No canal boat holiday in the UK would be complete without some stunning views and good old English history. An established town since the 9th century, Oxford plays host to some of the most beautiful buildings in the UK, some of its richest history and most exciting places to visit.
Among the most famous of these is the highly acclaimed Ashmolean Museum. Originally established in 1683, this treasure trove of art and architecture contains some of the most important sights in the UK today. With a state-of-the-art education centre and a lovely rooftop restaurant for a unique dining experience, the Ashmolean in itself could be a full day out during your England narrow boat holiday.
Of course, one of the best ways to enjoy the city of Oxford and imbibe its glorious culture is to venture out of doors. The Botanical Gardens, looked after by the internationally-renowned University of Oxford, display over 7,000 plants, making it one of the widest and most beautiful collections in the UK.
If you are a keen walker and are interested in seeing more of the city on foot, guided walking tours are an excellent idea. If you are a TV addict and love Inspector Morse, why not take a tour of areas used in filming the staple British detective series? If you are looking for something to entertain the children while letting them burn off some energy, the Harry Potter guided tour should tick all the boxes - both for the little ones and for you!
Walking tours are not the only way to explore Oxford's status as a prime filming location. The White Horse Inn enjoys fame not only for its delicious fish, chips and fine ales, but also as the favourite watering hole of Inspector Morse himself. The stylish Randolf Hotel also holds associations with the shrewd detective, boasting the Morse Bar ¬- a charming venue for a civilised drink in the evening.
Not to be outdone by the reputation of the TV character, the Randolf also offers splendid luxury rooms and fine high tea - a wonderful refreshing treat after an afternoon walking tour or wander around the Ashmolean. Adults will love the excellent tea in sophisticated surroundings, serenaded by relaxing live piano playing, while children will love the exciting miniature (and full size!) cakes on offer, as well as the impressive surroundings.
Another classic Oxford activity not to be missed once you have ventured off your holiday boats is its great tradition of punting. Situated on the River Cherwell, punting trips run all day, and whilst you may think another boat trip is not necessary, the unique experience and pleasure of punting will prove you otherwise. The beautiful scenery and peacefulness of the trip are ideal for adults and wonderfully romantic for couples. Children will love the sense of adventure boating through the trees.
Oxford allows you to experience British history and architecture whilst providing the usual modern delights. Shopping in Oxford is a joy - there are of course all the big high street names, but much more exciting are the unique shops on offer scattered through both the main and back streets. The Covered Market is perhaps one of the finest examples of this, offering quaint little food shops, from pies to fresh fish, meat and cheeses to speciality cakes made specifically to requests - you can even watch the latter being made and decorated. You can also buy all kinds of beautiful clothes, bags and souvenirs from your canal boat holiday to delight your friends upon your return home.
Famously the University of Oxford is the most prominent institution in the county, and indeed the stunning buildings it occupies add to its national fame. Many of the colleges are open to tourists, allowing you to see the fantastic architecture so important to the city's identity.
Of course, just as important to the students themselves are excellent pubs that can be found all over the city. One of the most treasured is the Turf Tavern, nigh impossible to find without directions if you have never been, but so worth the enjoyable hunt to get to it.
Canal boat hire is the ideal way to enjoy this stunning city, allowing you to enjoy the ambience from the moment you sail in. From museums to pubs, gardens to rooftop dining, Oxford offers truly unique canal boat holidays in the UK that can be enjoyed by families, couples and groups of friends alike.
No England narrow boat holiday would be complete without trip to the beautiful city of Oxford, so when you are organising your canal boat hire, make sure you add this stunning English haven to your itinerary.
Holiday boats are a great way to travel to and enjoy this picturesque city with so much to offer visitors of all ages - there is no better location for canal boat holidays in the UK.
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