Punting Season is Back!

Fact: Punting is one of the most enjoyable past times known to man. For those of you that don't know what it is, think Venetian gondola, but instead of a curled oar you control the speed and direction of the boat with a long (approx. 4-5 metre) pole.

In Oxford people mainly punt on the River Cherwell, which flows from the north of Oxford, through the University Parks, joining the River Thames next to Queen's College Recreation Ground in Southeast Oxford.

Mastering the art of punting takes a while, but with a little patience, most people get the hang of it fairly quickly. For those of you that are yet to experience their first attempt at punting, think direction not speed.

Here at OISE Oxford, punting is an essential part of our cultural leisure programme, and we are thoroughly looking forward to this year's punting antics! To see some of the photos from last summer's OISE Oxford punting sessions, click on the photo below.

The Exquisite Blenheim Palace

As the sun begins to make a more regular appearance, attractions of Oxford and the surrounding areas become considerably more appealing. This is certainly true of the exquisite Blenheim Palace, an early 18th century stately home situated 8 miles north of Oxford in a little village called Woodstock.

Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. It is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland, the great lake, and beautiful formal gardens.

This year Blenheim Palace will of course be on OISE Oxford's cultural leisure programme. Click on the image below to see some student photos from the cultural leisure programme of summer 2012.