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
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 2.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
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

Hotel pick-up

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

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

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

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Important information

Not allowed

Pets
Smoking
Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

Vegetarian and vegan options are also available on request
The picnic contents may differ depending on availability
Advance booking is essential

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 30 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.3/5
Transportation
4.4/5
Value for money
4.3/5
Safety
4.8/5

Sort by:

We had the best time. We were lucky with the weather, but even more lucky to get whole boat to ourselves. I think our boatman and guide was called Nick, and he was great! Very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife on the river. Boat we had was gorgeous, lovely white leather seats, very comfortable! The picnic was nice too, all served in a lovely wicker basket. We were able to take alcoholic drinks form the Folly restaurant where you board. All in all, a great experience! Thank you Nick!

June 6, 2021

Perfect way to unwind!

We did as Oxfordians do, and spent an hour or so at the Folly sipping gins and tonics pre-cruise. The boat held 12, and the others onboard were friendly and fun. The picnic hampers held a sweet, lovely, delicious picnic—quiche, scones, sweet butter, jam, and berries. The boat took us up the Thames, with a stop for a walk about, but we were having such a good time with our cruise mates, we stayed on board to chat. If you are considering this activity, go for it. We had a great time in a beautiful landscape.

July 31, 2019

Scenic boat ride with darling picnic

My mom found this trip and ended up being our favorite excursion in Oxford. Beautiful views of the river, very friendly guide who pointed out all the nearby buildings and wildlife, and we even went through a lock. We enjoyed seeing the various schools’ boathouses too. There was a good mix of locals and tourists on our boat. The picnic basket was adorable with good finger sandwiches and scrumptious strawberries and biscuits. We would highly recommend this trip.

July 23, 2018

Oxford: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic

Oxford: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Prepare for the activity

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Perfect way to unwind!

Scenic boat ride with darling picnic

Organized by