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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Important: meet the guide OUTSIDE the address, not inside. The location is not part of our business. The meeting point is the RED PILLAR MAILBOX in front of 11 Broad Street. Your guide wears a royal blue item of clothing with a heraldic shield—this may be a jacket, cap, beanie, scarf, or polo shirt.
Your tour will finish at the Oxford Punting Station OX14AU
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Meet the guide OUTSIDE the address, not inside. The location is not part of our business. The meeting point is the RED PILLAR MAILBOX in front of 11 Broad Street. Your guide wears a royal blue item of clothing with a heraldic shield—this may be a jacket, cap, beanie, scarf, or polo shirt.
Admission ticket free -
1Balliol College
Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2Trinity College
Take a look into some of the strange traditions that come with an old and prestigious university. From pranks to tortoises, student life certainly isn’t boring here!
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3Sheldonian Theatre
Learn about the 13 busts visible atop the pillars, and get an insiders’ correction of a common misconception.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4The Divinity School
Hear about the intricacies of the Oxford graduation ceremony, and, if possible, take a look inside the Divinity School which was famously used in the Harry Potter films.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5Bodleian Library
A library with a long history, find out about some of the treasures kept among the 12 million books here.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6Radcliffe Camera
A dome that is famous for being one of the Oxford Dreaming Spires, and a Camera which has nothing to do with photography? Contradictions abound here, and your guide will make sure you don’t get lost in them!
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
7All Souls College
All Souls is a very prestigious college which requires an incredibly stringent examination to be completed by all prospective students. Your guide can give you examples of past questions; how do you think you would fare?
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
8University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
The University Church is a great location to understand some of the tensions between so called ‘Town and Gown’, and of course is a stunning building to appreciate!
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
9Oriel College
A controversial piece of university history, learn why there have been protests against honouring one of the main funders of the College.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
10Christ Church Meadow
One of the most famous sites in Oxford, there are many powerful figures associated with this college!
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
11
##IMPORTANT: This option is available only if selected at the time of booking. Access times for New College – Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October): Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry at 4:30 pm. All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm. The self-guided visit to New College takes place at the end of the walking tour. Access involves a short walk to the entrance on Holywell Street. Please keep these timings in mind when booking this option.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
(Pass by)
Start your relaxing trip by being chauffeured past the UK’s oldest botanic garden, with the dreaming spires of Oxford peeking over the trees.
Admission ticket free -
Christ Church Meadow (Pass by)
Continue your peaceful trip through the nature of Oxford by passing Christ Church Meadow, a large area owned by the College which allows access to many of the cities boathouses.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
One of several extensive College Gardens, St Hilda’s boasts rich wildlife and seasonal colour year-round, perfect to appreciate on your serene trip along the River Cherwell!
Admission ticket free -
12
After experiencing the above (and more!) on the walking tour, have a short break and walk to Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, where a manager will meet you and direct you to the departure point for your punting tour!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- ##IMPORTANT: Before booking New College, please note the following timings: Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October): Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm Last entry at 4:30 pm All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact us.
- New College is generally 10 to 15 minutes away from the tour’s end point. Please keep this in mind before booking.
- Wheelchair users are welcome on the tour. Please note that one small area is inaccessible, though it only accounts for a few minutes of the route. Some parts of New College may also be difficult to access. We advise caution due to uneven surfaces, curbs, and potential trip hazards. Please also be mindful of vehicles and bicycles, particularly in busy areas.
- In autumn and winter, Oxford’s rivers can experience high or low water levels. Tours may be cancelled in such cases, with a refund or alternative option provided. These conditions are beyond our control.
- Not recommended for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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