Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise
4.8
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise
By Oxford River Cruises
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 2-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Picnic lunch
- Professional skipper
- 3-hour river cruise
- Entry/Admission - Osney Lock Hydro
- Entry/Admission - Oxford
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- Folly Brg, Oxford OX1 4JU, UK
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Infants must sit on laps
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7418P1- 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
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7418P1
From
₹6,732.63
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Folly Brg, Oxford OX1 4JU, UK
- Pass byRiver ThamesChrist Church MeadowFolly BridgePort Meadow
- 1Pass byOxford River Cruises
- 2
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Top rated
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Pat P0 contributionsInteresting trip, and great value.Lovely afternoon trip with Grandchildren who are back in UK for 3 weeks from their home from Switzerland. Relaxing trip with knowledgeable and very personable guide. Group consisted of 6,10,40 & 65+ ages. All thoroughly enjoyed it.Written 21 March 2025
- sandrahopkins660 contributionsGood trip.We had a lovely relaxing river cruise with an amusing skipper that made it a fun trip but was interesting in his knowledge of the area ….Written 19 March 2025
- tinatS8862VJ0 contributionsRelaxing boat tripI thoroughly enjoyed the boat trip. The scenery was fabulous The weather was cold but there were blankets provided. The commentary from the skipper was interesting . Learnt about the history of the boat houses and the university boat races and the skipper pointed out nature.Written 18 March 2025
- lynnaed20220 contributionsTraditional afternoon tea with a twistHad a lovely afternoon with captain Nick! Nick is super friendly, has a great sense of humor and is very knowledgeable about all things university and nature related. The tea was delicious!! Would definitely recommend this tour.Written 16 March 2025
- christopherbG5087GI0 contributionsLovely river tripVery enjoyable 50 minute trip. Skipper was knowledgeable and fun brining lots of insight along the way. Also the boat itself was very comfortable and, having expected to be on a larger tourist boat, it was a pleasant surprise to be on board a smaller vessel with c10 other guests.Written 14 March 2025
- Flyer5513320 contributionsWorth the timeA lovely hours cruise. Very helpful, friendly staff. Very knowledgeable about the area. Well worth the cost and recommended.Written 13 March 2025
- SueF5450 contributionsA pleasurable afternoonHad a really lovely afternoon, the cruise was very well organised & the tea was plentiful. Our skipper, Nick was really welcoming & extremely knowledgeable about the areas & pointing out places of interest along the route. Would highly recommend the cruise.Written 13 March 2025
- aprilia100 contributionsWe really enjoyed this boat tripWe really enjoyed this boat trip. Nick made it very entertaining and his knowledge of that section of the river also made it very interestingWritten 10 March 2025
- caidyp20250 contributionsBrilliantamazing! Our skipper nick was brilliant, lovely and friendly, highly recommended!! He made the experience 10x betterWritten 8 March 2025
- DaveW6350 contributionsA wonderful relaxing experienceWe had an absolutely fantastic time on our Afternoon tea river cruise on the Thames. Our guide was extremely pleasant, knowledgeable about explaining sights along our journey. The tea itself is presented in a hamper, plentiful, all freshly made - even the scones were still warm! So glad we booked and would thoroughly recommend this trip.Written 26 December 2024
- fionacook550 contributionsAwesome experienceIt was just amazing, with awesome views. So relaxing. The guide was wonderful. The afternoontea was delicious. Just the best trip.Written 12 December 2024
- Slight-Fade0 contributionsA Most Enjoyable And Relaxing TripThe boat for our trip was at full capacity of twelve customers plus the skipper / commentator but everyone had enough room. It was a very pleasant trip along the Thames ( Isis ) including the regatta part of the river and then past meadows. The commentary on the way down to Iffley Lock where we could get off and stretch our legs. On the way back there was little from the skipper other than to answer questions. Music was played instead. It was a most enjoyable and relaxing trip.Written 21 November 2024
- RICHARD D0 contributionsAutumnal CruiseWe had the boat to ourselves as no one else had booked. Enjoyed the cruise and running commentary whilst eating the afternoon tea.Written 6 November 2024
- JaneLB440 contributionsGlorious and relaxing cruise down the riverLovely little jaunt down the Regatta Course with family of all ages - Many thanks to Ash for being such a brilliant captain and his refreshingly honest and informative chat - Would highly recommend!Written 4 November 2024
- KelsSA290 contributionsWaste of time.I can't review the actual boat experience because the skipper left without us, despite us getting there early and waiting in the bar area of the restaurant as we were told to do so. The time was passing and we were told by several other members of staff that we would be collected soon. We waited 45 minutes then went back up stairs to ask why there was such a long delay to be told the skipper left without us. We were offered to go on another boat 4 hours later but we had our day planned out as we came from far to visit Oxford. We asked for a refund and we were given one free drink from the bar but unfortunately this didnt make up for missing the boat experience and wasting our time.Written 3 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
208 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
11
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Pauline H
Princes Risborough, UK1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
I booked this cruise for the family to celebrate my 70th birthday, the party included adults and three children. We had a great time. The restaurant staff were polite and helpful on our arrival. The boat was comfortable with enough space for the children.to move around. Our host Becky was lovely, included everyone in the trip with conversation about the route. The children were included she encouraged them to sit at the back of the boat and chat to her. The lunch picnic was perfect and all dietary requirements were met. We all enjoyed the elderflower presse. The views were great we followed the Lewis Caroll route and also stopped at a pub on the way back. I chose a private cruise which meant all, including the children could enjoy the trip with no worries about disturbing other people on the boat. It was brilliant.
