car, we would love to see you. Book a table, call 01386 446565 or email bookings@thebridgepub.co.uk. For ferry crossings, call 07345 505050.

River Avon at Evesham: Your Questions Answered

Is there a ferry across the River Avon at Offenham?

‍Yes. The Offenham Ferry runs daily from midday until 6 pm, seasonally and weather permitting. It connects The Bridge Inn, The Valley Country Park and Evesham town, and it can also take you straight across the river.

How much does the Offenham Ferry cost?

‍A straight crossing is £2, and trips to The Valley Country Park or Evesham town are £5. Under 14s travel at half price with an adult, and dogs travel free of charge.

How do I book the Offenham Ferry?

‍Call the dedicated ferry line on 07345 505050. Bookings are by phone only and cannot be taken through the pub’s main number, Facebook or email.

Does the ferry run in winter?

‍No. The ferry is seasonal and does not run through the winter months. This first year is a test season, so it is worth checking the ferry page for updates.

Where can I join the ferry?

‍You can join at Evesham Lock, The Bridge Inn or The Valley Country Park. The maximum is 10 passengers per crossing.

Are dogs allowed on the ferry?

‍Yes, dogs always travel free of charge. The route straight across the river also leads to some lovely dog walking paths.

Who manages the River Avon at Evesham?

‍The Avon Navigation Trust, an independent charity, is the navigation authority for the 47-mile stretch of the River Avon from Stratford-upon-Avon to Tewkesbury.

Is there a country pub on the River Avon near Evesham?

‍Yes. The Bridge Inn & Ferry is a riverside country pub in Offenham, about two miles from Evesham, serving seasonal food and welcoming dogs and families.