Oxford

Punting

You may choose, like many an Oxford student, to spend a summer afternoon punting, while dangling your champagne bottle in the water to keep it cool. Punts—shallow-bottom boats that are poled slowly up the river—can be rented in several places, including at the foot of the Magdalen Bridge.

Cherwell Boathouse. From mid-March through mid-October, Cherwell Boathouse will rent you a boat and, if you wish, someone (usually an Oxford student) to punt it. Rentals are £14 per hour or £70 per day, and should be booked ahead. The facility, a mile north of the heart of Oxford, also includes a stylish restaurant. Bardwell Rd., Oxford, OX2 6ST. 01865/515978. www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk.

Salter's Steamers. At the St. Aldates Road end of Folly Bridge, Salter's Steamers rents out punts and skiffs (rowboats) for £20 per hour, £60 per half day, and £100 per day. Its chauffeured punts are £60 per hour, booked in advance. Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4LA. 01865/243421. www.salterssteamers.co.uk.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Biking
• Punting

• Spectator Sports