Oxford University Tour & New College by Alumni™
Experience Oxford through the eyes of a university alumnus or student—and check off many of its top sights in a single excursion—on this guided, time-saving tour. From Trinity College to the meadows where Lewis Carroll first dreamed up "Alice in Wonderland," get a unique insight into what it’s like to be both a local and a student in this historic city. You can also upgrade to visit New College independently.
Highlights
- ✓Discover an insider perspective on Oxford on a student-led walking tour
- ✓Check off many of Oxford's top landmarks in just one tour
- ✓Upgrade to visit New College and go behind-the-scenes at Oxford
- ✓Encounter sights and stories you'd miss if exploring alone
What you'll see & do
- ✓Meet the guide OUTSIDE the address, not inside. The location is not part of our business. The meeting point is the RED PILLAR MAILBOX in front of 11 Broad Street. Your guide wears a royal blue item of clothing with a heraldic shield—this may be a jacket, cap, beanie, scarf, or polo shirt.
- ✓Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.
- ✓Take a look into some of the strange traditions that come with an old and prestigious university. From pranks to tortoises, student life certainly isn’t boring here!
- ✓Learn about the 13 busts visible atop the pillars, and get an insiders’ correction of a common misconception.
- ✓Hear about the intricacies of the Oxford graduation ceremony, and, if possible, take a look inside the Divinity School which was famously used in the Harry Potter films.
- ✓A library with a long history, find out about some of the treasures kept among the 12 million books here.
- ✓A dome that is famous for being one of the Oxford Dreaming Spires, and a Camera which has nothing to do with photography? Contradictions abound here, and your guide will make sure you don’t get lost in them!
- ✓All Souls is a very prestigious college which requires an incredibly stringent examination to be completed by all prospective students. Your guide can give you examples of past questions; how do you think you would fare?
- ✓The University Church is a great location to understand some of the tensions between so called ‘Town and Gown’, and of course is a stunning building to appreciate!
- ✓A controversial piece of university history, learn why there have been protests against honouring one of the main funders of the College.
- ✓One of the most famous sites in Oxford, there are many powerful figures associated with this college!
- ✓##IMPORTANT: This option is available only if selected at the time of booking. Access times for New College – Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October): Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry at 4:30 pm. All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm. The self-guided visit to New College takes place at the end of the walking tour. Access involves a short walk to the entrance on Holywell Street. Please keep these timings in mind when booking this option.
What's included
- ✓When corresponding option is selected, admission to historic New College
- ✓Available in English, Mandarin, and Spanish, if arranged before booking
- ✓Storytelling from an insider guide, trained by The Original Alumni Tour™
- ✓When open to tourist access, gain entry into celebrated college spaces
- ✓Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
- ✓Gain an insight into student life at an elite university
What's not included
- ✓Indoor access to structures (unless booked in advance)
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Food and drinks
- ✓Guaranteed access inside buildings beyond publicly accessible areas
- ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off services
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
##IMPORTANT: Before booking New College, please note the following timings: Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October): Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm Last entry at 4:30 pm All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact us.
New College is generally 10 to 15 minutes away from the tour’s end point. Please keep this in mind before booking.
Wheelchair users are welcome on the tour. Please note that one small area is inaccessible, though it only accounts for a few minutes of the route. Some parts of New College may also be difficult to access. We advise caution due to uneven surfaces, curbs, and potential trip hazards. Please also be mindful of vehicles and bicycles, particularly in busy areas.
Not recommended for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Oxford University Tour & New College by Alumni™
Experience Oxford through the eyes of a university alumnus or student—and check off many of its top sights in a single excursion—on this guided, time-saving tour. From Trinity College to the meadows where Lewis Carroll first dreamed up "Alice in Wonderland," get a unique insight into what it’s like to be both a local and a student in this historic city. You can also upgrade to visit New College independently.
Highlights
- ✓Discover an insider perspective on Oxford on a student-led walking tour
- ✓Check off many of Oxford's top landmarks in just one tour
- ✓Upgrade to visit New College and go behind-the-scenes at Oxford
- ✓Encounter sights and stories you'd miss if exploring alone
What you'll see & do
- ✓Meet the guide OUTSIDE the address, not inside. The location is not part of our business. The meeting point is the RED PILLAR MAILBOX in front of 11 Broad Street. Your guide wears a royal blue item of clothing with a heraldic shield—this may be a jacket, cap, beanie, scarf, or polo shirt.
- ✓Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.
- ✓Take a look into some of the strange traditions that come with an old and prestigious university. From pranks to tortoises, student life certainly isn’t boring here!
- ✓Learn about the 13 busts visible atop the pillars, and get an insiders’ correction of a common misconception.
- ✓Hear about the intricacies of the Oxford graduation ceremony, and, if possible, take a look inside the Divinity School which was famously used in the Harry Potter films.
- ✓A library with a long history, find out about some of the treasures kept among the 12 million books here.
- ✓A dome that is famous for being one of the Oxford Dreaming Spires, and a Camera which has nothing to do with photography? Contradictions abound here, and your guide will make sure you don’t get lost in them!
- ✓All Souls is a very prestigious college which requires an incredibly stringent examination to be completed by all prospective students. Your guide can give you examples of past questions; how do you think you would fare?
- ✓The University Church is a great location to understand some of the tensions between so called ‘Town and Gown’, and of course is a stunning building to appreciate!
- ✓A controversial piece of university history, learn why there have been protests against honouring one of the main funders of the College.
- ✓One of the most famous sites in Oxford, there are many powerful figures associated with this college!
- ✓##IMPORTANT: This option is available only if selected at the time of booking. Access times for New College – Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October): Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry at 4:30 pm. All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm. The self-guided visit to New College takes place at the end of the walking tour. Access involves a short walk to the entrance on Holywell Street. Please keep these timings in mind when booking this option.
What's included
- ✓When corresponding option is selected, admission to historic New College
- ✓Available in English, Mandarin, and Spanish, if arranged before booking
- ✓Storytelling from an insider guide, trained by The Original Alumni Tour™
- ✓When open to tourist access, gain entry into celebrated college spaces
- ✓Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
- ✓Gain an insight into student life at an elite university
What's not included
- ✓Indoor access to structures (unless booked in advance)
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Food and drinks
- ✓Guaranteed access inside buildings beyond publicly accessible areas
- ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off services
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
##IMPORTANT: Before booking New College, please note the following timings: Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October): Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm Last entry at 4:30 pm All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact us.
New College is generally 10 to 15 minutes away from the tour’s end point. Please keep this in mind before booking.
Wheelchair users are welcome on the tour. Please note that one small area is inaccessible, though it only accounts for a few minutes of the route. Some parts of New College may also be difficult to access. We advise caution due to uneven surfaces, curbs, and potential trip hazards. Please also be mindful of vehicles and bicycles, particularly in busy areas.
Not recommended for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.