Oxford Scenic Cycle Tour- 2 persons minimum summer season

Oxford , United Kingdom

Oxford Scenic Cycle Tour- 2 persons minimum summer season

Active

(8 reviews)

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Leave Oxford city & the crowds behind on this small-group tour and enjoy a 3 hour bike ride with scenic views. Cycle past traditional narrow boats, ducks, swans, and of course Oxford's famous teams of rowers out on the Thames river. There are two routes available, both of which include an optional garden pub stop. Fun for all ages but a good family activity too.

Learn about the rowing races and the historical importance of trade along the river, and the various writers, including Lewis Carroll, whose story-telling is the result of days messing about with boats on the river.

Available options

3pm cycle tour

What's included

Local guide

Bike rental (our normal stock of bikes will fit anyone from 1.3 metres or taller)

Children will automatically be given helmets. Adult Helmets only included if you request with notice

Detailed itinerary

Our route heads out of Oxford and leaves the crowds behind to enjoy a leisurely cycle to and beyond the Port Meadow and along the Thames path

Our secondary alternative shorter route visits Iffley village. Our primary default longer route takes us to the Port Meadow and to Binsey hamlet

Our primary default route goes to visit this quaint medieval church

Stop 4

We briefly introduce a range of colleges such as this one, on our route. We do not visit inside colleges though on this tour.

Stop 5

We briefly introduce a range of colleges such as this one, on our route. We do not visit inside colleges though on this tour.

Stop 9

We briefly introduce a range of colleges such as this one, on our route. We do not visit inside colleges though on this tour.

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route. We do not visit inside colleges though on this tour.

Stop 13 Pass by

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route. We do not visit inside colleges though on this tour.

Stop 14

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route. We do not visit inside colleges though on this tour.

Stop 15

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route. We do not visit inside colleges though on this tour.

What's not included

Children of height under 1.3m (4 foot 2), requires us to hire in bikes so advance notice is required

We do NOT visit inside colleges on any of the shorter cycle tours, so if you wish to see inside a college, please select the cycle and walk combined tour option. We also cannot guarantee entry into colleges, as it is subject to their being open eg graduation days is problematic.

Gratuities

We do not stock tandem bikes but we can hire in one tandem bike trailer only, if you give us adequate advance notice. This is why we charge you a booking fee for infants to cover that cost. Alternatively, we have one infants child back seat suitable for infants weighing under 17 pounds weight.

Any requests for infant seat, the parent must ride the bike with the one infant seat we can attach.

If you plan to bring children along, please provide ages and heights, at time of booking. Our stock of bikes includes two bikes only which will fit someone of height from 1.4m to 1.5 metres tall. We stock no bikes shorter than that, nor any bikes with tandem child seat on the back. Any such bike requests need to be made known to us, at least 24 hours in advance, as we need to hire in such bikes!

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You must be at least 1.3 metres (4 foot 2) to fit our normal stock of bikes. Anything smaller & we need to hire in smaller bikes which requires usually at least 24 hours notice.

MINIMUM 3 PERSONS REQUIRED TO BOOK ANY PUBLIC CYCLE TOURS

This tour may not be suitable for younger children. If you are shorter than the required height, a fold out bike is available but not recommended for children. The balance on these bikes takes some time to get used to

Please dress for all types of weather and bring water

Helmets are only offered to adults if you ask (at least 1 day in advance). There is no obligation in Oxford to wear a helmet on bikes. This tour will be avoiding busy roads. If you would like us to provide helmets, please mention if you want S, M, L adult-size

A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required- otherwise you could choose to pay for 2 persons

A maximum of 12 people per booking is set here but we can accommodate larger groups with significant advance notice given.

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME:

Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point. If you arrive more than 5 minutes later than the scheduled tour, then you will likely forfeit and lose your booking as it interrupts the guide and other customers, if we are trying to find you after a guide has started and left the meeting point.

INFO FOR DRIVERS AND PARKING:

If you are driving, then please allow extra 30-60 minutes over whatever time you think it will take you to get here. Oxford is NOT car friendly and it is congested roads and hard to find parking spaces....unless you park at the sign posted 'park and rides' on edge of town on any major road into the city and hop on their buses into city centre. The park and ride buses leave every 15 or every 30 minutes and take anything from 10 min to 30 min (depending on traffic) to reach city centre. So if you are going to drive, then please assume you should be aiming to park your car about one hour before your tour starts.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

We actually recommend instead using the much faster and reliable train services but again please aim to arrive about an hour or earlier before your tour starts as trains can be delayed and the train and coach station are about 15 minutes walk from our meeting point. There is also the coach service from London called the Oxford Tube which leaves every half hour or more but it can take much longer than its advertised 105 minute journey time. It drops you off either at High street Oxford or Gloucester Green coach station. It's quicker to ask to get off on High street near Carfax tower, then it's a 10 minutes walk to Broad street.

