Oxford River Cruises

Oxford River Cruises provides a range of luxurious cruises along the same stretch of the River Thames as that taken by Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell in a small rowing boat almost 150 years ago, when the timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland was created.

All trips leave from our landing stage in the centre of the city opposite Christchurch College, where Lewis Carroll was a Mathematics lecturer and Alice Liddell the Dean's daughter. The Edwardian style craft used by Oxford River Cruises provide a luxurious, comfortable and intimate setting for an unforgettable river experience.

If you would like to privately hire one of our boats for a special occasion please contact us or select 'Charter' from the menu above.

Lunchtime Picnic Trip

The Mole waggled his toes from sheer happiness, spread his chest with a sigh of full contentment, and leaned back blissfully into the soft cushions. `What a day I'm having!' he said. `Let us start at once!' `Hold hard a minute, then!' said the Rat. He looped the painter through a ring in his landing-stage, climbed up into his hole above, and after a short interval reappeared staggering under a fat, wicker luncheon-basket.`Shove that under your feet,' he observed to the Mole, as he passed it down into the boat. Then he untied the painter and took the sculls again. `What's inside it?' asked the Mole, wriggling with curiosity. `There's cold chicken inside it,' replied the Rat briefly; `coldtonguecoldhamcoldbeefpickledgherkinssalad frenchrollscresssandwichespottedmeatgingerbeerlemonadesodawater -- -- ' `O stop, stop,' cried the Mole in ecstacies: `This is too much!'
From Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Our lunchtime picnic cruise departs from our moorings opposite Christchurch Meadows. We travel upstream through the city past the famous Head of the River Pub and under Folly Bridge before navigating through Osney Lock (one of the deepest on the Thames). From the river we take in a side of Oxfords heritage rarely seen by visitors to the city. After Osney we move out of the city and pass by well loved allotments and gardens before the river opens wide and enters the majestic and ancient Port Meadow. A vast area of common land that has remained little changed since prehistoric times, the Meadow supports plants and bird-life in abundance.

On reaching Godstow Lock at the northern edge of the meadow we make a short stop. Here you’ll be free to take a stroll to visit mysterious Godstow Nunnery or take a pre-lunch drink at one of Oxfords most celebrated pubs, The Trout Inn. Perched on the riverbank just below the weir it is a truly idyllic location. Godstow was the ultimate destination of Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll when they followed an identical route to our trip up the river. We to turn back to Oxford at this point but not before taking in Trout Island, which is rumored to be the inspiration for another of Oxford’s literary icons C S Lewis and his stories of the land of Narnia.

As we travel slowly back downstream to Oxford, it is time for food. Oxford’s renowned delicatessens, Taylor’s of St Giles, provide our lunchtime picnic. Exact contents depend on the availably of the freshest of produce but will include all the fine staples of the traditional English picnic. Cheeses, cold meats, breads, quiche and fresh fruits make sure that no one is left hungry. We return to the city centre early in the afternoon, usually at about 3pm depending on the strength of flow of the river and lock traffic.

The trip is available to the public on Thursdays and Sundays or by arrangement for groups.

River Experience trips - Available Thursdays and Sundays
If your time in Oxford is limited but you still wish to experience a taste of river life this fifty minute trip may be for you. Leaving our Mooring opposite Christchurch Meadows we take in a fascinating stretch of River as we head south towards Iffley lock. This is one of the busiest and most colourful stretches of the Oxford Thames (the stretch locally known as The Isis). Rowing eights, university boats and large pleasure cruisers come together in a lively display of all the river has to offer. As we head downstream there is plenty to see. We pass along the length of Christchurch Meadows up to the college rowing houses and beyond to Iffley village. A complimentary glass of fine sparkling wine is served for your enjoyment during the trip.

Sunset Picnic Trip
Little can compare to the beauty and romance of gliding gently through the slow running water of the Thames at sun set.

Evening on the river can be truly magical. Cruising quietly we witness a wonderful natural display. The abundant bird-life is at its most active in the evening and as daylight begins to slip away horses and cows make their way across the meadows to take a last drink of the cooling waters of the Thames. The river itself is vibrant and busy with rowers, narrow boats and cruisers all adding to a rich tapestry of colour and activity.

Our launch is a unique vantage point from which to enjoy this scene. This evening trip offers the finest hospitality that you will find afloat. You will enjoy a generous gourmet picnic offering the freshest of produce, hams and quiches, canapés, fresh salads, breads, olives, fruits and cheeses combined with hand picked wines, and the comfortable surroundings of a purpose built river launch.

After a long and leisurely dinner and as the light begins to fade we return to Oxford where passengers disembark with lasting memories of their wondrous evening on the river.

The cruise leaves our city centre mooring at 6pm following the same route as our lunchtime picnic cruise.

The trip is available to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays or by arrangement for groups.

We have a variety of enjoyable scheduled cruises ideal for group travel organisers. We offer special rates for tour operators and travel companies and discounted fares for those booking large numbers in advance. Please contact us for details. Boats can also be privately chartered. For details of private charters available for large parties please click here.

Themed Trips
Oxford River Cruises offers the following trips on request. If you wish to undertake a trip which is not listed here please contact us and we will do all we can to accommodate your wishes.

"The beginning of Alice was told to me one summer afternoon ,when the sun was so hot we landed in the meadows down the river, deserting the boat to take refuge in the only bit of shade to be found, which was under a newly made hayrick. Here from all three of us, my sisters and myself, came the old petition, 'Tell us a story' and Mr. Dodgson began it. Sometimes to tease us, Mr. Dodgson would stop and say suddenly, 'That's all till next time.' 'Oh,' we would cry, 'it's not bedtime already!' and he would go on. Another time the story would begin in the boat and Mr. Dodgson would pretend to fall asleep in the middle, to our great dismay."
Alice Liddell quoted in the New York Times April 4th 1928

Many of our trips follow the same stretch of river that inspired the first telling of the classic story of Alice in Wonderland. In celebration of this enduring and fantastic tale we are delighted to offer Mad Hatters Tea Parties on board our classic river launch, Bacchanalia. If you have ever dreamt of taking a bite out of an ‘Eat me’ cake, or gulping down a bottle with ‘drink me’ on the side while gliding down the river looking out for that mysterious white rabbit this trip could be for you. Differing versions of the trip are available for children and adults. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

The Lunchtime Picnic trip costs £37 per person, £22 for children under 12 and are available on Thursdays and Sundays from March to October. The trip may be available on other days by arrangement.

The Sunset Picnic trip costs £39 per person and is available on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from May to early September. The trip may be available on other days by arrangement.

These trips should be booked at least the day before travel to avoid disappointment and for
catering purposes. At busy times such as weekends and public holidays booking much further ahead is advisable.

The Afternoon River Experience trip costs £10 per person and £5 per child under 12. It is available on Thursdays and Sundays.

We are happy organise a private version of any of these trips. Please contact us with your requirements.