Exploring Oxford’s pub culture is best done through organized tours that combine history with hearty British beer traditions. The standout options start with evening walking tours, where guides unlock stories of centuries-old colleges and their neighboring pubs – perfect for history buffs who enjoy a good pint. We love the bicycle countryside tours, combining fresh air and scenic routes with strategic pub stops, complete with a proper English tea break. For independent spirits, the self-guided mobile app tours work wonderfully, covering all essentials from pub entry to transportation.
Let’s explore Oxford’s finest drinking tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- The Oxford Social Walk Plus Pub tour offers a guided walking experience culminating at a local bar or pub, suitable for solo travelers.
- The Oxford Private Pub and City Evening Walking Tour provides an immersive experience covering historic colleges and pubs, with a complimentary first drink.
- Oxford walking tours accessible via smartphone app include options with entry fees, public transportation, food, and drink covered.
- The Bar & Club Queue Jump Entry Party Pass offers an overview of Oxford’s vibrant bar and club scene with self-guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays.
- The Oxford bike tour features a scenic journey through the countryside and waterways, including entry into three Oxford colleges and lunch with drinks.
Solo Travellers- Meet New Faces for Oxford Social Walk Plus Pub
For solo travelers, the Oxford Social Walk Plus Pub tour offers an opportunity to meet new faces and explore the historic city.
The guided walk takes participants around Oxford, culminating in a drink at a local bar or pub. At £128.38 per person, the tour includes an experienced local guide with hundreds of 5-star reviews.
While entry fees to some college sites are covered, food and drink aren’t included. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.
With a perfect 5-star rating from 5 reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to experience Oxford’s characteristic places.
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Oxford PRIVATE Pub and City Evening Walking Tour
The Oxford Private Pub and City Evening Walking Tour offers an immersive experience for travelers seeking to explore Oxford’s rich history and vibrant social scene.
Hosted by Visit Oxford Tours, this three-hour tour takes visitors through the city’s historic colleges and pubs, led by a knowledgeable guide. Guests can enjoy a complimentary first drink and have the opportunity to purchase additional alcoholic beverages.
The tour emphasizes responsible drinking and isn’t covered by public liability insurance for intoxication-related incidents. With a minimum age of 18 and a 100% traveler recommendation rate, this tour provides an intimate and engaging way to discover Oxford’s charms.
Read our full review: Oxford PRIVATE Pub and City Evening Walking Tour Review
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Oxford: City University and Pubs Walking Tours
Oxford’s walking tours offer visitors a flexible way to explore the city’s renowned university and historic pubs. The tours, accessible via a smartphone app, allow participants to join and leave multiple tours throughout the day, including visits to University sights, pubs, and landmarks like Oxford Castle and Bodleian Library.
Tour options include the ‘Town & Gown’ and ‘Stepping Through Oxford’ walking tours, as well as the ‘Historical Pubs in Oxford’ tour available on weekends. The tours provide audio commentary in multiple languages and access to a free sightseeing app with self-guided walks.
While the tours don’t include mobile devices or headsets, they do cover entry fees, public transportation, and food and drink.
Read our full review: Oxford: City University and Pubs Walking Tours Review
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Bar & Club Queue Jump Entry Party Pass to Multiple Venues in Oxford
Alongside the popular walking tours exploring Oxford’s historic pubs, the city offers a nightlife experience that allows visitors to jump the queue and gain entry to multiple bars and clubs.
The Bar & Club Queue Jump Entry Party Pass in Oxford provides an overview of the city’s vibrant bar and club scene. Participants can experience the lively nightlife, with queue jump access and the option to purchase alcoholic drinks.
The self-guided, private tour is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM, with a minimum age requirement of 18 years. Smart casual attire is recommended.
This nightlife experience is an excellent way to explore Oxford’s diverse bar and club offerings.
Read our full review: Bar & Club Queue Jump Entry Party Pass to Multiple Venues in Oxford Review
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Oxford Bike Tour, River and Countryside Ride. Pub Lunch and Tea
A delightful Oxford bike tour takes visitors on a scenic journey through the city’s picturesque countryside and along its tranquil waterways.
The tour includes entry into three Oxford colleges, excluding All Souls College on Saturdays, and a climb up the tower of St. Mary’s for panoramic views.
Participants enjoy a pub lunch, afternoon tea, cake, and snacks throughout the day, with drinks at lunch included.
The meeting point is at the Oxford University Press, and the guide wears orange for easy identification.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.
Dietary needs can be accommodated, and the pace is adaptable to participant comfort.
Read our full review: Oxford Bike Tour, River and Countryside Ride. Pub Lunch and Tea Review
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The Sum Up
Oxford offers a variety of drinking tours for solo travelers, groups, and pub enthusiasts. From social walking tours and private pub crawls to bike tours with pub stops, there’s an option to suit different interests and budgets. These tours provide a convenient way to explore Oxford’s historic city, university, and vibrant nightlife scenes while making new connections or simply enjoying a few drinks.