Lunchtime Picnic Trip
Our lunchtime picnic cruise departs from our moorings opposite Christchurch Meadows. It combines Oxford sightseeing with a gourmet picnic lunch and a relaxed experience of river life.
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 widens 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 turn back to Oxford at this point but not before taking in Trout Island, which is rumored to be the inspiration for another of Oxfords 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. Oxfords renowned delicatessens, Taylors of St Giles, provide our lunchtime picnic. Exact contents depend on the availability 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 Lunchtime Picnic trip costs £42 per person(£29.40 for children under 12) and is usually available on Thursdays and Sundays from March to October. The trip may be available on other days and we are happy to organise a private trip at any time. Please contact us with your requirements.
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