boat trips from folly bridge oxford

10 Gorgeous Oxford Boat Trips (Where To Hire a Boat)

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Dreaming of taking a boat trip in Oxford? Oxford’s rivers and canals deserve exploration. These are the best places for boat hire in Oxford. 

So you’ve decided to go on an Oxford boat trip? Your next step is deciding which Oxford boat rental is for you. 

Depending on the service you choose, you may go on a guided tour with others or hire a private boat that you can enjoy with your friends. 

Take your pick from these recommendations. 

Best Boat Trips in Oxford 

Oxford sightseeing river cruise.

If you’re looking for another brilliant excursion, then the scenic sightseeing cruise with gourmet picnic could be for you. This outstanding sightseeing river cruise lasts 2.5 hours, taking in numerous landmarks. 

The scenery along the river in Oxford is gorgeous, and you’ll see sights such as Folly Bridge, the Head of the River, and Christchurch College and Meadows. This cruise offers a gourmet picnic that typically features homemade tart or quiche, finger sandwiches, and homemade scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam. 

Book The Scenic River Cruise Here

Row Along the Isis

You’ll have the chance to traverse the Isis section of the Thames River in the Oxford Experience Cruise . With this 50-minute boat trip, you’ll explore the Thames River along the University Regatta Course. 

You’ll see Folly Bridge, an ancient landmark, as well as Christ Church College and Meadows. As well, you’ll have the chance to glimpse the university rowing houses. It makes sense that these are located here, as the Isis is one of the most important rowing locations for the university. 

A bit confusingly, the name “the Isis” is sometimes used to describe the whole of the Thames. However, you’ll usually only hear it at Oxford. 

Book The Oxford Experience Cruise Here

Punting Along the River Cherwell

We highly recommend experiencing punting on the River Cherwell, as there are so many iconic sites to see on its banks. You can do this by going on the Oxford University: Combo Walking & Punting Tour with Alumni . 

This relaxing tour is led by Oxford graduates, who provide expert knowledge and insight into the city and university’s history. The River Cherwell punting portion of this tour lasts for 30 minutes, and follows the walking tour. 

Book The Oxford University Walking & Punting Tour Here 

Oxford Afternoon Tea River Cruise

The 1.5 hour Oxford Afternoon Tea River Cruise is a must-visit when sightseeing in Oxford. What’s more, there’s little that is as quintessentially British as afternoon tea. Tea and Oxford? The perfect combination. 

One of the most scenic river trips in Oxford, you’ll take in the majestic sights through the Iffley Lock and experience Water Meadows. 

Book The Afternoon Tea River Cruise Here

Isis Punting Tour with Optional Walking Tour

If you want to go punting on the Isis, then consider booking this Oxford punting river trip with an optional walking tour . As one of the more popular Oxford boat tours, it has a variable duration, ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours. 

Taking a punting tour can be a fascinating way to discover Oxford’s centuries-old traditions and landmarks. Punting or rowing is the most significant recreational activity in Oxford, and this trip will offer you the chance to learn all about how it is done. 

Book The Isis Punting Tour Here

Oxford Canal Boat Hire

Oxford canal boats are a great means to explore the area. There are popular tours available , including a narrowboat. These are ideal for touring the Oxford canal and the numerous historic sites that are dotted along the banks. 

Each vessel has its own name and background. A favourite is the Balliol, and the company points out it’s perfect for a family trip. 

Book The Canal Boat Here

Evening Cocktail Cruise

For something even more sophisticated and exciting, consider an evening cocktail cruise that starts at sunset. 

The evening cocktail cruise by Oxford River Cruises holds itself to the highest standards, and provides both tranquillity and conviviality as you cruise down the Thames River. 

Book The Evening Cocktail Cruise Here

Tasting Menu Cruise 

Looking to indulge? Consider a 30-minute cruise followed by a six-course tasting menu with The Folly Restaurant . If you want to go all out and enjoy the most luxurious experience with your Oxford river cruise, this is a great option to look at. 

