Oxford Thames Cruise with Prosecco: Folly Bridge to Iffley

Float past Christ Church Meadow and Iffley Lock without steering the boat yourself

A guided boat cruise on the River Thames in Oxford departs from Folly Bridge, travels downstream through Iffley Lock and back upstream, with a captain at the helm and a glass of Prosecco (or juice for children) included throughout. The route takes about an hour and suits all fitness levels. Service animals are welcome, and infants sit on an adult's lap.

Step-by-step itinerary

Oxford River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

• Depart from Folly Bridge
• Sail downstream through Iffley Lock
• Enjoy views of Christ Church Meadow
• Observe local wildlife and greenery
• Turn back upstream to Oxford
• Enjoy a glass of Prosecco or juice

The experience

The boat leaves from Folly Bridge in central Oxford and heads downstream into the quieter stretches of the Thames. You'll pass through Christ Church Meadow and reach Iffley Lock, where the river narrows and the pace slows. The captain handles the navigation while you take in the banks: lush vegetation, local wildlife, and the rhythm of the water. The return journey retraces the route upstream back to Folly Bridge.

Throughout the cruise, you have a chilled glass of Prosecco in hand (or a soft drink or juice if you prefer). There's no schedule to keep, no locks to operate, no decisions to make about where the boat goes next. The captain manages the route and the timing, which means you can focus on the river itself: the way the light hits the water, the birds, the way the banks change as you move downstream.

What’s included

• Captain-led navigation.
• one glass of Prosecco per adult, or a soft drink or juice per child.
• views of Christ Church Meadow and Iffley Lock from the water.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and FridayDepartures at 12:15, 13:45, 15:30 and 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (under 4): 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Salters Steamers Ltd

Is this one for you?Choose this cruise if you want to see the Thames from the water without operating a boat yourself: the captain steers while you sit back with a drink and watch the banks unfold. It works for mixed groups (children get juice, adults get Prosecco) and for anyone who prefers to be guided rather than in control.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How long is the Oxford River Thames cruise?

The cruise lasts about an hour, departing from Folly Bridge and returning to the same point after passing through Iffley Lock downstream.

What's included in the boat cruise from Folly Bridge?

Each adult receives a glass of chilled Prosecco. Children get a soft drink or juice. The captain is included, and the boat itself handles all the navigation and operation.

Where does the boat depart from in Oxford?

The boat departs from Folly Bridge in Oxford and travels downstream to Iffley Lock before returning upstream to the same starting point.

Can I bring my service animal on the Thames cruise?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the boat. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the cruise.

What will I see along the River Thames on this cruise?

The route passes Christ Church Meadow and Iffley Lock, with views of the riverbanks, local wildlife, and the surrounding greenery of Oxford as the boat travels downstream and back.

Is this cruise suitable if I'm not very fit?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You're seated on the boat throughout, and the captain handles all the work of moving and steering it.