Tooley’s Boatyard in Banbury springs back to life with return of popular boat rides and open days

The boatyard is also launching a brand new monthly event this summer, named Dockyard in Action, which will start on the first Saturday of each month from June.

These events will allow members of the public to step inside one of Britain’s oldest working boatyards to experience a fascinating mixture of living heritage, hands-on craft and canal life.

They will feature demonstrations and talks from experienced blacksmiths, talks on the 250-year history of Tooley's, and model engineering demonstrations.

Alarum Productions will also perform short theatrical performances, and the events will feature a bar hosted by The Village Butty.

Chair of Tooley’s Boatyard Trust, Richard Gard said: “This is about more than opening the gates. It is about keeping a working heritage alive and sharing it with the public in a way that is engaging, accessible, and rooted in the real skills and traditions of the site.”

Alongside the open day events, the boatyard’s 39-foot day boat, Dancing Duck, will once again be taking passengers on leisurely cruises on the Oxford Canal for the return of the boat trips.

Matt Armitage, director at Tooley’s Boatyard, said: “We are very much looking forward to reintroducing the boat trips.

“It is something that has been long-awaited by the general public, and it is fantastic to see the yard coming back to life for the season.”

For more information about Tooley’s Boatyard, visit: https://tooleysboatyard.co.uk/