thanks to the guys at college cruisers for sorting out coolant problem on our own boat. really helpful staff.

Fantastic break with friends Just returned from an amazing weekend break with friends. We received a very warm welcome on arrival by Carys and her team. First time on a narrowboat so a little... read moreJust returned from an amazing weekend break with friends. We received a very warm welcome on arrival by Carys and her team. First time on a narrowboat so a little nervous, but after a thorough introduction to canal boating by Sandy (lovely man) we were all feeling more confident and raring to go! The Nuffield boat was superb and enough space for 4 people. The Oxford Canal is an interesting trip, so relaxing and the scenery is amazing. There were plenty of locks and bridges for everyone to get involved. Quite a few country pubs to stop at along the way, all served great food and were very friendly.We are already looking into having another adventure with College Cruisers, but next time it will be for a week! Fantastic experience and highly recommend. More read less

A most excellent adventure for extended family Our extended family of 6 ranging from grandparents (with narrowboat experience) to grandchildren (of 5 and 3) recently completed a delightful 'short break' on the Oxford canal on the "Magdalen'.... read moreOur extended family of 6 ranging from grandparents (with narrowboat experience) to grandchildren (of 5 and 3) recently completed a delightful 'short break' on the Oxford canal on the "Magdalen'. It was great--a perfect family adventure enjoyed by all of us.

From Carys' warm welcome and Michael's instruction and short familiarisation trip through our return checkout the College Cruisers staff was excellent. The boat was well-appointed in the amazingly clever way's that narrowboats can be, and reasonably spacious. Both children were fitted with PFDs for use as needed. As the helmsman I found the boat handled very nicely and in no time at all I was completely comfortable with it.

The charms of the Oxford Canal are well known, but we were particularly interested in family friendly pubs (and all of those we visited were), and places for the children to run off some energy, of which there are enough. We wondered if there would be enough to keep such young ones interested, but that was never a problem. We did bring books and games along, which certainly were handy, but they were happy to spend time just looking at the varied passing scene and shouting 'ahoy' to passing boaters. Also, it seems that boaters have the friendliest dogs and the kids were delighted to make friends with all of the ones we encountered along the towpath.

The CC website has a lot of useful pre-departure information about what to find on your boat and tips for provisioning for your trip. If you are new to canal cruising the Canal and River Trust has lots of useful information that will give you a good idea of what to expect and what to do when you encounter it.

All in all, a wonderful little holiday for our family from an excellent firm. We will certainly be back (and indeed the grandchildren are already lobbying for next year). read less

Perfect ***** Our third trip out with college cruisers and once again we weren't disappointed. They have responded to the current situation perfectly......sending. a video out of the boat we were... read moreOur third trip out with college cruisers and once again we weren't disappointed. They have responded to the current situation perfectly......sending. a video out of the boat we were going on before we arrived was brilliant.....everything was fully explained how to work everything and where things were. Upon our arrival despite being on a boat before they ensured we remembered everything and recapped the main things including the etiquette of the canal. Fully equipped including room for the dog. Nothing is too much for this company. Cary's, Mike and all the staff are helpful, friendly and on the end of the phone 24/7. So if you fancy exploring the canal or just completely switching off I would highly recommend this company and go for it, you won't regret it. read less

Great way to celebrate an 80th Birthday Cerys and family were very helpful from first enquiry onwards. Useful videos of interior workings of the boat were sent prior to arrival and very good tuition for handling and... read moreCerys and family were very helpful from first enquiry onwards. Useful videos of interior workings of the boat were sent prior to arrival and very good tuition for handling and turning of boat was given before setting off. We hired exeter which was very well equipped with a full size fridge and everything you could need in the kitchen. It was clean and tidy on pick up.

We had an adventure learning how to steer and moor the boat as well as open and close locks. Always plenty to do as well as admire the surroundings. Would recommend The Anchor pub.

It was lovely being able to sit outside on the boat and see the swans go by in the evenings and take in the scenary.

Thanks very much to the owners and team.

(Their two lovely dogs are also very friendly and calm) read less

a brilliant short break in Oxford Canal Although I was given the opportunity to take out a narrow boat, I had never decided on it until now.
After a period of hard work, I had a break of... read moreAlthough I was given the opportunity to take out a narrow boat, I had never decided on it until now.
After a period of hard work, I had a break of 3 days and said "οk, why not".
The boat was called “Trinity”, from “College cruisers” a 50ft narrow boat with a semi traditional stern deck can sleeps 1-5, ideal for a family or two couples.
Very well equipped kitchen, comfortable and spacious beds and very good toilet and shower. Lots of storage space, lights and effective heating.
Carrys and Michael from “College Cruisers” made sure everything was ready. A few days ago, they had sent me some videos that explained in a simple and understandable way all the areas of the boat but also the operation of devices, engine, etc.
So, as soon as I got on the boat, I felt very comfortable and the place seemed familiar to me. Among other things, they had made sure that the water and fuel tanks were full and that two gas bottles were connected.
After Carrys and Michael, it was Sunday's turn who undertook to show me how to pilot a boat, how locks work, etc. We did a short trip and the training lasted about 1 hour. Sunday gave very clear and comprehensive instructions.
The people of the “College Cruisers” love their job and have a very high level of knowledge and professionalism
After that I put an “L” plate as well as a “B.G.”* plate and I left the boat yard.
I was lucky and the weather was very good. The low speed of the boat combined with the weather allowed me to enjoy the beauty of the canal. Autumn and nature had done their best to present a scenic full of colours. The trees and shrubs were full of shades of gold, yellow, orange, red, green and brown.
The boat was gliding smoothly in the water and the rhythmic sound of the engine was not disturbing at all. I would even say that it perfectly complemented the scene.
Along the way there were bridges some of which were lift bridges. There were also several locks to traverse, lovely small villages and towns and lots of beautiful paths & walks.
Αlong the way you can also enjoy various birds including some more rare ones such as herons, kingfishers and cormorans.
All these give the term “tranquility” a whole new meaning
I did a walk at Kiddlington, at Shipton -on- Cherwell, Thrupp and towards River Thames after the Duke’s lock.
Had dinner at the “The jolly boatman” pub. A canal side pub with covered patio. Very good food and fair prices. The food was fantastic and fair prices. Strongly recommended for the view, food and prices.
Another strongly recommended stop is at “Annie’s Tea room” at Thrupp.

It was a very nice short break that gave me the opportunity to enjoy the countryside from another side. Something I will do again at the first opportunity.

Many congratulations to the “College Cruisers” staff.

* “B.G.” – “Bloody Greek” read less

Fantastic service and boat Arranged for a laid back stag party. The boat was exactly what we wanted and we all had a gret time going on a pub crawl up the canal. Would... read moreArranged for a laid back stag party. The boat was exactly what we wanted and we all had a gret time going on a pub crawl up the canal. Would highly recommend. read less

Mrs p curtis Fantastic time. boat was spotlessly clean on pick up . Staff where very friendly and help full. Would recommend this holiday with this company 10/10