đĽ
Travelers
4 Guests
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Duration
12 Days
đ
Status
Proposal
đ°
Investment
$6,600
Your Travel Party
Neil RobertsKim HendersonBrad JonesSusie Jones
Flight Details
Outbound Flight
MOB â ATL â LHR
Date2026-10-02
AirlineTBD
Overnight flight, arrive morning Oct 3 for same-day train to boat
Return Flight
LHR â ATL â MOB
Date2026-10-14
AirlineTBD
Accommodations
Duchess 4 Narrowboat
LocationOxford Canal, Lower Heyford
Nights10
Check-inSat Oct 3, 2026 @ 2:30 PM
Check-outTue Oct 13, 2026
Rate$2,076/night
View Property â
Narrowboat Details
Duration
10 nights aboard (Sat Oct 3 - Tue Oct 13)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
2026-10-02
Mobile â London
Depart Mobile Regional Airport for your transatlantic journey. Connect through Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson for your overnight flight to London Heathrow. Get some rest on the planeâtomorrow the adventure begins on the historic Oxford Canal.
Afternoon
Depart Mobile (MOB)
Check in 2 hours early for international flight
Evening
Connect in Atlanta (ATL)
Brief layover before overnight transatlantic flight
Overnight
Flight to London
Try to sleepâyou'll arrive early morning UK time
2
2026-10-03
London â Lower Heyford
Touch down at Heathrow and make your way through the English countryside to your floating home for the next 10 nights. The journey itself is part of the experienceâwatch the landscape transform from urban London to rolling Oxfordshire farmland. After your boat orientation, celebrate your first evening aboard with a proper English pub dinner.
Morning
Arrive London Heathrow
Clear customs, collect luggage, grab a coffee to shake off the jet lag
Late Morning
Heathrow Express to Paddington
15-minute express train to central London (ÂŁ25/person or ÂŁ10-16 if booked in advance)
Midday
Underground to Marylebone
Short Tube ride on Bakerloo Line, or walk 20 minutes through lovely Marylebone neighborhood
Early Afternoon
Train to Heyford Station
Chiltern Railways through the Chiltern Hillsâwatch for red kites soaring overhead (~1hr 15min, one change)
2:30 PM
Boat Handover at Black Prince
Meet the crew for your comprehensive orientation: steering, locks, mooring, safety equipment, and route planning tips
Evening
Dinner at The Bell Inn
Walk into Lower Heyford village for your first pub meal. This historic inn serves excellent local ales and hearty British fare.
đ˝ď¸ Dining
Recommended:
The Bell Inn, Lower Heyford
Family-friendly village pub with large garden, local ales, farmhouse ciders, and an eclectic wine list.
đĄ Tips
- Stock up on basics at Banbury tomorrowâlimited shops until then
- The boat galley is well-equipped for self-catering breakfast and lunch
đŹ Helpful Videos
3
2026-10-04
Lower Heyford â Banbury
Your first day at the helm! Cruise north through the beautiful Cherwell Valley, passing pretty thatched cottages in Upper Heyford and stopping at Aynho Wharf for a canalside lunch. The pace is gentleâjust 4 mphâgiving you time to master steering, work your first locks, and wave to fellow boaters.
Distance
~8 miles
Locks
Several lift bridges and locks
Cruise Time
4-5 hours cruising
8:00 AM
Breakfast aboard
Coffee on the stern deck watching the morning mist rise from the canal
9:30 AM
Cast off from Lower Heyford
Your first time at the tiller! Take it slow through the village
Late Morning
Cruise through Upper Heyford
Pass pretty thatched cottages and the former USAF airbase
12:30 PM
Lunch stop at Aynho Wharf
Moor up at the Great Western Arms for a proper pub lunch
Afternoon
Continue to Banbury
Work through several locksâteamwork makes it easy
4:00 PM
Moor in Banbury
Visitor moorings near Castle Quay shopping center
Evening
Explore Banbury town
Visit the famous Banbury Cross, browse Castle Quay shops, enjoy dinner in the Old Town
đ˝ď¸ Dining
Dinner:
The Old Auctioneer, Banburyâhistoric pub in third-oldest building in town (built 1596)
â Highlights
- Banbury Cross (from the nursery rhyme)
- Tooley's Boatyardâfree to browse
- Castle Quay waterside restaurants
đŹ Helpful Videos
4
2026-10-05
Banbury â Cropredy
A short, leisurely cruise today allows time to explore both Banbury in the morning and the charming village of Cropredy in the afternoon. This tiny village punches above its weightâsite of a pivotal English Civil War battle in 1644.
