This Oxford picnic cruise combines Oxford sightseeing with a leisurely picnic lunch and a relaxed experience of river life.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details. Learn more
Duration 2.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Enjoy a 2.5-hour river cruise to see the sights from a new perspective
Take in stunning river scenery including Christ Church College and Meadows the University Boat Houses and Historic Port Meadow
Pass through a Thames lock and take a break at an 800-year-old riverside inn
Dine from a generous picnic hamper

Full description

This cruise travels 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 passenegers 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 this trip while composing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. It is also the site of Trout Island, an inspiration for another of Oxfords 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 and fresh strawberries • 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.

Includes

Picnic lunch
2.5-hour cruise

Drinks (can be purchased at the departure point)

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

The cruise departs from the moorings at The Folly, Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4JU.

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Important information

Not allowed

Pets
Smoking
Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

If you have any dietary requirements, please contact the local partner as soon as you make the booking
The picnic contents may differ depending on availability

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 58 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.8/5
Transportation
4.8/5
Value for money
4.5/5
Safety
4.8/5

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This trip was perfect from start to finish. You felt totally relaxed enjoying this scenic trip. Our ‘captain’ Paul was an excellent guide in providing information on the sites as we went past and it was fantastic rediscovering Oxford from the river rather than the road. The picnic was also superb - my only concern before the start was 3 hours on a boat and no toilet when you have little ones with you but you do get to stop at a pub to enable a drink and loo break!

August 14, 2022

Fantastic cruise from start to finish. The lunch was great and included sandwiches, potato salad, quiche, scones, cream, jam, a little pot of fresh strawberries and elderflower presse. They do cater for dietary requirements and you can pre order drinks. Its 2.5 hours along the river, most of which is really pretty and scenic. The boat itself is lovely and small, only fits 12 ppl so it's quite intimate. It does have covers in case it rains. It's also electric so its lovely and quiet. The tour guide Nick was great - funny and informative. You also get a chance to stop off at a nearby pub for refreshments/loo break. Overall, absolutely loved it and would highly recommend.

June 11, 2022

We had an entertaining & informative guide to tell us about what we were seeing. He changed plan with no fuss on finding problems with one of the locks. Delicious picnic, we made sure the geese didn’t have any leftovers! Comfortable boat with rugs available, much appreciated as it was a breezy day. Beautiful experience being on the water.

May 19, 2022

Oxford: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic

Oxford: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic

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