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

A Great Holiday Afloat We chose the Oxford Canal because it has a good supply of pubs and locks - both of which make for an interesting trip.

Carys and her team gave... read moreWe chose the Oxford Canal because it has a good supply of pubs and locks - both of which make for an interesting trip.

Carys and her team gave us a warm welcome and provided a well-equipped narrowboat. As reasonably experienced canal boaters, we were given just the right amount of instruction. Handing back the boat was very straightforward. We will use College Cruisers again when the opportunity arises. 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

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

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

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

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

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!!!