Written 24 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte F
16 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
I booked a picnic cruise for 23 people for a double hen do and the whole process was super quick and easy. Due to the party size we had to split into two boats which wasn't a problem at all for us.
We arrived and welcomed in and given a boarding pass and sat on the deck and ordered drinks while we waited. They then boarded the picnic hampers on the boat and we followed soon after. Our boat had tables and chairs along with bench seats and it was spotless, beautiful and comfortable for all.
Our skipper gave a safety briefing and was so lovely, he was relaxed, knowledgeable and friendly and was happy to get involved with the banter and nothign was to much of an ask.
The picnic baskets was shared between 2 and they were beautiful insulated wicker baskets with plates, cutlery and food. There was 4 scones, cream, jam, 2 quiche, selection of sandwiches and 2 pots of potatoe salad, pot of strawberries along with elderflower press and water. The food was delicious and all the guests loved it. What we didn't eat they gave us boxes to take the food home which was a great touch.
Half way through we moored up at a pub for a bathroom break and we're given the option of a quick stop and then back on the boat or a longer stop at the pub and a quicker trip back. We chose to stay at the pub it gave our two boats time to mix together and it was a stunning spot with great drink choices and it was a highlight of our evening. We took drinks from the pub back on the boat and set sail back as the sun was just starting to set.
They even pulled over again on the way back to let some of the men onbard have another bathroom break 😂
Overall I have no negative comments this is the second time I have gone with Oxford River Cruises I also did it for my own hen do hence we recommending it this time and it was just as good.
Highly recommend Oxford River Cruises for any event, date night etc just can't rave about it enough.
We arrived and welcomed in and given a boarding pass and sat on the deck and ordered drinks while we waited. They then boarded the picnic hampers on the boat and we followed soon after. Our boat had tables and chairs along with bench seats and it was spotless, beautiful and comfortable for all.
Our skipper gave a safety briefing and was so lovely, he was relaxed, knowledgeable and friendly and was happy to get involved with the banter and nothign was to much of an ask.
The picnic baskets was shared between 2 and they were beautiful insulated wicker baskets with plates, cutlery and food. There was 4 scones, cream, jam, 2 quiche, selection of sandwiches and 2 pots of potatoe salad, pot of strawberries along with elderflower press and water. The food was delicious and all the guests loved it. What we didn't eat they gave us boxes to take the food home which was a great touch.
Half way through we moored up at a pub for a bathroom break and we're given the option of a quick stop and then back on the boat or a longer stop at the pub and a quicker trip back. We chose to stay at the pub it gave our two boats time to mix together and it was a stunning spot with great drink choices and it was a highlight of our evening. We took drinks from the pub back on the boat and set sail back as the sun was just starting to set.
They even pulled over again on the way back to let some of the men onbard have another bathroom break 😂
Overall I have no negative comments this is the second time I have gone with Oxford River Cruises I also did it for my own hen do hence we recommending it this time and it was just as good.
Highly recommend Oxford River Cruises for any event, date night etc just can't rave about it enough.
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug B
Lancaster, SC23 contributions
We waited until the morning of our tour to buy the tickets and I am really glad they were available.
If you are on the bubble about taking this tour go ahead and get tickets as soon as you are able. My wife and I took our 7 year old (almost 8) daughter with us and it was a great way to spend 3 hours cruising up and down the Thames.
Our skippers were great and kept the trip interesting by providing information about the few sites along the route as well as how the riverboats are allowed to moor along the banks etc.
From what I understood from the skipper the boat operating company and the restaurant share a common owner and the picnic basket prepared by the chef was perfect for a boat tour.
If you go and read any of the one or two ratings I feel like the issues they had have been addressed and I would feel confident in recommending this tour to anyone visiting Oxford.
If you are on the bubble about taking this tour go ahead and get tickets as soon as you are able. My wife and I took our 7 year old (almost 8) daughter with us and it was a great way to spend 3 hours cruising up and down the Thames.
Our skippers were great and kept the trip interesting by providing information about the few sites along the route as well as how the riverboats are allowed to moor along the banks etc.
