Tours/Oxford/Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise
Viator · group up to 12 pax

Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise

4.9(319)Oxford1 hour
VIATOR4.8(38)TRIPADVISOR4.9(281)

Description

This Oxford picnic cruise combines Oxford sightseeing with a leisurely picnic and relaxed experience of river life. Your small group cruise 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 you take in a side of Oxford's heritage rarely seen by visitors to the city. Complimented by a delicious picnic hamper.

Tour Options

Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Including a Picnic
  • Option 1: Our Oxford Picnic Cruise combines sightseeing with a leisurely picnic and relaxed river experience. Departing 11.30am/5pm

Itinerary

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Cruising this ancient and historic waterway passengers enjoy the beauty, peace and tranquility of river life.

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The cruise takes in the views of Christ Church Meadow, a beautiful area of open countryside in the heart of Oxford. Beside the meadow are glimpses of Christ Church College, Merton College and Magdalen College

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The cruise passes under Folly Bridge, the ancient river crossing from which the city of Oxford grew.

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From the river view Port Meadow, a vast area of common land that has remained little changed since prehistoric times and supports plants and bird-life in abundance.

Admission included10 min

Passing through Osney Lock passengers experience the fancinating system of locks and weirs which have managed the flow of the River Thames for hundreds of years.

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Oxford River Cruises offers sightseeing tours, picnic and dining cruises in the heart of Oxford

Admission included10 min

Cruises embark and disembark at Oxford's renowned Folly Restaurant perched beside the river at Folly Bridge. Guests can order drinks from the restaurant to take aboard the boat and enjoy a meal on their return from the cruise (sold separately).

Highlights

Picnic lunch
All taxes, fees and handling charges
3-hour river cruise
Professional skipper

What's included

Included
Picnic lunch
All taxes, fees and handling charges
3-hour river cruise
Professional skipper
Not included
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

4.9
319 reviews
5
291
4
19
3
5
2
2
1
2

Important Information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Infant meals not included
  • Minimum drinking age is 18 years
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Reviews(319)

K
kierstinr2025
August 18, 2026
Highlight of our trip!

Henry was our fabulous captain. He took great care of us and the other family. He told great stories, described what we were seeing, how the locks work, and took pictures for us. We were safe, the food and drink was wonderful, and we enjoyed every minute. Beautiful scenery and a taste of Oxford life. A bathroom break was given about halfway through. Meeting place instructions could clearly state to meet at the Folly Restaurant; we were looking around the dock until we received a phone call telling us where to meet.

G
garye627
August 18, 2026
A relaxing journey

We and our American friends thoroughly enjoyed the trip and our Captain, Joe, was a pleasure to sail with. He was knowledgeable, articulate and very friendly. The lunch pack that was provided was excellent, being very tasty. The journey finished far too quickly, or so it seemed. We recommend this trip highly. Best wishes to Joe who has a great future ahead of him.

8
8danib
August 17, 2026
A lovely experience and a delicious picnic

This lovely picnic cruise experience was a gift from family and we had such a wonderful time on the boat with Russell as our genial guide. We were lucky to have beautiful weather and the scenery is gorgeous. The picnic they prepare for you is so lovely coming in a traditional hamper and the highlight was the scones with jam and cream and strawberries. Special dietary needs were catered for. For a chilled out 3 hours drifting along a beautiful river with a lovely picnic - this is just perfect.

D
doctoranne1
August 16, 2026
An oasis of pleasure and peace

We had the most wonderful time on this trip. Maybe 10-12 people. Trip was close to 3 hours and we were treated to a lovely picnic lunch presented in a traditional wicker picnic hamper. Food included scones and cream, finger sandwiches, fresh strawberries, potato salad and excellent lemonade. You could get wine, for example if requested. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. The boat was comfortable, shaded and QUIET! (Electric motor). I would happily do this trip again. Friends who went a few days later had an equally good time.

R
Ramblingval
August 14, 2026
A memorable trip along the Thames

The whole three hour trip we had on the Thames was memorable. It was so relaxing just floating along the river and Max our 'skipper' regaled us with a lot of interesting history and tales pertaining to our route along through Iffley Lock and to Sandford Lock. Here we ate our picnic hamper which we both thoroughly enjoyed. The experience will remain in our memory for a long time to come .

N
NancySV
August 13, 2026
Favorite experience in Oxford

Our captain/guide was very knowledgeable, welcoming and friendly. It was a wonderful day to take the trip. Found the river lock system fascinating, the scenery beautiful and the pub was amazing as well. Enjoyed our picnic lunch which included mini quiche, finger sandwiches, potato salad, fresh strawberries, scones fresh clotted cream and jam. The chef did an amazing job as it was fantastic! Would highly recommend!

6
611carolj
August 11, 2026
Our favorite experience in Oxford!

Our favorite experience in Oxford! My husband and I recently spent four days in Oxford and this tour was our best! The experience was relaxing, the scenery beautiful, and the knowledge we gained from our Captain, Max, was fascinating! The food was delicious, also; some of the best we had in England. Thank you, Max, for providing us with such a wonderful trip down the Thames!

J
jackiewD7670VY
August 11, 2026
Wonderful Experience

Such a wonderful trip! Paul our Skipper was brilliant and provided lots of commentary along the way. It was so obvious that he really loves his job. Afternoon tea was lovely - sandwiches, quiche, potato salad, hot scones with jam and butter and strawberriesl Very relaxing. Would definitely recommend.

Y
Y1921KTdavidu
August 6, 2026
A lazy afternoon on the river.

We arrived early so we’re able to set off early. Paul was the captain and kept us entertained throughout the afternoon. The hamper lunch was superb, the right quantity and of excellent quality. The 3 hours were very restful/calming and we arrived back ver satisfied. Full marks to Paul for his performance.

M
morwennab515
August 5, 2026
It exceeded expectations

We really enjoyed the river cruise. The afternoon tea was delightful and plentiful, and Paul the guide was insightful and humourous!

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