The 7 City Tours in Oxford That Earn Their Price

1.1.5-hour Oxford City and University Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,383 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $38Our pick

Meet at Trinity College’s blue gates for a 90-minute Oxford walking tour led by a local guide. You’ll hear college stories, see historic courtyards, and may enter New College, Balliol, or other sites depending on access. The tour covers about 1.5 km, costs $38.14, and ends where it begins.

“Really enjoyed this tour. The guide was so knowledgeable and interesting. Was great to see inside the colleges and learn about the history and lovely buildings. Would highly recommend!”

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2.Oxford Official University & City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,134 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $41Top rated

Walk Oxford with a local guide for about two hours, seeing Trinity College, Balliol, the Martyrs’ Memorial, Sheldonian Theatre, Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and more. Afternoon departures may include a college visit, subject to availability. Guides such as Nigel, Becca, Adam, and Richard are praised for lively stories and Oxford insight.

“Nigel, the tour guide, was enthusiastic, funny, and very knowledgeable. He understood the broad sweep of Oxford’s history, but also gave us lots of little anecdotes that fleshed out the narrative.”

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3.City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,042 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $27Best value

See Oxford from an open-top bus with a 24 or 48-hour pass, audio commentary in 14 languages, and 18 stops from the railway station to the colleges. Guides such as Lesley and Martin lead the included 45-minute walking tour, a helpful extra for first-time visitors with limited time.

“It was a rainy day but there were patches of sunlight and we got to see Oxford, walk around, and see this colorful town had a good time!”

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4.Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Along The University Regatta Course

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 652 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $29

Cruise Oxford’s University Regatta Course for 45 minutes from historic Folly Bridge. A local guide such as Nick, Max, George, or Sam provides lively stories about rowing, colleges, and riverside life. The small boat carries no more than 12 people, making this a calm, personal way to see Christ Church Meadows and Oxford’s boating world.

“Excellent skipper and lovely small boat tour along the river. Nice mix of information and time to look at the scenery and take in the views over the water.”

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5.Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 583 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

Spend 90 minutes on the Thames from Folly Bridge to Iffley Lock, passing Christ Church Meadows, rowing boathouses, punts, and quiet water meadows. Your small group receives sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea from The Folly restaurant. Guides such as Nick, Henry, Dexter, and Duncan add local stories, though commentary can vary.

“They were very nice!! Unfortunately, I missed the cruise, but they were so kind to offer a rescchedule and make the afternoon tea inside! I will come back for sure!! Thank you for your kindness”

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6.Extended: Oxford University & City Tour With Christ Church

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $110

Walk Oxford with a small group of up to 19 people and an Oxford student guide such as Rose, Antonia, Luke, or Sam. See historic colleges, the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Christ Church. Allow a full extra hour for Christ Church’s self-guided multimedia visit, and wear good walking shoes.

“A fantastic and enthusiastic introduction to the history of Oxford and it's colleges. I went to school there but still learned so much new information.”

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7.Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $94

Spend about three hours gliding along the Thames from Folly Bridge, with a picnic hamper, skipper-led stories, and views of Christ Church Meadow, Oxford’s colleges, Port Meadow, and Osney Lock. Skippers such as Ash, Rory, Laura, Chris, and Nick have been praised for friendly commentary. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“The guide was absolutely fantastic. He had a story for every situation. The picnic was great. We had a great evening.”

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