Oxford's Rivers
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.
Punting on Oxford's rivers is a popular recreational activity,
conjuring up images of Edwardian picnics with men in white flannels poling daintily clad companions along the tree-swept waterways. The punt is a shallow-bottomed boat
propelled with the aid of a long pole.
Punting and Rowing
Cherwell Boathouse, Bardwell Road Punts for hire on the River Cherwell Available: daily, mid March -- mid
October, 10.00-18.00. 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 Thames. Available: mainly weekends April, May and
October; daily June -- September (subject to weather) 11.00-18.00. 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. Available: punts daily, March -- October, 10.00 to dusk; river launch: weekends April - May, daily June --
August 12.00-18.00. 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). Available: May -- September. Contact: 01865 243421
Rosamund the Fair
, Castlemill Boatyard, Cardigan Street, Jericho Oxford's cruising restaurant: 3-hour lunch and dinner cruises through the centre of Oxford on the River Thames and
Oxford Canal on narrow boat restaurant Rosamund the Fair. Available: dinner cruises: Wednesday -- Sunday, departs 19.45; lunch cruises: Friday -- Sunday, departs
12.45. Pre-booking essential. Contact: 01865 553370 Web Site
Narrow Boats
College Cruisers, Combe Road, Oxford Contact: 01865 554343
Cruisers
Green Mini Cruises, Boat House Road, Oxford Contact: 01869 346601 or 07940 737106
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