Oxford: River Thames Cruise & Three Course Dinner at The Folly

Dinner on the Thames: Oxford's River Cruise Meets Fine Dining

You cruise the River Thames for 45 minutes with complimentary Prosecco, passing Christ Church College and the Meadows, then return to The Folly restaurant for a three-course meal on the riverside terrace or indoors. The package includes all taxes and fees, so there's nothing to arrange separately. Just the boat time and the dinner, back-to-back.

Step-by-step itinerary

River Thames cruise and dining

• Embark boat from restaurant terrace
• Cruise along the River Thames
• Enjoy complimentary Prosecco onboard
• Cruise by Christ Church College and Meadows
• Disembark at The Folly restaurant
• Dine three courses beside Folly Bridge

The experience

You're standing on the restaurant terrace in Oxford city centre, and you're not sure whether to sit down to eat first or take the water first. The Folly solves that problem. You get both, in the right order. The boat leaves from the terrace itself, so there's no fumbling with directions or wondering if you're in the right place. You step aboard, a glass of Prosecco lands in your hand (or a soft drink if that's your preference), and then the River Thames opens up in front of you for 45 minutes. Christ Church College slides past on one side, the Meadows on the other, and the whole thing feels less like a tour and more like someone's given you the keys to a private stretch of water.

The cruise isn't long, but it's the kind of long that matters: long enough to actually see things, short enough that you're not restless. You pass under bridges, past college gardens, along the banks where students actually study. The guide points things out, but it's not a lecture. It's more like someone who knows the river telling you what's worth noticing. By the time you're back at the terrace, you've had your moment on the water and you're ready to sit down.

Then comes the three-course dinner at The Folly. The restaurant's one of Oxford's best, and it shows: the kitchen works with seasonal ingredients, and they've got vegetarian options if you need them. You can eat inside or stay on the riverside terrace if the weather's holding. The whole thing is dressed smart casual, which means you don't need a tuxedo but you're not in jeans either. Taxes, fees, the Prosecco, the guide. It's all sorted. You just show up and eat.

What’s included

Your package includes the 45-minute River Thames cruise with a complimentary glass of Prosecco or soft drink, a three-course dinner at The Folly restaurant (served on the riverside terrace or indoors), all taxes and fees, and a guide for the cruise. Vegetarian options are available for dinner.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00 and 12:15Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (1 to 11 years) · Infant (under 1): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Oxford River Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a complete evening sorted without juggling separate bookings for a cruise and a restaurant: the timing and the location mean you step straight from the boat to your table.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 11 years); Infant (under 1): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the river cruise?

45 minutes, departing from The Folly restaurant terrace in Oxford city centre.

What's included in the package?

The cruise with a complimentary glass of Prosecco (or soft drink), a three-course dinner at The Folly, and all taxes and fees.

Can I choose where to sit for dinner?

Yes, you can dine inside the restaurant or on the riverside terrace, depending on weather and preference.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, vegetarian options are available for the three-course meal.

What's the dress code?

Smart casual.

What will I see on the cruise?

You'll pass Christ Church College, the Meadows, and historic bridges along the River Thames.

Do I need to arrange transport to the restaurant?

The Folly is in Oxford city centre with public transportation nearby, but you'll need to arrange your own way there.