From what I understood from the skipper the boat operating company and the restaurant share a common owner and the picnic basket prepared by the chef was perfect for a boat tour.
If you go and read any of the one or two ratings I feel like the issues they had have been addressed and I would feel confident in recommending this tour to anyone visiting Oxford.
Written 7 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen S
16 contributions
Lovely welcome into the restaurant, boat clean, food was good and copious, they did cater for gluten free and the food was good 😁. Our guide was a nice local guy who knew the area and history well,however I was frankly a bit disappointed that there were no views of Oxford or the colleges themselves from the boat as we went through a lock and down to an island and back through a relatively industrial area and not towards the centre itself. so expensive for what it was… tourist trap, absolutely, worth the money for the experience, not so sure 😞 would I recommend the food, 100% 😋
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Ripley, UK242 contributions
Aug 2022
This was a serene few hours away from the bustle of daily life that we enjoyed thoroughly. To be honest it started badly as the 'find us' instructions said to walk from the bus stop in the forward direction and it should have been the opposite. But when that was cracked everything else was smooth sailing.
We found the administration excellent and this included changing our date twice for family reasons. The boat we small and therefore intimate and guaranteed to be close to the water.
The picnic hamper was first class - including a small quiche and more scones, cream and jam than we could manage.
Our skipper was charming and did her best to make the small number of sights sound interesting. Mostly it was buildings relating to Oxford colleges and rowing. So if you want to did deep in to Oxford's history this is not for you. But if you want a delightful calm experience on the water, with a lovely picnic, this is definitely right on the mark.
We found the administration excellent and this included changing our date twice for family reasons. The boat we small and therefore intimate and guaranteed to be close to the water.
The picnic hamper was first class - including a small quiche and more scones, cream and jam than we could manage.
Our skipper was charming and did her best to make the small number of sights sound interesting. Mostly it was buildings relating to Oxford colleges and rowing. So if you want to did deep in to Oxford's history this is not for you. But if you want a delightful calm experience on the water, with a lovely picnic, this is definitely right on the mark.
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ted H
Sutton, UK34 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The trip was arranged through a Daily Mail special offer which included a cruise on the river. On the day there was a rather cold breeze which detracted somewhat when sat in a rather small cramped river craft. The views from the river were no always that inspring but the food hamper supplied for the picnic was excellent and could not be faulted. The young female (Emily?) who was in charge of the boat (only crew member) was very pleasant and attempted to give some commentary whilst travelling along but was quite softly spoken and tended to have conversations with the nearest located passengers and did not, necessarily, include everyone.
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul w
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
From the moment we arrived, to the moment we disembarked, we were really looked after by our Skipper, Paul. Very attentive, with an incredible local knowledge and always willing to take questions and share a story.
The views were lovely. The half way point at The Perch was idyllic and the picnic provided by the company was an amazing quality. We certainly didn't go without!
There is nothing we would change.
We were equally lucky that there was a regatta the day we set off so we enjoyed an additional experience and Paul's knowledge extended to the rowing teams and some of the history there too.
The views were lovely. The half way point at The Perch was idyllic and the picnic provided by the company was an amazing quality. We certainly didn't go without!
There is nothing we would change.
We were equally lucky that there was a regatta the day we set off so we enjoyed an additional experience and Paul's knowledge extended to the rowing teams and some of the history there too.
Written 11 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David A
High Wycombe, UK5 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
What a wonderful afternoon we had . The reception was welcoming , the Folly Bridge restaurant so accommodating , the boat fantastic and best of all our skipper Henry , what an affable young man . He is surely a great ambassador and bonus to your company , although we understand only for a short while ! We spent an enchanting 3 hours , which went all too quickly and thoroughly recommend this experience / cruise / picnic . The picnic was just right . A heartfelt well done and thank you to all involved ((especially Henry )
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J B
5 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
What a great experience. The boat was nice and small and informal. The guide was exceptional, very witty and just shared enough information without talking the whole time. The picnic hamper was superb. The whole trip was relaxing and so peaceful. Would definitely recommend. The only comment is that there is a 10 minute walk to the toilet break and the boat is not easy to get in and out of so not recommended for anyone not fit and able.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melisa W
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Our skipper Paul was a delight. He was friendly, knowledgeable and gregarious. He knew much about the sites, the river and the fellow folks on the river. He made the trip a joy. Paul catered the trip to our specific needs when we were the only group who turned up for the cruise and could maneuver the boat like a dream. The picnic was a perfect small meal, the scones especially tasty.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friend uses a wheelchair but can walk for awhile if needs be. Is there someone safe the wheelchair could be kept until the tour is over?
Written 8 September 2020
If weather really adverse does the boat offer and protections
Written 31 May 2018
Yes there are side panels that can be lowered. The front panel cannot as the driver cannot see where he is going. So better view in the bow of the boat, but if the weather is adverse good chance of getting very wet.
Written 25 June 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.