This relaxing afternoon cruise sails downstream from Folly Bridge, taking in the best known reach of the River Thames in Oxford. Aboard the boat an indulgent traditional afternoon tea is served for you to enjoy as you cruise along.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Cruise along the University Regatta course and travel through Iffley Lock
Enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea served aboard
Sail through Water Meadows and spot wildlife around Iffley

Full description

Traveling down the University Regatta course, the boat passes Christ Church Meadows, the University College Boat Houses, and other landmarks on your way to Iffley lock. This is often a busy and vibrant section of the river where training rowing crews, punts, and pleasure boats jostle for river space in a wonderful display of Oxford at play. Passing through the lock at Iffley is an experience in itself. The river scenery and fascinating buildings combine to form a picture perfect location. Beyond Iffley you will travel into the tranquil water meadows that surround Oxford and there are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife amongst the green banks and overhanging willows. The boat turns for home at Rose Island, a favourite destination of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell on their river journeys. Aboard the boat an indulgent afternoon tea is provided by the renowned riverside restaurant, the Folly. The traditional menu typically includes: a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, a selection of cakes, tarts, or petit fours, and tea.

Includes

1.5-hour sightseeing river cruise
Afternoon tea

Drinks other than tea - drinks can be purchased at the departure point to take aboard the vessel

Not suitable for

Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Meeting point

Checkin at The Folly Restaurant at Folly Bridge in central Oxford, OX1 4JU.

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Important information

Not allowed

Pets
Oversize luggage
Smoking
Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

Unfortunately the boats are not accessible by wheelchair

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 46 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
4.5/5
Value for money
4.3/5
Safety
5/5

Sort by:

George, our guide was very knowledgeable and made the trip enjoyable. The afternoon tea was very nice, especially the scones although we thought one teabag each was a bit stingy, we had plenty of hot water left and a second cup of tea would have been very welcome, especially as it was quite cold. One thing we didn't like was finding a long black hair on our sandwich plate underneath the sandwiches. We showed George and he said he would inform the Folly about it.

3 October 2021

Had the best cruise with Skipper Nick, the afternoon tea was fabulous, Nick gave us loads of interesting information as we cruised along the river taking in the sights! We sorted ourselves with Pimms to take on board from the restaurant that you cruise from, lovely staff and well organised! Get yourself booked in :)

25 July 2021

It was a relaxed afternoon on the river. My husband and I were celebrating our 36th Wedding Anniversary and the afternoon tea was delicious. The guide was very good in explaining the history of the location and she made sure that she maintained eye contact with all travellers. Overall a highly enjoyable afternoon

9 June 2021

Oxford: Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise

Oxford: Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating: