Private & Bespoke | Combined Oxford University Walking & Punting Tour With Optional New College Entry Led By University Alumni

PRIVATE OXFORD WALKING AND PUNTING TOUR WITH OPTIONAL NEW COLLEGE LED BY UNIVERSITY ALUMNI – BESPOKE & FLEXIBLE

Key Highlights

• Fully private tour with customisable route and timing when arranged in advance.
• Combine Oxford’s leading walking tour with a chauffeured punting experience.
• Led by Oxford University graduates & students.
• Explore Oxford’s most iconic landmarks.
• Entry into Divinity School (subject to availability).
• Optional New College entry add-on available.
• Learn how the Oxford collegiate system truly works.
• Discover famous colleges, hidden traditions, and insider stories.
• Discover hidden lanes and lesser-known corners.
• Exclusive private punting tour on the River Cherwell.
• Scenic river views past Christ Church Meadows and college gardens.
• Bring your own refreshments or purchase drinks at the pontoon.
• Tours available in English, Mandarin and Spanish, with additional languages for the walking tours.

Tour Options

Option 1: Private Walking Tour + Private Punting

• Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Includes:
  • 90-minute private alumni-led walking tour.
  • 30-minute break.
  • 30-minute private chauffeured punting tour.
• Languages: English, Mandarin, Spanish + additional languages upon request for the walking tour.
• Fully private experience tailored to your group.
• Group Size: Up to 25 guests (walking) and up to 4 per punt.
• Excludes: Entry to non-pre-booked colleges, food and drinks, and gratuities.

Option 2: Private Walking Tour + New College Entry + Private Punting

• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
• Includes:
  • 90-minute private alumni-led walking tour.
  • New College entry for a self-guided tour anytime before closure.
  • 30-minute private chauffeured punting tour.
• Shares the same characteristics as Option 1.

Option 3: Prospective Student Tour + Private Punting

• Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
• Includes:
  • 90-minute private tour tailored for prospective students (student life, admissions, subjects).
  • 30-minute break.
  • 30-minute private chauffeured punting tour.
• Shares the same characteristics as Option 2.

Option 4: Prospective Student Tour + New College Entry + Private Punting

• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
• Includes:
  • 90-minute private alumni-led walking tour.
  • New College entry for a self-guided tour anytime before closure.
  • 30-minute private chauffeured punting tour.
• Shares the same characteristics as Option 3.

Option 4: Private Bespoke Combined Tour & Oxford Experience

We specialise in fully tailored private Oxford experiences, far beyond standard tour formats.

These may include:

•  Multi-language tours (Mandarin, Spanish, and more upon request)
•  Subject-focused academic tours (science, engineering, law, medicine, humanities, arts)
•  School, university, and prospective student programmes
•  Corporate experiences and executive away days
•  Celebration experiences (birthdays, hen parties, proposals)
•  VIP half-day, full-day, or multi-day itineraries

For premium bookings, we can arrange:

• Dedicated alumni guides for extended experiences
• Private dining and restaurant reservations
• College entry and curated academic access (where possible)
• Accommodation and transport coordination
• Multi-city itineraries (Cambridge, Oxford, London)

Each experience can be tailored to your:

• Interests and academic focus
• Group type and occasion
• Language requirements
• Schedule and preferred pace

Create Your Own Bespoke Experience

📧 Contact us at [email protected] with your request, including:

• Group size
• Dates and timing
• Occasion (e.g. proposal, birthday, academic visit)
• Academic or thematic interests
• Any VIP or logistical requests

Our team will design a fully personalised Oxford experience for you.

Full Description

Experience the very best of Oxford in one seamless tour, joining a shared group for our full Oxford walking tour combined with a relaxing chauffeured punt along the River Cherwell.

Your tour begins in central Oxford, where you will meet your Oxford University student or alumni guide for a 90-minute walking tour. Combining rich historical insight with authentic knowledge of student life, traditions and culture, your guide will lead you past the city’s most iconic landmarks and, when open, into the Divinity School — one of the University’s most striking Gothic interiors. Guests wishing to go further can add entry into New College (subject to availability), founded in 1379, taking in its medieval cloisters, gardens and chapel.

Sociable and well paced, this shared tour is an enjoyable way to meet fellow guests while exploring Oxford together — often livelier still for the range of questions the group brings.

At the end of the walking tour, you will be directed to the boathouse to board a traditional punt for a leisurely journey along the River Cherwell, passing the Oxford Botanic Garden, Magdalen College School’s playing fields, and the tranquil grounds of Christ Church Meadows — the setting closely associated with Lewis Carroll, who developed Alice in Wonderland while teaching in Oxford — before returning to the boathouse. If arranged before booking, the punt can be extended by a further 30 minutes, continuing south towards the Isis — Oxford’s name for the River Thames — where the river opens out.

Approximately 2 hours in total, extending to around 2 hours 30 minutes with the optional add-ons above (New College entry and the extended punt).

This shared tour runs at a medium pace suitable for all ages, with fixed departure times shown on our booking page.