Distance
~5 miles
Locks
3 locks
Cruise Time
2-3 hours cruising
Morning
Explore Banbury at leisure
Visit Tooley's Boatyard museum, grab supplies at Sainsbury's near the canal
11:00 AM
Depart Banbury
Head north through the townâwave to shoppers on the bridges
Early Afternoon
Arrive Cropredy
Moor near Cropredy Lockâplenty of good spots along the village stretch
Afternoon
Walk the village
Visit St Mary's Church (14th century), see the Civil War battle site markers
Evening
Dinner at The Brasenose Arms
17th-century pub steeped in history with excellent food and cask ales
đ˝ď¸ Dining
Recommended:
The Brasenose Arms, Cropredy
â Highlights
- St Mary's Churchâ14th-century with Civil War history
- Battle of Cropredy Bridge site
5
2026-10-06
Cropredy â Fenny Compton
Today you'll tackle the famous Claydon flight of locks and cruise through some of the most remote, beautiful countryside on the Oxford Canal. The stretch past Wormleighton is gloriously isolatedârolling hills, grazing sheep, and not a building in sight.
Distance
~7 miles
Locks
Claydon flight (5 locks) plus others
Cruise Time
5-6 hours cruising
8:30 AM
Early start from Cropredy
Get going before the crowdsâClaydon locks can get busy
Mid-Morning
Claydon Lock Flight
Five locks in successionâgreat teamwork exercise
Midday
Summit pound cruising
You've reached the highest point on the canal!
Afternoon
Fenny Compton cutting
Originally a tunnel, now a dramatic tree-lined cuttingâvery atmospheric in autumn
4:00 PM
Moor at Fenny Compton Wharf
Good moorings right by the pub
Evening
Dinner at The Wharf Inn
Legendary boaters' pub with excellent real ales
đ˝ď¸ Dining
Recommended:
The Wharf Inn, Fenny Compton
Traditional canalside pub beloved by generations of boaters.
â Highlights
- Claydon Lock flightâsatisfying teamwork challenge
- Remote summit pound
- Fenny Compton cutting
6
2026-10-07
Fenny Compton â Napton Junction
Cruise through rolling Warwickshire farmland toward the iconic Napton Windmill, visible for miles atop its hill. This is classic English canal country.
Distance
~5 miles
Locks
Napton flight (9 locks)
Cruise Time
4-5 hours cruising
9:00 AM
Depart Fenny Compton
Cruise through the peaceful morning countryside
Late Morning
Approach Napton
Watch for the windmill appearing on the hilltopâiconic photo opportunity
Midday
Napton Lock Flight
Nine locks with the windmill as your backdrop
2:00 PM
Moor near Bridge 113 (Folly Bridge)
Good moorings right by the famous Folly Inn
Afternoon
Walk up to Napton Windmill
20-minute uphill walk rewarded with views over five counties
Evening
Dinner at The Folly Inn
One of the most famous pubs on the canalâdon't miss it!
đ˝ď¸ Dining
Recommended:
The Folly Inn, Napton
A canal legend since 1840! Grade II listed former farmhouse packed with curiosities.
â Highlights
- Napton Windmillâiconic landmark
- The Folly Innâlegendary canal pub
- 13th-century All Saints Church
7
2026-10-08
Napton â Braunston
Today you reach Braunstonâthe historic heart of England's canal network. This is where the Oxford Canal meets the Grand Union. The atmospheric 2,042-yard Braunston Tunnel is a highlight.
Distance
~6 miles
Locks
Braunston flight (6 locks)
Cruise Time
4-5 hours cruising
9:00 AM
Depart Napton
Head east toward Braunston Junction
Mid-Morning
Braunston Turn (Junction)
Where Oxford Canal meets Grand Unionâphoto opportunity at the cast-iron bridge
Late Morning
Braunston Lock Flight
Six locks up toward the tunnel
Midday
Braunston Tunnel
2,042 yards of atmospheric cruisingâturn on your headlight!
Early Afternoon
Moor at Braunston Marina
Plenty of visitor moorings near the village
Afternoon
Explore Braunston
Visit the historic boatyard, chandlery, and All Saints Church ('Cathedral of the Canals')
Evening
Pub dinner
Choice of excellent pubsâThe Admiral Nelson by the lock or The Old Plough in the village
đ˝ď¸ Dining
Recommended:
The Admiral Nelson, Braunston
Historic canalside pub built circa 1730, right beside Lock No. 3.
â Highlights
- Braunston Tunnelâ2,042 yards
- Historic Braunston Marina
- All Saints Churchâ'Cathedral of the Canals'
đŹ Helpful Videos
8
2026-10-09
Braunston
Take a well-earned rest day at the historic heart of England's canal network. Explore the village at leisure, browse the chandlery, enjoy a leisurely pub lunch, and recharge for the return journey.
Morning
Lie-in and late breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed morning aboardâno early starts today!
Late Morning
Village exploration
Visit the chandlery, browse the butcher shop, pick up provisions
Midday
Pub lunch
Take your time at The Admiral Nelson or The Old Plough
Afternoon
Optional activities
Walk the towpath, visit the church, or simply relax aboard with a book
Evening
Dinner at The Old Plough
Try the other pub tonightâtraditional village atmosphere with cozy fire
đĄ Tips
- Perfect day to do laundry at the marina
- Stock up on fresh bread and meat from the village shops
9
2026-10-10
Braunston â Fenny Compton
Begin your return journey south. Everything looks different from the opposite directionâyou'll notice things you missed heading north. A moderate cruising day gets you back through the tunnel and past Napton.