Once at The Folly, you’ll find exquisite meal choices perfect for an irresistibly decadent experience. 

Book The Tasting Menu Cruise Here

Cruise with a Picnic

Another great option with a tasty meal is the Oxford Picnic Cruise . You are given a delicious picnic lunch catered by The Folly. Your picnic will include an array of classically British finger sandwiches, tart or quiche of the day, scones with jam and clotted cream, and more.

This cruise offers excellent views of the University boathouses and Christchurch College and Meadows. 

Book The Picnic Cruise Here

Oxford Cruise with Edwardian River Launch

If you’re a history enthusiast, go for an Oxford cruise with an Edwardian River Launch . While you learn about Oxford history on the other excursions we’ve mentioned, this specific cruise goes to greater depths. The skipper is especially knowledgeable. This cruise is a great way to view Folly Bridge. 

Book The Edwardian River Cruise Here

Practical Tips for Boating in Oxford 

Let’s look at some practical tips for boating in Oxford. 

Places to Get a Boat 

Of course, boating in Oxford means you need to find a boat or a punt, depending on which you prefer. There are both chauffeured and self-drive boats available, and there are different types to choose from. 

A boat ride in Oxford is a memorable experience, so take your time choosing the right one for you. There are rowing boats for hire in Oxford, as well as pedalos and basic punts. 

Boating in Oxford can be a little intimidating at first, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. The locals are friendly and will be happy to give you tips. 

How to Take a Boat on the River

If you’ve never boated before, you will want to start slowly. If you’re going on an independent trip on the Thames River, begin somewhere quiet and less challenging. 

Always stay near the shore, not pushing yourself past your skill. Whether you’re looking for a canal boat or a rowing boat, a boat hire in Oxford is one of the best ways to go on a city adventure. 

Need to Work on Your Punting Technique? 

If you have a punt, position yourself at the rear end. You’ll want to be partially facing a side of the boat, and for most people, the right side is appropriate. 

Hold the pole. Keep it vertical and aligned with the punt side. Slightly relax your grip, letting the pole slip a bit. Continue until you sense it coming in contact with the riverbed. 

Once you’ve accomplished this correct position, you are ready to start making your punt move on the river. 

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You are here: Things To Do > Oxford River Cruises

Oxford River Cruises

Type: boat trip.

Tel: 0845 2269396

Oxford River Cruises provides a range of luxury boat trips, sightseeing tours and unique picnic cruises in the heart of the historic city of Oxford.

Their vessels provide a comfortable and intimate setting for an unforgettable river experience and one of the most memorable things to do during your visit to Oxford.

Public Cruise can be booked online at www.oxfordrivercruises.com or over the phone.

Private Hire and Group Bookings are welcomed. Oxford River Cruises private hire vessels are the perfect venue aboard which to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, company achievements and all manner of special occasions. Information on pricing and suggested itineraries can be found at www.oxfordrivercruises.com . Please email or telephone to discuss bespoke itineraries and to make a booking.

Cruises depart from No.1 Folly Bridge, Oxford's unique riverside restaurant where boat passengers can enjoy excellent food and drinks before or after their cruise.

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Oxford River Cruises

Opening Times

From March until October (including private hires)

Oxford River Cruises provides a range of luxury boat trips, sightseeing tours and unique picnic cruises and afternoon tea cruises in the heart of the historic city of Oxford. Their vessels provide a comfortable and intimate setting for an unforgettable river experience and one of the most memorable things to do during your visit to Oxford.

Cruises depart from No.1 Folly Bridge, Oxford’s unique riverside restaurant where boat passengers can enjoy excellent food and drinks before or after their cruise.

Prices – River cruises available from £19 per person.

Opening times – Oxford River Cruises offers a number of cruises for which members of the public can purchase individual tickets. Cruises run daily from March until October. Group bookings and Private Hire are available year round. The cruises operate on a pre-booked basis. These cruises are very popular so early booking is recommended.

Privat Boat Hire – Private Hire and Group Bookings are welcomed. Oxford River Cruises private hire vessels are the perfect venue aboard which to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, company achievements and all manner of special occasions. Please email or telephone to discuss bespoke itineraries and to make a booking.

