Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This Oxford picnic cruise combines Oxford sightseeing with a leisurely picnic and relaxed experience of river life. Your small group cruise 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 take in a side of Oxford's heritage rarely seen by visitors to the city. Complimented by a delicious picnic hamper.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infant meals not included
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Picnic lunch
All taxes, fees and handling charges
3-hour river cruise
Professional skipper
Gratuities
What To Expect
Cruising this ancient and historic waterway passengers enjoy the beauty, peace and tranquility of river life.
Christ Church Meadow
The cruise takes in the views of Christ Church Meadow, a beautiful area of open countryside in the heart of Oxford. Beside the meadow are glimpses of Christ Church College, Merton College and Magdalen College
Options
Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Including a Picnic
Option 1: This Oxford Picnic Cruise combines sightseeing with a leisurely picnic and relaxed experience of river life. Departure at 12pm daily.
Reviews
278 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous skipper and a true Oxford Experience
E1719LDcharlotted,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We boarded Oxford River Cruises Picnic Cruise on a windy Saturday from Folly Bridge in Oxford. The weather was cold and fresh but dry. Duncan our skipper took care of all of our on board needs and was a charming host for our 3 hour trip. The picnic was in a really cute picnic hamper. We went to the Perch pub at Binsey and then returned past the Folly and viewed all the Oxford Boat houses with rowers passing us on both sides as they trained. It was a lovely Oxford experience and my friends and I loved our really special trip.
Lovely river cruise
sophiejC2526JH,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely river cruise down the Thames. The boat was very comfortable and the driver/guide Duncan was very welcoming and friendly and had good knowledge. The picnic was nice and the blankets were also a nice touch
Absolutely lovely afternoon!
379ekr,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked a picnic cruise with family and it was absolutely lovely! Louis was a joy, and such a lovely young man. Very polite, friendly, knowledgable and a great sense of humour. Was incredibly relaxing and just a wonderful way to spend 3 hours. The food was delicious (one of the sandwiches was Chicken and Grape which was unexpected, but very tasty and will try at home!), and everything presented really nicely. Had a coffee in the restaurant beforehand, and one after to warm up a bit (blankets were provided but was a just a very breezy day), and the staff in the restaurant were very friendly too. Highly recommended and will be doing it again next year!
Very enjoyable
D4678NVjeanw,
Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a lovely day even with the showers lovely food like the wicker basket tour guide was really helpful and nice thank you for the lovely day
A very special and delicious treat
X4733PYsophiec,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A gorgeous treat for our daughter’s graduation with extended family. Picnic delicious and warm scones and quiche, yum. Ash the skipper friendly yet unobtrusive and the cruise so beautiful and relaxing. We added on some Oxfordshire bubbly which was perfect too!
Fun Boat Trip Experience with Excellent Picnic
davidlV3406OM,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip. The captain Paul was very experienced and amusing and well informed on the history along the river.. Food was great with sandwiches, hot scones, hot quiche, strawberries, cream, coleslaw and potato salad. Very filling. Halfway there is a stop at The Perch Pub which is equally very nice. Weather was mixed rain and sunshine but the boat has side covers so it didn't dampen our experience. Would thoroughly recommend doing this if visiting Oxford.
A relaxing trip along the river
G3063BKjeank,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose to do this on our 1st wedding anniversary and it was a perfect choice. The group size was small and there was plenty of room on the boat. Paul our skipper was fun and made the journey informative. Intermittent showers meant we became proficient in rolling up the plastic windows after each downpour. This added to the fun rather than taking away from it. The picnic hampers provided by the Folly Restaurant were really super. Sandwiches, warm quiche, potato salad, scones, jam and cream and fresh strawberries - all beautifully presented. A real treat!
An unexpected treat.
576simonej,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guests really didn't know what to expect from this trip but it far surpassed their expectations an ours. We had an amazing trip on the picnic river cruise. Our captain, Paul was very informative, entertaining and an excellent captain. Despite a few showers we became experts in rolling the sides up and down - well worth it to ensue the best all wound views but necessary when a little drizzly... The blankets supplied by the company necessary when a little drizzly as they meant we did not alway have to roll the sides. The picnic was delicious, a real treat...All in all I can totally recommend this trip.
Fantastic family day
771nicolaw,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic cruise, really enjoyable. Was very relaxing and the picnic provided was perfect. Our tour guide/captain Paul was very informative and funny, he went out of his way to ensure we had the best time.
Excellent food and lovely scenery
V2435THhowards,
Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very peaceful and scenic trip along the river. The picnic was excellent with a good choice of sandwiches a quiche with salad potatoes scones with jam and cream with fresh strawberries to finish Also a carafe of elderflower and water were provided We were also fortunate with the weather with a lovely sunny evening and blankets were provided in case it got chilly
From £59.00
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Operated by Oxford River Cruises