The Oxford Canal

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the scenic Oxford Canal, weaving its way from Coventry through the picturesque North Cotswolds to the iconic spires of Oxford, home to College Cruisers.

Originally a lifeline for coal transportation, today the Oxford Canal beckons leisure boaters and holidaymakers seeking tranquility and adventure.

Renting one of our boats offers the perfect escape from city life, immersing you in serene landscapes of rolling pastures and charming Cotswold villages. Explore these historic hamlets and cosy country pubs along the way, indulging in local delicacies and refreshing ales.

In Oxford, moor your boat and set off to uncover the city's rich history and vibrant culture. With College Cruisers, your canal adventure promises endless discoveries and cherished memories.

History Is Calling You

You can choose how long to rent a boat for.  For instance:

  • A short break boating holiday on the Oxford Canal takes you from Oxford to Aynho or Banbury and back – depending on how energetic you feel.  Half of our boats are available for short breaks as we feel that this is a very good way to (literally) test the water!
  • A one week boating cruise can take you further along the canal to Napton and back.  You will cruise through the newly built town centre of Banbury and the beautiful village of Cropredy.

Heading North On The Oxford Channel

Oxford

Oxford stands out as one of the UK's top tourist hotspots. Despite its modest size, the University, historic landmarks, and other points of interest are conveniently close to the city center, easily reachable on foot.

College Cruisers narrowboats provide an excellent home base for exploring Oxford's myriad of attractions while enjoying cosy canal boat accommodations. Feel free to explore the city before or after your journey along the Oxford Canal.

Oxford To Banbury

Head North out of Oxford on the Oxford Canal and into the country, through picturesque villages with lovely country pubs, towards the market town of Banbury with its museum and canal-side shopping facilities.

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Banbury To Napton

For those of you continuing your journey along the Oxford Canal, the route carries on north along the Cherwell Valley through Cropredy (home of a legendary folk music festival) and on to Napton where the South Oxford Canal ends – approximately another 12 hours’ cruising.

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Our Customer Reviews

All excellent including instruction from James

- Ashok and Crew

22/07/2024

The team was very nice and friendly , very happy with everything

- Kjersti and Family Norway

16/07/2024

Lovely boat . Had a very enjoyable time and a comfortable 4 nights on Keble

- Elizabeth and Maurice

15/07/2024

Great handover from Nick , clear , sensible instruction for a couple of total novices . Thanks

- Andrew and Katy

15/07/2024

Cracking weekend and perfect location , we’ve had a great time !

- Josh , Graham

15/07/2024

We had a wonderful trip , staff were exceptionally friendly and informative , everything was fabulous —— thank you

- Louise and family

13/07/2024

Thankyou for a great experience , James was amazing , thank you for helping with the key .

- Kirsten and family

09/07/2024

We had a really great time the boat came up to all expectations and along with great weather we would use college cruisers again any time

- Brian and Jane

24/06/2024

excellent holiday , beautiful boat

- David and Gaynor

18/06/2024

We had an amazing time , hopefully we will do it again … thankyou

- Warwick and Melanie, SA

17/06/2024

Wilf gave a very informative handover , good communication , lovely clean boat and easy to use equipment

- Michael and Helen

15/06/2024

We felt like welcome guests from the time of booking until our return. Will was awesome at showing us around the boat and giving us instructions. We can’t wait to...

- Trinity

24/05/2024

If there was an excellent box, instruction, reliability and staff would get a tick.

- Jamie & Nikki

04/05/2024

Absolutely loved our time on Nuffield, a very relaxing way to meet people and see sights.

- The Gray family

03/05/2024

Excellent service… special shout out to James for advice on where to moor… lovely team.

- Edmund & Yaiza

03/05/2024

We enjoyed every moment of it, thank you. ☺

- Edmund & Yaiza

04/05/2024

An incredible weekend away. Cary’s and her team were very knowledgeable and helpful when planning our trip. I couldn’t recommend more and looking forward to returning

- Lauren D.

05/03/2024

My partner and I just spent a week on Magdalen. It was clean, comfortable and well equipped. It was lovely having the log burner as it was late October. Cary’s...

- Jane O.

05/11/2023

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the...

- Chris G.

31/10/2023

We spent a week on the Exeter. Very comfortable boat. A special thanks to James who explained how everything worked and made us feel comfortable hanlding the Exeter (one of...

- Kees v.

22/10/2023

We had such a good time! Such a lovely team to help you off on your holiday. We were a couple with a 7-month-old. Tricky first day learning how to...

- Edmond O.

17/10/2023

Julesa lovely holiday. Big thanks

- Jules

31/07/2023

Piroska we have had a wonderful trip on this boat. Thank you

- Piroska

25/07/2023

Lucy lovely trip on the river Thames, lovely staff, lovely boat. Thank you

- Lucy

25/07/2023
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