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Oxford University Walking Tour by Alumni™ with Punt & New College

51 Reviews 4.90 out of 5 stars Based on 51 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% 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 19 (0) days in advance.

150 to 210 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
Spanish, Mandarin
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Overview

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

  • Exceptional access to interiors (WHEN ACCESSIBLE)
  • Enjoy a chauffeured punting tour along the River Cherwell
  • Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
  • Gratuities
  • Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance
  • Refreshments
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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.

End point

Magdalen Bridge Boathouse
High Street, Oxford OX1 4AU, UK

Your tour will finish at the Oxford Punting Station OX14AU

What To Expect

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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

University of Oxford Botanic Garden (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.
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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.
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St. Hilda's College (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!
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Magdalen Bridge

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!
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10 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
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • ##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.

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Oxford University Walking Tour by Alumni™ with Punt & New College?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

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

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-246923P7

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.90
51 reviews

Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 51 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
47
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

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

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
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • ##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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

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