Private Oxford University Punting Tour: 30-Minute Exploration of Historic Gardens and Meadows
4.2
18 Ratings
Oxfordshire

Embark on an exclusive half-hour punting adventure on the River Cherwell. The journey starts from the boathouse, takes you to renowned places like Oxford’s celebrated Botanic Gardens, the Magdalen College School fields, the Christ Church Meadows, and the gardens of St Hilda’s College.

Duration: 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • River Cherwell - See sites of famous literary inspiration as you glide along the River Cherwell with your student guide.
  • University of Oxford Botanic Garden - As you set off south from the boathouse you will be chauffeured gently past Oxford’s famous Botanic Gardens
  • Magdalen College - Glide past Magdalen College School fields
  • Christ Church - Glide through Christ Church Meadows, where Lewis Carroll was teaching students in the mid19th century, when he wrote the famous Alice Through the Looking Glass and Alice in Wonderland.
  • St. Hilda’s College - Then pass St Hilda’s College gardens and back to the Boathouse
What's Included
  • Famous Oxford history breakdown
  • Chauffeured punting experience
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Location
Oxford Punting
High Street
Meet the boat manager at the boat house to start your tour.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(18 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Christine_y
May 6, 2024
Excellent chauffeured tour - Highly recommend the chauffeured tour— punting looks easy but that’s because the gents are trained! Our guide Leo was delightful. Saw many a family struggling to go against the current, but we thoroughly enjoyed our very smooth tour.
Review provided by Viator
Kentpoppy
May 5, 2024
An Oxford must do! - So much fun! Fabulous guide, very entertaining watching others (inexperienced) trying to manoeuvre their punts and stay dry! A must do in Oxford!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paddingtonlynn
Apr 29, 2024
Wonderful punting experience. - The crew soon had us settled in our punt and on our way with our chauffeur James on a fun and interesting ride down the River Cherwell. Serenaded by birds singing and church bells ringing we enjoyed the natural scenery and beautiful buildings. James was friendly and informative as well as skilled at providing a smooth and safe ride. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eli_b
Oct 14, 2023
Blast on the Isis - Our guide, Jack, was outstanding! We unknowingly booked our tour for matriculation day when every freshman also wanted to go punting as part of the tradition. He expertly guided us around the less skilled "freshers" and regaled us with stories of the colleges and life in Oxford. We had a wonderful time!
Review provided by Viator
L4087oxmonicaw
Oct 6, 2023
What exactly is punting? - I have always wanted to go punting, ever since reading Harry Potter and realizing Filch wasn’t drop kicking the students over the Weasley twins pond (I’m American, cut me some slack). Great experience! Joe, the punter, made the trip wonderful for us- he is very knowledgeable and let us ask a bunch of history questions! Of which he knew the answers!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monica_w
Oct 6, 2023
Great experience!! Wonderful punter! - We were excited to punt in Oxford and Joe was a great guide!! Very knowledgeable and let us direct the conversation. He seemed like a pretty brilliant young man- he made the experience wonderful for us!!
Review provided by Viator
Dominc_l
Sep 27, 2023
Good and friendly service - Good and friendly service and is recommended to those who want to experience this canal tour within this period of time
Review provided by Viator
Kajal_d
Mar 26, 2024
Not enough value for money - It would have been a 15 min ride as opposed to the promised 30 min. had I not asked Daniel to take me further on a right turn of the river. I was there just before Easter. It was down a very narrow part of river Cherwell and not Thames. A quiet short solo ride with people peering in and clicking pictures all the way ( college premises on either side). Expected more out of the £40 I paid. Daniel is a lovely n friendly person.
Review provided by Viator
L9999zblissfull
Oct 15, 2023
Punting is fun. - Great experience. Extremely fun to be a part of. Especially watching other people trying to navigate their own boats. 😅🤣
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E6672hhjohnj
Feb 12, 2024
Never turned up for our tour - absolutely disgusted! - If I could give zero green circles to rate our 'experience' I would! We specifically travelled over 4 hours from our home on the Friday night to be local for our private punting tour. We arrived a good 30 minutes early to make sure we were in the correct place. We waited until 11:15, which was 15 mins after our tour was meant to start. No-one turned up and no email or phone call to say cancelled. We paid over £22 to park in Oxford city centre and all a complete waste of our time and money. Thankfully Viator were quick to answer the phone as the boat house telephone number just rang and rang. Really disappointed. Common courtesy is to let people know. Has now made me wary for any experience we book if the provider can just not show up! Hopefully someone will get to enjoy the experience one day but make sure they will actually show up before travelling for miles!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 4 guests
1
Traveler
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today