Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
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
What To Expect
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
Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.
Options
Spanish tour
Punting Tour: PUNTING TOUR IN ENGLISH Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Spanish tour with New 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.
Mandarin tour
Punting Tour: PUNTING TOUR IN ENGLISH Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
English tour with New 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 with New 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
Punting Tour Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
What‘s 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)
Gratuities
Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance
Refreshments
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cambridge University tour
J3365ZSdwaynem,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Experiences like these are only enjoyable when the guide can bring things to life. After all 800 year old bricks can only do so much. Our tour guide TJ was engaging, knowledgable and entertaining. He really brought the place to life which made it a great tour. The only criticism would be that when we entered Kings College Chapel would be to have a guide take us through that portion. All in all great value for the price and would recommend it to anyone
Perfect Oxford experience
656dimitarm,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a perfect tour around Oxford. The tour was very organized. Our tour guide Tejas is Oxford student who was very positive, communicative and funny really explained in depth about the rich history of the university and so much more. It was great experience
Tejas - Great guide!
Journey48630206403,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tejas was amazing! Purely flawless, he made us feel like "welcome to my home!". He spoke the right amount of information and gave us a lot of insiders tips. We truly enjoyed it. I also was translating to my mother as she does not speak English and he cared to ask if he was speaking slow enough. Thank you Tejas!
Relaxed, informative and enjoyable.
Road305892,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My granddaughter and I had a wonderful tour of Oxford colleges. This was the first time I have been on an organised city tour. I was a bit concerned it would be too formal. But our guide, Tejas, put us at ease, and we had a very relaxed experience, which included some interesting historical facts about Oxford. We ended the tour with a lovely punt down the river. A perfect morning!
Enthusiastic, passionate and friendly
Curious18979653729,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was informative and entertaining. I world recommend it further
Great experience
Happiness06639370080,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on this tour with Kay. She showed us around Oxford, sharing lots of interesting stories, revealing a few hidden gems and sharing plenty of historical facts. We highly recommend this tour.
10/10 Tour - No notes
kellytR4748CC,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was by far the best tour i’ve ever been on! Aruj was an excellent tour guide and so knowledgeable about all things Oxford. I will be recommending this to everyone I know and hope to take my family here next time!
Walking tour and Punting in Oxford
Locko63,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Savanna was excellent. Very personal, knowledgeable, and such an intelligent individual … as well as very interactive. A lovely guide and person. Delighted to recommend. Max on the Punt was very good and interactive. A great combination.
Informative & well-explained
Mathilde Z,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Clara, who studied 3 years in Oxford, was lovely, well-organized, diligent, and very helpful and attentive in answering all the groups questions. It was a nice experience to see the University of Oxford, and explore the history of each college in a nuanced way. Thank you to Clara !
Great insight into studying at Oxford
isabellejX4480HG,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Franka did an amazing job showing us around the city. She gave us general information about the city as well as insight into her own study time at Oxford, which made the tour really personal. The punting afterwards was really beautiful. We had an awesome view and the guide was super friendly and approachable.
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Operated by Oxford Alumni Tours