Oxford Historical Walking and Punting Tour

Our guides, Oxford alumni or students, blend personal experiences with a passion for the city's history and architecture. The tour is conducted in English and takes place outdoors. Indoor access isn’t included unless booked in advance. For entry to specific colleges, request this option ahead of time.
Take a fascinating walk through Oxford, where history comes alive. Visit the meadows where Lewis Carroll first imagined Alice in Wonderland and admire stunning Gothic and Baroque architectures.

Our 90-minute tour covers highlights like Balliol College, Trinity College, Sheldonian Theatre, Bridge of Sighs, Old Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Square, All Souls College, St Mary’s Church, Merton College, Christ Church College Meadows and South Wall.

After your walking tour, you’ll be directed to the punting station. You'll be chauffeured past Oxford’s Botanic Gardens, Magdalen College School fields, Christ Church Meadows, and St Hilda’s College gardens before returning to the Boathouse.

Meeting Point

11-12 Broad St

11-12 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AP, UK

Meet at the red post box at 11-12 Broad street (very near the Oxford Campus Stores). Your guide will be wearing an item of royal blue clothing, a jacket, cap, beanie, or polo shirt.

What's included:

• Insight into student life
• Oxford University Student or Graduate Guide
• Insight into the Oxbridge application process
• Chauffeured punting tour
• Historical tour and anecdotes

Not included:

• Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Theo's Café

12 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK

Meet your Alumni Guide outside 12 Broad Street, by the red post box. They will be wearing a blue hat with the Alumni Tours logo on (or other item of Alumni Tours uniform), and will check you in for your tour

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Balliol College

Broad Street, , Oxford, OX1 3BJ

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

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Trinity College

Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH

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 • Admission Ticket Not Included

Sheldonian Theatre

Broad Street, , Oxford, OX1 3AZ

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

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Divinity School

University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

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 • Admission Ticket Included

Bodleian Library

Broad Street, University Of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3BG

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

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Square, , Oxford, OX1 3BG

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 • Admission Ticket Not Included

All Souls College

High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AL

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 • Admission Ticket Not Included

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

The High Street, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 4BJ

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 • Admission Ticket Not Included

Oriel College

Oriel Square, Oxford, OX1 4EW

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

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Christ Church Meadow

Oxford, OX1 1DP

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

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Magdalen Bridge

Magdalen Bridge, Oxford, UK

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

University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Rose Lane, , Oxford, OX1 4AZ

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

Oxford, OX1 1DP

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

Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DY

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