| Family Entertainment: Punting in Oxford Great family entertainment in Oxford is, of course, punting on the Thames and Cherwell Rivers. The punt is a shallow-bottomed boat propelled with the aid of a long pole. It's a good way to relax for the parents, and keep the kids entertained too. Just make sure you check the weather report before you go!
Oxford grew up at the conjunction of two rivers, the Thames and the Cherwell (pronounced Char-well). Indeed, the very reason for Oxford's existence was the presence of a ford for oxen crossing the Thames (that ford was located near the present Folly Bridge).
Confusing the issue of two rivers is the fact that the Thames is also called the Isis within Oxford's boundaries. If you'd like to take the pole and have a go, then you might like to try one of the following boatyards:
Cherwell Boathouse, Bardwell Road
Punts for hire on the River Cherwell
Contact: 01865 515978
IPG Marine, Boat Station, Head of the River Pub, Folly Bridge
Punts, rowing boats and outboard motor boats for hire on the River Isis (Thames). Contact: 0961 115369
Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, High Street
Punting (and chauffeured punting) on the River Cherwell from the boathouse past the Botanic Gardens and Christ Church Meadow. Also electric boat rides from Magdalen Bridge on the river launch Magdalena.
Contact: 01865 202643
River Cruises Salter Brothers Ltd, Folly Bridge, St Aldate's
Scheduled passenger boat services on the River Thames to Abingdon (2 hours each way) and round trips from Folly Bridge to Iffley Lock (20 minutes each way).
Contact: 01865 243421 |
Oxford Kids & Youth Features