Walking Tour Combined with River Punting Rowing (3 hours duration)
Active
2h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Punting on the river is how students enjoy themselves after finishing their exams. What more unique way to experience Oxford than this. Your chauffeur guide will take you punting or rowing for one hour then join our walking tour.
See the city of dreaming spires both from the beautiful views of the river at a leisurely pace with a relaxing river trip in the comfort of your private group. See Oxford skyline plus Christchurch & Christchurch meadows.
You can select either to meet the guide for the chauffeured river trip as a private group before or after the shared walking tour- please select either 10.30am or 12.45 start time.
Your guide will walk you to Magdalen boathouse & tell you about Oxbridge's rowing traditions & the origins of the story of Alice in Wonderland, which resulted from just such an outing on the river on July 4th 1862. Option also exists to request boat trip to take place before the walking tour- upon request, when you book. Max 3-4 persons + guide per boat.
Available options
12.45 Walk + 3pm Guided Boat
12.45 Walk tour + 3pm Boat: 12.45 shared walking tour + our guided boat tour with chauffeur at 3pm
10.30 Boat + 12.45 Walk Tour
10.30am Boat + 12.45 Walk Tour: 10/30am Boat trip private group chauffeured punting last one hour + 12.45 shared walking tour lasting up to 2 hours
What's included
Please note dates below under section of graduation, university open days, Xmas holidays!
Life jackets are available free of charge for the boats, by request. Water level averages 2-6 feet
Max 4-5 persons + guide per boat. Any larger groups, ask viator to call us up for a quote!
Detailed itinerary
1
We hire boats to take you out on the river from the boathouse. Depending on whether you select option to have chauffeured punting or to hire boat to handle yourselves, you will spend from 30-60 minutes in the boat on the river.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this
3
Stop 3
Pass by
We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this
4
Stop 4
Pass by
We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this
5
Stop 5
Pass by
We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this
6
We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this and we might also visit inside the church too
7
Stop 7
Pass by
We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this but we don't visit inside this college on this tour
What's not included
If you opt to request the 1 hour boat hire to handle the boat yourself, please note that if you don't return the boat within the one hour period, the boathouse may use its discretion to charge you a late return penalty fee. This is your responsibility therefore to ensure that you proactively keep an eye on how much time you have left and ensure that you can return the boat along the river in time before your hire period ends.
No food or drink is included on this tour but the boathouse do offer you opportunity to pay for a picnic hamper & likewise, you may opt to bring your own food & drink onto the boat. If you opt to choose 1 hour boat hire, you are responsible for safe & sensible drinking of any alcohol and responsible handling of the boat, to ensure that you do not damage the boat or other boats & do not lose the oars etc. We cannot be responsible for any penalties which the boathouse (a third party) might see fit to charge you, if you should cause them damages.
In case of bad weather: unfortunately, we don't permit cancellations but if you give us at least 24 hours notice, then we will accept requests to reschedule the date. If weather forecast suggests heavy rain & if you cannot reschedule to another date, we will alternatively let you book onto any alternative tour activity which is also running, such as to join a tour inside Christchurch.
We can only fit max 4-5 clients + guide per boat, so larger groups, please ask viator to call us up!
On graduation dates, we may not always be able to enter a college so see graduation dates below:
2025 Graduation dates includes...
May 16 + 17 + 31, July 19 + 29, Aug 1 + 2 + 9, Sep 26 + 27, Nov 7+ 8+9+14 +15 of 2025
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
1.0
1 reviews
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0
4★
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3★
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2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.5
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
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1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In case of bad weather: unfortunately, we don't permit cancellations but if you give us at least 24 hours notice, then we will accept requests to reschedule the date. If weather forecast suggests heavy rain & if you cannot reschedule to another date, we will alternatively let you book onto any alternative tour activity which is also running, such as to join a tour inside Christchurch.
Please note the river is on average about 6 feet (2m) deep, so any children will automatically be offered a lifebelt but you must notify us if any adults or children in your group cannot swim. Please advise us of this fact, when you book & when you meet the guide & when the boathouse prepare your boat!
The default schedule for this tour is to first join either the 12.30 walking tour or the 2.30pm walking tour and then the guide will walk you to the boathouse. If your schedule requires you to instead take the boat trip in the morning before you join the walking tour, then you must make this request known and advise what time you can meet us (any time from 10am onwards)
PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME:
Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point. If you arrive more than 5 minutes later than the scheduled tour, then you will likely forfeit and lose your booking as it interrupts the guide and other customers, if we are trying to find you after a guide has started and left the meeting point.
INFO FOR DRIVERS AND PARKING:
If you are driving, then please allow extra 30-60 minutes over whatever time you think it will take you to get here. Oxford is NOT car friendly and it is congested roads and hard to find parking spaces....unless you park at the sign posted 'park and rides' on edge of town on any major road into the city and hop on their buses into city centre. The park and ride buses leave every 15 or every 30 minutes and take anything from 10 min to 30 min (depending on traffic) to reach city centre. So if you are going to drive, then please assume you should be aiming to park your car about one hour before your tour starts.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
We actually recommend instead using the much faster and reliable train services but again please aim to arrive about an hour or earlier before your tour starts as trains can be delayed and the train and coach station are about 15 minutes walk from our meeting point. There is also the coach service from London called the Oxford Tube which leaves every half hour or more but it can take much longer than its advertised 105 minute journey time. It drops you off either at High street Oxford or Gloucester Green coach station. It's quicker to ask to get off on High street near Carfax tower, then it's a 10 minutes walk to Broad street.
