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Tooley’s Boatyard reopens this Saturday
22/06/2021
Historic boatyard is organising events to coincide with Armed Forces Day
Tooley’s Boatyard is preparing to welcome back visitors from this Saturday (June 26) and, coinciding with Banbury’s Armed Forces Day, there will be a whole host of fun activities and things to see for all the family.
In line with the latest Government advice, the historic dry dock is able to reopen with live demonstrations in the recently restored Old Forge. These will run throughout Armed Forces Day.
Tooley’s Boatyard is one of the oldest working dry docks in England and listed as a nationally important, ancient monument by Historic England.
The original blacksmith’s forge and carpenter’s workshop sit alongside the dry dock. Both are still in full operation today, repairing traditional wooden and modern steel boats. The dry dock forms part of the original boatyard and has remained in continuous service since it was built to maintain boats in 1778.
The re-opening will mark the first phase of an exciting schedule of improvements to the visitor attraction, including the re-launch of its hugely popular Tooley’s boat tours.
Subject to the removal of Covid restrictions on July 19th, visitors will be able to board Tooley’s very own Dancing Duck to enjoy a 40-minute boat trip from 24th July and every Saturday to the end of September. Tickets must be pre-booked online.
John Madden, Chair of Tooley’s Boatyard Trust, said: “We are extremely excited to be reopening the Boatyard to visitors at long last! Although we will have to wait a little longer to welcome people back aboard The Dancing Duck, the revamped skippered tours we have planned will be worth the wait!
“Armed Forces Day always brings a buzz to the town, and we are thrilled to be able to offer visitors another reason to come along and discover such wonderful historic treasures.”
Tooley’s Boatyard is managed and preserved by the Tooley’s Boatyard Trust, a charitable organisation run by a group of local waterways enthusiasts, who are passionate about sharing the dry dock’s rich history with fellow boaters and the wider community.
The trust is working towards unveiling new visitor attractions in 2022, alongside some exciting longer-term plans. Revamped exhibitions and new events will create a fantastic customer experience full of rich local history and exciting activities, with something for visitors of all ages.
For more information about Tooley’s Boatyard and boat trips call 01295 272917 or visit this website.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam