Canal Boat Routes – Routes to Cruise
- Thames Ring – 3 weeks
- Warwick Ring – 2 weeks
- River Thames – North to Lechlade or South to Abingdon
- From Twyford Wharf – Oxford Canal – either north or south as described below, taking in The Grand Union to Warwick – The Thames
The Oxford Canal
Is a 78 mile long (126 km) narrow canal in central England, built between 1769 and 1790, linking Oxford, on the River Thames, with Coventry via Banbury and Rugby. It connects the River Thames at Oxford to the Grand Union Canal at the villages of Braunston and Napton-on-the-Hill. It also links with the Coventry Canal at Hawkesbury Junction in Bedworth just North of Coventry. The Canal passes mainly through Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire countryside, and is often considered to be one of the most scenic canals in Britain.
Cruising the Thames Ring
245 miles – 175 locks – 115 hours of cruising (3 weeks)
“For sheer variety of cruising experience, this ambitious, three waterway circuit is difficult to beat”
Starting at TWYFORD WHARF head up to Banbury and through the delightful village of Cropredy to Braunston Junction. Down the wide Grand Union Canal to Stoke Bruerne and its Waterways Museum.
Cruising the Warwickshire Ring
(Two Weeks)
Starting at TWYFORD WHARF head up to Banbury and through the delightful village of Cropredy to Braunston Junction. Cruise to scenic past elegant Royal Leamington Spa to Warwick with England’s finest medieval Castle and many historic buildings.
Canal Route Guides
There is much to explore on these planned and historic routes.
South Oxford Canal
Bookended by bustling Braunston and the dreaming spires of Oxford, this is one of Britain’s finest rural canals.
North Oxford & Ashby Canals
Had enough of locks? Enjoy a relaxing break in the level lands of the East Midlands.
Warwickshire Ring
Four canals combine for this cruise around the Heart of England – and your heart will be in good shape after the exertions of almost 100 locks.
Thames Ring
Take Britain’s longest wide-beam canal, its dreamiest, most intimate narrow beam waterway and the finest section of its premier river navigation…
Upper Thames
Leavetheginpalacesofthe Royal River far behind, and enjoy the blissful peace of the Thames through rural Oxfordshire.