Oxford: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise With Gourmet Picnic

Oxford, a city steeped in history and renowned for its prestigious university, offers a unique opportunity to explore its enchanting beauty through a scenic sightseeing cruise along the River Thames. Set out on a 2.5-hour journey that promises a captivating blend of culture, history, and natural splendor, complete with a gourmet picnic lunch provided by the acclaimed Folly restaurant. As you glide past iconic landmarks, such as Christ Church College and the historic University Boat Houses, a knowledgeable guide will share insights into the area’s rich literary heritage, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for this remarkable destination. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable experience, this cruise promises to deliver an unforgettable day in the heart of Oxford.

Good To Know

• This 2.5-hour cruise along the Thames offers stunning views of Oxford’s iconic landmarks, including Christ Church College and historic University Boat Houses.
• The cruise includes a stop at an 800-year-old riverside inn and scenic areas like Osney Island and Godstow, which inspired literary figures like Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis.
• A gourmet picnic lunch, catered by the acclaimed Folly restaurant, is provided, featuring a variety of sandwiches, quiche or tart, and scones.
• The cruise departs from The Folly, a riverside restaurant at Folly Bridge, and adheres to a cancellation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The cruise has received an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with high praise for the knowledgeable tour guides, comfortable transportation, and quality of the picnic lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Cruise

The Oxford Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic offers a unique and leisurely experience that combines the historical charm of Oxford with a delightful picnic lunch.

The 2.5-hour cruise takes passengers along the Thames, providing views of iconic landmarks like Christ Church College, University Boat Houses, and the historic Port Meadow. A live tour guide is available to offer insights in English.

With a likely sell-out, it’s advisable to reserve your spot in advance with a pay-later option. The cruise includes a stop at an 800-year-old riverside inn and picturesque areas like Osney Island and Godstow, which hold literary connections to Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Along the cruise, passengers will witness the stunning architectural and natural wonders of Oxford.

The journey includes picturesque views of Christ Church College, the lush Meadows, and the historic University Boat Houses.

Cruising through a Thames lock, the boat will stop at an 800-year-old riverside inn, offering a glimpse into Oxford’s rich heritage.

Scenic areas such as Osney Island, allotments, gardens, and the untouched Port Meadow will captivate visitors.

The highlight of the tour is the stop at Godstow, a place closely connected to the inspirations of literary icons Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis.

Exploring Godstow and Its Inspirations

One of the key destinations during the Oxford Scenic Sightseeing Cruise is Godstow, a location with strong literary connections.

This quaint riverside village is said to have inspired several famous authors, including:

• Lewis Carroll, who is believed to have envisioned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland during visits to Godstow
• C.S. Lewis, who is thought to have drawn inspiration from the area for his Chronicles of Narnia series
• Matthew Arnold, the renowned Victorian poet, who wrote about the village’s enchanting scenery

As the cruise makes a stop at Godstow, passengers can step back in time and imagine the literary greats who once walked these picturesque grounds, soaking in the timeless charm of this historic setting.

Picnic Lunch Details

A delectable picnic lunch is provided by the acclaimed Folly restaurant, meticulously curated to complement the scenic river cruise. The spread includes a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade quiche or tart, freshly baked scones with strawberry jam, clotted cream, and fresh strawberries, accompanied by refreshing elderflower presse. The picnic is served in a traditional basket, complete with crockery and glasses to be returned at the end of the journey.

Menu Item	Description
Sandwiches	Selection of finger sandwiches
Quiche/Tart	Homemade quiche or tart of the day
Scones	Homemade scones with strawberry jam, clotted cream, and fresh strawberries
Beverage	Elderflower presse
Presentation	Traditional picnic basket with crockery and glasses

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Meeting Point and Logistics

The starting point for the Oxford Scenic Sightseeing Cruise is The Folly, a riverside restaurant located at Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4JU.

Several important logistical details to keep in mind:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Dietary requirements should be communicated to the local partner upon booking
• Pets, smoking, luggage, and large bags are not allowed on the cruise
• Picnic baskets, crockery, and glasses provided for the gourmet lunch are to be returned at the end of the tour
• Punctuality is essential as the boat will depart on schedule

With clear instructions and a hassle-free experience, guests can fully enjoy the scenic beauty of Oxford’s waterways.

Cancellation Policy and Restrictions

Cancelling a reservation for the Oxford Scenic Sightseeing Cruise is a straightforward process. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers in case of any unexpected changes to their plans.

On the day of the cruise, certain restrictions apply. Pets, smoking, and large bags or luggage are not permitted on board. This ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all passengers.

Dietary requirements should be communicated to the local partner at the time of booking to ensure the picnic lunch caters to any special needs. By adhering to these guidelines, guests can look forward to a seamless and memorable sightseeing cruise along the River Thames.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

The Oxford Scenic Sightseeing Cruise boasts an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 109 customer reviews.

Positive feedback highlights:

• Knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, rated 4.8/5
• Excellent transportation experience, rated 4.7/5
• Exceptional service and overall organization, both rated 4.8/5
• High praise for the quality and variety of the gourmet picnic lunch
• Customers describing the experience as "enjoyable," "scenic," and "memorable"

With such overwhelmingly positive reviews, it’s no wonder this cruise is a must-do activity for visitors to Oxford, combining sightseeing, fine dining, and a leisurely exploration of the historic Thames.

Sum Up

The scenic 2.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Thames provides a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting beauty of Oxford. Featuring stunning views of iconic landmarks, a gourmet picnic lunch, and insightful live commentary, the cruise offers a memorable blend of culture, history, and natural splendor. The cruise promises to captivate visitors with the region’s literary heritage and enchanting landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: