Magdalen Bridge Boathouse

Who they are

Magdalen Bridge Boathouse is the boathouse beneath Magdalen Bridge, at the end of the High Street, at the foot of Magdalen College's tower and next to the Botanic Garden. It hires out punts, the flat-bottomed boats moved with a pole, as well as rowing boats and pedalos, to go up or down the River Cherwell, and has trained chauffeurs who steer the boat for you. The website does not say who runs it or since when; it presents itself as the place to hire punts at Magdalen Bridge.

What they offer

The simplest thing is to hire a punt by the hour: it carries up to five people and costs £35 an hour, and you can stay on the river as long as you like. For beginners there is basic training before setting off. If you would rather not get your sleeves wet, the chauffeured punt carries up to four passengers for £50 per half hour, for as long as you ask, and a picnic hamper ordered in advance can be added. They also organise group outings and hen parties, and sell gift vouchers and souvenirs.

Where you can go

From the boathouse there are two options. To the south, you can go round in front of the St Hilda's gardens and the Magdalen School rose garden, or carry on towards the Isis, as the Thames is called in Oxford, along Christ Church Meadow. To the north, you pass under Magdalen's tower and beside Angel and Greyhound Meadows until you emerge into the countryside. That way you can make a short trip or spend the afternoon on the river.

Season, bookings and rules

It is open every day from 1 February to 30 November, weather permitting, from 9:30 to 21:00 or until an hour before dark if that is earlier. Boats must be back at least half an hour before sunset, and if you return more than five minutes late, 15 more minutes are charged, and so on. From Monday to Friday you do not need to book: just turn up. For weekends, chauffeured punts and hen parties you must use the form on their website, or call +44 1865 202643. The hire is subject to conditions that are not published on the page: it is best to ask on arrival about the deposit, the minimum age and the life jackets.

The busiest days are weekends, which is why they ask for bookings only then. Wear clothes that can get a little wet and keep your phone in a bag: the pole drips.