The Ultimate Summer Day Out: Cruising the Oxford Canal Aboard ‘Comet’
Book our day boat to make the most of your day out on the water
There is something inherently magical about a British summer when the sun is shining. The pace of life slows down, the countryside bursts into deep greens, and the water starts calling.
If you are looking for a unique way to spend a summer day in 2026 without committing to a full week’s holiday, we have the perfect answer waiting for you at Twyford Wharf. Meet Comet, our luxury 40ft day boat, ready to sweep you away for an unforgettable day of classic cruising along the idyllic South Oxford Canal.
But who is a day on Comet actually for? Let’s take a look at who is booking this summer and what your perfect itinerary looks like.
Is ‘Comet’ Your Perfect Summer Match?
Whether you want to be the captain of your own ship or simply sit back with a glass of something cold, Comet adapts beautifully to your style. It is the ultimate day out for:
- The Celebration Crew:Planning a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a family get-together? Comet can comfortably host up to 6 passengers (or up to 12 if you hold a valid helm qualification).
- The Stress-Free Relaxers:Don't fancy steering? No problem at all. You can hire one of our friendly, experienced skippers for the day for just £135. They will handle the locks and the helm while you focus entirely on your friends, family, and the views.
- The First-Timers:If you've never touched a narrowboat tiller before, don't worry. If you are self-skippering, we provide full, comprehensive instruction before you set off. Comet is famously agile, stable, and easy to handle.
- The Ultimate Couple's Escape:While she loves a party, Comet is also a fully equipped 2-berth boat. If you want a luxury mid-week escape just for two, you can actually book her for an overnight short break.
Your Dream Summer Itinerary: Twyford Wharf to Aynho
What does a perfect day on the water look like? Here is the tried-and-tested route our guests fall in love with:
Your day starts at Twyford Wharf (9:00 AM on weekdays or 9:30 AM on weekends). After your safety briefing, you’ll slip your moorings and gently cruise south through the gorgeous Oxfordshire countryside.
You will encounter three traditional locks along the way—the perfect opportunity to get active, work up an appetite, and experience true canal heritage first-hand.
Destination: The Great Western Arms
Time your cruise perfectly to moor up outside The Great Western Arms at Aynho for a 1:00 PM lunch. This classic canal-side pub has fantastic food and a wonderful atmosphere (just make sure to book your table in advance!). After a leisurely lunch, turn Comet around and begin your relaxed journey home.
Pro Tip: On your way back to the wharf, keep an eye out for The Pig Farm to pull over and treat the crew to some local ice cream.
Luxury Comfort, Whatever the Weather
British summers can be unpredictable, but Comet is built for it. Designed and constructed right here by Twyford Wharf Narrow Boats, she features:
- A spacious, open front viewing deck for soaking up the summer sunshine.
- A fully covered, comfortable cabin with large windows so you don't miss a thing.
- Home comforts including a proper cooker, fridge, electric toilet, and even a shower.
- A premium radio setup with 6 speakers to provide the perfect soundtrack to your voyage.
Summer 2026 Pricing & Booking
We keep canal boating accessible and straightforward. No hidden fees, just pure relaxation.
| Day | Hire Timings | Price |
| Weekdays | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | £175 |
| Weekends & Bank Holidays | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | £195 |
(Note: If you’d like to extend your stay, Comet can also be booked for multi-night mid-week short breaks for up to 5 nights).
Summer dates for 2026 are already filling up fast, particularly for sunny weekend slots.
Head over to our online live booking calendar to secure your day on the water, or give our team a call on 07833 190 115 to chat about hiring a skipper for your special event.
We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!
