Green getaway in Oxfordshire
Why not come to the River Thames for a relaxing, slower paced short break, enjoy organically grown local produce and make the most of relaxing, slow paced, low-carbon emission travel?
Start by letting the train take the strain! Many of our beautiful riverside towns are accessible by train, for more information, see www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk.
Or you can also enjoy stunning walks taking in the best of what the area has to offer. To find more information about walks along the Thames visit the National Trail Thames Path website or see our walking section.
Instead of using the car to get around, why not have a go in a rowing boat, be chauffeur-driven in your own motor launch, be your own skipper or hop aboard a scheduled sightseeing trip! Depending on where you choose to visit, there are lots of different boats to choose from. For information on hire boats, click here.
Then just a quick stop at one of the many Thames suppliers offering organic, locally sourced produce will ensure you’re fully stocked for a green picnic by the river!
There is lots to do and see along all 135 miles of the river, between Lechlade and Teddington but why not focus on the historic Thameside town of Oxford and its surroundings for a green getaway?
Completely escape from the pressures of modern living and gently cruise through the outstanding Cherwell Valley in rural Oxfordshire. With its beautiful countryside and wildlife, why not hire a canal narrowboat from Oxfordshire Narrowboats?
For your picnic supplies, visit The Oxford Cheese Company in Oxford town centre, which specialises in farmhouse cheeses and is the sole producer of the famous Oxford Blue cheese, Oxford Isis cheese and Oxford sauce. For more information, see www.oxfordfinefood.com.
If you want even fresher produce, why not pick your own? Medley Manor farm has lots of fruit, vegetables, soft and cane fruit for you to choose from. For more information, call 01865 241251.
If you prefer to get all your provisions in one place, take a trip to the Oxford Farmers market on the first Thursday of the month.
Armed with a locally sourced picnic to enjoy at your leisure, and sedate and elegant river transport, what more could you want for the perfect day out?
A walk by the river would be a great way to work off your lunch! The stretch upstream of Oxford is oozing history, passing the remains of Osney Abbey, Binsey Ford and the 342 acre grassland of Port Meadow which having never been ploughed, contains many rare species of plant. 
Continue further along the river and discover the ruined Godstow Abbey, founded in 1133 and King's Lock at the river's most northerly point. The 80-year old lock office building has recently been given a new lease of life using only carbon-saving construction techniques. The straw bale visitor centre offers lots of information about the local area, the river, history and wildlife. Click here for more information about Kings Lock and where to find it.