Top Oxford Outdoor Activities

Make unforgettable memories in the heart of Oxford on this river cruise followed by a 3-course meal. Step aboard 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. 

Explore Oxford University’s famous regatta course on this 50-minute Thames River sightseeing cruise in Oxford. Hop aboard your sightseeing vessel in the heart of Oxford and cruise out onto the famous waterway. Listen as your guide sheds light on the city’s rich history, and discover local landmarks such as Folly Bridge, Christchurch College, the Oxford University boathouses and the Meadows. Share the waters with rowing eights, punts, university boats and cruisers, and watch the banks for sightings of native river wildlife.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Thames River and soak up the views in style on this 30-minute evening sightseeing cruise in Oxford. Hop into your sightseeing boat as the sun starts to set and head out onto the calm waters with your guide. Sip a glass of Prosecco, beer, wine or a soft drink as the sunlight dances on the river, and gaze out over Oxford’s beautiful Christchurch Meadows. Learn of the city’s educational and sporting heritage, and enjoy a romantic moment on the river with your loved one.  

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.

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 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.

Get off the tourist track and onto quiet country lanes on this unusual e-bike guided tour. Savor stone cottages and quaint gardens in villages like Wilcote, Crawley, and Swinbrook; admire the ruins of the North Leigh Roman Villa and medieval Minster Lovell Hall & Dovecote; and capture signature photos in popular Burford. This is a private tour, meaning you choose where to stop to buy lunch, a drink, or afternoon tea.

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.

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.

Discover Oxford from a different perspective on sightseeing and scavenger hunt of the city. Solve riddles and clues that lead to the next location, showing all the city highlights. Solve interesting puzzles, have fun, and learn new things about the city. Explore the city and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy the tour in English

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.

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.

Oxford is a beautiful city packed full of fascinating and historic architecture, spacious countryside, relaxing rivers and canals and has been (and continues to be) where many inspirational people have called home. You will be offered a unique guided cycle tour of Oxford, where you can see and experience so much more of Oxford and what it has to offer. You'll be able to see a lot more on bike, both within the city and its surrounds.

Head off on a scavenger hunt around Reading with an interactive smartphone app. Aim to find nearly 120 objects across the city, taking a photo of each one to score points. With varying points based on the difficulty of locating the object and a leadership board built into the app, you’ll be able to unleash your competitive spirit while also rapidly getting to know Reading.