Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 43 on the South Oxford Canal

Location

Base 43 on the South Oxford Canal is well located in a rural setting north of Oxford, and immediately opposite a local rail station with connections to Reading and London. The base has excellent facilities for boaters. It is ideal for both short break and longer holidays, with a range of boats for 2-12 people.

Base 43 is run by one of the UK's expanding boat operators, whose well equipped boats are hired at prices including damage waiver and fuel.

Routes from this base

Short Break routes

Oxford and Return: 22 miles 18 locks 14 hours
It is an easy cruise south to Oxford and its famous colleges, museums, Castle, theatres and ice rink. There is also a wide range of pubs, cinemas, restaurants and clubs.

Banbury and Return: 20 miles 14 locks 10 hours
Cruise along the Cherwell Valley north towards Banbury through classic canalside hamlets. Time to explore the amaneites and shipping opportunities at Banbury.

Cropredy and Return: 30 miles 22 locks 16 hours
Cruise north past Banbury along the winding South Oxford Canal to the pretty village of Cropredy, home to the Annual Folk Festival.

Abingdon and Return: 43 miles 28 locks 20 hours
Cruise beyond Oxford south to the River Thames and to the town of Abingdon. (Thames licence payable)

One Week routes

Napton and Return: 66 miles 58 locks 34 hours
Travel north past Cropredy to Napton or even as far as Braunston, considered by many to be the Heart of the Waterways.

Lechlade and Return: 103 miles 36 locks 36 hours
Turn west onto the River Thames at Oxford and take a relaxed ups tream cruise to the head of navigation at Lechlade in the Cotswolds.(Thames licence payable)

Goring and Return: 82 miles 40 locks 32 hours
Go south past Oxford and onto the Thames downstream perhaps as far as Goring – with excellent moorings and good facilities, and enjoy the many beautiful reaches of England’s most famous river. (Thames licence payable)

Two Week route

Thames Ring: 175 locks 115 hours
With two weeks and some experience you could enjoy the waterways cruise of a lifetime! We recommend a downstream cruise on the Thames taking in all of the famous sights – Oxford, Henley, Marlow, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court - before taking the short tidal section to the beginning of the Grand Union Canal as it starts its journey up and over the Chilterns. At Braunston you leave the Grand Union Canal for the narrow locks of the Oxford Canal and the final attractive leg back to base.