Things To Do

Salter's Steamers

Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4LA, GB

Rating: 4.0 ★ (211 ratings)

Details

Glide along the River Thames from Folly Bridge and witness Oxford's iconic sights from a truly unique perspective. Salter's Steamers, a family-run firm with over 160 years of history, offers a variety of popular boat trips, from short excursions to Iffley Lock to longer scenic journeys towards Abingdon. Whether you opt for a scheduled public cruise, passing Christ Church Meadow and the University boathouses, or choose to hire your own punt or electric motorboat for a more personal adventure, the river offers a tranquil escape and stunning views of the English countryside. Many trips allow you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic waterway, where rowing crews and pleasure boats share the gentle currents.

Established in 1858, Salter's Steamers is one of the longest-standing firms on the Thames, originally renowned as leading racing-boat builders before commencing their passenger services in 1888. Their distinctive fleet, combining traditional charm with modern comforts, departs regularly from their historic base at Folly Bridge, located conveniently near the Head of the River pub. Beyond their regular summer services that stretch to other Thames-side towns like Henley and Windsor, Salter's also offers special public jazz cruises and options for private charter, perfect for celebrations. You can easily find information and book your passage to experience this quintessential Oxford pastime via their website or by visiting their station.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Contact

+44 1865 243421

Comments

T Hartberg
13 Mar 2026
3.0 ★
We wandered over the Folly Bridge in Oxford and saw the sign for river boat trips. We got tickets for a 45 minute trip down the Thames to Iffley Locks, at £13.50 per adult, no discounts for the over 65s. The boat arrived on time and as there were other boats on the small jetty, we had to cross over another boat to get the the one doing the trip. A rather awkward-looking turnaround followed before we sailed downstream. The skipper gave some commentary but he was mumbling and we only heard half of what he said, and that was not particularly interesting. That area of the river did not have much by way of beauty or places of interest, unlike many other stretches along this great river. So we came back and disembarked thinking it was a bit of a waste of time and money. We're not likely to repeat this trip anytime soon.
David Keith
12 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
I hired a self-drive boat on a whim from Salter Steamers after lunch at the Head of the River pub at Folly Bridge. 2 hours on the Thames on my own- wonderful and peaceful. The young woman who set me up was professional and had all of the paperwork ready. The boat worked great. Ran into a minor problem in the Osney lock in trying to restart it, but the Salter attendant had shown me that the red battery lever sometimes gets kicked, and yep, I had done that. After putting it back in place all was good.

Can't wait to get back to Oxford and drive on the river again.
Paul Wirral
9 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Treated ourselves to a trip on the Thames whilst in Oxford. There were a couple of different ones but Salters was a good choice. Welcomed on arrival and told about our little cruise. Waited on the riverbank to board our boat. Again welcomed onto the biat by friendly staff. Our captain was Ben who was very informative. It was so nice and different from the normal 'recorded' voice over commentarys tgat you get and you could ask questions also along the way. We sailed to the next lock and then on the return journey back to base he let us enjoy the cruise, listening to the birds singing and the swill of the river. The cruise was enjoyable and is worth a visit when in Oxford
Alexi P
6 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Amazing, we had a great time. We really enjoyed the boat trip and also all the information that we got while on the river.
Julie Silcock
15 Jan 2026
3.0 ★
The tour guy Sang was great went on the oldest boat 1901 built.
Sadly, there is not much to see on the cruise other than where the rowers keep their equipment and rundown barges, some have sunk and not been removed which makes the area look awful.

If more to see it would be a good Cruise for sure….

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