Walking Tour Combined With River Punting Rowing (3 Hours Duration)

Exploring Oxford’s rich heritage and serene waterways has never been easier. This 3-hour walking tour and river punting experience offers a chance to uncover the city’s iconic sights while gliding peacefully along the River Cherwell. With safety protocols in place and expert guidance, adventurers can enjoy Oxford’s captivating history and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local eager to rediscover your city, this unique tour promises an engaging and unforgettable journey. But what secrets and surprises await those who embark on this enchanting expedition? Let’s dive in and find out.

Key Points

• A 3-hour walking and punting experience in Oxford, with a maximum group size of 3-4 persons per boat plus a guide.
• The tour starts at the Oxford Tourist Information Centre and ends at Magdalen College, with punctuality required to avoid forfeiting the booking.
• Life jackets are available upon request, and the river depth averages 2-6 feet, making it suitable for most travelers.
• Cancellations due to bad weather are not accepted, but rescheduling is allowed with 24 hours’ notice.
• Parking in Oxford can be difficult, so park and ride options or public transport are recommended for transportation.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a 3-hour walking and punting experience in the historic city of Oxford, England.

It’s rated 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews. The group size is limited to a maximum of 3-4 persons per boat plus a guide.

Larger groups must request a quote via Viator. Life jackets are available upon request, and the river averages 2-6 feet in depth.

Responsible drinking is required, as any damages or lost equipment may incur fees.

The tour starts at the Oxford Tourist Information Centre and ends at Magdalen College, with prompt arrival recommended to avoid forfeiting the booking.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the tour is located at 15 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK, directly outside the Oxford Tourist Information Centre. Punctuality is key, as late arrivals over 5 minutes may forfeit their booking. The tour concludes at Magdalen College, Oxford OX1 4AU, UK.

Meeting Point	End Point	Arrival Time
15 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK	Magdalen College, Oxford OX1 4AU, UK	Arrive 5 minutes before start time

Guests are advised to plan their travel accordingly and allow ample time for parking or public transportation, as Oxford can be congested.

Safety and Equipment

Life jackets are available upon request for the tour’s river punting portion.

The river’s depth averages 2-6 feet (0.6-2 meters), making it relatively shallow. Lifebelts are offered for children, and the guide should be notified if any adult or child can’t swim.

Responsible drinking is required during the tour, as damages to boats or loss of equipment may incur fees.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, though strollers are allowed.

Service animals are permitted on the tour.

Cancellation and Rescheduling

No cancellations are accepted due to bad weather; however, rescheduling is allowed with at least 24 hours’ notice.

If rescheduling isn’t possible, alternative tour options may be provided.

Certain graduation dates at local colleges restrict access, so be aware of dates like May 18, July 13+23+26+27, Aug 3, Sep 27+28, and Nov 8+9+16 of 2024.

The tour still runs on these dates, but college grounds may have limited access.

The tour provider aims to accommodate guests as best as possible, even in the face of unexpected circumstances.

Transparency and flexibility are key to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Transportation and Accessibility

Parking in Oxford can be difficult, so it’s recommended to use park and ride options. Visitors should allow 30-60 minutes for parking.

Train services are the preferred public transport option, as visitors should arrive at least 1 hour early due to potential delays. Coach services from London (Oxford Tube) are available but may take longer than advertised.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, but stroller access is available, and infants can sit on laps. Service animals are allowed.

• Train services recommended
• Arrive 1 hour early for potential delays
• Coach services from London available
• Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller friendly

Booking and Pricing

To book the walking tour and river punting experience, visitors can reserve their spots on Viator’s website. Prices start at £35 per person for the 3-hour tour.

Groups of 3-4 people plus the guide per boat are the maximum size. Larger groups must request a custom quote.

Payments can be made securely online using a credit or debit card. Visitors should arrive 5 minutes early to the meeting point, as late arrivals over 5 minutes may forfeit their booking.

Rescheduling is allowed with 24 hours’ notice, but no cancellations are permitted due to weather – the tour will operate rain or shine.

Additional Information

Visitors should be aware of a few additional details regarding the walking tour and river punting experience.

Life jackets are available upon request, and the water depth averages 2-6 feet, making it suitable for most travelers.

Parents should notify the guide if any adult or child can’t swim, as lifebelts will be provided.

Lastly, while responsible drinking is allowed, any damages to the boats or loss of equipment may result in additional fees.

• Life jackets available upon request
• Water depth averages 2-6 feet
• Notify guide if any traveler can’t swim
• Responsible drinking required; damages may incur fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, you can have responsible drinking during the tour, but bringing your own food and non-alcoholic drinks is not explicitly mentioned. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their specific policies.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Casual, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for walking and getting in and out of a boat are recommended. Dressing in layers is advised to accommodate changes in weather.

Are Audio Guides or Commentary Provided During the Tour?

No, audio guides or commentary are not provided during the tour. The guide will provide live commentary and information throughout the experience as they lead the group through the historic city of Oxford.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Yes, guests can take photos and videos during the tour. The tour offers scenic views of Oxford that make for great photo opportunities. However, photography inside colleges may be restricted, so guests should check with the guide.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, but the operator offers lifebelts for children. Parents should notify the guide if any participant, adult or child, cannot swim. The tour may not be suitable for very young children.

The Sum Up

Explore Oxford’s captivating history and serene river on this walking tour and river punting experience. Benefit from safety measures and convenient booking to ensure a memorable 3-hour journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the city’s landmarks in an engaging, immersive way.