Oxford’s must-see sights are best tackled through its efficient tour network. The hop-on hop-off buses hit 20 key stops – perfect for first-timers and those short on time. I especially love the walking tours through the old town, where passionate guides bring centuries of university history to life. The historical pub tours are a personal favorite, offering an authentic slice of local culture while visiting centuries-old watering holes.
For active travelers, bike tours provide a refreshing way to explore both city and countryside, extending into the gorgeous Cotswolds. Most tours offer free cancellation and english-speaking guides.
Check out these top-rated Oxford tours for your visit:
Good To Know
- Open-top hop-on hop-off bus tours offer flexible sightseeing with 20+ stops, including iconic landmarks and a 45-minute walking tour, at a starting price of $24.50.
- Walking tours, both public and private, provide an engaging and personalized exploration of Oxford’s historic streets, renowned colleges, and architecture, ranging from 2 to 120 minutes.
- Self-guided experiences, such as audio tours and mobile apps, enable visitors to discover Oxford’s gems, including historical pubs, at their own pace.
- Bicycle tours combine the scenic beauty of the Cotswolds with a cycling exploration of Oxford, catering to different fitness levels and group sizes.
- Tour policies offer flexibility, with free cancellation options, weather accommodations, and accessibility considerations, though some restrictions apply for wheelchair users and electric bike riders.
15 Hour Open Top City Tour
The Open Top City Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive, 24-hour hop-on hop-off experience to explore the iconic landmarks and historical sites of Oxford at their own pace.
With over 95% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers access to 20 stops throughout the city, allowing guests to customize their sightseeing journey.
Complemented by a complimentary 45-minute walking tour and informative onboard commentary, the experience is further enhanced by the availability of WiFi and wheelchair accessibility.
Priced from $24.50 per person, the tour presents a convenient and flexible way to discover Oxford’s rich history and architecture, while receiving high-quality customer feedback.
Read our full review: 15 Hour Open Top City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Visitors seeking a comprehensive and flexible way to explore Oxford can opt for the City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. This tour offers 24- or 48-hour passes, allowing personalized itineraries with multiple stops at key sights like the University of Oxford buildings, Oxford Castle, and Bodleian Library.
The open-top viewing deck provides unobstructed 360-degree views and audio commentary in 14 languages. The tour also includes a 45-minute walking tour, and mobile tickets are accepted.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as proximity to public transportation, make this an inclusive option. With an overall rating of 4.5 stars, the City Sightseeing tour is a convenient and informative way for first-time visitors to experience Oxford.
Read our full review: City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford City and University Walking Small Group PUBLIC Tour
Exploring Oxford’s rich history and architectural wonders, the Oxford City and University Walking Small Group PUBLIC Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors.
This 2-hour walking tour takes participants through the historic streets, showcasing renowned colleges like Balliol, Exeter, or St John’s. While it doesn’t include access to popular sites like Bodleian or Christ Church, the tour provides an engaging overview of Oxford’s illustrious past.
Knowledgeable guides share captivating anecdotes about famous writers, as well as connections to popular films. With a maximum group size of 14, the tour allows for personalized attention and flexibility to cater to guests’ interests.
Priced at £30.69, this tour is an excellent way to discover Oxford’s enchanting university town.
Read our full review: Oxford City and University Walking Small Group PUBLIC Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford Official University & City Tour
Oxford’s official University & City Tour offers travelers a comprehensive look into the heart of this renowned university town.
With a Badge of Excellence and 95% recommendation rate, this 2-hour guided walk explores Oxford’s history, culture, and architecture. Knowledgeable and engaging guides provide unique insights into the university system and local hidden gems.
The tour includes a college visit, subject to availability, and is accessible for wheelchair users and those with service animals.
Offering flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a perfect way to discover the picturesque beauty and rich heritage of Oxford.
