Punting on the River Cherwell from Magdalen Bridge

A punt is a flat-bottomed boat moved by pushing a pole against the riverbed. From the Magdalen Bridge landing stage, at the end of the High Street, you head up the Cherwell past the Botanic Garden and the Christ Church meadows. You can punt it yourself (£35 an hour, up to five people) or go with a chauffeur (£50 per half hour, up to four passengers).

Punting yourself takes the first ten minutes to get the hang of: they explain how on the bank. They are open every day from 1 February to 30 November, from 9:30 until 21:00 or one hour before dusk. In winter they close. In rain or strong wind, ask first.