Description
Magdalen Bridge Boathouse is a classic and peaceful riverside location that ranks as one of the best things to do with kids in Oxford. This historic outdoor activity centre and boat hire hub offers families a wonderful selection of traditional punts, rowing boats, and pedalos. It provides a scenic local destination for parents wanting to get their children active on the water while exploring the famous university waterways.
Ticket rates and individual boat hire costs change depending on the chosen water craft and the duration of your trip. The venue utilizes straightforward pricing structures for both hourly hire and full-day river journeys to help you keep your family budget balanced.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this riverside boating dock delivers a fantastic balance of gentle exercise and historical sightseeing. It serves as an ideal environment for curious toddlers taking in the calm river views, active schoolchildren learning to handle a paddle, and teenagers testing their balance with a traditional punting pole. Whether your children are eager to steer a pedal-powered craft or want to look for local river wildlife, everyone will head home thoroughly exercised and happy.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Features
- Sensory Play and Splashing: Children enjoy an immersive outdoor experience as they watch rippling water, touch smooth wooden oars, and listen to the local river ducks.
- Interactive Exhibits of Balance: Youngsters build physical coordination, core stability, and upper body strength while learning to propel traditional crafts along the riverbed.
- Educational Day Out: Staff provide basic safety instructions that guide children step-by-step through river navigation, historical landmarks, and local waterway care.
Detailed "Highlights"
- Traditional Oxford Punting: The quintessential river experience where families can hire a classic flat-bottomed wooden punt. It challenges teenagers to test their balance with a long metal pole while younger kids sit comfortably on cushions.
- Family Chauffeured Punts: A relaxing option where a professional punter does all the hard physical work for your family. It allows parents and young kids to sit back safely, take photos, and listen to fascinating stories about the university buildings.
- Charming Rowing Boats: Classic wooden rowing boats built for traditional family outings along the River Cherwell. They provide an excellent upper-body workout for parents and older children wanting to team up with the oars.
- Easy-to-Drive Pedalos: Fun, foot-powered crafts shaped like swans that are an instant hit with energetic younger children. Kids love using their legs to pedal across the water while steering effortlessly around the gentle river bends.
- The Botanic Garden Route: A spectacular, slow-paced river path that cruises directly past the historic Oxford Botanic Garden boundaries. It gives children a unique look at exotic overhanging plants and colourful riverside blooms from a water-level view.
Detailed Inventory & Attractions
- The Traditional Oxford Punt Fleet: Handcrafted wooden punts equipped with soft cushions and blankets for classic river travel.
- The Hand-Oared Rowing Boats: Sturdy wooden rowboats built to accommodate up to four passengers securely.
- The Pelican and Swan Pedalos: Brightly coloured, family-friendly pedal craft designed for simple steering and stability.
- The Safety Vest Station: A dedicated equipment area where every infant, child, and adult is personally fitted with buoyancy aids.
- The Historic Stone Launch Dock: A sheltered boarding platform situated right beneath the shadow of the grand Magdalen Bridge.
1.00 miles
