Walking Tour Combined with River Punting Rowing (3 hours duration)

Oxford, GB
66% of travellers recommend this
Good (3 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Please note dates below under section of graduation, university open days, xmas holidays!
  • inclusion
    Life jackets are available free of charge for the boats, by request. water level averages 2-6 feet
  • inclusion
    Max 3-4 persons + guide per boat. any larger groups, ask viator to call us up for a quote!

Excluded

  • exclusion
    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.
  • exclusion
    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.
  • exclusion
    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.
  • exclusion
    We can only fit max 3-4 clients + guide per boat, so larger groups, please ask viator to call us up!
  • exclusion
    On graduation dates, we may not always be able to enter a college so see graduation dates below:
  • exclusion
    2024 graduation dates includes...
  • exclusion
    May 18, july 13+23+26+27, aug 3, sep 27+28, nov 8+9+16 of 2024

Meeting Point

Meet your guide wearing red lanyard by our red sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist Info centre, 15 Broad street, Oxford, OX1 3AS.

Meeting point

15 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

The guide will give you a free Oxford map plus offer you help directions to wherever you need to go to next.

Meeting point

Oxford OX1 4AU , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

River Cherwell

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.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

Bridge of Sighs

We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this

3

Sheldonian Theatre

We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this

4

Bodleian Library

We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this

5

Radcliffe Camera

We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this

6

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this and we might also visit inside the church too

Duration 5 minutes
7

Magdalen College

We pass by and introduce such famous sights as this but we don't visit inside this college on this tour

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    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.
  • Additional information
    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!
  • Additional information
    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)
  • Additional information
    PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME:
  • Additional information
    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.
  • Additional information
    INFO FOR DRIVERS AND PARKING:
  • Additional information
    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.
  • Additional information
    PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
  • Additional information
    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.
  • Additional information
    Max 3-4 persons + guide per boat. Any larger groups, ask viator to call us up for a quote!
Provided by Visit Oxford Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try a picnic hamper from the boathouse.
  • icon
    Visit nearby Christ Church after the tour.
  • icon
    Ensure you arrive 5 mins early to avoid issues.
  • icon
    Consider using park and ride for easier access.
  • icon
    Check for graduation dates to avoid crowd.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Discover the enchanting city of Oxford like never before with a unique and unforgettable walking tour combined with river punting and rowing. This exclusive 3-hour experience allows you to explore the city's iconic landmarks both on land and water, providing a comprehensive and immersive adventure.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can anticipate a leisurely punting or rowing trip along the river, taking in the breathtaking views of Oxford's skyline, Christchurch, and Christchurch meadows. Your private chauffeur guide will accompany you for an hour on the river, sharing fascinating stories about Oxbridge's rowing traditions and the origins of the legendary tale of Alice in Wonderland. Afterward, join a shared walking tour led by your knowledgeable guide, who will take you to Magdalen boathouse and reveal more about the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Who is this for?

This experience is perfect for anyone seeking a unique and immersive way to explore Oxford. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for an extraordinary adventure, this tour is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. It's suitable for families, couples, and individuals of all ages who want to discover the hidden gems of this historic city.

Why book this?

Embark on this exceptional tour to experience Oxford like a true local. The combination of a relaxing river trip and a guided walking tour offers a perfect balance between tranquility and exploration. With a private chauffeur guide by your side, you'll gain insider knowledge and fascinating insights into the city's rich heritage. The opportunity to punt or row along the river, following in the footsteps of Oxford students, adds a touch of authenticity and charm to your journey. This immersive experience allows you to see Oxford from different perspectives, creating lasting memories and deepening your connection with this renowned city.

Good to know

Please note that life jackets are available free of charge for the boats upon request, ensuring your safety during the river trip. The water level averages 2-6 feet, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. It's important to keep in mind that each boat can accommodate a maximum of 3-4 persons, ensuring personalized attention from your guide. For larger groups, feel free to contact Viator for a customized quote. Additionally, it's good to be aware that on graduation dates, college visits may be restricted. Please refer to the provided graduation dates for more information.

Reviews

Customers who have embarked on this unique tour have raved about their experiences. They praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides who brought the history of Oxford to life, making the tour engaging and captivating. The combination of punting or rowing and the walking tour provided a comprehensive exploration of the city, allowing them to see both its iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Visitors were particularly delighted with the opportunity to row or punt along the river, immersing themselves in the traditions of Oxford students. Overall, individuals who have booked this tour have expressed high levels of satisfaction and recommended it as a must-do experience in Oxford.

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