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About the attraction
Canal and River Tours Limited was formed in 2013. The owner and founder, Colin Pike had the idea to take passengers through the historic canal lock at Stratford after doing the same as a pupil at a local Primary School in the mid 1970's.
It was post 1974, after Her Majesty The Queen Mother had recently visited to officially open the River Avon Navigation from Stratford to Evesham. His primary school arranged a trip for their pupils to take a canal boat through the newly refurbished lock and down onto the River Avon for a boat tour. All the children were fascinated by the way their boat travelled through the lock, dropping down onto the River Avon below. They were also told about the industrial history of the canal basin and adjacent horse drawn tramway, which made a great addition to the sights they saw on the river. It was this event that was the inspiration for this company which has proved to be a great sucess. Stratford is steeped in industrial history as well as Shakespeare which makes for a very interesting and relaxing tour, no matter what age you are.
Colin has been involved in several start-up businesses locally since 2002, having previously owned and developed franchises covering South East London, Kent, East Sussex and Warwickshire since 1995. He owns the Ice Cream Barges which are moored within the canal basin and enjoys working on other projects. These range from developing new business ideas to managing small property projects/developments. He lives locally with partner Emily and their daughters Jennifer and Daisy.
