Nothing captures the charm of England quite like a peaceful punt gliding along the calm waters of a river, surrounded by nature, meadows, and striking historic buildings. This 30-minute punting tour on the River Cherwell departs from the boathouse and passes some of Oxford's most scenic spots, including the Botanic Gardens, Magdalen College School fields, Christ Church Meadows, and the gardens of St Hilda's College — offering a chance to experience some of the most idyllic corners of Oxford.

Private | Oxford University Punting Tour

This wonderful river cruise in Oxford includes a sumptuous traditional afternoon tea served aboard the boat. The 1.5-hour cruise takes in the highlights of the beautiful River Thames, such as Christ Church Meadows and the University College Boat Houses, as it flows through this historic university city.

Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

Enjoy a fascinating journey along the River Thames accompanied with a local knowledgeable guide. Cruise down the university regatta course, pass ancient Folly Bridge, Christchurch College and meadows, and the university rowing houses on this 45-minute sightseeing tour of historic Oxford.

Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Along The University Regatta Course

This Oxford picnic cruise combines Oxford sightseeing with a leisurely picnic and relaxed experience of river life. Your small group cruise through the city past famous landmarks including Christchurch College and Meadows, the University boathouses and regatta course, the Head of the River and Folly Bridge . From the river you take in a side of Oxford's heritage rarely seen by visitors to the city. Complimented by a delicious picnic hamper.

Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise

Enjoy a pre-meal cruise with complimentary Prosecco, then dine at The Folly restaurant in Oxford with this superb package. 

Embarking the boat from the restaurant terrace in the heart of Oxford city centre, you will glide along the River Thames taking in the sights during your 45 minute cruise. A complementary glass of Prosecco (or soft drink alternative) will be served aboard. 

At the end of the cruise you will disembark at The Folly for your exquisite three course meal, served inside the restaurant or on the riverside terrace. The Folly is one of Oxford's most acclaimed restaurants and serves beautifully prepared seasonal dishes to suit all tastes. 

This package combines two exceptional Oxford experiences that should not be missed.

River Cruise with Three Course Riverside Restaurant Dining

Set sail aboard a beautiful river launch to enjoy a gentle evening cruise and a cool relaxing drink as the sun begins to wane. Enjoy simply being away from the busyness of modern life as you cruise along river.

Evening Cocktail Cruise in Oxford

This tour offers something few others do: the chance to experience Oxford both on foot and from the water, all in one visit. Enjoy a full Oxford experience by combining our 90-minute student- or graduate-led college walking tour with a 30-minute chauffeured punting tour—a perfect way to take in the city's history and beauty.

The tour is outdoors. If selected when booking, AFTER THE WALKING TOUR ENDS, your experience can be enriched with a self-guided visit to New College, one of the university's most historic and picturesque colleges.

Then, without needing to plan a separate activity, you'll step into a traditional punt and be taken along Oxford's quieter, greener side. As you glide past the Botanic Gardens, Christ Church Meadows, and the banks where Lewis Carroll once walked, you'll see a view of the city that most walking tours simply don't reach.

It's a well-balanced way to enjoy both Oxford's rich academic tradition and its peaceful riverside setting—all in a single experience.

Oxford University Walking & Punting Tour by Alumni™ & New College

Oxford University | Punting Tour

The Ultimate Fusion of the Finest River and Dining Experiences in Oxford. 

Combine a serene river cruise, with a superb six-course tasting experience at one of Oxford's finest restaurant. 

Your experience begins boarding one of our elegant Edwardian River Launches for a 45 minute cruise taking in the highlights of river life in Oxford. We see Folly Bridge, Christchurch Meadows, the University boat houses and part of the Regatta course whilst a complementary glass of Champagne is served. This can be a wonderful time to be on the river as the sun gets lower in the sky and the light takes on a magical quality.

