Oxford Picnic River Boat Cruise for Two
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Overview
Enjoy the sights of one of the most beautiful cities in the UK with this Oxford Picnic Riverboat Cruise for Two. You will board a small vessel for an extraordinary cruise along the Thames, taking in a side of Oxford’s heritage few visitors have the chance to explore.
Tuck into a gourmet picnic lunch featuring locally sourced produce from some of Oxford’s finest caterers as you gaze upon famous landmarks such as Godstow, Christchurch College and Port Meadow. You’ll pass by the famous Folly Bridge, Oxford University boathouses, regatta course, and Osney Island as you make your way through this glorious city, some of which has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. See the areas which have inspired countless great literary icons throughout history, including Lewis Carroll and C S Lewis, as you meander along the water. You can choose either a lunchtime or sunset departure for this delightful journey through one of the greatest cities in the world.
- SKU
- POXPR2
- Locations
- 1 in the UK
- People
- For 2
- Validity
- 12 Months
- Rating
- 4.5 (50)
What's Included
- 2 hour 30 minute cruise on the River Thames at Oxford
- Choice of either lunchtime cruise or sunset cruise
- Gourmet picnic
- Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card
What happens on the day?
You can choose either a lunchtime or sunset departure for this Oxford Picnic Riverboat Cruise for Two. Departing from Oxford’s city centre, you will travel through the city past famous landmarks including Christchurch College and Meadows, the University boathouses and regatta course, the Head of the River and Folly Bridge.
From the river you will take in a side of Oxford's heritage rarely seen by visitors to the city, such as Osney Island and ancient Port Meadow, which are off the tourist trail but represent some of Oxford's most beautiful and intriguing scenery. Port Meadow, a vast area of common land, has remained almost the same since prehistoric times and supports plants and bird-life in abundance.
See the magnificent Godstow – the ultimate destination of Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll when they followed an identical route whilst creatiing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. It is also the site of Trout Island, an inspiration for another of Oxford’s literary icons, C S Lewis, and his stories of the land of Narnia.
As part of this experience you’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch featuring locally sourced produce from some of the city’s finest caterers.
Participant guidelines
- Under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult
- The vessels do not have wheelchair access and embarkation involves two steep steps
- The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary
Availability
This experience is available seven days a week, with lunch cruises running from April to October and sunset cruises from May to early September, subject to availability.
We recommend you book at least four weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available. All bookings are subject to availability.
Please allow approximately 2 hours 30 minutes for the full experience.
What about insurance?
The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.
Please ensure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the experience.
How it works
Customer Reviews
out of 5 stars
Based on 50 reviews
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5
Rebecca
25/09/2021
Wonderful relaxing trip on the Thames
What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Henry, our skipper/guide was great, knowledgeable about the area, funny & very personable. We were very relaxed by the end, for us it felt like life had slowed down for 3hrs, just what we needed.
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5
Ray
12/09/2021
Wonderful day on the Thames
Superefficient check in followed by a leisurely cruise on the river Thames downstream from the restaurant 10 passengers on board so no problem regarding social distancing. Our boatman,Chris, was full of information and facts without being intrusive. The picnic lunch provided was of a good variety and tasty. Allin all a very memorable occasion. During the drive home we had smiles all the way. I have already recommended this event to three of my friends.
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5
Andrea
12/09/2021
Great day
Great and informative trip, a lovely picnic. Well worth it. Easy to get to with park and ride, all straight forward
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5
Stephanie
09/09/2021
A lovely relaxing way to spend the afternoon
We had a lovely time on our Oxford Picnic River Boat Cruise for Two - the boat had about 10 of us on board, but still felt quite intimate. We had our own table stocked with lunch / afternoon tea hampers which were delicious. The boat captain took around the waterways of Oxford and it was a great way to see the city from a different perspective and gain some historical insight. Would recommend for a relaxing afternoon trip for two!
out of 5 stars
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5
Alan Dickson
10/06/2021
Picnic cruise
Rally enjoyable cruise with a pleasant and friendly guide
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5
Caroline
27/10/2020
Oxford picnic river cruise
Great food, fab trip , great service and wonderful friendly skipper
out of 5 stars
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5
Linda
25/10/2020
Autumn treat
Simply lovely afternoon. Everyone went out of their way to be pleasant & helpful. Picnic was yummy & we learnt a lot about the history of that stretch of the river. Highly recommend.
out of 5 stars
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5
Steve
12/10/2020
Great picnic trip at Oxford
Thoroughly enjoyable picnic cruise on the river. Excellent selection of food, friendly staff, lots of entertaining information during the trip. Covid 19 safety regs well adhered to, felt very safe. Would highly recommend this for adults.
