Key takeaways
- Bancroft Cruisers hosts private hen and stag parties aboard The Rita Ellen, for up to 40 guests, with no other passengers.
- You can bring your own drinks: corkage applies to wine and prosecco, and beer is corkage-free.
- A fully licensed bar is on board as well, so you can bring your own and still buy from the bar.
- Bring your playlist: music, the full bar and a buffet or barbecue is the classic hen setup.
- Charters run from one to five hours, day or evening, from £300 for one hour.
Can you host a hen or stag party on a private river boat in Stratford?
Yes. Every Bancroft Cruisers booking is a private charter, so The Rita Ellen is yours for the party: no other passengers, reserved tables of four, and a crew looking after your group from the moment you step aboard. Hen and stag parties are regular bookings, alongside birthdays and office parties. The classic setup is music, the full bar and a buffet or barbecue: bring your playlist and the crew will look after everyone.
The boat is heated and fully enclosed, so the party goes ahead whatever the weather, and it moors in the middle of town at the Crowne Plaza on Bridgefoot. Cruise in the day, or in the evening and then take a five minute walk to one of Stratford's late bars.
Can you bring your own drinks on a hen party cruise?
Good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be well used.Othello, Act 2, Scene 3
Yes. You're welcome to bring your own drinks aboard any Bancroft Cruisers charter. A corkage charge applies to wine and prosecco, and there is no corkage on beer, so beer comes aboard corkage-free. The corkage rate for wine and prosecco is confirmed when you book.
Is there a bar on board as well?
Yes. The Rita Ellen has a fully licensed bar and galley, with drinks served à la carte during the cruise, so your group can bring its own and buy from the bar too. A reception drink on arrival can be added for £5 per person: a glass of chilled prosecco, Pimm's in summer, Bucks Fizz, or a soft alternative.
What food can you have on a hen party cruise?
Food is made by Stratford caterers using locally sourced produce and served on board, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Choose one main option for the charter:
| Option | Per person | Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Nibbles | £4.50 | Minimum 20 |
| Traditional cream tea | £10.50 | Minimum 20 |
| Afternoon tea | £18.50 | Minimum 20, seats up to 24 |
| Finger buffet | £18.50 | Minimum 20, up to 30 |
| Riverside BBQ at Luddington Lock | £45 | Minimum 25, on the 4.5-hour cruise |
Cream teas and afternoon teas can add a glass of chilled prosecco for £5. Tell the crew about any allergies when you book: out on the water, a nut-free environment can't be guaranteed.
How much does a hen party boat cost in Stratford?
Charter hire is the greater of a minimum charge or a per-guest rate, and food is added per person on top.
| Cruise | From | Or per guest, if greater |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | £300 | £14 |
| 90 minutes | £450 | £21 |
| 2 hours | £600 | £28 |
| Riverside BBQ, 4.5 hours | £1,350 | £63 |
As a worked example, a two-hour cruise for 20 guests is £600 in hire (20 guests at £28 is £560, so the £600 minimum applies), which is £30 a head before food and drinks. The price builder works out your own group in a few seconds.
What should you know before booking a hen party cruise?
- The Rita Ellen takes up to 40 guests, and the whole boat is booked for your group.
- Cruises depart from the Crowne Plaza landing stage on Bridgefoot, a five minute walk from the main car parks.
- Summer weekends book up first, so enquire early for a June to September date.
- The boat has a wheelchair lift from the mooring into the cabin and an accessible toilet.
- Dogs are welcome on board.
One hen party review sums it up: "Fiona was so helpful organising my sister's hen party, she really couldn't do enough to make the day perfect."
Key facts
- Bancroft Cruisers takes private hen and stag parties of up to 40 guests aboard The Rita Ellen in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Guests may bring their own drinks on any charter: corkage applies to wine and prosecco, and there is no corkage on beer.
- The Rita Ellen has a fully licensed bar, with drinks served à la carte.
- Charter hire starts at £300 for one hour, or £14 per guest, whichever is greater.
- Cruises depart from the landing stage at the Crowne Plaza, Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you host a hen party on a boat in Stratford-upon-Avon?
- Yes. Bancroft Cruisers charters The Rita Ellen privately for hen parties of up to 40 guests, from £300 for one hour, with music, a licensed bar and food from cream teas to a riverside BBQ.
- Does Bancroft Cruisers take stag parties?
- Yes. Hen and stag parties are both private charters aboard The Rita Ellen, for up to 40 guests, with the boat booked for your group alone.
- Can we bring our own alcohol on a Bancroft Cruisers charter?
- Yes. You can bring your own drinks on any charter. Corkage is charged on wine and prosecco, and there is no corkage on beer. The corkage rate is confirmed when you book.
- Is there corkage on beer?
- No. Bancroft Cruisers does not charge corkage on beer. Corkage applies to wine and prosecco.
- Is there a bar on the boat?
- Yes. The Rita Ellen has a fully licensed bar and galley, with drinks served à la carte, so you can bring your own and buy from the bar as well.
- Can we play our own music?
- Yes. Bring your playlist: music, the full bar and a buffet or barbecue is the classic Bancroft Cruisers hen party.
Related questions
Sources
- Private charters - Bancroft Cruisers (verified live source)
- Food and drink - Bancroft Cruisers (verified live source)
- The boat and access - Bancroft Cruisers (verified live source)
- Reviews - Bancroft Cruisers (verified live source)