We disembark at The Folly, where your exquisite meal will be served in charming surroundings either inside the restaurant or on the floating river terrace. The tasting menu is a showcase of the very best seasonal dishes, and there is the option of a 6 course wine pairing, or alternatively you can choose from a comprehensive wine list to complement your meal

River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience

Fun tour for Muggles of all ages. Guide will cater the tour according to everyone's interests, introducing also Oxford heritage. See Christ church film site. Find out how does studying at Oxford University compare with studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Find out on this 5 star rated popular walking tour about the making of Harry Potter in Oxford. Your ticket includes £20+ entry Christ church £ 2.50 Divinity school.

Final hour of the three hour+ tour will be self guided using audio guide. Christ church entry tickets are limited- so please book ahead. If we cannot run the tour, you will be refunded or you may select a rescheduled date. 

This tour also visits the Divinity school film site at the Bodleian library- as & when this secondary venue is open. Pre paid entry included included unless Divinity school is closed. On such dates, we will add entry instead to New college.

Please see notice for any closures under What's not Included section.

No tour Sundays!

Harry Potter + Self Guided Christ Church- PRIVATE 9.30am

Punting on the river is how students enjoy themselves after finishing their exams. What more unique way to experience Oxford than this. Your chauffeur guide will take you punting or rowing for one hour then join our walking tour.

See the city of dreaming spires both from the beautiful views of the river at a leisurely pace with a relaxing river trip in the comfort of your private group. See Oxford skyline plus Christchurch & Christchurch meadows. 

You can select either to meet the guide for the chauffeured river trip as a private group before or after the shared walking tour- please select either 10.30am or 12.45 start time. 

Your guide will walk you to Magdalen boathouse & tell you about Oxbridge's rowing traditions & the origins of the story of Alice in Wonderland, which resulted from just such an outing on the river on July 4th 1862. Option also exists to request boat trip to take place before the walking tour- upon request, when you book. Max 3-4 persons + guide per boat.

Walking Tour Combined with River Punting Rowing (3 hours duration)

Private | Oxford Walking & Punting Tour by Alumni™ & New College

Punting is a great leisure activity, a great tradition amongst the people in summer. An experienced punter will guide you down the Idilic river Cherwell whilst you enjoy the beautiful scenery and if you so choose you can bring along a picnic. Feeding the waterfowl (swans, ducks, moorhens and geese) is allowed but please refrain from touching the waterbirds are some are protected species.

Oxford : Punting - Oxbridge Tours

Take a leisurely 40-minute boat trip from Oxford to Iffley Lock, where nature thrives in scenic surroundings. This daily journey, available hourly from 11:00 to 17:00, offers a chance to soak in stunning landscapes and observe abundant wildlife. Ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind on the water, this trip highlights the beauty of the Oxford canals in a relaxed setting.

- 40-minute return boat trip from Oxford to Iffley Lock
- Daily departures every hour from 11:00 to 17:00
- Experience scenic landscapes and spot local wildlife
- Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike

Relaxing Cruise from Oxford to Iffley Lock and Return

Fall in love with Oxford by joining a relaxing 20 minute Thames river cruise to Iffley village. Then walk or take the cruise back again Thames path. We'll see the Norman chapel & medieval homes in Iffley village. Special focus on Alice in Wonderland heritage and the Oxford rowing tradition.

This tour includes about 1 mile walk at start of tour past famous university sights introduced briefly by the guide. After the cruise ends, we have one hour in Iffley village and then a 3 mile walk along the scenic Thames river path back to Oxford city.

For anyone who has mobility walking issues, please let us know when booking as alternatively we could just replace the walk back from Iffley with either a return trip on the river cruise or a taxi back to the city.

Notice: if the tour does not show as available on date you want to book, please ask viator to contact us. I avoid listing dates too early before the cruise boats are usually starting to run or to end. The boat cruise start date varies.

Oxford River Cruise + Walking Tour to Iffley village

Discover the beauty of the River Thames in Oxford on a relaxing cruise aboard. Depart from Folly Bridge and sail downstream through the historic Iffley Lock, taking in the peaceful scenery along the way. Enjoy views of lush greenery and local wildlife before turning back upstream for the return to Oxford. Throughout your journey, savour a chilled glass of Prosecco for a touch of indulgence, or opt for a refreshing fruit juice if you prefer. This is a wonderful way to experience the river's charm in style and comfort.

Water Tours in Oxford