punting
PUNT SEASON: MID-MARCH TO MID-OCTOBER, 10am until Dusk
PUNT SEASON: MID-MARCH TO MID-OCTOBER, 10am until Dusk
PUNT SEASON: MID-MARCH TO MID-OCTOBER, 10am until Dusk
PUNT SEASON: MID-MARCH TO MID-OCTOBER, 10am until Dusk
PUNT SEASON: MID-MARCH TO MID-OCTOBER, 10am until Dusk
PUNT SEASON: MID-MARCH TO MID-OCTOBER, 10am until Dusk
punting on the cherwell...
Punting is a truly timeless, slightly eccentric, quintessentially Oxford, idyllic pleasure.
Take a leisurely punt upstream, about half an hour from us is the Victoria Arms. Past the pub you can punt through beautiful rural countryside, ideal for a full day out. Downstream takes you through the lovely University Parks, a great spot for picnics and games with the kids. To travel further in to Oxford you need to tackle the rollers to portage your punt to the lower Cherwell and on to Magdalen college.
(Punt Map Available at CB)
Suitable for novices and experts alike, students, corporate parties, families, groups of friends or a romantic day out...experience this quintessential Oxford experience of punting on the Cherwell!
With around 75 boats, availability is usually good midweek. Weekends are a lot busier so it’s best to arrive early. Worst case, be prepared to sit by the river for around half an hour with an ice cream or Pimm's, watching the river activity in the sun until a punt is available...life could be worse!
hire costs
Weekdays:
£24 per hour (min hire)/£120 full day
Weekends:
£26 per hour (min hire)/£130 full day
Punts fit up to 6 (5 seated + 1 punter)
Punts are hired out on a time basis or by the day.
You can do this onsite or via our booking link below.
HIRING A PUNT
Punts & equipment can be collected from the punt office at the front of the
Boathouse overlooking the river.
When you are ready to punt we will keep your Debit/Credit card as the deposit.
You can then use this card or split between multiple cards when you return.
Alternately if you'd rather not leave a card with us you can scan a QR code to do this electronically. You are charged to the nearest 1/4 hour after the first hour.
how to punt
The person using the pole stands at the back of the boat (this is the end that is tied to the jetty).
The punter should ideally board last – lay the pole on the jetty within easy reach of the punt – you can offer your passengers a supporting hand as they board with the cushions, strawberries and Pimm’s.
Having boarded yourself, with the pole, untie the painter (posh word for rope), stand about two feet from the end facing the front of the boat, and holding the pole vertically drop it to the bottom of the river beside you.
Lean the pole slightly forward and gently push straight behind the punt, work your way up the pole hand over hand, and when you get to the top with the pole trailing behind you, the boat and the pole should be in a straight line.
The pole has become a rudder at this stage: keep holding the end of the pole, leaving as much of the pole floating as possible, so as to make the rudder as long as possible. To turn right, sweep the end of the pole through the water to the right; and vica versa.
When you are pointing in the desired direction, raise the pole through your hands to vertical, drop to the bottom and repeat. Keep watching the front of the boat. Some parts are muddy, so if you feel the pole sinking in to soft mud don’t push too hard, give the pole a twist and yank out. If you need to let go, do so, otherwise the punt will leave you slowly sliding down the pole into the river. You can always recover the pole with the paddle.
terms & conditions
We are dog friendly!
No more than 6 people per punt.
Each punt should be equipped with:
2 large + 2 small cushions, 1 metal pole + 1 paddle.
Punt racing and splashing is not allowed.
Charges will be incurred for excessively water logged or damaged punts.
We are not permitted to hire to anyone under 16 years old.
Non-swimmers should wear a life jacket
(ask at punt office).
Anyone hiring a river-craft does so at their own responsibility.
Please enjoy alcohol responsibly when punting.
CHAUFFEURed punting
We generally encourage people to punt themselves as it adds to the experience and is a lot of fun. However, if you would like a chauffeur so you can relax with a glass of Champagne or Pimm's in hand, you can scan the QR code at the punt station and request a chauffeur in an Uber-like WhatsApp group.
If you'd like chauffeurs for a large group you can add that in to the form below!
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