Oxford

15 Best Oxford River Cruises

The Thames cruises past the boathouses: sightseeing runs along the regatta course, afternoon-tea sailings and the river view of a city built facing away from it. The crews row past at training pace most mornings.

3.Oxford: River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

Discover Oxford’s charm on a 40-minute River Thames cruise. Enjoy scenic views, expert commentary, and a relaxing way to see the city from the water.

★ 4.0

“Great tour. The captains were extremely friendly. Sun was shining and the there was a regatta on the river which made the trip extra special. Highly recommended and greet value for money.”

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4.Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

Enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour Thames river cruise in Oxford with afternoon tea, offering scenic views, live commentary, and a romantic atmosphere.

★ 5.0

“Had a very lovely afternoon cruise and high tea! Food, tea and coffee were all wonderful and our guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable! Had a wonderful afternoon!”

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6.Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise

Discover Oxford via a relaxing 3-hour river cruise with a picnic lunch, picturesque views, and engaging guides. Ideal for peaceful, authentic sightseeing.

★ 5.0

“Passing through the lochs was a novel experience. The food was excellent and skipper good fun.The weather helped but the boat was comfortable anyway”

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7.River Cruise with Three Course Riverside Restaurant Dining

Discover Oxford by water with this scenic Thames river cruise topped with a three-course dinner at a charming riverside restaurant. Enjoy stunning views, friendly guides, and excellent food for a memorable experience.

★ 5.0

“Had a great time. Our boat captain was an excellent host. Also the food and staff at the Folly were top notch.”

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10.Evening Cocktail Cruise in Oxford

Experience Oxford’s beauty on a 45-minute evening cruise with cocktails, guided commentary, and scenic views along the Thames, perfect for a relaxed evening.

★ 4.5

“The venue was easy to find and we were quickly seated on our boat. It was a lovely evening and we enjoyed the commentary and facts from Rory as we made our way down the river. The cocktails were delicious and the ride very comfortable.”

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12.Oxford: River Cruise with 3-Course Meal

Experience Oxford's beauty from the water with a scenic river cruise, complemented by a delicious 3-course meal at The Folly, all for around $120.

★ 4.8

“Fun cruise past the boathouses and an excellent diner :) Highly recommended as an evening cruise when the university rowboats are out training. However, do not expect to view the city from the water. It is just a small stretch of the river with houseboats…”

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13.Oxford | Alumni-Led Walking & Punting Tour w/opt New College

Discover Oxford’s iconic sights and university life on this alumni-led walking and punting tour, with optional New College entry, for an authentic experience.

★ 4.5

“Our walking tour with Daisy was supposed to be with two other people but they didn’t show up so we had a personalized tour. Daisy was so lovely and gave us a perfect introduction to several colleges, including funny student anecdotes and examples. Finished with…”

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14.Shared | Oxford University Punting Tour

Experience Oxford from the water with a guided, chauffeured punting tour passing iconic landmarks, colleges, and scenic gardens for a relaxing 30-minute adventure.

★ 4.5

“Such a nice, quiet and calm experience, was very relaxing and refreshing. Our guide, Jasper, told us about all the must-see sites and places as we went past them.”

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More Oxford River Cruises

Explore Oxford

College cloisters, Hogwarts corridors and punts past the boathouses.