out of 5 stars
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5
Remi
07/09/2020
Great experience
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Oxford picnic boat cruise. The food was lovely and freshly made at the café. We were quite impressed by our skipper's knowledge of Oxford's canals, heritage and history. We know Oxford well however, we learnt a lot and had a fantastic time. Highly recommended.
out of 5 stars
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5
Andy
30/08/2020
Superb tranquil boat trip
I was gifted this trip for my birthday and took my 13yo son along. The skipper, Jan, was very welcoming and knowledgable, and very approachable. We saw a beautiful side to my home city that I’d not experienced before. Lunch was great, my son didn’t eat much of it being a typical fussy teenager, but it was great quality and just right in terms of mix and quantity. Highly recommended, and a superb afternoon out. The food at The Folly smelt incredible too! Will definitely be back to try it out!!
out of 5 stars
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5
MRH
17/08/2020
Brilliant afternoon
Oxford river boat cruise with onboard picnic was a fantastic experience. The picnic was fresh and so tasty and just slowly cruising down the river enjoying the views and eating our food was worth every penny. The lad that looked after us was so informative and enthusiastic, this trip was so well worth it, brilliant way to spend an afternoon.
out of 5 stars
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5
Gary
16/08/2020
Late 60th birthday present
Due to covid. Boat had only 4 people on board, which made experience more enjoyable. Great picnic hamper and cordial. Very relaxing. Boat captain quite knowledgeable and informative.
out of 5 stars
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5
Vicki
09/09/2019
Lovely Trip
The oxford picnic river cruise was lovely and the skipper had loads of interesting information and stories to share about the river and things we saw along the way. The picnic was really good and we had great weather - perfect day out.
out of 5 stars
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5
Gemma
27/08/2019
Great trip
Lovely trip down the river. Great skipper. The views were perfect and nice stop at a pub along the way. Only thing could have been some wine with the picnic !! But overall great experience
out of 5 stars
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5
Nigel Jones
15/08/2019
Oxford Picnic River Boat Cruise for Two
This was a really special thing to do. The pontoon we set off from was just wonderful in its own right. The boat was comfortable and the river tranquil. Rain was forecast, so we came prepared. We needed extra clothing to keep us warm at the river surface. Henry, the skipper was truly delightful. Charming and knowledgeable and skilful. The electric drive motor set a great a peacefulness for the trip. No fumes and very little noise. Wonderful. The food was just right as an afternoon tea.
out of 5 stars
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5
Mo
29/07/2019
A Truly Relaxing and Enjoyable Experience
The weather was perfect for our trip on the river (the hottest day of the year). We embarked on our mini-cruise at 12.30 and were given a hamper of delicious food; water and lemonade were provided too. We set off down the Thames with our excellent and informative guide who pointed out Christchurch College and other landmarks en route. All this accompanied by some traditional boating music. On the River Cherwell we had to avoid novices navigating their pedaloes and punts. A great afternoon.
out of 5 stars
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5
Richard
30/06/2019
Excellent Oxford river cruise
An excellent picnic boat trip in Oxford. Good choice of cruise destination, good food and skipper. Thoroughly enjoyable.
out of 5 stars
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5
Colin
13/06/2019
A lovely meander down the Thames
A lovely picnic cruise down the Thames from Oxford, we went from Folly bridge past fields, meadows, houses backing onto the river, through a lock and more of the same. All very peaceful, the boat is electric powered, all the time our host giving useful bits of information. Our picnic came in a basket hamper, with sandwiches, a small quiche each and scones still warm, perfect. We stopped for a visit to a riverside pub enough time for a drink then returned visiting downstream. Perfect
out of 5 stars
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5
Morris & Beryl
30/09/2018
Marvellous Day.
Everything just perfect. Thank-you.
out of 5 stars
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5
Christopher
01/09/2018
our Oxford cruise picnic.
Nice estaurant for a coffee before the cruise , the Captain was excellent as was the picnic provided and the itinerary most interesting. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
out of 5 stars
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5
Mandy
13/08/2018
Oxford Picnic River Cruise
Lovely, relaxing afternoon on the river. Very good guide. Lovely picnic basket with hot quiche, tasty sandwiches and cream tea with strawberries
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5
Janet
30/07/2018
Great experience
young lady very informative and great fun making the experience more enjoyable, lovely views over port meadow the oxford spires and Christchurch meadow, picnic hamper nice a small bottle of bubbly in it would have been a nice touch considering the price. Overall definitely an enjoyable trip.
out of 5 stars
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5
Dave
20/07/2018
Oxford Picnic River Boat Cruise for Two
A most enjoyable outing on the river(s) around Oxford. The food supplied was top quality and the boat skipper (skipperess?) was excellent, full of relevant information. The number of people on board (12) also made it easier to break down barriers.
