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Licences

Getting a licence is quick and easy. We're here to help make your time on the water safe, enjoyable, and fully compliant.

Avon Navigation Trust Licence Applications

Applying online is quick and easy — it usually takes around 10 minutes

To speed things up, we recommend having your boat insurance details, a valid Boat Safety Certificate (if required), and the make and size of your boat ready before you start, and taking a quick look at the FAQs Section for helpful guidance.

Licensing – FAQ's

Do I need a licence to use the River Avon?
Yes — every boat moored on or using any part of the River Avon must clearly display a valid Avon Navigation Trust licence. This includes boats in marinas, basins, and backwaters, even if you're only staying a short time.
How do I apply for a licence?

It’s quick and easy to apply online — you can get started right now, and it usually takes around 10 minutes. Depending on the type of licence you're applying for, we may ask for:

  • Your boat insurance details,
  • A valid Boat Safety Certificate,
  • The make and size of your boat.

It’s a good idea to have these ready before you begin.

What types of licences are available?

We offer two main licence types:

  • Short-Term Licence: From 1 day up to 30 days.
  • Annual Licence: For regular users who cruise the river throughout the year.
Can I use a private licence for hire or commercial use?
No — private licences are only for personal use. If your boat is hired out or used for commercial gain, it will need a commercial licence. If you're a commercial user, please contact our office directly and we’ll help you with the right licence.
What if I’ve sold my boat or bought a new one?

Please let us know as soon as possible. If you’ve sold your boat, you're still responsible for the licence until you notify us. If the boat is for sale in a marina brokerage pond, you're also still responsible unless we’ve been informed.

Short Term Licences – FAQ's

What is a short term licence?

Short term licences are ideal for visitors who wish to:

  • Cruise or moor on the River Avon for up to 30 consecutive days
  • Launch and retrieve their craft within a short timeframe

For any period over 30 days, you’ll need to apply for an annual licence instead.

What types of short term licences are available?

There are two main types of short-term licence:

1. Excursion Licence
For when you're launching from and returning to the same point, e.g., a weekend trip starting and ending in the same place.

2. Through Licence
For when you're travelling through the navigation, such as starting at one end and finishing at another point.

Through Licences are available for:

  • 7 days
  • 14 days
  • 30 days
What about winter mooring?

We offer a Short Term Wintering Licence for visitors who wish to moor at a flood-safe marina or private mooring during the winter months (November to March). This licence:

Costs £110.00 per calendar month (flat rate for all boat sizes)

  • Is only valid in approved winter mooring locations (not visitor moorings)
  • Requires you to ensure facilities are available where you plan to stay
  • Must be followed by an annual licence if you remain after winter

Please note: some parts of the river may be closed for maintenance during winter, and navigation services are limited.

Do I need a Boat Safety Scheme Certificate?

Yes, in most cases. If your boat has a cabin, fuel system, or cooking facilities, you’ll need a valid Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Certificate or RCD certificate (for new boats). Only very basic craft (e.g., canoes, rowboats, or open motorboats without fixed equipment) are exempt. More information: www.boatsafetyscheme.org or call us.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. All powered and unpowered craft must be insured, with a recommended minimum of £3 million public liability cover, including salvage. A copy of your insurance certificate is required when applying for an annual licence.

Where can I buy a short term licence in person?

Tewkesbury – Avon Lock
Offers online purchase support and information.
Phone: 01684 292129

Tewkesbury Welcome Centre
Open: 18th April 2025 to 2nd November 2025
Days: Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holidays
Phone: 01684 292129

Anything else I should know?

Yes — all craft (powered, paddle, or unpowered) must display a valid Avon Navigation Trust licence when moored or navigating any part of the river, including:

  • All marinas
  • Basins
  • Backwaters
  • Upstream of the Avon’s confluence with the Severn

If you purchase a short-term licence online, you can display your unique licence number and expiry date written on paper and clearly fixed to your boat.

Short term licences are valid for:

  • Privately owned craft
  • Hire craft and timeshare boats
  • Continuous cruisers on the CRT network

They cannot be transferred to another boat, captain, or crew.

What are the current short term licence prices?
Duration Powered Craft Unpowered Craft
24-Hour Overnight (Tewkesbury Avon & Severn Levels / Stratford) £7.00 £5.00
24-Hour Excursion (Return to Start Point) £13.00 £7.00
48-Hour Excursion (Return to Start Point) £26.00 £13.00
7-Day Through £64.00 £21.00
14-Day Through £80.00 £37.00
30-Day Through £118.00 £64.00

Annual Licences – FAQ's

What does an annual licence cover?

An Avon Navigation Trust annual licence allows you to cruise and moor your boat anywhere along the River Avon, from Alveston Weir to Tewkesbury, where the river meets the Severn.

There are two licence start dates available each year:

  • January (valid until 31st December)
  • July (valid until 30th June)
Do all boats need a licence?