THIS IS A LEISURELY RIDE and Oxford is very flat

Meeting point

Meet your guide wearing red lanyard next to the red sign OUTSIDE Oxford tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS.

Important notes

• Please advise the height of each participant, at time of booking, so that we can try to pre-set the bike heights
• Any child or adult less than 1.4metres tall, you MUST advise us asap as we may need to hire in additional bikes especially!
• If you plan to bring children along, please provide ages and heights, at time of booking. Our stock of bikes includes two bikes only which will fit someone of height from 1.4m to 2 metres tall. We stock no bikes shorter than that, nor any bikes with tandem child seat on the back. Any such bike requests need to be made known to us, at least 24 hours in advance, as we need to hire in such bikes!
• Please dress for all types of weather and bring water. There are shops and cafes next to our meeting point
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Helmets are only included if you ask at least 1 day in advance. There is no obligation to wear a helmet on a bike in Oxford, you will be avoiding busy roads. Please note if you want S, M, L adult-size helmets.
• Special notice for parents: we do not stock children's helmets, so if you require child size helmets, please either bring your own or give us at least 24 hours notice, so we can get helmets
• Anyone aged under 18, parents must be responsible for their children's safety
• We always offer health & safety advice before getting on the bikes
• Storage: most bikes have a small basket but we do not have anywhere for you to lock up or store luggage. The visitor info centre does store luggage for an additional charge. Be aware that might be closed before we return from the bike tour. The nearby Randolph hotel can store luggage for an additional price, and they are open late.

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME:

Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point. If you arrive more than 5 minutes later than the scheduled tour, then you will likely forfeit and lose your booking as it interrupts the guide and other customers, if we are trying to find you after a guide has started and left the meeting point.

INFO FOR DRIVERS AND PARKING:

If you are driving, then please allow extra 30-60 minutes over whatever time you think it will take you to get here. Oxford is NOT car friendly and it is congested roads and hard to find parking spaces....unless you park at the sign posted 'park and rides' on edge of town on any major road into the city and hop on their buses into city centre. The park and ride buses leave every 15 or every 30 minutes and take anything from 10 min to 30 min (depending on traffic) to reach city centre. So if you are going to drive, then please assume you should be aiming to park your car about one hour before your tour starts.

About Oxford

Oxford is a historic university city renowned for its prestigious academic institutions and stunning architecture. With a rich history dating back to the 9th century, it offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

University of Oxford

One of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford is a must-visit for its historic colleges, libraries, and museums.

Historical/Cultural Half day to full day Free to £15 for guided tours

Bodleian Library

One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library is a stunning example of architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Historical/Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free (some exhibitions may have a fee)

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is the UK's oldest public museum, housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from around the world.

Museum 1 to 3 hours Free (some special exhibitions may have a fee)

Christ Church College

One of the most famous colleges at the University of Oxford, Christ Church College is known for its stunning architecture and historic significance.

Historical/Cultural 1 to 2 hours £12 for a guided tour

Oxford Botanic Garden

The oldest botanic garden in the UK, Oxford Botanic Garden is a beautiful and peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Nature 1 to 2 hours £7.50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Oxfordshire Sausages

Made from locally sourced pork and seasoned with herbs, these sausages are a staple of Oxfordshire cuisine.

Main Course Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Punting Lunch

A traditional Oxford experience, a punting lunch typically includes sandwiches, pastries, and drinks enjoyed while gliding along the River Cherwell.

Lunch Various options available, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

Oxfordshire Cheese

Locally produced cheeses, such as Cotswold cheese, are a must-try for cheese lovers.

Snack/Dessert Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans.

Popular Activities

Punting on the River Cherwell Cycling tours Hiking in the Cotswolds Visiting the Oxford Botanic Garden Punting with a picnic Enjoying a spa day Guided tours of Oxford's colleges and museums Attending theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various events and festivals.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oxford is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Getting there

By air

London Heathrow Airport • 60 miles (97 km)
London Luton Airport • 50 miles (80 km)

By train

Oxford Railway Station

By bus

Oxford Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network in Oxford is comprehensive and affordable, covering most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center North Oxford Jericho Cowley Road

Day trips

Blenheim Palace

8 miles (13 km) • Half day to full day

A stunning baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and offers beautiful gardens and parkland.

The Cotswolds

20 miles (32 km) • Full day

A picturesque region known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic sites, the Cotswolds offers a quintessential English countryside experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon

60 miles (97 km) • Full day

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with historic sites, theaters, and beautiful gardens.

Festivals

Oxford Literary Festival • March Oxfordshire Artweeks • May and June Oxford Pride • September

Pro tips

Visit the Bodleian Library and other historic sites early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Book guided tours of Oxford's colleges in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting local markets and independent restaurants.
Take a punting tour on the River Cherwell for a unique and relaxing experience.
Use the park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic and parking challenges in the city center.