Read our full review: Oxford Official University & City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford City & University Walking PRIVATE GROUPS Tour
For those seeking an intimate and engaging exploration of Oxford’s renowned university and city, the Oxford City & University Walking PRIVATE GROUPS Tour offers an unparalleled experience.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars with a 93% recommendation, this 90-120 minute walking tour provides an in-depth look at the city’s iconic landmarks and colleges.
Led by passionate and knowledgeable guides, guests can expect to gain fascinating insights into Oxford’s rich history and architecture.
While entry to one college is included, additional college visits may incur extra fees.
Accessibility and language options make this tour suitable for a wide range of travelers.
With flexible meeting and end points, as well as free cancellation and rescheduling, this tour ensures a seamless and personalized Oxford adventure.
Read our full review: Oxford City & University Walking PRIVATE GROUPS Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Extended: Oxford University & City Tour With Christ Church
What better way to take in the rich tapestry of Oxford’s history and architecture than the Extended Oxford University & City Tour With Christ Church?
Rated 4.9 out of 139 reviews, this tour offers an extensive overview of the iconic Christ Church and insights into student life from knowledgeable guides.
Travelers praise the engaging experiences and valuable audio enhancements. Although the price point is higher than some similar tours, the majority consider it an excellent value.
With a maximum group size of 19, this wheelchair-accessible tour provides a personal touch while navigating the city’s must-see sites.
Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot on this highly recommended Oxford experience.
Read our full review: Extended: Oxford University & City Tour With Christ Church Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford PRIVATE Pub and City Evening Walking Tour
The Oxford PRIVATE Pub and City Evening Walking Tour offers an immersive glimpse into the city’s vibrant nightlife and historic landmarks. Rated 5.0 out of 10 reviews, the 3-hour experience takes visitors to 3 local pubs, with the first drink on the tour.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour combines pub visits with sightseeing of Oxford’s city and university spots. Guests can expect a personalized experience, as the tour is designed for small groups only.
While entrance to colleges is generally not included, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Partygoers should note the minimum age is 18, and public liability insurance covers only non-intoxicated guests.
Read our full review: Oxford PRIVATE Pub and City Evening Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford: City University and Pubs Walking Tours
Oxford offers visitors a captivating blend of its rich university heritage and vibrant pub culture through a selection of immersive walking tours.
Explore the ‘Town & Gown’ or ‘Stepping Through Oxford’ tours to discover the city’s iconic landmarks and learn about its storied academic past.
For a more spirited adventure, join the ‘Historical Pubs in Oxford’ tour, available on weekends, and uncover the city’s centuries-old watering holes.
Guided by multilingual audio commentary, these tours cater to a diverse audience.
While entry fees and public transport aren’t included, the free Vox City sightseeing app provides a convenient digital experience for self-guided exploration.
Read our full review: Oxford: City University and Pubs Walking Tours Review
Book now: Check availability
A Guide to the City of Dreaming Spires: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oxford
Enjoy the captivating history and architecture of Oxford through a self-guided audio tour that takes you on a journey through the “City of Dreaming Spires.”
Guided by a local expert’s voice, this tour allows you to explore the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of this renowned university town at your own pace.
With lifetime access to the tour in English via the VoiceMap app, you can enjoy offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata, starting, pausing, and restarting the tour whenever you please.
Priced at just $11.99 per person, this private tour promises an unforgettable experience, from the Carfax Tower to the Martyrs Memorial.
Read our full review: A Guide to the City of Dreaming Spires: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oxford Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford City and University Historical Highlights Private Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Oxford’s captivating history and architectural gems can embark on a private walking tour led by a certified guide.
This tour allows visitors to discover iconic attractions like the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and the Bridge of Sighs. Participants can customize the experience, focusing on their interests such as Harry Potter locations or exploring the works of renowned authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Philip Pullman.
The tour includes visits to non-paying colleges and covers any entrance fees required. With a convenient meeting point and end location, this private experience ensures a personalized and hassle-free adventure through the historic city of Oxford.
