Oxford River Cruises

Your experience begins boarding one of our elegant Edwardian Gentleman's River Launches for a 30-minute cruise taking in the highlights of river life in Oxford. We see Folly Bridge, Christchurch Meadows, the University boathouse, and part of the Regatta course whilst a complementary glass of Prosecco* is served. This can be a wonderful time to be on the river as the sun gets lower in the sky and the light takes on a magical quality.

We disembark at The Folly restaurant where your exquisite meal will be served in charming surroundings either inside the restaurant or, if the weather allows, on the floating river terrace. The Folly's a la carte menu offers relaxed fine dining (sample menu here) and there is a comprehensive wine list available to complement your meal.**

Our Cruise and Dine combines two of Oxford's great attractions to create an exceptional and memorable experience.

There's something rather serene and lovely about this evening cruise (a favorite of our skippers). Maybe it's that as you set sail in a 'Gentleman's Edwardian River Launch' just as the sun is waning when you can experience that wonderful changing light and that distinctive calm of evening on the water? It might simply be because it's a moment you can really enjoy away from the busyness of modern life.

The cruise is a classic tour of the river Thames as it meanders around Oxford. And as a reminder of that educational and sporting heritage, you'll drift gently past the university boat houses, as well as other delightful corners such as Christchurch Meadows. Oh and we shouldn't forget that your choice of sundowner* will be served on board to get this rather genteel party started.

We travel through the city past famous landmarks including Christchurch College and Meadows, the University boathouses and regatta course, the Head of the River and Folly Bridge. From the river, we take in a side of Oxford's heritage rarely seen by visitors to the city. Quaint Osney Island, well-loved allotments and gardens, and majestic and ancient Port Meadow are off the tourist trail but represent some of Oxford's most beautiful and intriguing scenery. Port Meadow, a vast area of common land, has remained little changed since prehistoric times and supports plants and bird-life in abundance. At the top of Port Meadow is Godstow. Godstow was the ultimate destination of Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll when they followed an identical route to our trip while composing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. It is also the site of Trout Island, an inspiration for another of Oxford's literary icons, C S Lewis, and his stories of the land of Narnia.

Your picnic lunch is provided by riverside restaurant, The Folly, and typically includes*;

• A Selection of Finger Sandwiches
• Homemade Quiche or Tart of The Day
• Homemade Scones with Strawberry Jam, Clotted Cream
• Elderflower Presse
• Served in a traditional picnic basket with napkins, crockery, and glasses (to be returned to the crew at the end of the cruise)
• Drinks to take aboard can be purchased at the departure point.

*exact contents may differ and depend on availability. For information regarding special dietary requirements and allergies please see our Diets and Allergies page.

This relaxing afternoon cruise sails downstream from Folly Bridge taking in the best-known reach of the River Thames in Oxford. Traveling down the University Regatta Course we pass Christ Church Meadows, the University College Boat Houses and other landmarks on our way to Iffley lock. This is often a busy and vibrant section of the river where training rowing crews, punts, and pleasure boats jostle for river space in a wonderful display of Oxford at play. Passing through the lock at Iffley is an experience in itself. The river scenery and fascinating buildings combining to form a picture-perfect location. Beyond Iffley, we travel into the tranquil water meadows that surround Oxford and there are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife amongst the green banks and overhanging willows. We turn for home at Rose Island, a favorite destination of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell on their river journeys.

Aboard the boat, we serve an indulgent afternoon tea provided by the renowned riverside restaurant, The Folly. The traditional menu includes*.

• A Selection of Finger Sandwiches
• Homemade Scones with Strawberry Jam, Clotted Cream
• A Selection of Cakes, Tarts or Petit Fours
• Tea
• Drinks to take aboard can be purchased at the departure point.

*exact contents may differ and depend on availability. For information regarding special dietary requirements and allergies please see our Diets and Allergies page.

We take in a fascinating stretch of River as we cruise down the university regatta course towards quaint Iffley village. We pass ancient Folly Bridge, Christchurch College and Meadows, and the university rowing houses. This is one of the busiest and most colorful stretches of the Thames (the stretch locally known as The Isis). Rowing eights, punts, university boats, and large pleasure cruisers come together in a lively display of all that the river has to offer.

Deciding what to do when you visit Oxford becomes easy with our 30-minute tour of the river sights. You’ll be treated to the University Regatta Course and the College boathouses that line this bustling stretch, as well as cruising around ancient Folly Island and past beautiful Christ Church College and Meadows. Your tour is complemented by our skipper’s local knowledge and affords some excellent sightseeing opportunities. Our comfortable boats ensure that you cruise in style, offering protection from the elements if needed. Cruises depart from The Folly restaurant and you are welcome to take drinks and snacks from their cafe and bar aboard the vessel.

Departing Folly Bridge in Oxford city centre we travel upstream passing quaint residential suburbs before reaching Binsey and majestic Port Meadow. These areas of unexpected natural beauty have inspired the work of Oxford's best loved literary icons including Lewis Carroll, C S Lewis, Evelyn Waugh and Gerard Manly Hopkins. These sights are off the tourist trail but represent some of Oxford's most beautiful and intriguing scenery. Port Meadow, a vast area of common land, has remained little changed since prehistoric times and supports plants and bird-life in abundance. At the top of Port Meadow is Godstow. Godstow was the ultimate destination of Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll when they followed an identical route to our trip while composing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. It is also the site of Trout Island, an inspiration for stories of the land of Narnia.

As we return to the city centre our downstream route takes us past iconic Oxford scenery including Christchurch Meadows and College, the University Regatta Course, the College Boat Houses and Folly Island.

During the cruise, your skipper will offer a little of the history of these famous reaches of the river and will be happy to respond to any questions that you might have.

This cruise is usually aboard one of our elegant Edwardian style River Launches. These vessels, with their beautiful lines and teak interiors, evoke the pleasures of a bygone era when life moved at a slower pace. The modern era is not forgotten and the boats utilize the latest zero-emission fully electric propulsion to ensure that your outing has the minimal possible environmental impact.