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Private | Oxford Walking Tour by Alumni™ & optional New College

38 Reviews 4.87 out of 5 stars Based on 38 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Oxford, England
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

90 to 150 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
Spanish, Mandarin
Instant confirmation

Overview

Walk through Oxford with someone who knows it from the inside. Our guides are Oxford students or graduates who combine personal experience with a deep knowledge of the city’s history and architecture. The 90-minute tour includes landmarks like the Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Square, and the Bridge of Sighs.

The tour is entirely outdoors, focusing on Oxford’s streets, squares, and college exteriors. 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.

You’ll pass through quiet college lanes and meadows where Lewis Carroll imagined Alice in Wonderland, C. S. Lewis envisioned the gateway to Narnia, and where Tolkien and J. K. Rowling studied, lived, and found inspiration. Along the way, you’ll admire the city’s striking mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture.

What's Included

  • Exceptional access to interiors (WHEN ACCESSIBLE)
  • Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
  • Learn about Oxford history and anecdotes
  • Gratuities
  • Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

11 Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BJ, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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11 Broad St (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.
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Balliol College

Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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!
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sheldonian Theatre

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

The 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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Bodleian Library

A library with a long history, find out about some of the treasures kept among the 12 million books here.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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!
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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?
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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!
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Oriel College

A controversial piece of university history, learn why there have been protests against honouring one of the main funders of the College.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Christ Church Meadow

One of the most famous sites in Oxford, there are many powerful figures associated with this college!
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

New College

##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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • ##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.d for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private | Oxford Walking Tour by Alumni™ & optional New College?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-246923P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.87
38 reviews

Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 38 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
36
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Exceptional access to interiors (WHEN ACCESSIBLE)
  • 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)
  • Oxford University Student or Graduate Guide
  • Gratuities
  • Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • ##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.d for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk
  • 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.

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