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The Thames circular cruise is probably the most exciting and rewarding of all circuits incorporating every aspect of the Inland Waterways.
Wide locks up the Grand Union Canal with the long tunnels at Blisworth and Braunston. The narrow locks and meandering South Oxford Canal contrast with the width and grandeur of the River Thames.
Oxford Canal
The canal rises up the hill at Napton with views of the village and windmill before meandering 11 miles across the summit through Fenny Compton giving some breathtaking views of the Warwickshire countryside.
The canal passes right by the new Castle Quay shopping Centre in the heart of the picturesque market town of Banbury, before following the Cherwell Valley down to the River Thames at Oxford.
The lift bridges, narrow locks, stone walled villages and meandering canal will make it a journey to remember.
Lower Thames
There are two ways of joining the Thames from the Oxford Canal; either by the Dukes cut above King's Lock or at Isis near the city centre.
Oxford's historic buildings and the wide river with its rowing clubs make a sharp contrast to the canal.
The locks are manned and shared with river and seagoing craft, so sit back and enjoy travelling through the front garden of England and ending up at Windsor Castle and Hampton Court.
Stop at Hampton Court's own moorings to visit the house and possibly loose the kids in the maze!
 There is a short tidal section between Teddington Lock and the Grand Union at Brentford which may only be navigated during the four hours of high tide.
Upper Thames
In three weeks the Upper Thames from Oxford to Lechlade may be included. Here the river meanders to the extreme and on occasions boats are seen astern that you have not yet met.
Lechlade, set in the flood plane with its high church steeple, is a rewarding sight and marks the upper limit of navigation to the Thames.
If time, the River Wey from Weybridge to Godalming may be visited or a theatre evening at Oxford.
Thames Licence
The River Thames is controlled by the Environment Agency and therefore the British Waterways Licence is not valid. A fifteen day licence for the River Thames can be obtained at both Oxford and Teddington.
The cost of the licence for the River Thames during 2010.
Upto a 41ft (12.5m) boat £78.00
Between 41ft & 49ft boat £95.50
Between 49ft & 59ft boat £109.50
Over a 59ft (20.0m) boat £128.00 .
Hours cruising
Total for circle 110 hours.
Banbury and return 35 hours each way.
Oxford and return 45 hours each way.
Oxford to Lechlade and return to Oxford 24 hours.
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