Sightseeing Cruise on the Thames
About
Oxford River Cruises runs guided sightseeing trips from Folly Bridge at the bottom of St Aldates, gliding down the college rowing stretch of the Thames past Christ Church Meadow and the university boathouses. The standard sightseeing cruise takes about 45 minutes with live commentary, and the same operator runs longer picnic, afternoon tea and evening cruises through the season. It is the sit-down alternative to punting: the same rivers, none of the falling in. Departures are from beside The Folly restaurant at Folly Bridge; book ahead in summer.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Christ Church Meadow and the college boathouses from the water
- ✓Live commentary on the rowing stretch
- ✓Picnic, afternoon tea and evening cruise variants
- ✓No punting skills required
Tips
- →Departures are from Folly Bridge, beside The Folly restaurant; arrive a little early.
- →Summer weekend sailings sell out; book ahead on the operator's site.
- →The evening cruises are the quiet-light option in high season.
Best Season
More Experience Activities
Punting from Magdalen Bridge Boathouse
Punt hire under Magdalen Tower on the Cherwell, February to November. £35 an hour self-hire, chauffeured punts £50 per half hour; book ahead for weekends.
Activity
University & City Walking Tour
University & City Walking Tour
A two-hour guided walk through the university quarter with an alumni or student guide, daily at 11am, 2pm and 4pm from Broad Street.