Not sure what to do with the kids over the school holidays? Wanting to holiday closer to home this year? Keen to save some money in these credit crunch times?

Well, it might be worth considering boating in one of the country’s safest waterway environments – and, better still, it’s right on your doorstep.

Yes, the Thames is the UK’s most famous river and has a huge number of activities on offer.

And all without suffering that notorious holiday traffic to the coast.

After all, as Ratty said to Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s timeless Wind in the Willows: “There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats...”

Mmm ... point well made.

And the Thames is also ideal for introducing newcomers, especially children, to water-based activities.

That’s not to forget the stunning English architecture, historic buildings, riverside inns (very important) and even Michelin Star restaurants along the way.

As one of the most prominent and historic towns on the river, Oxford’s relationship with water goes back a long way – punting being almost synonymous with the city.

But apart from this predominantly student activity, Oxford has plenty of other interesting ways to enjoy the river, ranging from river boats and canoe hire, to short-break boating holidays or week-long cruises.

For the more adventurous, there is junior sailing, motor boating and windsurfing courses from a number of companies approved by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

But for those who prefer to be independent, a self-drive river boat is probably the answer.

You’ll be relieved to hear you don’t need any previous boating experience, or even a licence, as most boats are easier to operate than driving a car.

Plus, for complete novices, most hire boat companies will spend, on average, at least two hours with you before allowing you cast off explaining all the technicalities of your vessel, mooring locations and how to use the locks you’ll encounter en route.

So, if you’ve never been the captain of a boat before there’s no need to worry – you’ll be the Long John Silver of Oxfordshire before you know it.

Locks during the day are operated by a lock keeper, so if you are nervous about operating them yourself, it is important to remember that you have to do them yourself at night.

Alternatively, find a mooring for the night – these are at regular intervals along the river bank – which will give you time to put your feet up, enjoy the scenery and continue your cruise in the morning.

As regards the hire boats themselves, many are some of the most modern on the water, as comfortable as a small house (albeit a very small bungalow) and well-equipped, with hot water, showers, flushing toilets, modern kitchens, a high standard of furnishings and comfortable sleeping arrangements.

The leisurely life of the river is enforced by the gentle speed limit of just eight kilometres per hour – that’s approximately 5 mph – guaranteeing that your trip will be a relaxing one.

Depending how much time you want to spend on the water, boats can be hired for a week, a day or just a few hours.

Some companies will even provide a skipper to steer your vessel, allowing you time to take in the surrounding countryside and without having to worry about such things yourself.

This type of hire is ideal for special occasions such as parties or even weddings, when you don’t want the added worry of wondering if the bow is still intact after that inevitable collision with the bank.

And remember, the best way to discover if river cruising is for you and your family is to try a boat for the day.

Prices start from around £120. Plus, this summer, members of the Thames Boating Trades Association are offering a number of discounts and special offers in their ‘Discover Your Thames’ initiative which has been designed to encourage families to discover the great natural heritage that is the British countryside and its rivers.