Itinerary

Part 1: Walking Tour

• Central Oxford Viewpoints – Explore the historic medieval heart and bustling High Street.
• Balliol College (Exterior) – Admire the grand Gothic facade of one of Oxford’s oldest colleges.
• Sheldonian Theatre (Exterior) – View Christopher Wren’s 17th-century masterpiece for graduations.
• Bridge of Sighs Viewpoint – One of Oxford’s most photographed landmarks.
• Bodleian Library Grand Courtyard – Step into the majestic Schools Quadrangle of the world-famous library.
• Divinity School (Interior subject to availability) – Oxford University’s oldest purpose-built classroom.
• Radcliffe Camera (Exterior) – See Oxford’s most famous circular landmark and stunning square.
• University Church (Interior subject to availability) – View the historic spiritual centre and its ornate medieval spire.
• Merton College (Exterior) – Discover the ancient stone walls of a 13th-century academic gem.
• Christ Church Meadows (Views) – Enjoy scenic river views and the city’s most famous skyline.
  • New College (when purchased as an extra addition) – Visit anytime, during opening hours before closure, one of Oxford’s largest and most grand colleges, featuring stunning medieval cloisters, an original 13th-century city wall, which even inspired the creation of Hogwarts.

Part 2: Punting Tour

• Traditional chauffeured punt on the River Cherwell
• Christ Church Meadows
• Oxford Botanic Garden (views)
• Magdalen College School fields (views)
• St Hilda’s College gardens (views)
• Return to the Boathouse
  • The punt tour can be extended by a further 30 minutes if arranged before booking, continuing south towards the Isis — Oxford’s name for the River Thames — where the river opens out.

Who This Tour Is For

• Families and private visitors
• Schools, colleges, and university groups
• Corporate groups and academic delegations
• Prospective students and their families
• Alumni groups and VIP guests
• Couples and special occasions (proposals, anniversaries)
• Birthday celebrations and private events

Practical Information

Meeting Point:
Outside 11 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AP, next to the red post box.

Group Size:
Up to 25 guests per walking tour guide; punts up to 4 per boat

Languages Available:
Walking tours are conducted in English. Mandarin and Spanish are available when selected at booking; other languages are available upon request.

Accessibility:
The route is largely step-free but includes cobbled and uneven historic streets. Please contact us before booking and we will advise on your specific requirements.

Why Choose Alumni Tours

• ✔ This is the original, widely imitated “Alumni Tours” format, created around a genuine student experience.
• ✔ Includes all features of our Oxford Walking Tour plus punting
• ✔ Led by Oxford alumni and academically trained guides.
• ✔ Fully private and tailored tours.
• ✔ Ideal for academic, cultural, and celebratory visits.
• ✔ Flexible pacing and subject-focused touring available.
• ✔ Trusted operator with thousands of positive reviews.
• ✔ Professional, rigorously trained chauffeurs
• ✔ High-quality, safe, and well-organised tours
• ✔ Ideal for both sightseeing and special occasions

🎟️  Book your private combined tour today and experience Oxford at its finest.

What’s Included

• Oxford University student or graduate Guide
• 90-minute guided walking tour
• Exceptional access to Divinity School (when accessible)
• Gain an insight into student life at an elite university
• Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
• Historical insights and storytelling
• Entry to New College (when you book this option)
• 30-60 minutes punting tour
• Live commentary throughout

What’s Not Included

• Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance
• New College entry (unless selected)
• Gratuities
• Food and drinks on the punt (available for purchase or BYO)

Upgrades & Add-Ons

• New College self-guided visit (subject to availability; access anytime during the day before closing)
• Extend the punting to 60 minutes (it must be requested at the time of booking)
• Private bespoke Oxford day experiences
• Cambridge + Oxford private tours
• VIP academic-led experiences
• Concierge travel planning

Check-In & Arrival Information

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled start time.

Your guide will wear an official lanyard, potentially alongside branded Alumni Tours apparel.

If you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible. Delays unrelated to the company’s responsibility are not covered by refunds. If you are late, we will not be able to guide you over the phone to catch up with the group, so please be on time.

Additional Information

What to Bring:

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes

Special Requirements:
Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult

Health & Safety:
The walking tour takes place on historic streets, which may include uneven surfaces and cobblestones. The punting tour takes place on the river — please follow the safety briefing before boarding.

Important Information

College Entry:
Entry to Divinity School is subject to availability and university opening times.

Weather Policy:
Tours operate rain or shine

Late Arrival:
Late arrivals may miss part or all of the tour

Route Variations:
Routes may vary depending on access, weather, or events

Behaviour:
We reserve the right to remove guests who disrupt the experience

Liability:
Guests participate at their own risk

FAQ

What makes this tour different?
Our guides are Oxford alumni or students, offering an informed and authentic perspective grounded in real history and folklore.

Do we go inside colleges?
This tour focuses mainly on exterior locations. Occasional college access is possible but not guaranteed. Access to New College is included when the option is booked.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 2.5 hours (or up to 3.5 hours if you visit New College)

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private tour.

Can the private tour be customised?
Yes, private tours can be tailored. Please contact [email protected]

What languages are available?
Standard walking tours are conducted in English, Mandarin, and Spanish, with additional languages available upon request at booking. Punting tours are subject to guide availability and linguistic proficiency.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for all ages.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather conditions.

Contact & Confirmation Notes

Communications:
Please provide an email address and phone number that you can access regularly, as we may need to communicate updates. While we are responsible for sending updates, it is the guest’s responsibility to check for and receive these communications.

Cancellations & Refunds:
For small groups, cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance are eligible for a full refund. Larger groups may require a longer cancellation notice period. Please contact management to confirm the applicable cut-off time.

Guests must check in on time and at the correct meeting point or risk missing the tour and needing to purchase new tickets. Traffic or train delays will not qualify for reimbursement or rebooking.

Please arrive at least 5 minutes early.

✆ +44 1223 787270
📧 [email protected]
alumni.tours