Oxford River Cruises

Elegance and simplicity come together in this river cruise and three-course dining experience at The Folly

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.

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.

More info

Ticket price includes a starter, main course, and dessert from The Folly a la carte menu. A surcharge may apply to a small number of premium menu items.

**Additional items such as drinks to accompany your meal, side orders, and service charge are not included and must be paid to The Folly at the end of your meal.

Private versions of this cruise are also available (a surcharge applies for groups of less than 10 people). This trip operates between April and October.

At a Glance

• 40 minute pre-Dinner Cruise aboard an elegant Edwardian River Boat
• Complimentary glass of Prosecco* aboard the vessel.
• See Folly Island, Christ Church Meadow, University boathouse, and Regatta Course.
• Exquisite Three Course Dinner at The Folly restaurant **
• Available Daily from March to October

Our Oxford Picnic Cruise combines Oxford sightseeing with a leisurely picnic and relaxed experience of river life

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*;

• An 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.

More info

Private versions of this cruise are also available (a surcharge applies for groups of less than 10 people). This trip operates between April and October.

At a Glance

• 3 hour Sightseeing Tour
• Pass-Through Osney Lock
• Stunning Scenery at Port Meadow
• Shortstop at Historic Perch Inn**
• Christ Church Meadow and College glimpses
• University Boat Houses and Rowing
• Picnic Aboard
• Private Options Available on Request
• Public Cruise Daily April to October

Enjoy this relaxing cruise on the River Thames in Oxford with our indulgent afternoon tea served aboard

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*.

• An 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.

More info

Private versions of this cruise are also available (a surcharge applies for groups of less than 10 people). This trip operates between May and September.

At a Glance

• 1.5-hour Sightseeing River Cruise
• Cruise Along the University Regatta Course
• View the University Boat Houses and Christ Church Meadows
• Sail Through Water Meadows and spot Wildlife Around Iffley
• Travel through ancient Iffley Lock
• Enjoy an Indulgent Afternoon Tea served Aboard.
• Private Options Available on Request
• Public Cruises March to November

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.

Set sail aboard one of our river launches and enjoy a relaxing cruise as the sun begins to set with your choice of complimentary drink served aboard*.

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 cocktail will be served on board to get this rather genteel party started.

More info

Private versions of this cruise are also available (a surcharge applies for groups of less than 8 people). This trip operates between April and October.

At a Glance

• Enjoy a Relaxing 40 Minute River Cruise
• Choice of Complimentary Cocktail
• See Christ Church Meadow and College glimpses
• View University Boat Houses and Rowing
• Private Options Available on Request

Elegance and simplicity come together in this river cruise and tasting menu experience at The Folly

Your experience begins boarding one of our elegant Edwardian Gentleman's River Launches for a 40-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 Champagne is served.

We disembark at The Folly restaurant where our exquisite 6-course tasting menu will be served in charming surroundings either inside the restaurant or, if the weather allows, on the floating river terrace. There is also the option of the wine pairing menu, whereupon each course is accompanied with a carefully chosen wine to compliment the dish.

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

More info

There is the option of a vegetarian tasting menu

**Additional items such as drinks to accompany your meal, side orders, and service charge are not included and must be paid to The Folly at the end of your meal.

Private versions of this cruise are also available (a surcharge applies for groups of less than 10 people). This trip operates between April and October.

At a Glance

• 40 minute pre-Dinner Cruise aboard an elegant Edwardian River Boat
• Complimentary glass of Champagne aboard the vessel.
• See Folly Island, Christ Church Meadow, University boathouse, and Regatta Course.
• Exquisite Six Course Dinner at The Folly restaurant
• Available Daily from April to October