A get away for parents, with kids joining later Having been on my bucket list, finally getting away for a few days without the kids on a canal boat sounded like bliss. We were fortunate to find the College... read moreHaving been on my bucket list, finally getting away for a few days without the kids on a canal boat sounded like bliss. We were fortunate to find the College Cruisers website and booked a week on Magdalen. Booking was simple and Carys was super helpful. We arrived on Oxford a bit early and left the car at the boatyard for a spot of lunch and to stock up on food and drink. Top tip - take lots of nibbles as it's hungry work! We were shown round the boat what to do in an emergency, how to steer, operating locks, mooring (tieing up!) and generally made to feel very welcome. Then after a little practice, off we headed north out of Oxford. The boat was very well equipped from bedding to cheese graters and more. Our lighter for the wood burner ran out but 57p for a box of matches is nothing for a roaring fire on a cold evening 🙂 We spent three days heading north up to Cropredy, north of Banbury, where we met up with Family, turned the boat round and my 10 and 12 year old joined us. Our dog loved jumping on and off the boat at various locks and bridges, and all of the pubs we stopped at were dog friendly, with great food. There were plenty of places to moor along the canal, and lots of pubs. We did miss one shop... Having been on my bucket list, finally getting away for a few days without the kids on a canal boat sounded like bliss.
We were fortunate to find the College Cruisers website and booked a week on Magdalen. Booking was simple and Carys was super helpful.

We arrived on Oxford a bit early and left the car at the boatyard for a spot of lunch and to stock up on food and drink. Top tip - take lots of nibbles as it's hungry work!

We were shown round the boat what to do in an emergency, how to steer, operating locks, mooring (tieing up!) and generally made to feel very welcome.

Then after a little practice, off we headed north out of Oxford.

The boat was very well equipped from bedding to cheese graters and more. Our lighter for the wood burner ran out but 57p for a box of matches is nothing for a roaring fire on a cold evening 🙂

We spent three days heading north up to Cropredy, north of Banbury, where we met up with Family, turned the boat round and my 10 and 12 year old joined us.

Our dog loved jumping on and off the boat at various locks and bridges, and all of the pubs we stopped at were dog friendly, with great food.

There were plenty of places to moor along the canal, and lots of pubs. We did miss one shop so do make sure you have stocked up well otherwise you 'have' to have another pub meal 🙂

The boat was sturdy enough to withstand the knocks of a novice, but comfortable for an evening of cards, reading and relaxing. There was plenty of room, storage space and even the dogs bed had a choice of spaces.

As first timers we thoroughly loved it and know that we will be back on the canals again soon! More read less

First time narrow boater The good ship Exeter was very comfortable for 5 of us (it does apparently sleep 10 but that would be VERY cosy). It was spotlessly clean and very well equipped.... read moreThe good ship Exeter was very comfortable for 5 of us (it does apparently sleep 10 but that would be VERY cosy). It was spotlessly clean and very well equipped. The hand over and explanation was very clear and all the staff at the yard were really helpful. I would definately recommend college cruisers. We were lucky with the weather, the scenery was glorious and a very good time was had by all. read less

We are quite frequent renters and this was by far the best experience to-date. We had the Pembroke and as the advert says, you would never know it was... read moreWe are quite frequent renters and this was by far the best experience to-date. We had the Pembroke and as the advert says, you would never know it was a rental. Easy check in and check out, well maintained and great ammenities on board (large fridge by boat standards, two toilets, large kitchen and dining area, etc.). We would happily rent this boat (or one of the others) again. read less

Great people, lovely boats. All round very welcoming wonderful way to spend a few days relaxing.

Very nice. Very friendly staff. Good boats. Great service. Superb family holiday. Good value. Dogs welcome.
Absolutely brilliant.
Thank you very much! Recommend to everyone!

Very nice. Very friendly staff. Good boats. Great service. Superb family holiday. Children loved it! Good value. Dogs welcome.
Absolutely brilliant.
Thank you very much! Recommend to everyone!!!

once again we reluctantly gave you back Trinity this morning after a lovely long weekend cruise xx you are a pleasure to hire from as you are friendly, accommodating and... read moreonce again we reluctantly gave you back Trinity this morning after a lovely long weekend cruise xx you are a pleasure to hire from as you are friendly, accommodating and always make cruising the cut a wonderful experience! we are looking forward to seeing you very soon xx read less

Excellent weekend for 7 'old blokes'. 7 friends rented "Brasenose" to sail up the Thames from Oxford over a long weekend. The boat was excellent, very well equipped and comfortable. College Cruisers were very helpful, friendly... read more7 friends rented "Brasenose" to sail up the Thames from Oxford over a long weekend. The boat was excellent, very well equipped and comfortable. College Cruisers were very helpful, friendly from the start and gave lots of good advice. Someone came with us for the first half an hour or so, so we felt confident about operating the boat. Heading up the windy twists and turns of a great river like the Thames was a great fun. I'd highly recommend College Cruisers. read less