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Oxford Punt Hire

Oxford, United Kingdom•4.4(497)•City Park

Hire traditional punts, rowing boats, or pedalos to explore Oxford's River Cherwell with family-friendly options including chauffeured services.

Oxford Punt Hire, located at Magdalen Bridge Boathouse beneath Magdalen College Tower on Oxford's famous High Street, offers a classic riverside experience suitable for families with children aged 3 and above. Visitors can hire traditionally crafted punts accommodating up to 5 people at £35 per hour, or opt for rowing boats and pedalos for flexible hourly hire or extended day visits. The venue caters to various group needs with multiple boat options and services. For families seeking a more relaxed experience, the chauffeured punting service allows up to four passengers to be guided along the scenic River Cherwell by experienced punters. Pre-ordered picnic hampers can be arranged with chauffeured punts, creating a complete outdoor dining experience on the water. Customer testimonials highlight the charming staff, relaxing atmosphere, and the joy children experience during visits. Operating seasonally from February through November, 7 days a week between 9:30am and 9:00pm (or one hour before sunset), the boathouse welcomes walk-ins on weekdays without requiring advance booking, though weekend visits are recommended to be pre-booked. The outdoor setting on the River Cherwell provides a unique and memorable family activity in one of England's most picturesque university cities.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:30 – 19:30
Tuesday: 09:30 – 19:30
Wednesday: 09:30 – 19:30
Thursday: 09:30 – 19:30
Friday: 09:30 – 19:30
Saturday: 09:30 – 19:30
Sunday: 09:30 – 19:30

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

3 years+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

Google Reviews

4.4(497 reviews)
A
avtar singh

avtar singh

4 weeks ago

Really nice. If you're going on a good day, it's definitely better to pre-book if you want to do the punting. The punting queue was quite long, so we opted for self-hire rowing, which was fun. However, not a lot of guidance was given. A bit expensive for what it was to be fair, but it's good for the experience.

J
Jeff Hart

Jeff Hart

a month ago

A really fun time. Get a chauffeured boat and you will have a great time and hear some good stories. Easy to book and find on the river

B
Bebeliana C

Bebeliana C

3 months ago

Fantastic punting experience in Oxford! This boat rental is easy to find. Located under the bridge. Weather is perfect today, clear blue sky with gentle breeze. Since it was a holiday, we had to queue for about 5 to 10 mins. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. They handled the registration and payment quickly. The rate is £35 per hour, and it’s charged proportionally for extra time hours. Once you choose your boat, you can set off immediately. As soon as you get on the river, you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful and elegant atmosphere full of classical and literary charm. The scenery along the way is perfect for taking photos. We rented a pedal boat, which moves faster, allowing us to explore farther places. One hour felt just right for a relaxing tour. Along the riverbanks, there are jogging paths, cafés, and you can enjoy lovely views of historic buildings such as old castles and churches. The boarding and disembarking point is right next to a small convenience store where you can buy snacks or drinks. Highly recommended — especially on a beautiful sunny day!

J
Jayco

Jayco

4 months ago

Visited today (4th April 2026). We went for the £50 chauffeur option, as I didn’t trust my balance enough not to end up in the river if I’d have attempted punting! It was good value, especially as you get 30 minutes on the water with your own personal tour guide. Even though it was a very windy day (Storm Dave), we thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely something I’d recommend.

F
Frank D

Frank D

4 months ago

🚣 Oxford Punt Hire Oxford Punt Hire was an amazing experience and one of the highlights of our trip! Everything was smooth from the start, with very helpful and friendly customer service. The staff explained everything clearly, making it easy to ride even for beginners. The whole experience was relaxing and really enjoyable—perfect for chilling and taking in the beautiful Oxford scenery from the water. The pricing was fair, and overall it felt great value for such a unique activity. We had a fantastic time and would definitely come back again.🌳🌴🛶🪾🪵🍃 Highly recommended if you want a fun and peaceful way to explore Oxford..‼️💙

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Oxford Punt Hire

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Oxford Punt Hire

Is Oxford Punt Hire free to visit?

Oxford Punt Hire is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Oxford Punt Hire suitable for?

Oxford Punt Hire is best for children aged 3 and up.

Is Oxford Punt Hire dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Oxford Punt Hire.

Is there parking at Oxford Punt Hire?

Oxford Punt Hire doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at Oxford Punt Hire?

Oxford Punt Hire doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Oxford Punt Hire pushchair-friendly?

Oxford Punt Hire isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Oxford Punt Hire?

Oxford Punt Hire is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Oxford Punt Hire by public transport?

Oxford Punt Hire isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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