EXPLORE OXFORDSHIRE ONBOARD A BLACK PRINCE BOAT

A canal boat holiday in Oxfordshire from our hire base in Lower Heyford is a fabulous way to take a step back in time and explore some beautiful historic areas in this popular part of the southeast of England.

Enjoy a boat trip along the South Oxford Canal and try your hand at river cruising along some beautiful stretches of the River Thames, one of the most famous UK waterways. (A river licence will be required for the Thames for your canal boat hire in Oxford, at approximately £80 for one week. You can purchase this whilst on your trip).

There is a selection of short breaks available on our Oxfordshire narrowboats, either weekend breaks or midweek short trips, from our canal boat base in Oxfordshire, including return journeys to Oxford, Banbury and some delightfully named villages such as Cropredy and Thrupp.

Longer narrowboat hire canal holidays involve cruising the River Thames, such as a lovely two-week cruise down to Hampton Court Palace and return. This narrow boating route takes in more historical royal sites than any other – including Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace and Hampton Court Palace. This area is a great place for a family-friendly holiday in the south of England, as you can moor up and explore these famous castles as part of your trip.

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN OXFORDSHIRE

Oxford – the city of the ‘Dreaming Spires’

Windsor Castle

Legoland – a great theme park for younger children

Hampton Court Palace

Blenheim Palace

Banbury

Beale Park wildlife park

Thorpe Park – one of the UK’s biggest theme parks

Top Attractions on the Waterways

Cruise through the city of Oxford on Oxfordshire narrowboats and experience everything this beautiful has to offer

Newbridge, arguably the oldest bridge on the River Thames, was built in the 13th century. An impressive triple-arched bridge that spans the river

River and Rowing Museum in Henley

Tooleys Boatyard at Banbury

Canals to cruise from Lower Heyford, Oxfordshire

South Oxford Canal

River Thames (river licence required for narrowboat hire in Oxford, which can be purchased on your trip).

Oxfordshire Canal boat hire base

The Black Prince Oxfordshire narrow boat hire base is at Lower Heyford, where you’ll learn about canal etiquette and be introduced to driving a boat. From here you can explore the local area plus travel further afield on cruising routes to other regions such as Berkshire and Richmond-Upon-Thames. You can hire a boat for short breaks or longer narrowboat holidays, such as a week’s cruise or even a two or three-week canal boat holiday.