Oxford Excursion

River Punting

One of the most popular pastimes in Oxford is punting, which has nothing to do with kicking a pigskin on the fourth down. A punt is similar to a canoe, only much more stable due to its flat bottom, and is propelled along the river by use of a pole.

Although the Thames is the most famous of Oxford’s rivers, the city is surrounded by many fine waterways where you can take the family punting. We chose the River Cherwell near the Magdalen Bridge. Head downstream past Christ Church Meadow and you’ll ultimately end up at the Thames. Keep a firm grip on that pole as you push yourself along; the river bottom is muddy in this area and you wouldn’t want to find yourself suddenly down the creek without your “paddle.” Despite the popularity, once past the immediate vicinity of Magdalen Bridge, punting is a quiet, rural experience.

Where to Eat

Ten quid (better known as British Pounds Sterling) for lunch at a restaurant is considered a bargain. Ouch.

If you are in town for only a day, drop in any supermarket downtown and buy the makings for a simple lunch and take it to one of the many college quads in town for a memorable picnic. Using the supermarket for lunch will not only help with the cost of the meal, but you also save on the VAT (17.5%) and gratuity (another 15%). An added bonus is that shopping for groceries is always an interesting window into different cultures. For example, for your picnic, skip the peanut butter and pick up a jar of Vegemite instead. If it doesn’t suit your tastes, Vegemite also makes superb axle grease.

Don’t want to go to the market? When you want a fast but memorable lunch, and spend less than five quid, try Pret A Manger (French for “ready to eat”) right around the corner from TIC.

• Friends concluding a punting day trip in Oxford.
• Jason Cartwright

Extended Stays

There’s so much to see and do in Oxford that you can easily justify spending several days there. Tourist Information can help you find overnight accommodations. Flashpackers will be happy to know there is a great campground within walking distance from the city center; it also has a bus stop at its entrance for those days with less than blue skies.

For something that go beyond a simple hotel, the rural area surrounding Oxford has superb working farms that can double as a place to call home for a few nights. Farm stays are a great way to meet local folks and be greeted with a hearty English breakfast in the morning.

While walking the grounds of a world renowned university provides a great segue for a history lesson, our most cherished memory of Oxford was simply time spent on a punt. Hopefully the history lessons about Tolkien and Gutenberg’s Bible will be remembered, but gratefully the time spent together won’t be forgotten. 

[Check out other day trips from London in our Family Friendly Day Trips article.]