out of 5 stars
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5
Lyn
10/07/2018
Picnic River Boat Cruise for Two
We were a little surprised when we arrived at the Folly for the cruise for two, as we were expecting to be the only two on a small vessel, but it turned out we were on a small vessel with 8 others, it would have been 10 but someone cancelled that morning, so it was quite lucky as it would have been very tight for space otherwise. After the initial shock of it not just being the two of us, we relaxed a little and sat back to enjoy the trip. The picnic was good and the 'sailer' was pleasant
out of 5 stars
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5
Bryan Halliday
31/05/2018
Messing about on the river
Arrived to a warm welcome from Alex the skipper and Sam the trainee .we stepped on board with 5 other couples we were comfortably seated we meandered up the river Thames to the perch pub with a big open fire 1/2 hour stop we we told amazing facts of history rowing events and boat houses universities and wildlife really was a truly great experience. 2 and a half hour trip.would it again
out of 5 stars
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5
Teresa
15/08/2017
Good day trip
Just a lovely boat trip, very professionally run. The picnic lunch was fresh and delicious.
out of 5 stars
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5
M
05/09/2016
Oxford Picnic River Boat Cruise
Lovely day. I would highly recommend this.
out of 5 stars
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5
DC, Hereford
28/08/2016
Oxford river picnic cruise
In spite of the very unusual summer weather - thunder, lightening, hailstorm and heavy downpour, we had a thoroughly enjoyable trip on the river. Our host was extremely knowledgeable and shared very interesting facts about both the past and the present. Our picnic was beautifully presented in an authentic picnic basket - the food, especially the scones with strawberry jam and fresh cream, was excellent. I would thoroughly recommend this experience - most enjoyable!
out of 5 stars
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5
The Downs
19/08/2016
Oxford Picnic River Boat Cruise
We were blessed with a warm sunny day. Good to have a drink beforehand in the Folly restaurant. We enjoyed the boat cruise as it is a peaceful way to spend an afternoon on the Thames with a hamper picnic as well. The young lady operating the boat was very skillful in maneuvering the boat and gave a commentary where necessary. Would definitely recommend.
out of 5 stars
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5
Caz
05/08/2016
Oxford Picnic River Boat Cruise
We had a very enjoyable boat cruise, complete with picnic lunch, down the Thames in Oxford. Our skipper was brilliant, she made the trip interesting and amusing. A great way to spend two and a half hours!
out of 5 stars
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5
first mate
14/06/2016
Oxford river boat cruise
This was very good and highly recommend. Everyone was friendly at the restaurant where we waited for the trip and Geraldine our captain was very interesting in her commentary and took excellent care of us. The picnic lunch was very good. We did have the luxury of a lovely summer day which helped, but am sure this trip would be good even in the rain. A great way to spend a relaxing afternoon on the river. Also liked that it was only for a small group - 10 of us. Made it easy to talk to everyone and be friendly. Negatives? - none.
out of 5 stars
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5
RD
03/06/2016
Birthday treat
Despite a cold wet day the picnic cruise was well worth the visit. An Excellent running commentary from the skipper made it all the more interesting. Would recommend.
out of 5 stars
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4
Heather
27/08/2019
Very enjoyable trip with picnic basket
This was a lovely trip around Oxford and visited more than a standard route. It was shown to include a gourmet lunch which in reality was a small picnic resembling afternoon tea. Very good food but not quite what we expected. Slightly odd arrangement of some people having lunch and others not on a small boat with 10 people. Skipper/guide was excellent and provided good information in a relaxed way.
out of 5 stars
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4
Barbara
14/08/2019
Cruising down the river!
What could be a nicer way to spend a lazy, sunny summer's day than cruising along the river! Enjoying the splendid sights of Oxford from the river, passing punters and rowers and the occasional small motor boat. And all whilst enjoying a beautifully presented picnic hamper for two in the company of fellow cruisers. A most enjoyable experience.
out of 5 stars
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4
Odette
10/06/2019
Christmas Present
We had a lovey trip on the Thames. Our picnic was there waiting for us. Overall it was a pleasant experience. Some little bits could have made it better; sitting at the front of the boat I couldn't hear most of the information. Our picnic was ok but no butter or jam or cream with the scones? Funny story about the sandwiches; we all wondered what the little package in the hamper was, one of decided it was cake, the pale area was a frosting, it wasn't!! Odd fillings, not liked by all.
out of 5 stars
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4
Ellie Peters
09/07/2018
Very Pleasant trip up the Thames
The most disappointing part of the trip was the activation of the voucher through to booking the required day / time of the experience. Confirmation from Virgin was received that my request had been sent to Oxford Cruises and that they would confirm withing 72 hours? Heard nothing! Had to call Oxford Cruises direct the day before the trip to see if they had received anything from Virgin / us........big fat no! Had to go through whole booking process again! Painful -Trip/picnic was lovely!
out of 5 stars
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4
Lesley
22/08/2017
Beautiful evening on the river
A wonderful evening spent journeying up the river with an experienced Skipper who shared her knowledge of Oxford history clearly and with enthusiasm.
out of 5 stars
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4
Paul
18/08/2017
Súper day.