Distance
~11 miles
Locks
Braunston + Napton flights
Cruise Time
5-6 hours cruising
8:00 AM
Depart Braunston
Get through the tunnel before it gets busy
Morning
Braunston flight down
Descending locks is fasterâenjoy the views you missed before
Late Morning
Pass Napton Junction
Wave to The Folly as you pass
Midday
Lunch aboard or quick pub stop
Keep momentum for a comfortable afternoon arrival
Afternoon
Napton locks descending
Last views of the windmill behind you
4:00 PM
Moor at Fenny Compton
Return to The Wharf Inn for another evening
Evening
Dinner at The Wharf Inn
Revisit this boaters' favoriteâtry something different from the menu
đ˝ď¸ Dining
Recommended:
The Wharf Inn, Fenny Compton
10
2026-10-11
Fenny Compton â Banbury
Cruise back through the Claydon flight and the beautiful countryside toward Banbury. Sunday in Banbury means roast dinner at a proper English pub.
Distance
~12 miles
Locks
Claydon flight + several others
Cruise Time
6-7 hours cruising
8:00 AM
Early start from Fenny Compton
Get ahead of the Sunday boaters
Mid-Morning
Claydon locks descending
Much easier going downhill!
Midday
Pass Cropredy
Wave to the village as you cruise by
Afternoon
Arrive Banbury
Moor in town for your last night near shops and pubs
Evening
Sunday roast dinner
Traditional British Sunday roast at a Banbury pub
đ˝ď¸ Dining
Recommended:
Ye Olde Reindeer Inn, Banbury
Historic 16th-century pub famous for its Globe Room and Sunday roasts
11
2026-10-12
Banbury â Lower Heyford
Your last morning at the helm. Savor every mile as you cruise back through the Cherwell Valley to Lower Heyford. Return the boat by mid-afternoon, then enjoy a final evening in the village.
Distance
~8 miles
Locks
Several
Cruise Time
4-5 hours cruising
8:00 AM
Final breakfast aboard
Last chance for coffee on the stern deck watching the morning canal life
9:00 AM
Cast off for Lower Heyford
Enjoy your final hours as narrowboat captain
Midday
Aynho Wharf
Optional quick stop at Great Western Arms for a farewell lunch
Early Afternoon
Lower Heyford approach
Past Upper Heyford's thatched cottages one more time
2:00 PM
Return boat to Black Prince
Fuel up, check out with the team, share your adventure stories
Afternoon
Relax in Lower Heyford
Free afternoon in the village
Evening
Farewell dinner at The Bell Inn
Full circleâcelebrate where it all began
12
2026-10-13
Lower Heyford â London
Catch the train to London for your final night in England. Arrive mid-morning and enjoy an afternoon exploring the city before your flight tomorrow.
Morning
Train to London Marylebone
Scenic journey back through the Chilterns (~1hr 15min)
Late Morning
Check into London hotel
Near Paddington or Marylebone for easy Heathrow access
Afternoon
London sightseeing
Visit a museum, walk through Hyde Park, or explore Marylebone High Street shops
Evening
Final dinner in London
Celebrate your adventure at a nice restaurant
đĄ Tips
- Book Heathrow Express tickets in advance online for best price
- Leave bags at hotel and explore light
13
2026-10-14
London â Mobile
Your canal adventure ends but the memories remain. Catch the Heathrow Express from Paddington and fly home to Mobile.
Morning
Breakfast and checkout
Leisurely morning before heading to the airport
Late Morning
Heathrow Express to airport
15 minutes from Paddington to Heathrow
Early Afternoon
Check in at Heathrow
Allow 3 hours for international departure
Afternoon
Depart London (LHR)
Flight to Atlanta
Evening
Connect in Atlanta (ATL)
Clear customs, brief layover
Night
Arrive Mobile (MOB)
Home with a head full of memoriesâcanal sunsets, lock teamwork, village pubs, and the gentle pace of life at 4 mph
đĄ Tips
- Duty free at Heathrow is excellent for last-minute British treats
Useful Resources
Package Options
Investment Summary
Flights (4 people) (MOB-LHR round-trip estimate)
$2,800
Narrowboat - Duchess 4 (10 nights) (ÂŁ2,076 GBP @ 1.25 USD/GBP (includes cancellation protection))
$2,595
Train Transfers (Heathrow Express + Chiltern Railways to Heyford & return)
$480
Diesel/Fuel (Estimated ÂŁ100)
$125
Food & Provisions (Mix of pub meals and self-catering)
$600
Per Person$1,650
Number of Travelers4
Total Trip Investment$6,600
Based on Black Prince quote ÂŁ2,076 (was ÂŁ2,648 - saves ÂŁ572). Flight estimate pending quotes.