Top Oxford Outdoor Activities

Set sail for a romantic cruise through the heart of Oxford on this 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, including afternoon tea served on-board. Tuck into traditional English teatime treats like finger sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream, as you glide downstream. Following a scenic route along the University Regatta Course, you’ll discover Oxford’s surprising greenery and enjoy marvelous views of the University Boat Houses, Christ Church Meadows and Iffley lock.

Punting is an iconic Oxford activity. Enjoy the experience, without having to do all the punting work, with small-group guided tour. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as you glide along the River Cherwell, as your student guide directs the punt. Pass by key landmarks, colleges, and literary inspirations.

Experience England’s Cotswolds on a private tour that whisks you around its highlights so you don’t have to worry about itineraries or transport. Avoid the inconveniences of a DIY or large-group trip, and relax on a chauffeur-driven tour of the must-see towns and villages. See the riverbank houses of Bourton-on-the-Water, and admire honey-stoned Broadway and other gems; all with a driver-guide for personalized service plus flexible pickup and drop-off options.

Make unforgettable memories in the heart of Oxford on this river cruise followed by a 3-course meal. Step aboard your and cruise out onto the Thames River. Sip chilled Prosecco as you wind your way along the tranquil waterway, and gaze out over Christchurch Meadows and the university boathouses. Afterward, alight at the mooring outside The Folly restaurant and enjoy a delicious 3-course a la carte meal in the restaurant’s romantic surroundings. 

This is the essential tour for Harry Potter fans. Spend a day discovering the sites of Oxford associated with the Harry Potter movies. See Christ Church College which inspired the Great Hall of Hogwarts, and learn behind-the-scenes secrets about the Harry Potter actors, and J. K. Rowling.

Walk the halls of one of the world’s oldest and most famous universities on this walking tour of Oxford University. Get a glimpse of student life as you peek inside the famous Bodleian Library and see landmarks like the University Church of St. Mary, Radcliffe Camera, and Trinity College. Learn about the prestigious university’s famous alumni, hear fascinating stories and anecdotes about its history, and see on-campus locations used in the Harry Potter films.

Fans of fantasy books won’t want to miss this 1.5-hour tour of Christ Church College, the setting and inspiration behind novels such as Alice and Wonderland and Harry Potter. By booking your ticket in advance, you’ll avoid the long lines outside of the prestigious Oxford University building, home to the Bodleian Library and adjoining Divinity School. Visit recognizable filming sites and learn about Lewis Carroll’s time at England’s oldest university.

If you’re interested in Oxford’s rich history, look no further than this walking tour for a comprehensive overview of the historic city. In a small group limited to 15, visit Bodleian Library—home to 'Harry Potter' filming locations—and one other college, and learn about Oxford University alumni such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Plus, receive an ILoveOxford map showing all of the main sites.

Spend a day in the Cotswolds with this guided day trip from the city of Oxford. A region of postcard-perfect English villages, green hills, and manor houses, the Cotswolds has been designated as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. See its highlights with a guide, and discover villages such as Asthall, Swinbrook, and Bourton-on-the-Water -- places that inspired writers and artists with their idyllic appeal. Through the day, you'll enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace.

Discover the Harry Potter movie locations of Oxford on this walking tour. Visit the famous Bodleian Library to see the hall used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary in many movies, and view other locations in one or two of Oxford’s oldest colleges. As you walk, enjoy a fun Harry Potter quiz, and learn about Oxford University and other famous children’s books written in the city. Entrance fees to the Bodleian and select colleges are included.

Follow in the footsteps of famous former residents like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—and discover many of Oxford’s top landmarks in just a couple hours—on this introductory walking tour. Meet your group in central Oxford, and set off on foot. You’ll see key attractions like the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre, will explore the university area, and you will see many of the elegant colleges from the outside. As you go, your guide will share insider stories about Oxford’s history.

See more of Oxford in less time, and get up close and personal with its world-famous scenery, on this small-group biking tour of the city and its major landmarks. Meet your guide in the center of Oxford, and climb on your cycle. Begin by discovering the Bridge of Sighs and other historical landmarks in the city center before heading to the Port Meadow and cycling along the Thames River. Finally, see the former residences of famous Oxford denizens like J.R.R. Tolkien.

