From London: Oxford and Cambridge Guided Day Tour

Setting out on a journey through England’s storied past, the "From London: Oxford and Cambridge Guided Day Tour" invites travelers to enjoy the rich academic and architectural heritage of these renowned university towns. With a carefully curated itinerary and knowledgeable guides, the tour promises an engaging exploration that balances structured activities and free time, allowing visitors to explore the unique charms of Oxford and Cambridge at their own pace. Whether you’re seeking to admire the stunning vistas or uncover the secrets that lie within the hallowed halls, this day trip offers a compelling glimpse into the heart of England’s intellectual legacy.

Contents show

Key Points

Guided day tour from London to the historic cities of Oxford and Cambridge, priced from £89 per person.
Includes roundtrip bus travel, walking tours, and entrance to the Tower of St. Mary the Great in Cambridge.
Allows for personal exploration in both cities after guided portions, including opportunities to visit colleges and museums.
Positive traveler feedback on tour guides, bus comfort, and the balanced itinerary.
Comfortable shoes recommended due to significant walking, and access to some attractions may vary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This guided day tour from London offers travelers the opportunity to explore the historic cities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Priced from £89 per person, the 11.5-hour tour departs at 8:30 am from central London. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour includes roundtrip bus travel, walking tours in both cities, and entrance to the Tower of St. Mary the Great in Cambridge. Food and drinks aren’t included.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in London might interest you

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a bus journey from central London to Oxford, where travelers embark on a guided walking tour of the "City of Dreaming Spires".

The tour begins with a bus journey from central London to Oxford, where travelers embark on a guided walking tour of the "City of Dreaming Spires".

This provides an opportunity to explore the city’s renowned colleges, museums, and sights at one’s leisure.

The tour then proceeds to Cambridge, where participants can climb the tower of the Church of St. Mary the Great for panoramic views of the city.

Additional free time in Cambridge allows for punting, shopping, or further exploration.

Key highlights of the tour include:

Guided walking tour of Oxford
Free time to visit colleges and museums
Climb the tower of St. Mary’s Church in Cambridge
Opportunity for punting in Cambridge
Flexibility to personalize the experience

Inclusions

The tour includes roundtrip bus travel from central London, a guided walking tour of Oxford, and entrance to the Tower of St. Mary the Great in Cambridge. This allows travelers to explore the highlights of both university cities.

A tour guide is provided throughout the day to offer insights and commentary. Food and drinks aren’t included, so visitors should plan accordingly.

The tour provides a balanced itinerary, giving travelers the opportunity to discover the cities on their own after the guided portions. The inclusions cover the key sights and transportation for an immersive day trip.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers have generally provided positive feedback on the tour guides and bus comfort.

The overall tour experience is well-received, with travelers appreciating the balance between guided tours and free time to explore Oxford and Cambridge at their own pace.

Key traveler experiences include:

Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge
Climbing the tower of St. Mary the Great for panoramic views
Visiting museums and colleges in both cities
Enjoying the historic architecture and "dreaming spires" of Oxford
Recommendations to consider individual visits if time permits to fully immerse in the cities.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

Comfortable shoes are recommended for this tour, as it involves a significant amount of walking through the historic streets and university campuses of Oxford and Cambridge.

Access to some attractions, like the Bodleian Library and college interiors, may vary due to events and activities.

While the tour includes entrance to the Tower of St. Mary the Great in Cambridge, visitors won’t be able to explore the entirety of the colleges.

The tour provides a well-balanced experience, allowing ample free time for personal exploration and activities like punting.

The tour has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 49 reviews.

There's plenty more to explore in London

Getting to the Departure Location

The tour departs opposite Earls Court Underground Station at 8:30 am.

Travelers can reach the departure point easily via public transportation:

Take the Earls Court Underground station on the District or Piccadilly line to reach the meeting spot.
Catch a bus or taxi to the station if coming from elsewhere in London.
Utilize the nearby on-street parking, but be mindful of local restrictions.
Arrive with ample time to find the tour group and board the bus.
Leave extra time for potential traffic or transit delays to ensure a punctual departure.

What to Expect on the Tour

Upon arriving at the departure point, travelers embark on a comfortable bus that whisks them away to the historic city of Oxford.

A guided walking tour offers insight into the "City of Dreaming Spires", allowing ample free time to explore colleges, museums, and sights.

The tour then continues to Cambridge, where visitors can climb the tower of St. Mary the Great for panoramic views.

Afterward, they enjoy independent exploration, perhaps trying punting on the River Cam or browsing the shops.

Throughout the day, the tour guide provides commentary, ensuring a well-rounded experience of these two renowned university towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

As travelers plan their day trip, they may have some common questions.

What time does the tour depart and return? The tour departs at 8:30 am from central London and returns around 8:00 pm.

Is food and drink included? No, food and drinks aren’t included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Can I visit the colleges in Oxford and Cambridge? Access to colleges may vary due to events, but the tour provides free time to explore on your own.

Are there any physical requirements? Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there’s significant time spent exploring on foot.

Is there a cancellation policy? Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to the tour overview, food and drinks are not included in the tour. However, there is no indication that participants cannot bring their own food and drinks to consume during the free time portions of the tour.

Do We Have Time for a Meal in Either Oxford or Cambridge?

The tour does not include meals, but there is free time in both Oxford and Cambridge where travelers can find restaurants, pubs, or cafes to enjoy a meal. However, the overall tour schedule may not allow for an extended dining experience.

How Much Free Time Is Allocated in Each City?

The tour provides approximately 1.5 hours of free time in both Oxford and Cambridge, allowing travelers to explore the cities at their own pace, visit colleges, museums, or engage in optional activities like punting in Cambridge.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t mention any student or senior discounts. The price stated is a standard adult fare, and there’s no indication of reduced rates for those groups. Travelers should check if any discounts may apply when booking.

Can I Extend My Stay in Oxford or Cambridge After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Oxford or Cambridge after the tour. The tour allows free time in each city, so you can explore further on your own if you wish to spend more time there.

The Sum Up

The "From London: Oxford and Cambridge Guided Day Tour" offers a comprehensive and convenient way to explore two of England’s most historic cities in a single day. With round-trip transportation, guided walking tours, and opportunities for independent exploration, the tour provides a well-balanced experience for travelers seeking to enjoy the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Oxford and Cambridge.