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

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

Sehr guter Narrow-Boat-Verleih am Oxford Canal.

A truly relaxed week in beautiful surroundings We were impressed with the service from College Cruisers, they sent videos before hand to give the layout and general operation of the boat, to prevent too much contact needed... read moreWe were impressed with the service from College Cruisers, they sent videos before hand to give the layout and general operation of the boat, to prevent too much contact needed at the boatyard due to Covid. We were given great instruction on the basics of 'piloting' a narrowboat and off we went. The boats are comfortable and equipped with pretty much everything you'd need. We had a truly relaxed week together as a family, enjoying the ever changing scenery as we travelled leisurely between Oxford and Fenny Compton and back. Our first proper time spent on narrowboats, we doubt it will be the last read less

Excellent boat and terrific service The Pembroke was so well thought through, a perfect layout with lots of storage space, choice of table sizes, hooks on walls and behind doors, wall lights. Effective heating... read moreThe Pembroke was so well thought through, a perfect layout with lots of storage space, choice of table sizes, hooks on walls and behind doors, wall lights. Effective heating and heated towel rails. Contents of kitchen superb, a big fridge, we lacked for nothing. We loved the LONG handled windlass and effective waterproofs. Your prompt response to our call midweek was impressive, too, as was your patience! Nothing was too much trouble. We are so grateful to you, Carys and all at College Cruisers, we had a brilliant week celebrating our 70th birthdays, joined at the weekend by our family. Thank you. 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 week on Hertford A well designed smaller boat with a good layout and very comfortable for two. The options of two table sizes is very convenient. Our booking had to be re-arranged... read moreA well designed smaller boat with a good layout and very comfortable for two. The options of two table sizes is very convenient. Our booking had to be re-arranged twice because of Covid and the management were very helpful and accomodating in this respect read less

Our first ever venture into canals and narrow boats,
Fantastic times, both Lisa and I are really loved it, can't wait to do it again,
And we'll definitely be going back to... read moreOur first ever venture into canals and narrow boats,
Fantastic times, both Lisa and I are really loved it, can't wait to do it again,
And we'll definitely be going back to College Cruisers,
A first class service from start to finish read less