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.

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

“They were very nice!! Unfortunately, I missed the cruise, but they were so kind to offer a rescchedule and make the afternoon tea inside! I will come back for sure!! Thank you for your kindness”

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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

“The boat tour was a relaxing way to end a busy day. Our boat driver was fun and informative. The dinner was great!! The food was wonderful and really exceeded our expectations! You want to eat at this restaurant!!”

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9.Oxford: Private Punting Tour on the River Cherwell

Experience Oxford from the water with a private guided punt along the Cherwell, passing historic gardens and university scenes—perfect for a relaxed, authentic day.

★ 4.6

“We had the most lovely pint with Saffron - our guide. I booked it for my friends birthday and my daughter (lives in Oxford) and her 5 year old son came along. Really great relaxing time as opposed to doing it ourselves (!). Saffron was…”

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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

“Great way to see and learn more about Oxford’s history while cruising the river Thames. Worth the time and money.”

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11.Oxford: Evening Sightseeing River Cruise with a Cocktail

Enjoy a 30-minute evening boat cruise in Oxford with craft cocktails, stunning river views, and insights into the university’s famous landmarks.

★ 4.8

“It was for my birthday. My mother and I had an enjoyable evening. Joe was a good guide and told us a few new interesting facts. We are from Oxford so many of the things we knew but heard some new ones. We went on…”

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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

“On arrival at the Folly's the staff gave us a warm friendly welcome. We were early so ordered cocktails while we waited on our tour guide. We had the cruise boat to ourselves as no-one else had booked that time. Our skipper Nick was well…”

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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

“Beautiful , fascinating city; brought to life by our informative,friendly tour guide Reece. Reece was incredibly helpful and made the experience. Would highly recommend. The punting was also fun, again helped by our guide and steer Joe.”

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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

“Nicks commentary was wonderful and we had an amazing Punt. The weather was amazing and the ducks were devine!”

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15.Private | Oxford University Punting Tour

Experience Oxford from the water with a private chauffeured punting tour led by a student guide, offering iconic sights, history, and tranquility.

★ 4.5

“Wisely choosing to enjoy this experience in the hands of a professional, we were able to sit back and have a wonderful conversation with our guide, Angus. He has an easy way of explaining the history of Magdalen College and the significance of the waterway.…”

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More Oxford River Cruises

Explore Oxford

College cloisters, Hogwarts corridors and punts past the boathouses.