For information on pricing and suggested itineraries click on the ‘Find out more’ button below.

© Experience Oxfordshire 2024. All rights reserved. Website design by Technique Web .

Privacy Overview

Oxford Boat Hire

For those who wish to have a more hands-on experience, we offer a wide variety of self-drive craft for hire from Oxford.

Public River Cruises

We offer a variety of hugely popular river cruises through some of the most beautiful scenery in England.

Private Charter

Salter’s passenger vessels provide the perfect venue for all kinds of events from works parties to birthdays.

Salter’s have been building boats since 1858 and are renowned for producing high quality robust craft.

Our boat hire station is now open – please pre-book day boats in advance by clicking here to avoid disappointment.

We will be offering Boat Trips from Oxford & Marlow this summer however sadly we will not be able to offer any of our scheduled services run this summer. Please see the Public Boat Trips page for more information.

Private Charters are available – please click here to enquire.

Our phone lines have now reopened however our incoming calls are extremely high, please contact us via email where possible alternatively please be patient and we will call you back as soon as we can.

160 years in the making.

Salter’s Steamers are a family firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the Royal River Thames for over 160 years  – Est. 1858. As one of the longest established firms on the Thames we own one of the largest and most exclusive fleets operating on the river. Our cruises combine traditional style, contemporary comforts and the highest modern standards.

We offer a variety of hugely popular boat trips through some of the most beautiful scenery in England. During the summer we offer boat trips from every major location on the Upper-Thames between the university city of Oxford and Marlow, including such famous places as Abingdon, Reading and Henley.

Celebrations on the Thames.

Our exclusive craft can be privately chartered as the perfect venue for all kinds of function, party or celebration, including showpiece events such as the Henley Royal Regatta.

We also hire out punts, day-boats and other small craft from Oxford, as well as operating charters on the Solent. In addition we are now offering a timetable of one-off special cruises held from a number of different locations throughout the year. These include public jazz cruises from Oxford and Windsor, special services along unusual routes such as Oxford to Wolvercote as well as different trips to mark certain events such as Bunkfest at Wallingford.

Instant bookings

Book your tickets within a few clicks to experience one of Oxford’s finest boat trips.

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Oxford River Cruises

• Evening Cocktail Cruise

If you are looking for the perfect way to spend a summer evening, this serene cocktail cruise offers a unique way to enjoy the river

Setting sail in an Edwardian River Launch just as the sun is waning in the sky, you can experience the wonderful changing light and distinctive calm of evening on the water, cocktail in hand.

Choose from a selection of cocktails freshly prepared by skilled bartenders at The Folly .

The cruise is a classic tour of the River Thames as it meanders around Oxford. Enjoy the tranquillity as you gently drift past Christ Church meadows, and experience the serenity of the river winding down as we pass the university boathouses. 

Departs from our moorings at The Folly, Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4JU. 

The cruise lasts approximately 40 minutes. Further drinks can be purchased and enjoyed in The Folly bar.

Advance booking is essential.

This trip operates between March and October.

EVENING COCKTAIL CRUISE

Duration – 40 min

Capture the beauty of an Oxford evening, sun setting over the River Thames, accompanied by delicious cocktails on an evening cruise.

PRICES FROM

£19 Per person

AT A GLANCE

• Carefully crafted seasonal cocktail of your choice from The Folly menu
• 40 minute cruise aboard an elegant Edwardian river boat
• See Folly Island, Christ Church meadow, university boathouses and regatta course
• Available March to October

“What a relaxing end to our day. It felt like the perfect time to be on the river, with the light fading and the rowing teams out. Perfect!”

TINA CRANE, BRISTOL.

Experience a taste of river life with our wonderful partner restaurant The Folly.

Float away down the river whilst enjoying afternoon tea. A truly memorable experience.

IN THIS SECTION

• Cruise & Tasting
• Picnic Cruise
• Oxford Experience Cruise
• Cruise & Dine
• Afternoon Tea Cruise