Britain · BOAT TOURS IN OXFORD
Good boat tours in Oxford fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
45-minute guided Oxford river cruise on eco-friendly electric boats from The Folly at Folly Bridge, past colleges, rowing houses, Iffley Lock.
“We had the perfect skipper for our boat ride. His name is Dexter and he could not have been more engaging, helpful, informative, and enthusiastic. He did a great job.”
Short Oxford Thames cruise from Folly Bridge to Iffley Lock, 40 minutes of river views, wildlife, and guided commentary.
“Great tour. The captains were extremely friendly. Sun was shining and the there was a regatta on the river which made the trip extra special. Highly recommended and greet value for money.”
Oxford University Regatta river cruise with afternoon tea on board. 1.5 hours past Iffley Lock, Rose Island, and iconic riverside views.
“We had a fantastic riverboat trip as family of four, with two kids aged 5 and 7. The boat was beautiful and full of character, and our skipper was friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel very welcome. We were lucky to have sunshine, but there were cosy blankets on board in case it turned chilly. The afternoon tea was delicious—fresh, generous, and beautifully presented. Partway through the trip, we had the chance to hop off and stretch our legs with a 15-minute walk along the riverbank, which the kids especially enjoyed. It was a peaceful, relaxing outing with lovely views and a calm pace that made it perfect for families.…”
3-hour Oxford Thames cruise with a gourmet picnic hamper, river scenery from Christchurch to Port Meadow, plus a lock and pub stop.
“Very knowledgeable staff of the area and tour route. Excellent food and beautiful place to stretch your legs - would have liked longer to use the facilities better at the Perch!”
Cruise Oxford’s Thames regatta course for 45 minutes with a handcrafted seasonal cocktail, plus views of Christ Church Meadows and boat houses.
“Guide and also the scenary was great and the bar by the boat fantastic cocktails were okay being free with the trip”
Oxford River Cruise with Prosecco and a 3-course meal at The Folly. See Oxford from the water, then enjoy dinner in style.
“The trip down the river and back, with a glass of Prosecco on board, followed by a lovely 3 course lunch at The Folly - all part of our booked trip - was a glorious way to celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary. Our guide was so passionate about what he did and very knowledgeable about everything "Oxford" and what to look out for, walks and visits while there. a thoroughly lovely day! We saw others having the boat trip and picnic basket and boat trip with afternoon tea - all looked glorious.... another trip is called for!”
Oxford Thames boat cruise with live skipper commentary and a glass of Prosecco, past college boathouses to Iffley Lock.
“Brian was amazing and so knowledgeable! You must do this cruise if you’re visiting Oxford.”
Oxford Thames sunset cruise from Folly Bridge on an Edwardian boat, with Rose Island and Iffley Lock views plus Prosecco.
“For those wondering YES this does actually exist, just make note that the time on this app is WRONG! As per their website, it says 5pm, so I made sure to get there early, and lucky I did! This tour leaves at 5pm!! So make sure to get there on time. It was a nice tour, our guide did talk about some historical points as we went along, and as it was a small group of 7, we got 2 glasses of prosseco each; good value for £20. It was very relaxing and perfect for a hot afternoon! Thanks again :)”
Drift past Oxford’s landmarks then enjoy a six-course tasting at The Folly, with a complimentary Champagne glass and river terrace views.
“Staff were great - menu was interesting but would have been better with more alternatives”
Every kind of day out, from stone circles to stadium tunnels.