Yes. All craft — including powered, paddle, and unpowered — that are:

  • Moored on the river,
  • Using it for any purpose,
  • For any length of time,
    must display a valid Avon Navigation Trust Licence.

This includes boats moored or using:

  • Marinas
  • Basins
  • Backwaters
  • Areas upstream of the Avon’s confluence with the River Severn
Can I transfer my licence to another boat?

No. Licences are not transferable between boats. If you sell your boat, the licence remains with the craft. Please note: no refunds are given for unused time on a sold boat.

Do I need a permanent mooring?
Yes. All boats with an annual licence must have a permanent mooring. Continuous cruising is not permitted all year round. If you're just visiting from another navigation, a short-term licence is more appropriate. Short-term licences cannot be used for extended stays over 30 days.
How does my licence fee help?

Your fee helps to:

  • Maintain the river and locks
  • Fund engineering works and improvements
  • Support safe and enjoyable boating for everyone

You can learn more in our Gateway Magazine, which shares updates on recent and upcoming projects.

What documentation do I need?

To apply for an annual licence, you’ll need:

  1. Insurance Certificate
    Minimum £3 million third-party liability including salvage
  2. Boat Safety Scheme Certificate (BSS) or Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) for new boats
    • If your boat is afloat without a current BSS certificate, you'll pay the full fee, even during the prompt payment discount period
    • If you submit your BSS within 2 months, the discount can be refunded

Applications cannot be completed online without this documentation — in those cases, a postal application is required.

What types of boats are exempt from the BSS requirement?

Only very basic craft are exempt — those with:

  • No cabin
  • No fixed fuel
  • No gas cooking facilities

This includes canoes, rowboats, and basic open motorboats. For more information, visit www.boatsafetyscheme.org or call the ANT office on 01386 552517.

How much does an annual licence cost?

The cost depends on:

  • Whether your boat is powered or unpowered
  • The length of your boat

Our online system will calculate this for you automatically. You can also view a full price list on the Licence Information leaflets on the Documents Page.

How do I get my annual licence?

You have two options:

Option 1 – Apply online (Preferred)
Use the online system below to apply for your annual licence.
This is available for all private boaters, including residential licences.

Choose your licence period:

  • January to December
  • July to June (for summer launches)

If you’re launching 1–2 months before your chosen start date, you can purchase a short-term licence to cover that time.

Option 2 – Apply by email or post
Download the PDF form from the Documents Page and return it:

  • By email
  • Or by post

You can pay:

  • Over the phone (card)
  • By bank transfer (BACS)

Please include your insurance details and BSS certificate number and expiry date on the form.

Who do I contact if I’ve received a notice about an unlicensed boat?

If you’ve received a notice for an unlicensed craft, please contact our compliance team on 01386 552517. They’ll guide you through what to do next.

Change of Boat - FAQ's

I'm getting a new boat — do I need to inform Avon Navigation Trust?
Yes. If you have a mooring through Avon Navigation Trust and are purchasing a new boat, please contact us first to confirm that your current mooring is still suitable for the new craft.
What happens if I’ve sold my boat?

You need to inform us as soon as possible. Until we receive confirmation, you remain responsible for the boat’s licence, even if it has been sold. If your boat is:

  • Sold privately – please provide us with the new owner’s details
  • Sold via a broker – you can either:
    • Ask the broker to share the new owner’s information with us
    • Or ask the broker to contact us directly

This ensures the licence responsibility transfers smoothly to the new owner.

Does the new owner automatically take over the licence?

No. The responsibility for the boat’s licence only passes to the new owner once we’ve been formally notified of the change. Until then, the previous owner remains liable for any licensing issues or notices.

What should I do if I’ve sold my boat?
Please let us know as soon as possible. Even after the sale, you remain responsible for the boat’s licence until we’ve been informed of the change of ownership.
What if the boat is staying on ANT waters after the sale?
If the boat remains on Avon Navigation Trust waters, the licence responsibility only transfers to the new owner once we’ve received their details.
I sold my boat through a broker — what should I do?

Please ask your broker to:

  • Provide you with the new owner’s details,
  • or Contact us directly on your behalf

This ensures the licence is correctly updated and responsibility transferred.

Moorings – FAQ's

Where can I moor my boat on the River Avon?
You’ll find public mooring sites marked by blue posts along the River Avon.These are generally free of charge and limited to a maximum stay of 48 hours, unless stated otherwise. Moorings operate on a first come, first served basis, and spaces cannot be reserved in advance.
What should I do during busy periods?

At popular mooring locations like Tewkesbury and Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s important to:

  • Find a space before paying for your mooring (if charges apply)
  • Moor courteously, leaving space and considering other boaters
  • Moor close to other boats or even breast up alongside if needed, especially when river levels are rising

Please remember that mooring on lock landings or approach channels is only permitted while locking — not for overnight stays or waiting.

