Thames Boat Hire & River Trips
Experience Oxford's premier boat rental and river tours with Britain's longest-established Thames operator.
Book Your Experience
Discover Your Perfect River Experience
Public Boat Trips
Join our heritage boat tours along the Thames. Regular departures from Oxford to scenic destinations.
Private Boat Charter
Exclusive vessel hire for corporate events, celebrations, and special occasions with full catering options.
Boat Hire
Enjoy self-drive boat hire in Oxford. Explore the Thames at your own pace with our electric and diesel day boats.
Group Tours
Discounted rates for large parties and tour operators exploring England's most beautiful waterway.
Britain's Premier Thames Boat Hire Since 1858
Six generations strong, Salter's Steamers has shaped river leisure since 1858 with craftsmanship, elegance, and local pride.
From scenic river cruise experiences to private boat rental, we've welcomed millions aboard our heritage vessels.
- Family-run since 1858
- One of the largest fleets on the Thames
- Serving locals and tourists with timeless charm
Unforgettable Thames Experiences Await
From intimate celebrations to corporate entertainment, discover our exclusive range of river cruise experiences designed for every occasion.
- 01
Jazz Cruise
Smooth jazz melodies drift across the Thames as you enjoy fine dining aboard our heritage vessels with live entertainment.
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Corporate Entertainment
Impress clients with exclusive Thames hospitality. Professional event management for team building and business celebrations.
- 03
Wedding River Cruises
Begin your journey together on England's royal river with bespoke wedding packages and stunning photographic backdrops.
- 04
Group Tours & Coach Parties
Special rates for tour operators and large group bookings. Discounted Thames experiences with flexible departure times and catering options.
- 05
Hen Party Boat Trips
Celebrate in style with Thames views, premium catering, and entertainment packages tailored for unforgettable hen parties.
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Thames Sightseeing Tours
Discover Oxford's riverside heritage aboard traditional steamers with expert commentary and comfortable modern amenities.
Ready to Experience Britain's Premier River Cruises?
With 165+ years of Thames heritage, Salter's Steamers creates unforgettable moments. Book your exclusive boat hire experience today.
Reserve Your Cruise Now
Britain's Most Trusted Thames Boat Hire
- Unmatched Heritage Experience
Six generations of Thames expertise since 1858. Britain's longest-established river cruise operator with unrivalled local knowledge and traditions.
- Large Fleet Capacity and Variety
From intimate boat trips to grand celebrations, our extensive fleet accommodates any group size with modern comfort and traditional elegance.
- Prime Thames Locations
Strategic departure points across Oxford, Henley, Reading, and Marlow provide convenient access to England's most scenic waterways.
- Family Business Values
Personal service and genuine care from a true family business. Professional event management with the personal touch that only comes from heritage.
- 165+ Years on the Thames
- 6th Generation of Family Pride
- 7 Locations Served
- 20+ Vessels in Our Fleet
Discover Our Most Popular Boat Hire and River Cruise Options
Public River Cruises
Join our scheduled boat trips along the Thames with regular departures from prime locations. Perfect for tourists and locals seeking scenic river tours.
Service Includes:- Heritage Commentary: Expert guides share 165+ years of Thames knowledge and local history
- Multiple Departure Points: Convenient locations across Oxford, Henley, Reading, and Marlow
- Onboard Facilities: Licensed bar, toilet facilities, and comfortable three-level viewing areas
- Flexible Scheduling: Regular departures throughout the season with advance booking available
- Group Discounts: Special rates for tour operators and large group bookings
Private Boat Charter
Exclusive vessel hire for corporate events, celebrations, and special occasions. Our fleet capacity and variety ensures perfect private boat hire experiences.
Services Include:- Complete Exclusivity: Your own dedicated vessel and crew for intimate or large celebrations
- Flexible Catering: From finger buffets to hot meals, plus full bar service and wine selection
- Professional Entertainment: DJ services, live music options, and themed event management
- Custom Itineraries: Tailored cruise routes and timing to match your celebration requirements
- Event Management: Full coordination support from Britain's most experienced Thames operators
Cruising With Confidence
Sarah & James Oxford For our anniversary, we arranged a private charter. It was enchanting with excellent service, a stunning boat, and effortless organization!
Liam G. Henley What a delightful and serene experience exploring Oxford! The picnic cruise was a highlight, combining relaxation with fun in a beautiful setting.
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Your Boat Hire Questions Answered
Simply visit our booking page or, alternatively, contact us directly by phone on 01865 243421. For private charter bookings, a 50% deposit secures your date with final payment due 14 days before your Thames experience.
Our heritage vessels feature fully enclosed saloons with heating, plus covered deck areas for all-weather comfort. We operate year-round with flexible rebooking policies for severe weather conditions.
From intimate boat trips for couples to large corporate events for 200+ guests. Our extensive Thames fleet includes vessels for every occasion, making us the region's most flexible boat hire operator.
We operate from seven prime Thames locations: Oxford, Abingdon, Benson, Reading, Henley, Marlow, and Cookham, offering convenient departure points throughout the Thames Valley region.
All trips include professional crew, onboard bar service, toilet facilities, and expert local commentary. Private charters feature flexible catering options, entertainment, and bespoke event coordination.
Ready to Experience Britain's Premier Thames Cruises?
From scenic boat trips to exclusive private charter events, discover why we've been Britain's most trusted Thames operator since 1858. Create unforgettable memories today.
Book Your Trip Today