From 18—24 September The Barge
Company was privileged to be aboard the gloriously English
Actief
barge,
cruising in refined elegance on the Royal River Thames between
Oxford and Windsor. Fine food and wine (much of it organic) was enjoyed by all.Please read on
for an invaluable insight into this ‘must do’ cruise, brought to you exclusively by The Barge Company.
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This delightful cruise which was to take us from
Shillingford Bridge to the heart of Windsor, began
just outside Oxford where the barge was
serenely moored up next to a private lawn, next
to the picturesque Shillingford Bridge and Inn.
The pick-up at the Goring Hotel in the centre of
London went very smoothly and everyone was
on board the supremely comfortable minibus
within minutes of the appointed time. About an
hour later we received a warm welcome on
board by our crew; Andrew (Cruise Manager
and Chef), Lee (Pilot and Guide), Hannah and
Beth (Hostesses). So far so good!
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Our cabin (see pics above)
was the spacious and pretty ‘Wolsey Suite’ which can be
arranged as a twin or a double cabin (i.e. two single beds
or one large bed). The décor
was light and attractive with a very English ‘country house’
feel to it. We particularly
liked the newly refurbished bathroom with lovely modern
shower cubicle and
plenty of shelf space for toiletries. The full length mirror
on the door was also very
handy and a great luxury—not all barge cabins have the space
for one this size. Two
high level windows allowed light and fresh air into the
room, and during our cruise we
enjoyed watching ducks and swans at eye level on the water
just a few feet away!
The open plan living room has a very cosy feel to it with
the use of warm, rich coloured
textiles and fabrics which continues the elegant but relaxed
country house
theme. Varnished woods and richly patterned floor rugs add
to the air of opulent comfort.
The bar area (where you can help yourself to drinks at any
time, although there
is usually someone there to serve you), is very discreetly
and prettily incorporated into
the far end of the open plan area (see below). Reading the
newspapers whilst sipping
a cup of fine coffee or a refreshing Gin and Tonic is
perfectly possible in this lounge
area as there very comfortably cushioned bench seatscreating, in effect, two separate rest areas when required.
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At the other end of the saloon, opening on to the large sun
deck with sturdy tables and chairs, is the dining area which
consists of two alcove areas with large tables, seating 4 and
7 respectively.
Dining on the Actief was a sheer pleasure as Andrew our
knowledgeable and world-travelled Chef proved himself to
have a natural flair for pleasing everyone with his gourmet
creations. A hearty cooked breakfast was available each
morning which most people tucked into with relish; eggs,
bacon, sausages, mushroom, tomatoes, black pudding, even
kippers were there for anyone who wished to partake prior
to a busy days’ sight-seeing. He even made us pancakes
with blackberry sauce and Maple Syrup on our penultimate
morning. Needless to say we’re now feeling the pinch with
our waistbands but it was truly worth it! The pudding on
our first night, Sticky Toffee Pudding (right), was a roaring
success and set the culinary scene for the following week...
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And here is Andrew, (left),
enthralling everyone with his introduction to each
course (always something of a highlight to the evening!!)
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Mealtimes on the Actief
were an opportunity to socialise
with ease (there were only 9 aboard this
week) and so we all came to be very relaxed with
each other very quickly. The first and last evening
meals on board were preceded by wonderful champagne
served in the most elegant flutes, accompanied
by a selection of ‘melt-in-the-mouth’ canapés,
served on deck as the stars came out and twinkled overhead...
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Excursions throughout the week were very enjoyable and of a very high standard.
Our first was to Christchurch College, Oxford, the seat of many famous scholars
whose portraits we were honoured to see in the Great Dining Hall of the college. A
guided tour of the college and cathedral gave a fascinating in sight into one of the
oldest seats of learning in the world. Here is the fountain in the quad of the college
(below right). The buildings all the way round it house the students’ rooms.
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The following day we enjoyed a private tour
of the ancient watermill at Mapeldurham
House, which is still in use today (see our
group becoming hypnotised by the moving
water wheel, below!). Many centuries of
milling history were shared with us by the
Miller (second from right) and it was a really
fascinating tour. Then, a leisurely tour
around the grand Mapledurham House itself
(below right) was enjoyed by all. The serene,
uninterrupted view from the front of
the house is a quintessentially English vision
of beauty.
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Later in the week we were treated to a night at the world famous town of Henley on
Thames, location of the famous Rowing Regatta. There we visited the excellent River
and Rowing Museum where we learnt a lot about life on the water through the ages
and this particular corner of England (Henley, below right).
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One other excursion we particularly enjoyed
was a private visit to a boat builders’ yard
which has been functioning uninterrupted now
for 300 years. They make only 5 boats per
year, all by hand, and when you see them in
person you can see why, as they’re each one a
work of fine art (see below right).
The grand old house of Cliveden, and her wondrous
gardens, were another destination during
our cruise week (see pictures below right).
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All the excursions were guided and hence were very enjoyable. This really was the
‘crème de la crème’ of English culture and heritage that we were seeing and experiencing.
Our final excursion was to the world famous school of Eton in Berkshire. We toured
the school, marvelling at the century old graffiti on desks and chairs (names such as
Coleridge and Blair were noticeable), and learning about how the school functions today
as compared with many centuries ago. There’s even a museum that we were
delighted to tour, with many old artefacts and items of memorabilia on display. See
the old Eton schoolroom below right.
Just a stone’s throw from Eton is Windsor Castle (below) where you may tour the
many splendidly furnished rooms and learn all about the English Royal Family. We
didn’t visit it on this cruise, but it is certainly possible for those who wish to do so.
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Back to the barge and it was time to
prepare for our final evening meal. Whilst relaxing
on the sun deck however, we were overtaken by some eager
local rowers
(below left) - you just never know who you’ll see on the
water. A warm and sunny
evening, and Hannah was lending a hand on board with the
ropes (below right)
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The countryside that we cruised through was green, lush and
totally tranquil; a world
away from the usual hustle and bustle that we know as modern
England. Somehow
the Actief manages to offer its clients a peaceful, relaxing
and cultural vision of England
as she wends her way through the very heart of southern
England.
We thoroughly recommend the Actief for anyone who seeks
superb food and wines, a
gentle and relaxing cruise without fierce heat, naturalists
and birdwatchers (we saw so
many native wild birds really close up), and walkers and
hikers too. There isn’t a towpath
that follows the canal all the way, but the barge crew will
be happy to provide
maps and directions for some wonderful rural walks through
the cream of the Englishcountryside, which can be enjoyed by all.
If you are interested in cruising on the Actief
please contact us without delay.
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