Top South East England Water Tours

Enjoy the iconic Oxford experience of punting on the River Cherwell without doing the hard work on this private tour led by an Oxford University student. Relax and take in views of key landmarks, colleges, and literary inspirations as you glide along the river with your student guide directing the punt.

Admire Oxford from the water on this cruise, and see a side to the city that many travelers miss. Float along the tranquil Thames River as your skipper points out places of interest such as Christchurch College, the Meadows, Port Meadow, and Folly Bridge—which you can enjoy without having to jostle the land-based crowds. A picnic lunch midway keeps you fueled throughout.

Set sail for a romantic cruise through the heart of Oxford—and pair your sightseeing with a classic afternoon tea—on this unique, two-in-one boat tour. Tuck into English teatime treats such as finger sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream as you glide downstream. Following a scenic route along the University Regatta Course, discover Oxford’s greenery and admire views of the University Boat Houses, Christ Church Meadows, and Iffley lock.

Enjoy a different way to explore the sights of scholarly Oxford—and pair your sightseeing with a cocktail of your choice—on this evening cruise. Board your boat before the sun sets, and head out onto the calm waters with just your guide and a small group for company. Sip a cocktail or a soft drink as you soak up the views, and spot attractions including Christ Church Meadow.

Head out to the Seven Sisters, a group of chalk sea cliffs on the coast of East Sussex, with this small-group boat tour. You'll not only get the chance to see the beautiful cliffs, but you'll also receive a lesson in the history of smuggling in the area from your guide, a descendant of smugglers himself.

Combine a walking tour of Oxford with the iconic experience of punting on the River Cherwell, all thanks to this time-saving, two-in-one tour. Learn about the storied university and academic life as you follow your student or alumnus guide through Oxford's colleges and historic highlights. Afterwards, enjoy a chauffeured punting tour along the Cherwell River. Upgrade to include entry into New College for the full experience.

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.

Get ready for the Seven Sisters Rapid RIB – Rock & Roll! This 40-minute coastal ride takes you from Newhaven to the base of the iconic Seven Sisters Cliffs and back, with sea spray, fresh air, and serious fun along the way. It’s not a guided tour—just a fast-paced blast set to a Rock & Roll vibe. Perfect for families, returning guests, or anyone after a shorter, more energising experience on the water. With dramatic views and a boat that cruises to the rhythm of the waves, this is a brilliant way to enjoy the Sussex coastline. Hop on, hold tight, and let the coast do the talking.

Enjoy a relaxed, hassle-free evening in Oxford with this river cruise and dinner combination that takes care of both sightseeing and dining in one seamless experience. Cruise along the River Thames while sipping chilled prosecco and taking in peaceful views of Christchurch Meadows and the university boathouses. Afterward, head to a highly regarded city-center restaurant for a delicious three-course meal—perfect for making the most of your time without juggling separate bookings.

Get a taste of the high life with this luxury private yacht experience from Lymington. A freshly prepared 2-course meal and Champagne is included, and you’ll have ample time to kick back and relax with your personal group as the crew take care of the yacht. If the weather is good, then grab the chance for a swim near the Isle of Wight, or, if the weather is less than kind, then hunker down with blankets below deck.

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

As the sun dips below the horizon, guests can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the river bathed in golden light. This relaxed evening cruise offers stunning views of the tranquil waterways and surrounding landscapes, creating the perfect setting to unwind and take in the New Forest's natural charm. It's a fantastic opportunity for photographers to capture the dramatic colours of the sky and water at sunset. The tour accommodates a maximum group size of ten. Tea, coffee, and cake are provided for you to enjoy as we glide along the river. Accompanied children aged five and up are welcome, though the fee applies to all ages on this trip. Lifejackets are provided, but please note that there are no restroom facilities on board. Lazy Daze is fully licensed to operate on the Beaulieu River. There is a £5.00 parking charge per car at the Buckler’s Hard marina.

Get ready for an exhilarating banana boat adventure that promises laughter and splashes. Hold on tight as you climb aboard our inflatable banana, where our skilled skipper will take you on a thrilling 15-minute ride filled with twists and turns. Perfect for groups, this activity guarantees unforgettable memories with family and friends. Plus, you’ll receive video footage to relive the fun long after the ride is over.

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.

Learn about the making of Harry Potter at Oxford with this private walking tour. Visit filming locations in the Divinity School and the secondary film site at the Bodleian Library, with entry to another college if the Divinity School is closed. Includes entry to Christ Church College, which you can explore independently with a self-guided audio tour.

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.