Drift along the River Cherwell with a private punting tour led by an Oxford student. Take in historic gardens, literary landmarks, and a side of Oxford few get to see.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; the punt operator handles navigation.
Wildlife
History
The River Cherwell’s route through Oxford has inspired writers and scholars for centuries, directly influencing Lewis Carroll’s imagery in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Conservation
Efforts to maintain river water quality and protect native species are ongoing, with tours encouraging low-impact practices to preserve this fragile habitat.
Alumni Tours
Drift along the River Cherwell with a private punting tour led by an Oxford student. Take in historic gardens, literary landmarks, and a side of Oxford few get to see.
Alumni Tours is a guided-tour provider based in Oxford, England, offering curated walking and punting experiences across Oxford and Cambridge. The company specialises in tours led by current students and university alumni, delivering firsthand insights into college life, architecture, literature and local traditions. Tours include private and shared options, family-friendly punt trips, extended punting, ghost walks, and themed walks such as Harry Potter film location tours.
Guides draw on lived experience at their universities to highlight iconic sites — from King’s College, the Mathematical Bridge and the Corpus Clock in Cambridge to Christ Church Meadows, the Botanic Gardens and the Narnia lamp-post in Oxford. Several experiences include on-board or on-route photography options and the private punting tour accommodates up to twelve guests for family celebrations or small groups. Multilingual options are offered for Spanish and Mandarin speakers on select shared and private tours.
Alumni Tours is featured on The Adventure Collective, where its experiences are presented to travellers seeking authentic, student-led perspectives. Booking options are clearly listed for private or shared departures, and many itineraries can be customised to focus on architecture, literary history, university life or cinematic connections. The provider operates from Oxford and runs tours across both university cities, emphasising knowledgeable local guides and immersive storytelling for visitors of all ages.
Tours Offered
29 experiences
Variety of Oxford and Cambridge tours
Base Location
Oxford, England
Operating from Oxford across both cities
Guides
Student & alumni
Local university-led storytelling
Languages
English, Spanish, Mandarin
Multilingual shared and private tours
Choose Oxford or Cambridge tours led by student guides, select private or shared departures, and secure photography or multilingual options when available.
Book in Advance
Private tours fill quickly; secure your spot early to ensure availability.
Dress for the Weather
Wear waterproof layers and non-slip shoes, especially in cooler or wet seasons.
Bring a Camera
The river views and architecture are photogenic, so keep your camera handy.
Mind Quiet Voices
Keep noise levels low to enjoy wildlife and to respect other river users.
Waterproof jacket
To stay dry during spring showers on the river.
spring
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure during warm sunny days.
summer
Comfortable footwear
Non-slip shoes are essential for safe boarding and walking nearby.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing along the riverbanks.