About
Salter's Steamers is a family firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the Royal River Thames for over 150 years (est. 1858). Cruises combine traditional style, contemporary comforts and the highest modern standards combined with some of the most beautiful scenery in England. They operate from a number of locations along the river including Reading. They also offer boat hire and boat sales.
Scheduled Public Trip: Oxford to Abingdon Service
Daily in season from 25th May to 8th September 2019.
NEW: BUY TWO ADULT RETURN TICKETS GET ONE CHILD RETURN FREE
This is one of the most popular services which starts by Christ Church Meadows and finishes in the picturesque market town of Abingdon. Highlights include:
Christ Church Meadows, Oxford University intercollegiate regatta course, House, Iffley Church (Norman Era) and Iffley Lock, Rose Island and the house that was once the "Swan Inn", Sandford Lock (deepest lock on the non-tidal Thames- 8'10"), Radley (St Peter's) College Boathouse, magnificent Nuneham House (built in 1756 for the First Earl of Harcourt), Carfax Conduit, Culham Motocross, Abingdon Lock and nearby Abbey Grounds. The journey also links two hugely popular waterside pubs the Head of the River pub at Oxford and the Nag's Head at Abingdon.
Boats depart from Folly Bridge, Oxford at 9.15am and 2.30pm stopping at Iffley Lock and Sandford Lock before reaching Abingdon (Abingdon Bridge Marine) at 11.05am or 4.30pm – Total cruising time around 2 hours.
The return journey leaves Abingdon at 11.15am and 4.45pm returning to Oxford at 1.15pm and 6.30pm.
Enjoy time in Abingdon. Explore the Abbey Buildings or walk along the Thames Path National Trail to Abingdon Lock.
Prices for full return journey are: Adult £20.80, Senior £19.80, Child £11.70. See the website for all prices.
Short Trips from Oxford
- 40 Minute return trips to Iffley Lock daily from 1st April to end of October 2019: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00,14:00, 15:00, 16:00 & 17:00 (Subject to weather). Adult £8.00 Child £4.50 Children under 3 go free
- 2.5 Hour Trip daily from 1st April to end of October 2019: Departing at 12:00
Alice in Wonderland Cruise Adult £20.00 Child £12.00 Children under 3 go free
Lunchtime Picnic Cruise Adult £32.50 Child £24.50 Children under 3 go free
Punting and Boat Hire in Oxford
Open from Easter to October according to weather. Our boat hire pontoon is located outside the Head of the River pub.
- Oxford Boat Hire from Folly Bridge - A wide variety of self-drive craft is available for hire from rowing boats, electric motorboats or diesel day boats. From £20 per hour (self-powered) or from £45 per hour motorboat.
- Punting Hire from Folly Bridge - Why not try your hand at punting? This remains one of the most enjoyable summer activities and a quintessential pastime for Oxonians.
- Chauffeured punt service is available for £60.00 an hour if booked in advance.
See website for full list of prices. All boats are hired on a first-come first-serve basis. An advance booking service is available on all of the day boats (these must be pre-paid for). Self-powered craft (such as punts) can be pre-ordered, but only if more than one is required. The timings of advanced booking cannot be changed once they are reserved.
The hire-fleet boats are also available for purchase (all built to order). Click here for more information on boat sales.
Scheduled public trips operate from every major location between Oxford and Staines. Boat charter is also available for corporate hospitality and weddings.