Punting

Punting, in Oxford

Punting is a traditional and emblematic activity of Oxford, which consists in navigating on the rivers aboard flat-bottomed boats. The Oxford audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this typically English leisure, which invites to a peaceful ride along the water.

The boat ride on the rivers

Running along the Castle Mill stream, the channel of the castle mill, an arm of the Thames, you discover one of the most typical pleasures of Oxford: punting. This tradition consists in strolling on the rivers of the town, the Cherwell and the Isis, the local name of the Thames, aboard a punt, a long flat-bottomed boat. The navigator, standing at the back of the craft, propels and directs it with the help of a long pole that he plants in the bottom of the river, shallow at this place. It is an emblematic leisure of university life and the English art of living, particularly prized on fine days. To glide slowly along the water, between the green banks, under the old bridges and along the gardens of the colleges, offers a unique and romantic perspective on Oxford. To handle the pole requires a little skill, which adds to the charm and the conviviality of the experience. A typical activity and a moment of relaxation, punting is a must-see stop of the discovery of Oxford.

What to see

Here you discover punting, an emblematic activity of Oxford that consists in strolling on the rivers Cherwell and Isis aboard a punt, a long flat-bottomed boat propelled with the pole, gliding slowly between the green banks, under the old bridges and along the gardens of the colleges, for a unique and romantic perspective on the town. Punting is a typical leisure of Oxford. It is a stop to be lived along the water.

Practical information

Punting is practised on the rivers Cherwell and Isis, in Oxford, from several landing stages reachable on foot. The hire of the boats follows its own hours and conditions, which vary with the season. The activity is more pleasant in fine weather; it is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What is punting in Oxford?

A traditional activity that consists in strolling on the rivers Cherwell and Isis aboard a punt, a long flat-bottomed boat propelled and directed with the help of a pole planted in the bottom of the water; it is an emblematic leisure of university life and the English art of living.

Where to practise punting in Oxford?

On the rivers Cherwell and Isis, in Oxford, in England.