A day on the river is one of the most blissful ways to pass an afternoon in Oxford. There’s something to make it special for punters of every age, from romantic riverside picnics on hidden banks to family outings (or stag weekends) spent “pirate punting”. Any ten year old (with a little help) can wield a punt pole to considerable effect, while nothing impresses a girl more than watching her beloved steering capably away from oncoming craft.

One of the nicest places to start punting in Oxford is the Cherwell Boathouse. Heading downstream a little way will take you to the languorous lawns of the University parks, while an hour’s gentle punt upstream will reward you with a cool drink in the gardens of The Victoria Arms in Old Marston.

Image courtesy of Slakistan on Flick