Oxford is known the world over for its colleges, its spires, and its stories. But for those who want to experience the city a little differently; more slowly, more quietly; the best discoveries often happen away from the crowds and cobbled streets.
This is a guide for those looking to explore Oxford at their own pace. From river cruises to meadow walks, from hidden waterways to quiet corners. Here are a few of the most memorable things to do in Oxford that you won’t find in every guidebook.
Start on the Water: See Oxford from the Thames
The River Thames (known locally as the Isis) meanders through Oxford, connecting the city with its countryside and offering a beautiful, peaceful perspective on its landmarks.
At Oxford River Cruises, we help guests explore this side of the city with a range of experiences, from indulgent Afternoon Tea Cruises to romantic Cocktail Cruises, and private boat hire for those who prefer to chart their own course.
You’ll glide past Christ Church Meadow, historic boathouses, and quiet stretches of river where swans and moorhens nest in the reeds. These are the places where Oxford feels most like itself: unhurried, historic, and closely tied to the water.
Walk the Wild Edges: Port Meadow and the Upper Thames
Just a short distance from the city centre lies Port Meadow, one of the oldest and most untouched landscapes in Oxford. This ancient grazing land has never been ploughed and remains open to cattle, horses, and walkers year-round.
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need to be on a list. It just is — expansive, timeless, and beautiful. Stroll along the river here, watch the sunset, or bring a picnic. You’ll often spot rowers or wild swimmers along the upper Thames, and in summer, the light across the water is something special.
You can walk to Port Meadow from Folly Bridge along the towpath, or combine a cruise with a return stroll through the meadows. Our Picnic Cruise heads this way whenever river conditions allow.
Follow the River Cherwell through University Parks
While the Thames gets most of the attention, Oxford is a city of two rivers. The Cherwell, smaller and more winding, flows past the backs of colleges and through one of the city’s loveliest green spaces, University Parks.
These peaceful gardens are open to the public and perfect for a quiet walk, especially in spring when the blossom is out. Take the path that follows the Cherwell and you’ll pass weeping willows, open lawns, and shaded benches ideal for reading or simply pausing for a while.
This side of the city is quieter, more introspective, and rich with literary connections.
On the Water with Lewis Carroll
Oxford’s rivers aren’t just scenic, they’re woven into the city’s cultural and literary history. In 1862, Charles Dodgson (better known as Lewis Carroll) rowed a boat up the Thames with the Liddell sisters, daughters of the Dean of Christ Church. During that trip, he began telling a story to Alice Liddell, a tale that would become Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
That story, born on the river, still flows through Oxford’s identity. And when you drift past the very same meadows on a quiet afternoon, it’s not hard to imagine how such a strange and wonderful tale took root.
Pair the River with Good Food
Many of our cruises are enhanced by the opportunity to dine. The Folly Restaurant, just steps from our mooring at Folly Bridge, offers riverside lunches, dinners, and beautifully presented afternoon teas year-round.
Our Tasting Menu Cruise, recently named one of the UK’s Top 50 Bucket List Experiences — features a carefully prepared multi-course menu served on the river terrace at The Folly following your pre-dinner cruise.
Whether you’re on terrace with a cocktail or enjoying scones and tea on a sunny afternoon, it’s a chance to savour Oxford in every sense of the word.
Why We’re Skipping the Spires (Just This Once)
This guide doesn’t include Oxford’s famous colleges, libraries, or museums — not because they aren’t worth seeing, but because they already appear in every guidebook. Instead, we’re focusing on something different. A slower Oxford. One that invites you to pause, wander, and really feel the place.
You can visit the Bodleian and climb towers tomorrow. Today, let the river lead.
Plan Your Day, Your Way
For those looking for things to do in Oxford that offer real relaxation, we recommend combining a short cruise, a walk along the towpaths, and perhaps a quiet moment in one of the city’s green spaces.
Some suggested combinations:
- Cruise + Christ Church Meadow Walk + Lunch at The Folly
- Picnic Cruise + Evening Pub Stop
- Afternoon Tea Cruise + Stroll through University Parks + Explore the Cherwell
👉 Book a River Cruise
👉 Explore Boat Hire Options
👉 Reserve a Table at The Folly
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