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 rents boats and, if you call ahead, someone to punt it. Rentals cost £18 per hour weekdays (£20 on weekends) or £90 (£100 on weekends) 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, Oxfordshire, 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. Chauffeured punts are £60 per hour, booked in advance. Day cruises are also run from Christ Church meadows to nearby Abingdon. Folly Bridge, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4LA. 01865/243421; www.salterssteamers.co.uk.