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

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/6

Duration2h

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

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.