Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 54 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College worth booking?
Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College is a 2.5-hour experience in Oxford, United Kingdom, from $75 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 54 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (54)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $75 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Exceptional access to interiors (WHEN ACCESSIBLE)
- Oxford University Student or Graduate Guide
- Enjoy a chauffeured punting tour along the River Cherwell
- Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
- Learn about Oxford history and anecdotes
- Gain an insight into student life at an elite university
- Enter New College (WHEN YOU BOOK THIS OPTION)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance
- Refreshments
What you'll see and do
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.
Pass by without stopping
Balliol College
Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Trinity 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 here · Admission not included
Sheldonian Theatre
Learn about the 13 busts visible atop the pillars, and get an insiders’ correction of a common misconception.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
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 here · Admission included
Bodleian Library
A library with a long history, find out about some of the treasures kept among the 12 million books here.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Radcliffe 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 here · Admission not included
All 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 here · Admission not included
University 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 here · Admission not included
Oriel 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 here · Admission not included
Christ Church Meadow
One of the most famous sites in Oxford, there are many powerful figures associated with this college!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
##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 here · Admission not included
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Start your relaxing trip by being chauffeured past the UK’s oldest botanic garden, with the dreaming spires of Oxford peeking over the trees.
Pass by without stopping
Christ Church Meadow
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.
Pass by without stopping
St. Hilda's College
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!
Pass by without stopping
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 here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oxford
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your tour will finish at the Oxford Punting Station OX14AU
Options you can book
Mandarin tour without College
Punting Tour: PUNTING TOUR IN ENGLISH Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Spanish tour without College
Punting Tour: PUNTING TOUR IN ENGLISH Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
English tour with College
Punting Tour Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Punting will take place after the visit to New College, approximately three hours after the start of the walking tour. New College access: The college self-guided visit takes place at the end of the tour. Access requires a short walk to the gate on Holywell St.
English tour without College
Punting Tour Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Mandarin tour with College
Punting tour: PUNTING TOUR IN ENGLISH Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Punting will take place after the visit to New College, three hours after the start of the walking tour. New College access: The college self-guided visit takes place at the end of the tour. Access requires a short walk to the gate on Holywell St.
Spanish tour with College
Punting tour: PUNTING TOUR IN ENGLISH Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Punting will take place after the visit to New College, three hours after the start of the walking tour. New College access: The college self-guided visit takes place at the end of the tour. Access requires a short walk to the gate on Holywell St.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 24 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Oxford Alumni Tours
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 54 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
54 verified traveler reviews for Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Gorgeous experience
Our guide Kaitlyn was super nice and very helpful.
via Tripadvisor
Once a life tour to learn Oxford University!
Was a very good experience, thanks to John for the mandarin private tour, was a lot of fun to know about Oxford history and lifestyle as a student.
via Tripadvisor
Lovely walk with Himalaya
Our walking tour was lovely despite (because of?) the wet weather. Wide ranging with access to beautiful spaces, and our guide Himalaya was charming! Started on time, finished on time.
via Tripadvisor
Tour guide Alumni
Himalaya was our guide today, his tour guidance was impeccable!
via Tripadvisor
Great way to learn about Oxford for a first time visitor
Our guide, Tim, was very personable and knowledgeable about Oxford the town, and the Oxford University system. He answered all our questions and we truly learned a lot about the area. We also enjoyed the punting experience after our walking tour; it was a great way to relax.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Oxford Alumni Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.0.
See everything Oxford Alumni Tours runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oxford.
How much does Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oxford usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oxford is not rushed.
Is Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 54 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oxford, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College?
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Around 19 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oxford can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oxford and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oxford within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oxford?
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On Outty we rank every Oxford experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide, Oxford Official University & City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oxford?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oxford?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College?
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Included: Exceptional access to interiors (WHEN ACCESSIBLE); Oxford University Student or Graduate Guide; Enjoy a chauffeured punting tour along the River Cherwell; Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student; and Learn about Oxford history and anecdotes. Not included: Gratuities; Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance; and Refreshments. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Wheelchair users are welcome on the tour. Please note that one small area is inaccessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College?
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Across 54 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Mandarin tour without College, Spanish tour without College, English tour with College, English tour without College. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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