Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College

4.7 (54 reviews) 2 h 30 min – 3 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

54 reviews

4.7

Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Historical Tours Walking Tours Water Tours Excellent Quality Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min – 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 24 people
People per booking: 1–24
Guide: Chinese, English, Spanish
Operated by: Oxford Alumni Tours

Ages: Children (4–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–64 years) · Seniors (65–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Exceptional access to interiors (WHEN ACCESSIBLE)
Included: Oxford University Student or Graduate Guide
Included: Enjoy a chauffeured punting tour along the River Cherwell
Included: Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
Included: Learn about Oxford history and anecdotes
Included: Gain an insight into student life at an elite university
Included: Enter New College (WHEN YOU BOOK THIS OPTION)

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance
Not included: Refreshments

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing 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.
Balliol College

5 min Admission not included

Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.
Trinity College

5 min Admission not included

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!
Sheldonian Theatre

5 min Admission not included

Learn about the 13 busts visible atop the pillars, and get an insiders’ correction of a common misconception.
Stop 5

10 min Admission 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.
Bodleian Library

5 min Admission not included

A library with a long history, find out about some of the treasures kept among the 12 million books here.
Radcliffe Camera

5 min Admission not included

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!
All Souls College

5 min Admission not included

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?
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

5 min Admission not included

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!
Oriel College

10 min Admission not included

A controversial piece of university history, learn why there have been protests against honouring one of the main funders of the College.
Christ Church Meadow

10 min Admission not included

One of the most famous sites in Oxford, there are many powerful figures associated with this college!
Stop 12

45 min 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.
University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Passing 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.
Christ Church Meadow

Passing 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.
St. Hilda's College

Passing 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!
Stop 16

10 min

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!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

Your tour will finish at the Oxford Punting Station OX14AU

Using your ticket

Present your ticket to your guide at the red pillar box outside 11 Broad Street, Oxford. The guide will be wearing a blue uniform item, hat, or scarf with the Alumni Tours heraldic crest. We recommend arriving at least 5 minutes early to allow time to locate your guide and check in.

Please present your booking confirmation at the gate of New College, stating that you have booked with "Alumni Tours".

Your punting tour will depart 2 hours after the start of your walking tour, or 3 hours after if you have added New College.

Punting departs from Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, OX1 4AU. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and provide the lead traveller’s name, mentioning that the booking is with "Alumni Tours".

##IMPORTANT: (the company cannot take responsibility for issues caused by not following these guidelines):

Late arrivals cannot be refunded. Once the tour starts, the guide cannot be contacted. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, unless otherwise agreed, especially for large groups.

Snacks and drinks are allowed, but not inside college buildings.

The walk lasts 90 minutes at a steady pace and includes uneven surfaces. Wheelchair users are welcome, but the tour is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties.

No scheduled toilet breaks. If you leave the group for an extended time, you may not be able to find them again upon your return. This is at the customer’s own risk.

Dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear. Bring water in warm weather.

Standard tours are conducted in English, but guides come from a cosmopolitan mix of students and alumni; please be prepared for a variety of accents.

Pets are not permitted inside colleges, except for guide dogs.

Complaints must be directed to management by phone or email. Please do not address complaints to the guide, as they are not authorized to handle them.

Follow the guide’s instructions and local safety rules. Inform your guide if unwell

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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

Options

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.
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.
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 without College

Punting Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes