Canoeing along the Oxford Canal

Canoeing along the Oxford Canal

Date of Adventure: 14 May, 2023

A lovely sunny day canoeing adventure along the Oxford Canal and River Cherwell. As the weather starts to warm up there is nothing better than a meander on the water. We did it in a 3 seater canoe hired from Thrupp Canoe and Kayak Hire and had an absolute blast!

The four of us piled in and opted for a 2 hour hire but we wished we had gone for a half or full day! We all loved it and the 2 hours whizzed by; next time we will return for longer and bring a picnic for a stop-off on the bank.

The biggest surprise is that it is so easy! I sat at the back whilst my friend sat at the front, with the two boys sat side by side in the middle, and we got quite some speed up when all paddling hard. The most difficult bit was pulling the canoe out to carry over the locks – they can’t go through – don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if you are managing children, we had friendly canoeists helping us heave and hall and it was greatly appreciated!

It’s a joy to glide along the water, so scenic, calm and peaceful passing fields and banks full of beautiful and fragrant flowers. The children will love waving at people on the bank and taking in life on the water.

After head to Annie’s Tea Rooms, next door to the hire centre, for ice creams and tea.

A brilliant outing and an exciting alternative adventure! If the sun is shining book in advance as they do get busy.

 

 

AT A GLANCE

Canoe prices:
Canoes with 3 seats:
£25 per hour
£40 for 2 hours
£60 per half day (4 hours)
£85 per day (8 hours)

Canoes with 4 seats:
£30 per hour
£50 for 2 hours
£75 per half day (4 hours)
£95 per day (8 hours)

See website for kayak, hydrobike and SUP prices
10am - 5pm
Pre-booking recommended in the summer months
Next door is Annie's Tea Rooms
The site is accessible for all but there is no adaptive equipment for accessible on the water activities
15 minutes from Headington roundabout
500, 7 and S4
Free parking behind Annie's Tea Room
The details

Website

Thrupp Canoe and Kayak Hire, Canal Yard, Canal Road, Thrupp, OX5 1JZ

View on Google Maps

SEARCH ADVENTURES

Did you

Know?

The Oxford Canal starts at Hythe Bridge, just a few minutes from the city centre and railway station. Built over 200 years ago, dug by hand, it flows north out of the city, through Banbury, and all the way to Coventry.

Fancy buying me a ko-fi?

Want to support my work?

Feel free to buy me a (strong!) coffee, it will help fuel my adventures near and far. Support can come in many form though: sharing my website in your school WhatsApp group or liking a Facebook post is equally appreciated. 

FEATURED

ADVENTURES

Modern Art Oxford *now open after £2 million re-design*
Modern Art Oxford *now open after £2 million re-design*

A new £2 million refurbishment sees an artist-designed café, new gallery and more space to participate, learn and be inspired in this ... Read more

Appleton Christmas Barn
Appleton Christmas Barn

Appleton Christmas is the slice of Christmas joy you need in your life: reindeers, thousands of decorations, photo ops a plenty and a ... Read more

Hailey and Ipsden Circular (with pub & playground!)
Hailey and Ipsden Circular (with pub & playground!)

Autumn stompers: this short walk deep in the Childterns countryside is bookended by a cosy pub with roaring fire and stunning views! Read more

Loading...