Enjoy a river cruise in Oxford and choose between a picnic or afternoon tea. Enjoy delicious treats as you take in the stunning sights.
Picnic River Cruise
We 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. From the river, we take in a side of Oxfords heritage rarely seen by visitors to the city. Quaint Osney Island, well-loved allotments and gardens, and majestic and ancient Port Meadow are off the tourist trail but represent some of Oxfords most beautiful and intriguing scenery. Port Meadow, a vast area of common land, has remained little changed since prehistoric times and supports plants and bird-life in abundance. At the top of Port Meadow is Godstow. Godstow was the ultimate destination of Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll when they followed an identical route to our trip while composing Alices Adventures in Wonderland. It is also the site of Trout Island, an inspiration for another of Oxfords literary icons, C S Lewis, and his stories of the land of Narnia.
Your picnic lunch is provided by riverside restaurant, The Folly, and typically includes*;
An Selection of Finger Sandwiches
Homemade Quiche or Tart of The Day
Homemade Scones with Strawberry Jam, Clotted Cream
Elderflower Presse
Served in a traditional picnic basket with napkins, crockery, and glasses (to be returned to the crew at the FINAL of the cruise)
Drinks to take aboard can be purchased at the departure point.
Afternoon Tea Cruise
This relaxing afternoon cruise 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 is often a busy and vibrant section of the river where training rowing crews, punts, and pleasure boats jostle for river space in a wonderful display of Oxford at play. Passing through the lock at Iffley is an experience in itself. The river scenery and fascinating buildings combining to form a picture-perfect location. Beyond Iffley, we travel into the tranquil water meadows that surround Oxford and there are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife amongst the green banks and overhanging willows. We turn for home at Rose Island, a favorite destination of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell on their river journeys.
Aboard the boat, we serve an indulgent afternoon tea provided by the renowned riverside restaurant, The Folly. The traditional menu includes*.
An Selection of Finger Sandwiches, Homemade Scones with Strawberry Jam, Clotted Cream, A Selection of Cakes, Tarts or Petit Fours and Tea
Drinks to take aboard can be purchased at the departure point.