This boat trip was very enjoyable. The helmsman/guide was knowledgable and entertaining. The picnic was a little short of "Gourmet" standard and could have been improved by the inclusion of a glass of wine - or at least the opportunity to purchase one on board.
out of 5 stars
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4
Bob
11/08/2017
River cruise
A pleasant couple of hours, very nice picnic and a good skipper.
out of 5 stars
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4
Ben
24/10/2016
Relaxing and enjoyable day
Lovely boat, lovely food, lovely trip!
out of 5 stars
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4
pingpong
18/10/2016
oxford boat trip
A very enjoyable trip. Food was fresh and up to a good standard. Boatman's knowledge of the river and the city really interesting
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4
Jim
08/07/2016
Relaxing backwater views of Oxford with a picnic
Arrive a little early at The Folly, where you can enjoy a drink and take in the views of the riverside while your captain loads the 12 seater cruiser with your picnic basket and water, still and fizzy provided. The gentle, quiet, 2.5 hr journey is plenty of time to enjoy your picnic, which is very tasty, high on quality, no need to rush at it, best to savour it, but most have already started as your captain takes you around Osney to its lock, where you rise up to see several old bridges, onwards round the backwaters to Binsey, on the edge of Portmeadow, a vast expanse of grassland stretching 2 miles up to Godstow and Wolvercote. The meadow is grazed by many wild horses and cattle, and hundreds of geese. Keep your eyes peeled for sights of heron and little egret. The meadow has remained mainly unchanged for centuries, offering open views of Oxford's dreaming spires along the skyline. In the early days of aviation there was a flight training school here. On the return, you stop at the Perch pub for 20 mins, a short stroll from the mooring, just time to savour the delights of the large willowed beer garden. Wave to fellow waterfarers as you return down stream, many and varied craft abound, from steamers to punts, sail boats to narrow oats, all gliding along the Isis. A swift turn around the island at Folly Bridge affords glimpses of the university rowing clubhouses and Christchurch college grounds. Gently back to The Folly, well fed, fully refreshed, I thoroughly recommend you add it to your itinerary of Oxford, so you can see things from a different angle.
out of 5 stars
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4
DancingQueen
29/06/2016
A Pleasant Couple of Hours
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours with a nice picnic from The Folly pub, however we felt the price was a little steep in terms of value for money so glad it was a gift!
out of 5 stars
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4
Cindy
12/06/2016
River Cruise/Picnic
A lovely evening cruise and wonderful picnic. Left feeling relaxed and peaceful.
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3
Jean Lees
20/07/2018
Overall good cruise
My husband and I really enjoyed the river cruise and saw parts of Oxford we had never seen before. Sam was an excellent guide and full of interesting local stories and anecdotes. Only disappointment was the food. The sandwich bread was very dry on the outside and the balance of the meal was heavily carbohydrate and fat based. Less scones and cream and instead some type of salad dish and two not one bowl of strawberries would have resulted in a more balanced and refreshing picnic.
out of 5 stars
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3
Linda
01/05/2018
Boat Trip
An enjoyable afternoon to celebrate our mums 80th birthday, but were disappointed with a couple of small things, one-the skipper give his name but there was no commentary to explain what we were supposed to be seeing, two - we stopped off at a pub along the river side which even though was nice wasn't stated in the write up and cut out 1/2 hour of traveling time, three- we were disappointed with the amount of food in the baskets and four the skipper didn't help anyone on or off the boat.
out of 5 stars
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3
Clare
19/04/2018
Picnic river cruise
Lovely time. Blankets were vital and much appreciated. Skipper was very good but we couldn’t really hear her. I expected her to tell us more about what we could see. The food was lovely. We weren’t very well “looked after” on arrival. What I mean by this is we should have been told what was happening, been introduced to the other passengers and then invited to board. Finally, I expected more 10% discount to apply to the drinks I bought to take on the boat with us!!! Sorry to sound negative.
out of 5 stars
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3
Katy
07/08/2016
River Boat Review
We had a very pleasant time, though didn't pass close to much historic architecture. The staff were all very polite and friendly. The boat was comfortable and there was plenty of non-alcoholic drink on offer. The food was very nicely presented in a chilled picnic basket, and the quiche particularly good, with a very crisp pastry base. The helmsman had a good knowledge of Oxford, though a microphone speaker set up would have enabled customers at the front to hear him better
Locations
Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning
South East
- Folly Bridge, Oxford