Read our full review: Oxford City and University Historical Highlights Private Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
TWO DAYS TOUR Oxford City Plus Cotswolds Cycle TOURs
Set out on a captivating two-day tour that blends the historic charm of Oxford City with the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds region.
Day 1 takes you on a cycle tour of Oxford, while Day 2 explores the Cotswolds on standard or electric bikes.
The tours provide high-visibility vests, helmets, and optional tandem bikes for children.
Pricing starts at $419.12 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Weather policies allow for rescheduling or switching to a walking tour if needed.
This private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.
A moderate fitness level is required, and participants must be at least 14 years old for electric bikes.
Read our full review: TWO DAYS TOUR Oxford City Plus Cotswolds Cycle TOURs Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford City and Countryside Private Bicycle Tour
Oxford’s rich history and scenic countryside converge on this private bicycle tour, where travelers can explore the city’s landmarks and the surrounding Cotswolds region at their own pace.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the Treasure Hunt Oxford Walk Tour provides a personalized experience led by a local guide with an early childhood education background.
Priced from $96.72 per person, the tour departs at 10:45 AM from the Oxford Tourist Information Centre, meeting point at 15-16 Broad St.
Participants must arrive 5 minutes early and can expect to return to the starting point.
Wheelchair accessibility isn’t available, but service animals are allowed.
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Oxford City and Countryside Private Bicycle Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Blenheim Palace Guided Tour (With or Without Additional Tour of Oxford City)
For those seeking to enjoy the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, the Blenheim Palace Guided Tour provides a comprehensive experience. Priced at £256.63 per person, the tour includes entry to the palace and an optional guided tour of Oxford city.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller owners, with a maximum group size of 4 people. The tour concludes back at the meeting point, and customers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.
Reviews praise the informative guides, though one customer felt the Oxford tour could have covered the university in more depth.
Read our full review: Blenheim Palace Guided Tour (With or Without Additional Tour of Oxford City) Review
Book now: Check availability
Discover Oxfords Gems: Best of City Walking Tour
Step into the heart of Oxford’s storied past on this captivating walking tour that unveils the city’s architectural gems.
Explore the iconic Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum, and colleges like Magdalen and Balliol, as well as “Harry Potter” filming locations.
This private tour ensures a comprehensive experience catered to your schedule, with flexible start times.
Enjoy the services of a professional guide, admission to New College, and a hassle-free journey from the Sheldonian Theatre to Carfax Tower.
At $240.58 per person with free cancellation, this tour offers exceptional value and a seamless way to discover Oxford’s timeless beauty.
Read our full review: Discover Oxfords Gems: Best of City Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Book Wheelchair-Accessible Tours?
Many tour operators offer wheelchair-accessible options. Visitors can check tour company websites or contact them directly to inquire about accessibility features and make appropriate bookings. It’s best to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sightseeing experience.
Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?
Many tour providers offer discounts for students and seniors on their wheelchair-accessible tours. Be sure to inquire about any available discounts when booking your tour to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tours?
Unfortunately, most city tour companies don’t allow pets on their tours for safety and comfort reasons. However, some may make exceptions for service animals. It’s best to check with the tour provider before booking to see if they accommodate pets.
How Do I Get to the Starting Point of the Tours?
To get to the starting point of the tours, visitors can take public transportation or drive and park nearby. Many tour companies provide detailed directions and transportation information to help guests arrive on time for the start of their guided experience.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
Yes, most tour operators have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols. These may include mandatory mask wearing, social distancing, limited group sizes, and enhanced cleaning procedures. Check with individual tour companies for their specific safety measures before booking.
The Sum Up
Oxford offers a diverse range of city tours, catering to different interests and preferences. From hop-on hop-off bus tours to guided walking and cycling experiences, visitors can explore the city’s historic landmarks, university colleges, and picturesque surroundings. Whether seeking a rundown or a more specialized experience, there’s a tour option to suit every traveler’s needs and ensure an enriching exploration of this dynamic and captivating destination.