Adventure Collective
Water Activities & Megan Cruiser: Thames River Day Trips - Oxford

Water Activities & Megan Cruiser: Thames River Day Trips

Buscoteasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2-4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels, casual paddling or cruising with minimal physical exertion

Overview

Set sail on the Thames with Megan Cruiser from Cotswold Boat Hire and enjoy a unique riverside adventure packed with scenic views, charming villages, and flexible cruising options. Discover why this spot is a top choice for water lovers.

Broad Blunsdon, England

Megan Cruiser

£140-£190 - All ages • Small petrol cruiser - folding canopy • Suitable for 4 adults or equivalent

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About This Adventure

Experience the charm of the Thames with a day or half-day rental of a cozy cruiser, complete with a canopy and chemical loo. Navigate through scenic Cotswold landscapes, enjoy a riverside pub lunch, and create unforgettable memories with friends or family. Ideal for small groups seeking adventure on the water!

Cruiser with canopy and chemical loo, steering helm, petrol outboard engine.

Duration

Day Rental - 9:00am-5:00 pm Half Day - 9:00am-1:00 pm or 1:15pm-5:15 pm 2025 Half Day £140 Full day Mid Week £175 - Weekend £190

About

  • Small cruiser with cover and chemical loo - suitable for weight limit of up to 4 adults or equivalent. (Maximum 5 people)
  • Children under 12 and medium to large dogs are the weight equivalent to half an adult. Teenagers are generally counted as adults.
  • At lease one person must be 21+ with ID.

Where can you go?

We are located at the head of The Thames, so you can hire a boat to cruise the local upper reaches in the Scenic Cotswold and The Thames valley through Southern Oxfordshire, stopping at a country pub with river garden for lunch or taking a picnic.

Know before you go

  • You can choose a pick up time to suit you but you still have to be back by the same finish time as booked - ie 1.00 pm (morning) or 5.00pm (all day) or 5.15 pm (Afternoon.)
  • On line booking is the easiest way to book as it shows live availability & you book securely at any time, day or night! Please only pay a deposit as this reduces your booking fee from 6% to only £3. The balance will be auto collected securely usually within 48 hours with no additional booking fees. You can also book by phone with no booking fees if the office is manned.
  • Life jackets can be provided, and recommended for vulnerable adults and those under the age of 16, please ask if you want one and exceptionally have not been offered one.
  • Parking is included for one vehicle on site. If you have mobility issues please tick the special requirements box and we can make special arrangements.
  • Fuel and VAT at prevailing rate included, £100 security deposit required on day - charged to the same card as booking. Please ask if you require a VAT receipt.
  • We are sorry but we cannot generally enter into Hire Agreements with large all male or all female parties. We also do not allow more than one boat to be booked by the same party, in effect then a group booking, unless we are notified in advance and have agreed this in writing.

Wet weather policy

Generally once made bookings cannot be cancelled - however we do have a severe wet weather policy. On the early morning of your hire you may receive an email or text like this which means we expect the weather to be very wet/stormy for the duration of your hire - you can opt to take a rain check and reschedule within the next 2 seasons if you received the following message.

  • Hi, we are expecting a wet weather day today. You are welcome to come along and make the most of your day, however if you’d prefer us to issue a credit so you can reschedule for another day, please text us on 0794 7993784 with name of boat you were hiring and rain check message. We will issue you a credit note that you can use to rebook.

Adventure Tips

Check weather conditions

Ensure good weather for a safe and enjoyable cruise, especially if planning to be on the water all day.

Bring layers and snacks

Weather can change quickly on the river; pack comfortable clothing and a picnic or snacks for the trip.

Arrive early

Get your rental paperwork sorted and choose a scenic starting point before peak times.

Respect wildlife

Maintain a safe distance from the river’s fauna and avoid any disturbance during your cruise.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Egrets
  • Kingfishers

History

The Thames has been a vital waterway since Roman times, shaping commerce and settlements along its banks.

Conservation

Cotswold Boat Hire promotes eco-friendly practices, ensuring the river remains clean and healthy for future generations.

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Adventure Hotspots in Oxford

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sun protection

Essential

Protect yourself from sun exposure during longer boat trips.

summer specific

Waterproof jacket

Be prepared for unexpected weather changes on the river.

spring;fall specific

Closed-toe shoes

Essential

Good grip and protection for onboard safety and stability.

Camera or smartphone

Capture scenic views and memorable moments.