Max 3-4 persons + guide per boat. Any larger groups, ask viator to call us up for a quote!
Meeting point
Meet your guide wearing red lanyard. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop.
Important notes
The default schedule is to start activity with your choice (please make it known) of either the 12.30 city & university walk tour or the 2.30 Harry Potter film sites walk tour. The guide will then walk you to Magdalen boat house at end of the tour. If however, you need to do the boat trip first and before the walk tour, then please make this request known, when you book & please request a meeting time (from 10am onwards). Your boat trip needs to finish at least half hour before walk tour starts, as we are located 15 minutes+ walk away from the boathouse.
In case of bad weather: unfortunately, we don't permit cancellations but if you give us at least 24 hours notice, then we will accept requests to reschedule the date. If weather forecast suggests heavy rain & if you cannot reschedule to another date, we will alternatively let you book onto any alternative tour activity which is also running, such as to join a tour inside Christchurch.
If anyone in your group cannot swim, please make this known, when you book & when you meet the guide & to the boathouse staff, as the boathouse has life vests.
PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME:
Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point. If you arrive more than 5 minutes later than the scheduled tour, then you will likely forfeit and lose your booking as it interrupts the guide and other customers, if we are trying to find you after a guide has started and left the meeting point.
INFO FOR DRIVERS AND PARKING:
If you are driving, then please allow extra 30-60 minutes over whatever time you think it will take you to get here. Oxford is NOT car friendly and it is congested roads and hard to find parking spaces....unless you park at the sign posted 'park and rides' on edge of town on any major road into the city and hop on their buses into city centre. The park and ride buses leave every 15 or every 30 minutes and take anything from 10 min to 30 min (depending on traffic) to reach city centre. So if you are going to drive, then please assume you should be aiming to park your car about one hour before your tour starts.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
We actually recommend instead using the much faster and reliable train services but again please aim to arrive about an hour or earlier before your tour starts as trains can be delayed and the train and coach station are about 15 minutes walk from our meeting point. There is also the coach service from London called the Oxford Tube which leaves every half hour or more but it can take much longer than its advertised 105 minute journey time. It drops you off either at High street Oxford or Gloucester Green coach station. It's quicker to ask to get off on High street near Carfax tower, then it's a 10 minutes walk to Broad street.
About Oxford
Oxford is a historic university city renowned for its prestigious academic institutions and stunning architecture. With a rich history dating back to the 9th century, it offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
University of Oxford
One of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford is a must-visit for its historic colleges, libraries, and museums.
Historical/Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to £15 for guided tours
Bodleian Library
One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library is a stunning example of architectural grandeur and historical significance.
Historical/Cultural
1 to 2 hours
Free (some exhibitions may have a fee)
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum is the UK's oldest public museum, housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from around the world.
Museum
1 to 3 hours
Free (some special exhibitions may have a fee)
Christ Church College
One of the most famous colleges at the University of Oxford, Christ Church College is known for its stunning architecture and historic significance.
Historical/Cultural
1 to 2 hours
£12 for a guided tour
Oxford Botanic Garden
The oldest botanic garden in the UK, Oxford Botanic Garden is a beautiful and peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Nature
1 to 2 hours
£7.50
Must-Try Local Dishes
Oxfordshire Sausages
Made from locally sourced pork and seasoned with herbs, these sausages are a staple of Oxfordshire cuisine.
Main Course
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Punting Lunch
A traditional Oxford experience, a punting lunch typically includes sandwiches, pastries, and drinks enjoyed while gliding along the River Cherwell.
Lunch
Various options available, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
Oxfordshire Cheese
Locally produced cheeses, such as Cotswold cheese, are a must-try for cheese lovers.
Snack/Dessert
Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans.
Popular Activities
Punting on the River Cherwell
Cycling tours
Hiking in the Cotswolds
Visiting the Oxford Botanic Garden
Punting with a picnic
Enjoying a spa day
Guided tours of Oxford's colleges and museums
Attending theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various events and festivals.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Oxford is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
Getting there
By air
- London Heathrow Airport • 60 miles (97 km)
- London Luton Airport • 50 miles (80 km)
By train
Oxford Railway Station
By bus
Oxford Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network in Oxford is comprehensive and affordable, covering most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
North Oxford
Jericho
Cowley Road
Day trips
Blenheim Palace
8 miles (13 km) • Half day to full day
A stunning baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and offers beautiful gardens and parkland.
The Cotswolds
20 miles (32 km) • Full day
A picturesque region known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic sites, the Cotswolds offers a quintessential English countryside experience.
Stratford-upon-Avon
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with historic sites, theaters, and beautiful gardens.
Festivals
Oxford Literary Festival • March
Oxfordshire Artweeks • May and June
Oxford Pride • September
Pro tips
- Visit the Bodleian Library and other historic sites early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Book guided tours of Oxford's colleges in advance, especially during peak season.
- Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting local markets and independent restaurants.
- Take a punting tour on the River Cherwell for a unique and relaxing experience.
- Use the park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic and parking challenges in the city center.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
