There is a way to completely escape from the pressures of modern living, change down a gear to an altogether more relaxed pace of life, as you gently cruise through the outstanding Cherwell Valley in rural Oxfordshire.

Countryside and wildlife, Cotswold villages and pubs, Stately Homes and Country Walks...all of these are there for you to choose to do just as little, or as much, as you wish.....

Our easy-to-operate self steer craft are available for hire every day from March to November (and - NEW Skippered Boat Trips & Corporate Charter are now available for 4 or 6 hrs if you'd prefer not to steer the boat yourself). They are ideal for first-timers and experienced boaters alike offering a unique opportunity to savour this most beautiful of rural waterways in North Oxfordshire.

From Heyford Wharf you may cruise as far north as Aynho, or as far south as the Rock of Gibraltar (but only in England!). In either direction you'll discover the 'narrow locks' of England's canals together with the pretty 'lift-bridges' which characterise the South Oxford Canal. There are canalside villages and pubs and many varied opportunities to safely moor the boat and take a picnic or barbecue onto the towpath alongside.

Hiring a boat for a day is the perfect tonic to a busy lifestyle. Celebrate your birthday or anniversary with friends and relatives. Use the boat(s) as the basis for an entertaining day away for your corporate event for staff or clients. Try these boats to see if you might like a Short Break or longer narrowboat holiday in the future.

Our boats have cabins and a toilet onboard, and have removable covers to the front for all-weather cruising. We provide free and comprehensive tuition, buoyancy aids upon request, and free car parking is available.

Our well-stocked Village Shop stocks maps, guides, souvenirs and refreshments.

To view the boats please feel free to call us on 01869 340348 for an appointment: we are open from 10AM to 5PM seven days a week from March to October.

More information and booking details

Your day afloat

South:
Kirtlington & the Rock of Gibraltar.

Gently glide through rolling countryside as you follow the pretty Cherwell Valley; the canal winding its way through copses and pastures. The first lock - Dashwoods- is characterised by a Cotswold stone bridge - only a mile further is the sylvan Northbrook lock - close to a tiny farming hamlet and historic drovers bridge over the adjacent River Cherwell; for those with sharp eyes Kingfishers are common on this stretch! Another mile brings you to the old Kirtlington Quarry - now a country park - fascinating and well worth visiting for its open space, history and fossils. Many of our hirers never go further than here because this makes an ideal day with plenty of time for a picnic or barbecue at lunchtime....or a stroll to Kirtlington village and the Oxford Arms, well known for its good food.
The next lock - Pigeons - leads to the 'Rock of Gibraltar' pub. You will need to cruise a further half mile and one lock to turn the boat: do allow yourself time for this - we recommend you turn first and then moor at the pub! (Note that you may not get much time in the pub if the canal is busy!)

North:
the Heyfords, Somerton and Aynho

Discover pretty Cotswold villages, superb water meadows, and experience one of the deepest locks in the area! You'll circumnavigate Lower Heyford before reaching the first of several lift bridges. (Most are left open for you to pass unhindered but this one you will need to operate).
Shortly after you'll see the magnificent tithe barn and manorial farm at Upper Heyford. The old airbase has been shut for many years now, so your progress is peaceful as you work through the first of the three locks - 'Allens', close to sleepy Upper Heyford rising up the hill from the lock. Rolling pastures accompany your route through Heyford Common Lock and Somerton Deep Locks - a superb area to tie up and laze the day away in. Turn at Somerton Wharf before the lock, or above the lock, if you wish for a relaxing day or picnic in the countryside, but if a pub is your calling then carry on the next 2 miles to Aynho and the Great Western Arms which sits between the canal and the old railway station. (Note that you may not get much time in the pub if the canal is busy!) Turn here for your return journey...
Total return trip (both directions) 7hrs

Self drive day hire

Daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm
Maximum 10 persons

Arrive at Heyford Wharf after 9am in time to join your boat. We'll show you how everything works and give you boat and lock-handling tuition. Choose to cruise either north or south as decribed above.

Picnic Hampers & Buffet Lunches can be provided for your arrival to add the perfect finishing touch to your day.

More information, prices and booking details

BOAT TRIPS
Skippered Cruises - 4 or 6 hrs Duration
Maximum 10 persons

If you're not willing or able to steer your own boat, why not charter one or more of our boats and let the crew do the hard work for you while you enjoy the beautifully sylvan scenery of the Cherwell Valley. Your cruise can follow either route described above as far as either the old Quarry or Somerton Wharf: We can provide a knowledgeable personal commentary

On-board buffet lunch or cream tea can be provided provided to add the perfect finishing touch to your day.

Start time for these is 10.30am for 6hr cruises, or between 10.30 and 12.30 for four hour cruises. Note that the boat is chartered for up to 10pp - we are unable to offer reductions for smaller parties.

More information, prices and booking details

Corporate charter

For your next training, teambuilding, or corporate entertainment event, our location and boats provide a refreshingly unique way to get your message across. Use the boats to impress, to relax, or to provide that extra incentive for your staff performance.

We can hire the boats to you, provide tailored skippered cruises with or without catering, and offer further advice on your special day including the best local places to dine or stay at.

Please email or phone us on 01869 340348 for further details or a bespoke quotation.