Are there accessible moorings?

Yes. There is a wheelchair-accessible mooring at Tewkesbury on the Avon Level, near the lock entrance. This is available for Blue Badge holders. This mooring is normally occupied by the River Avon Welcome Centre boat, but we’ll move her to make space when booked.

To use this accessible mooring:

  • Please book in advance using the form below
  • If it’s unavailable, we’ll contact you with alternative dates or arrange a refund
Where are the overnight moorings located?

Here’s a list of overnight mooring sites available along the River Avon:
(FS = flood safe, HAVON = flood safe with full sanitary facilities and access to shops/emergency services)

  • Avon Lock, Tewkesbury (FS – charges apply)
  • Twyning Fleet (FS)
  • Strensham Lock (HAVON)
  • Eckington Wharf (FS)
  • Birlingham Quay (Not flood safe)
  • Comberton Quay (FS)
  • Defford Road Wharf (FS)
  • Pershore New Bridge (FS)
  • Angel Hotel, Pershore (FS)
  • Pershore Town Moorings (HAVON)
  • Wyre Lock Island (FS)
  • Fladbury Lock (FS)
  • Craycombe Turn (FS)
  • Chadbury Lock Island (FS)
  • Evesham ANT Moorings (FS)
  • Evesham Town Moorings (Not flood safe)
  • Valley Moorings, Evesham Country Park (FS)
  • Offenham Lock (FS)
  • Harvington Lock (FS)
  • Bidford Town Moorings (FS)
  • Barton Lock (FS)
  • Bidford Grange Lock (FS)
  • Welford Lock (FS)
  • Luddington Lock (FS)
  • Weir Brake Lock (FS)
  • Stratford-upon-Avon Recreation Ground Moorings (Not flood safe – charges apply)
How do I pay for mooring where charges apply?

At locations where charges apply (e.g. Tewkesbury or Stratford-upon-Avon), payment can be made online using the link below. Always secure your mooring first before making a payment, especially during busy times.

Paddlecraft

Paddlecraft Licence FAQ – River Avon
Yes. All paddlecraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.) require a valid licence to navigate the River Avon.
What are my options for getting a paddlecraft licence?

Option 1 – Short Term Licence

  • Perfect for occasional use or a weekend trip.
  • Licences start from £6
  • Available online or at ANT toll stations

 Purchase a short-term licence

Option 2 – Annual Licence via British Canoeing
ANT recognises British Canoeing 'On the Water' membership

  • Valid for the River Avon and other waterways
  • Includes additional benefits like 3rd party insurance
  • You must carry your membership card while paddling

 Join British Canoeing: paddleuk.org.uk

What types of craft are allowed?

Bylaws define suitable craft as:

Unpowered and fit for river navigationThis includes:

  • Kayaks
  • Canoes
  • Paddleboards
  • Rowboats Inflatable toys or homemade rafts are not permitted.
Where can I launch my craft?

There are numerous beautiful and accessible launch points along the river, including: County Council car parks with designated canoe launches Ideal for creating your own paddling trails

What should I know about locks and portage?

There are 17 locks on the River Avon that require portaging Some locks offer: Easy, signed portage points Others require using moorings, which may be high for kayaks but accessible for paddleboards

ANT is actively improving portage access in collaboration with British Canoeing.

Are there planned paddle trails?

Yes! ANT and British Canoeing are working together to develop a series of recognised paddle trails, with: Easy start/finish points. Convenient parking and portage access

Are visiting groups welcome?

Absolutely! Visiting groups or clubs are encouraged to: Contact the ANT office for route advice and portage suitability Let us know before your trip, especially if: You’re part of a club You’re hosting a group event  You may require an event or commercial licence, even if you're a British Canoeing member.

What about commercial operators?

Any commercial activity on the River Avon (e.g. lessons, hires, group visits) requires: Written consent from ANT An Avon Navigation Commercial Licence per craft Affiliation with other organisations does not substitute for this legal requirement. Contact the office for: Full terms Licence applications.

Can I navigate the River Avon during the off-season?

Yes, but off-season navigation is limited and subject to conditions. The winter season runs from November to April, and during this time:

  • Essential maintenance may be taking place
  • Some locks or bridges may be blocked or closed

Before you set off, you must complete a Request to Navigate Off Season form so we can:

  • Confirm if your planned route is open
  • Ensure it's safe to travel
Can I apply discounts to collections?
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Why is this form required?

The form helps us:

  • Keep you informed of potential closures or restrictions
  • Ensure that your journey is safe and uninterrupted
  • Monitor and manage river usage during months of reduced supervision and ongoing works

Do you have any other
unanswered questions?


Email Us

For any assistance or queries, you can email our support team on:

Call Us

Opening days and hours for licensing and enquiries:
Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm.