Oxford Afternoon Tea & Picnic River Cruise

Oxford Picnic River Cruise

The Picnic River Cruise offers a peaceful journey through Oxford, passing famous landmarks and quieter riverside scenery. Guests travel past Christ Church Meadows, university boathouses, the regatta course, Head of the River, and Folly Bridge. The route also reveals Osney Island, gardens, allotments, and the beautiful Port Meadow, an ancient common rich in plants and birdlife.

The cruise continues towards Godstow, a historic riverside area linked with Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll. Their river journeys helped inspire Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Guests can also see Trout Island, associated with another Oxford literary connection through C S Lewis and the world of Narnia. The journey offers a peaceful view of Oxford away from busy tourist routes.

A picnic lunch from The Folly is served in a traditional picnic basket. The meal usually features finger sandwiches, homemade quiche or tart, homemade scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and elderflower presse. The basket comes with napkins, crockery, and glasses, which are collected by the crew after the cruise. Extra drinks can be bought before departure.

The Afternoon Tea Cruise travels downstream from Folly Bridge towards Iffley Lock. Guests pass Christ Church Meadows, university boat houses, rowing crews, punts, and pleasure boats before reaching peaceful water meadows. Afternoon tea from The Folly features sandwiches, scones, jam, clotted cream, cakes, tarts, petit fours, and tea. The cruise turns at Rose Island before returning to Oxford.