Punting in Oxford: A Unique Experience for the Whole Family

Tranquil waters, dappled sunlight, Pimm's in hand and picnic in tow – what better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon with the family than to try your hand at this quintessentially English summertime tradition?

For over 150 years, renowned Oxford alumni like Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde and J.R.R. Tolkien have taken to the water on traditional punting boats and found inspiration on the slow-moving waters of the Cherwell. With over 3 miles of shallow river flowing past iconic Oxford landmarks and open British countryside, this eccentric and delightful experience is the perfect outing for the whole family. 

Punting has been an iconic British pastime since the Victorian era. These hand-made, flat-bottomed boats were used for centuries to carry cargo up shallow city rivers, but pleasure punting became popular in the late 1800s when it was seen as the perfect leisurely activity for young Victorian ladies. The slow-moving Cherwell and idyllic countryside setting made leisure punting take off in Oxford, sparking university traditions and summer punting competitions still held in the city today.

The most common place to punt in Oxford is the river Cherwell. This slow-moving, shallow river meanders through the heart of the city, past botanical gardens and lush college grounds, and provides the perfect activity for a summer afternoon.

It's also possible to punt on the Isis, the portion of the Thames that runs through Oxford, from the head of the river to Folly Bridge, where the Isis connects with the Cherwell. This section of the river is faster moving and shared with motorboats and rowing teams, so for those new to punting or with young families, the Cherwell offers a more accessible and calmer punting experience.

There are two prominent locations for punting in Oxford city centre, Magdalen Bridge and Cherwell Boathouse, which both give you access to the best punting area in Oxford, between the Victoria Arms in the north and Folly Bridge to the south. You can hire a punt for a quick 30-minute float or an all-day adventure. With prices starting from £22 an hour, it's a brilliantly cost-effective excursion well worth exploring.

The punting season runs from mid-February to mid-November, weather permitting, but the best time for a punt is mid-summer when the days are longest and the sun is shining. You don't have to pre-book a boat if you're punting on a weekday, but summer weekends can be busy, so arrive before 11am to beat the crowds. 

Magdalen Bridge Boathouse is the most central punting station, situated beside the iconic Magdalen Bridge, an easy walk from the bustling Oxford High Street, Magdalen Tower and central Oxford hotels. From here, the best punting route takes you south past Botanic Gardens, Magdalen College fields, the iconic Christ Church Meadows and St Hilda's College gardens. Continue south to see where the Cherwell meets the Isis, or turn north for a more leisurely scenic route. 

Magdalen Bridge is busy in the summer and slightly more expensive than Cherwell Boathouse. Its accessible location makes it a great choice for shorter trips and those with small children. They also offer chauffeured punting tours for an even more relaxing trip and a pre-made picnic hamper for the ultimate lunchtime indulgence.

Rental information

• Open February 1st to November 30th
• From 9:30am to 1 hour before sunset, daily
• £30/hour for up to 5 people
• Hire a punt chauffeur for £40/30 mins

Cherwell Boathouse is a 25-minute walk north of the city centre on Bardwell Road. The river is slightly wider here, making it easier to navigate, and it can be quieter than Magdalen Bridge in the busy summer months. Their boats are slightly cheaper, but check their opening times if you're travelling outside peak season, as their season is shorter than Magdalen Bridge. 

From the Boathouse, travel south past the University Parks, the most popular picnic site in Oxford, to Lady Margaret Hall and the infamous Dragon School. For a more tranquil route, head north past Wolfson College to the Victoria Arms for a delicious pub lunch before heading out into the Waterland meadows, where you will see wildlife, waterfowl and overhanging willow trees in the peaceful British countryside. 

Rental information

• Open mid-March to mid-October
• From 10am to 10pm, daily
• £22/hour or £110/day on weekdays
• £24/hour or £120/day on weekends

Punting is a classic Oxford experience, and though it may look complicated, it's incredibly easy to pick up. You don't need any prior boating experience, as the rental companies provide demonstrations before you set off, and it's a fun and engaging learning experience for kids and adults alike. 

A common concern when punting is falling in, which is pretty rare. The boats are wide and flat, making for a very stable base, but if you do fall in, the river is shallow, and all you risk is a little extra water in your Pimm's, so we highly recommend giving self-punting a go. 

For an even more laid-back experience, you can hire a local guide for your punting trip from Magdalen Bridge, who will explain the iconic history of the university sights as you float on by. Punting in Oxford with a chauffeur is great for families with young children or those looking for a quick trip full of educational insights. 

A highly contentious debate between the students of Oxford and Cambridge is where one is supposed to stand on a punting boat. In both cases, the punter stands at the back, but the difference lies in which area is considered the back of the boat. 

In Oxford, the punter stands inside the boat with the raised platform known as the till facing forward. In Cambridge, the punter stands on the till (colloquially known as the Cambridge end), with the open part of the boat leading at the bow. This light-hearted rivalry has been going on for centuries, so when you're setting off for a punt in Oxford, make sure to stand at the Oxford end.

Other than that, punting in both cities is somewhat similar, as both the Cam and the Cherwell drift past historic university grounds and iconic bridges. Cambridge has narrower passages flowing past the infamous college Backs, whilst in Oxford, you'll see more expansive college grounds, the University Parks and sprawling British countryside.

Punting is a perfect experience for all ages, as even younger children can try their hand at this leisurely pastime. The boats fit up to six people, so your whole family can join you in one boat, including the dog. 

Here are a few more tips for the ultimate family punting adventure:

• Arrive before 11am to avoid the crowds, and make sure to pre-book on the weekends.
• Consider booking a hotel next to Magdalen Bridge, such as the Mercure Oxford Eastgate, to make your trip to and from your punt as quick and easy as possible.
• Wear light layers and bring a waterproof jacket, as you never know when the British weather might turn on you.
• Dress for the sun with sun hats, sunscreen and sunglasses, as the reflection from the water can be strong in the height of summer.
• Bring drinks, snacks, and a few toys for the little ones to keep everyone entertained.
• And don't forget the strawberries and cream for dessert, and perhaps a little bubbly to celebrate after you've mastered the art of punting.

Both rental companies offer a maximum daily rate after 5 hours, so instead of rushing your punting experience, relax, sit back and see where the water takes you. Bring a picnic or order a pre-packed hamper from Magdalen Bridge so you can put your punting pole down and eat lunch on the water or stop at the University Parks for a picturesque riverside picnic. Plan a stop or two to stretch your legs: The Victoria Arms has a great play area for young kids, and the Tea Hut at Cherwell Boathouse promises refreshing beverages, ice cream and delicious hot and cold snacks. 

You can also combine your punting adventure with other classic things to do in Oxford, such as a trip to the Ashmolean Museum or a walking tour of the spectacular university colleges you saw from the water. Walk through the beautiful Christ Church Meadows on your way to the riverbank, marvel at the world-famous Bodleian Library (which you might recognise from a certain wizarding world), and discover over 5,000 different types of plants at the Oxford Botanical Gardens.

So grab your sunhat, pack a picnic, and take to the water to discover this delightful, time-honoured British summertime experience.