OXFORD AND TRAFFIC
Oxford is an old city of ancient buildings, rivers and green spaces. Most of these have been around a lot longer than the motor car and consequently the road network is constrained by the location of bridges and the need to avoid paving over colleges. As a result the roads that we have are very congested and car parks are few and far between.
Our cruises run to a tight schedule and need to depart on time so that trips later in the day can proceed as planned. Therefore, please leave plenty of time to reach us, including parking your car, to ensure that you do not miss the boat! We provide the following information in order to help you plan your journey. This information was accurate when written but changes to pricing, timetables, etc, occur regularly so please also do your own research. Also, please bear in mind that we can not issue refunds or credits for missed departures.
PARK AND RIDE
Oxford has five park and ride car parks on the outskirts with frequent bus links to the City Centre. Information on Park and Ride, including a location map, is available at oxford.gov.uk
For our moorings at The Folly, Redbridge Park and Ride is the most convenient. Once parked take the ‘300’ bus (departures every 8-10 minutes) in to the city and alight at the stop which is referred to as The Police Station. You will then have a very short walk to our moorings on the right hand side over Folly Bridge.
PARKING IN THE CITY
Firstly, please note that we have no parking at all available at our departure location.
The closest available parking is at the Westgate Centre Car Park. As with all city centre car parks it is quite expensive so best avoided if you are on a budget. A typical 3 hour stay will cost £5. From this car park you can walk to our moorings at The Folly (OX1 4JU). The walk takes approximately 5-10 minutes, part of it along the river if you wish. This car park is within the Oxford Congestion Charging Zone so an additional payment of £5 will be need unless you qualify for a permit.
BLUE BADGE HOLDERS
Blue badge holders are generally permitted to park in on-street resident bays on Western Road (approximately 100 yards from the moorings).
Congestion Charge
Please be aware that Oxford now operates a daily congestion charge for cars and motorhomes entering key parts of the city. If you drive into the city centre or park in locations such as the Westgate Centre Car Park, you may need to pay a £5 congestion charge for that day unless you hold a valid permit or day pass. The charge applies once per day regardless of how many charge points you pass, and you must pay online by midnight the day after you travel to avoid a fine. For full details, maps of the charging locations and how to pay or apply for a permit, please check the Oxfordshire County Council website
