The Oxford Afternoon Tea & Picnic River Cruise adventure is the perfect way to combine sightseeing, relaxation, and a touch of indulgence, all wrapped up in the charming setting of Oxford’s beautiful waterways. The river scenery and fascinating buildings combine to form a picture-perfect location. Hop aboard one of the elegant electric riverboats, where you’ll be whisked away on a tranquil journey through the heart of Oxford. You can choose between a Picnic River Cruise or an Afternoon Tea Cruise.
With the Picnic River Cruise, travel 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. We can see a side of Oxford that many visitors miss when we explore the river. Osney Island, well-loved gardens, and the beautiful Port Meadow are not on the usual tourist route but offer some of the most interesting scenery in Oxford. Port Meadow is a large area of common land that has stayed mostly the same since prehistoric times, supporting many plants and birds. At the top of Port Meadow is Godstow. This is where Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll ended their journey while creating 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.' Godstow is also home to Trout Island, which inspired C.S. Lewis for his Narnia stories.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch from The Folly, a riverside restaurant. It usually includes: a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade quiche or tart of the day, homemade scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and elderflower presse. Your meal will come in a traditional picnic basket with napkins, crockery, and glasses.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise with the Afternoon Tea Cruise that sails downstream from Folly Bridge, taking in the best-known reach of the River Thames in Oxford. Traveling down the University Regatta Course, we pass Christ Church Meadows, the University College Boat Houses, and other landmarks on our way to Iffley Lock. This area of the river is often busy and lively. Rowing crews, punts, and pleasure boats all share the space, showing how people enjoy Oxford. Going through the lock at Iffley is a unique experience. The beautiful scenery and interesting buildings create a perfect picture of the location. After Iffley, we move into the calm water meadows around Oxford. Here, you can easily spot wildlife among the green banks and willows.
We head back home to Rose Island, a popular spot for Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell during their river trips. Aboard the boat, we serve an indulgent afternoon tea provided by the renowned riverside restaurant, The Folly. Enjoy a Selection of Finger Sandwiches, Homemade Scones with Strawberry Jam, Clotted Cream, A Selection of Cakes, Tarts or Petit Fours, and Tea.