Solve cryptic clues, uncover stories, and enjoy the excitement of following a treasure map with this private self-guided adventure around Oxford. No need to pick up any equipment—simply access the game via a link on your smartphone and you’re ready to begin. The treasure hunt is all outdoors, which is the perfect way to avoid crowds, and it’s a great way to learn lesser-known facts about Oxford too.

Explore one of England’s most ancient cities on this 2.5-hour sightseeing river cruise in Oxford. Cruise onto the tranquil Thames River as your skipper points out places of interest such as Christchurch College, the Meadows, the Oxford University boathouses, Osney Island, Port Meadow and Folly Bridge. See a side of Oxford's rich heritage that many visitors miss, and discover sites made famous by authors including Lewis Carroll and C S Lewis. Stop off along the way for a delicious picnic of delicacies such as potted salmon and Mediterranean vegetable loaf.

Enjoy the iconic Oxford experience of punting on the River Cherwell, without having to do all the hard work, with this private tour led by an Oxford University student. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of key landmarks, colleges, and literary inspirations, as you glide along the River Cherwell, with your student guide directing the punt.

Explore the charming countryside of the Cotswolds away from the crowds with this private guided tour. Travel in comfort in a private car and visit locations large tours can’t get to, and experience historical villages and towns like Chipping Camden, Lower Slaughter, Bibury, and more, with plenty of time to explore each location.

The legendary Oxford mystery.. Unsolved for 50 years.. Until now. Join the adventure, and turn the historic streets of Oxford into a GIANT escape room! ✔️ Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure with your friends. ✔️ Combine your skills to crack the clues & unravel the epic tale. ✔️ Discover Oxford's amazing history & hidden gems! Includes 4 historic pubs In 1972, Oxford’s annual Town Vs Gown cricket cup ended in disaster, when a mysterious burglar broke into the clubhouse and snatched the golden trophy.. Was it an act of revenge? Nobody knew. But the villain left a trail of clues.. .. and this is where you come in. Your challenge is to track down hidden objects, decode symbols, and uncover hidden messages, as you eliminate suspects & gradually unpick the crime. And an exciting twist awaits.. Make it to the end and you'll be struck by an amazing ‘wow’ moment when the case is solved and the villain is revealed before your eyes! Don’t let them get away.. Your time to start is now!

Explore more of Oxford’s University buildings, riverside parks, and picturesque countryside on this small-group half-day bike tour. Admire city landmarks such as the Bodleian Library and Christchurch; cycle along the scenic River Thames Path; and visit local villages such as Iffley, Binsey, and Old Marston.

Explore Oxford’s historic town center and ivy-strewn university buildings on this bike tour. Cycle through the City of Dreaming Spires alongside a guide, and learn about the city’s history as you take in University of Oxford buildings where the likes of Oscar Wilde, J. R. R. Tolkien, and several British prime ministers have studied. This bike tour allows you to cover more ground than you would on a walking tour, as well as access pedestrianized areas inaccessible to tour buses.

This fantastic combination tour allows you to see the highlights of Oxford from the land and the water on the same day. You’ll save hours shortlisting the city’s top sites by having a guide to show you around instead. The guided walking tour takes you past top city sites including Oxford University, Harry Potter filming locations, and Christ Church Meadow. A highlight of the tour is a boat trip, where you can choose to row yourself or have a chauffeur to punt for you.

Combine a walking tour of Oxford with the iconic experience of punting on the River Cherwell with this combo tour. Learn about the storied university and student life as you follow your alumni guide around. Afterwards, enjoy a chauffeured punting tour along the Cherwell River. Upgrade to include entry into Christ Church College for the full experience.

Enjoy the structure of a tour with the flexibility of self-guiding when you download this GPS app that helps you discover hidden gems and spectacular places all around Oxford. Play quizzes, solve clues, and visit map locations to earn points, win prizes, and move up the leaderboard—and learn about the sights you're seeing as you do so. The price includes access for one device for one day.

Immerse yourself in the charming English countryside on a 2-hour cycling tour from Oxford. In a small group limited to 15, you’ll cycle along the Thames River and pass narrow boats, ducks and swans, and traditional country pubs. Stop to learn about the area’s rich history and take photos in Christchurch and Binsey, home to medieval thatched cottages and a Norman chapel.