Magdelen Bridge Boathouse, Oxford

Punting is a much-loved Oxford tradition and not as hard as people expect. Propel your flat-bottomed punt along glorious leafy backwaters as your passengers relax, and then maybe stop for a picnic on the banks of the Cherwell. For the less energetic, a chauffeured punts can be hired. There is also an electric-powered river launch, Magdalena, which departs every forty minutes from midday. Punts can be hired from 9:30a until dusk, and there is a shop on the bank selling ice cream, drinks, sandwiches and souvenirs.