Oxford Botanic Garden Tours and Tickets

Enjoy the iconic Oxford experience of punting on the River Cherwell without doing the hard work on this private tour led by an Oxford University student. Relax and take in views of key landmarks, colleges, and literary inspirations as you glide along the river with your student guide directing the punt.

The TouringBee audio guide serves as a handy mobile companion for a self-guided tour in Oxford. This tour is specifically designed for those looking to explore the city in a short span of time (1.5-2 hours). Simply follow the route on the app's map, which takes you from Oxford Castle to University Park, passing by colleges and other notable landmarks. You're guaranteed to see: Carfax Tower, Tom Tower, Alice's Shop, Christ Church College, St. Mary's University Church, Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, The favourite pubs and a bench of J.R.R. Tolkien. Once you've downloaded the tour, the app runs offline. The audio guide can always be heard clearly through your headphones. Enjoy captivating stories and legends at your own pace, without the need to keep up with a tour group. Feel free to pause for a break in a café, or explore a scenic alleyway before resuming your tour. If you only have a few hours to explore Oxford, make the most of it with the TouringBee audio guide.

Explore the lives of two of Oxford's greatest writers, and their friendship, with an award-winning guide. On this tour we will follow in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. We will see where they studied, taught, lived, worshipped, lectured, wrote and - most importantly - drank with their friends the Inklings. Out of these friendships and conversations emerged Aslan, Gandalf and many other much-loved characters and stories. Both men became extremely famous in their lifetimes, but never gave up their day-jobs of teaching in the English department. We will explore CS Lewis's conversion to Christianity and late-life marriage to Joy Gresham, and hear about Tolkien's student pranks and life-long deep love for trees. We will end at the beautiful college of Magdalen, where Lewis taught for nearly 30 years and the Inklings met every Thursday. If you want to go inside it, you will need to pay the entrance fee, which is £9.50 adults/£8.50 concessions.

Discover Oxford’s highlights on foot and two wheels on this walking and bicycle tour. Set out by foot to visit the Bodleian Library, Christ Church, and other colleges as you learn about their history and former luminaries. Then, ride a bike to see the Radcliffe Camera, Magdalen College, places linked to Oxford’s literary heritage, and other sights. Includes entrance fees and bike usage during your tour.

Combine a walking tour of Oxford with the iconic experience of punting on the River Cherwell, all thanks to this time-saving, two-in-one tour. Learn about the storied university and academic life as you follow your student or alumnus guide through Oxford's colleges and historic highlights. Afterwards, enjoy a chauffeured punting tour along the Cherwell River. Upgrade to include entry into New College for the full experience.

This tour offers something few others do: the chance to experience Oxford both on foot and from the water, all in one visit. Enjoy a full Oxford experience by combining our 90-minute student- or graduate-led college walking tour with a 30-minute chauffeured punting tour—a perfect way to take in the city’s history and beauty. The tour is outdoors. If selected when booking, AFTER THE WALKING TOUR ENDS, your experience can be enriched with a self-guided visit to New College, one of the university’s most historic and picturesque colleges. Then, without needing to plan a separate activity, you’ll step into a traditional punt and be taken along Oxford’s quieter, greener side. As you glide past the Botanic Gardens, Christ Church Meadows, and the banks where Lewis Carroll once walked, you’ll see a view of the city that most walking tours simply don’t reach. It’s a well-balanced way to enjoy both Oxford’s rich academic tradition and its peaceful riverside setting—all in a single experience.

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.

Explore the enchanting landscapes that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien on this immersive driving tour through Oxford and the Cotswolds. Visit ancient sites like the Rollright Stones and the charming Yew Tree Door, believed to have influenced Tolkien's writings. Enjoy a drink at The Bell Inn, the inspiration for the Prancing Pony, and take in breathtaking views from Broadway Tower, reminiscent of Amon Hen. This unique journey blends history, mythology, and literary legacy, perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. - Visit iconic locations that inspired Tolkien's Middle-earth - Explore ancient monuments like Rollright Stones and Broadway Tower - Enjoy a drink at The Bell Inn, modeled after the Prancing Pony - A blend of cultural insights and scenic drives through historic England Entry to Broadway Tower is not included; your guide can arrange tickets on the day if you wish to go inside, or you can enjoy the views from outside or visit an alternative nearby stop.