Things To Do

Oxford River Cruises

1 Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4JU, GB

Rating: 4.7 ★ (395 ratings)

Details

Departing from the historic Folly Bridge, Oxford River Cruises offers a unique vantage point on this famous university city. Glide along the River Thames, locally known as The Isis, and witness the vibrant tapestry of river life. Your journey will take you past Christ Church College and its picturesque meadows, the iconic University rowing houses, and towards the charming Iffley village. Knowledgeable skippers provide commentary, sharing the history of the river and its landmarks as you pass by rowing eights, traditional punts, and other pleasure cruisers creating a lively spectacle on the water. This 50-minute experience on elegant, eco-friendly electric Edwardian river boats provides an unforgettable perspective on Oxford's stunning natural beauty and bustling river activity.

From their mooring at No. 1 Folly Bridge, adjacent to the acclaimed restaurant of the same name, a variety of cruising experiences await. Choose the popular Oxford Experience Cruise for a comprehensive sightseeing tour, or perhaps indulge in an Afternoon Tea Cruise, a Picnic Cruise with a freshly made hamper, or an Evening Cocktail Cruise. For a truly special occasion, combine your river journey with dining at The Folly. Cruises generally operate from March to November, and booking in advance is highly recommended for these popular trips. Private hire options are also available for those seeking a more bespoke celebration or a tranquil escape on the water. Visit www.oxfordrivercruises.com to explore the full range of tours and secure your unique riverine adventure.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Contact

+44 1865 987147

Comments

Vickie Lennard
12 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Fantastic! Great experience! Had George as Captain and Seb learning the ropes. Good fun, lots of information and great knowledge of the river and history. Would highly recommend 😎
Liam D'Souza
28 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
A most lovely afternoon tea on a boat, taking in the main stretch of the Thames past college teams practicing rowing, and a detour down the River Cherwell where we encountered novice punters losing their poles and almost falling in 😅
Ideal group size of around 5 tables made it easier to listen to our great guides Max and Henry, take in the scenery and enjoy the brilliant sandwiches and cakes.
Rosemarie Mitchell
4 Feb 2026
4.0 ★
A beautiful river cruise along the river, where I got to see the rowing race which was great. It was nice seeing the ducks and a beautiful swan. Our Captain was brilliant. I wished it was more scenic. However, I would recommend. Thank you.
B Logan
13 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Found this river cruise trip with gourmet picnic via 'Get your Guide'. Lovely staff greeted us at The Folly and made us feel so welcome, answering questions and serving drinks. Ash was our 'captain' and gave an insightful talk through our amazing trip, answering any questiond. His skill at steering the boat was incredible and he obviously loves and knows the area and people. The views are amazing and the picnic was delicious. Would love to do this trip again in warmer weather, although we were provided with warm blankets. Stop off at The Perch pub was very welcome too.
Galen Brislane
3 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
I booked the 11 o’clock cruise from Oxford River Cruises’ base, where Nick, our skipper, greeted us. He was a very friendly and pleasant young man.

Our boat for the journey was Bacchanalia, an Edwardian-style launch named after an ancient Roman festival that embodies fun and celebration.

We cruised all the way to Iffley Lock, where we disembarked and took a relaxing stroll around the picturesque surroundings of the lock and the Lock Keeper’s house.

Afterward, we boarded the boat again for the return journey, passing by the Oxford rowing clubhouses.

It was a truly enjoyable trip, and I would highly recommend asking for Nick when you go for a cruise.

G.B.

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