Oxford & Cambridge Universities Tour

Rating: 4.0 / 5 (187 reviews)
Location: London, England
Price: $164.25 per person
Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Provider: Evan Evans Tours
Contact: +44 20 7932 8385 | [email protected]

Quick Intro

Thinking of exploring Britain’s most iconic university towns in one go? This full-day coach tour promises just that—visiting both Oxford and Cambridge in a seamless, organized day trip from London. It’s designed for those who want a taste of history, stunning architecture, and academic grandeur without the hassle of navigating on your own.

What makes this experience appealing is the mix of guided walking tours, entry to key colleges like Christ Church in Oxford and King’s College in Cambridge, plus historical insights delivered via excellent guides. However, a key consideration is that some travelers find the schedule quite tight, leaving little time for in-depth exploration or spontaneous wandering.

This tour is perfect if you’re after a convenient overview of these two famous towns, especially if you’re short on time but eager to tick off both in one day. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided commentary, historic sights, and a comfortable coach ride—plus, Wi-Fi onboard for staying connected.

Key Points

• Visit both Oxford and Cambridge in one day, saving time and effort.
• Includes entry to Christ Church College and King’s College, two of the most iconic sites.
• Comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped coach with USB chargers makes the long journey more pleasant.
• Expert guides with extensive knowledge, sharing insider stories and historical context.
• Ample walking tours in each city, giving a close-up view of university buildings and sights.
• Rough schedule means limited free time—prepare to be on the move most of the day.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

This tour is a well-oiled machine that aims to pack in as much as possible—on paper, it’s a great way to see Britain’s two most historic university cities without the hassle of independent planning. Starting early from Victoria Coach Station at 8:30 am, you’ll hop aboard a modern coach designed for comfort, with Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, making the long drive into the lush English countryside surprisingly enjoyable.

The Journey and Pre-Arrival Vibes

Travel time is around 4-5 hours round trip, with many reviewers noting that the coach driver (notably Winston and Cameron) navigated traffic skillfully, especially during peak travel times. Though the ride can be lengthy—some reviews mention 6 hours in total—it’s a comfortable setting that allows for rest or catching up on reading. The onboard guide’s commentary, delivered via the personal audio headsets, provides historical context, fun facts, and stories, keeping you entertained and informed.

Oxford: The City of Dreaming Spires

Once in Oxford, the focus is on the city’s architectural variety and academic history. The walking tour takes you past buildings from Saxon times through Gothic Revival, highlighting Oxford’s unique blend of styles. The highlight here is Christ Church College, where you get to step inside and explore some of the most famous parts of the university—some of which served as filming locations for Harry Potter®. The admission is included for this part, which many reviewers appreciated, especially those keen on the Harry Potter connection.

Other sights include the Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries, housing over 12 million items. This site gives a real sense of Oxford’s scholarly legacy, and some travelers noted that their guides brought stories and little-known facts to life, making the visit engaging and memorable.

Cambridge: The City of Spires and Scholars

After a quick drive east, you arrive at Cambridge, a city equally proud of its medieval architecture and academic excellence. Here, the guide shares stories about Cambridge’s founding in 1209 and its rivalry with Oxford. The walking tour encompasses the iconic King’s College, with its stunning Gothic chapel and famous fan vault ceiling—the largest of its kind in the world. You’ll also see the Bridge of Sighs, a covered bridge at St John’s College, reminiscent of Venice’s famous structure but much smaller.

A stroll along the River Cam offers beautiful views, with many taking the opportunity to see punts or just enjoy the peaceful waterscape. Reviewers note that they appreciated the guide’s storytelling, which brought the architecture and history alive, making each landmark more than just a photo opportunity.

What’s Included & What to Expect

You’re provided with entry tickets to Christ Church in Oxford and King’s College in Cambridge, which is a major value considering the entrance fees alone. The guided walking tours in each city are designed to be informative and engaging, with the guide sharing insider stories, historical anecdotes, and fun facts (one review mentions how a guide’s extensive knowledge made the experience richer). The audio headsets ensure you can hear everything, even if you drift slightly apart or stop for photos.

The Limitations

While the tour covers extensive ground, some reviews highlight a common drawback: limited free time. After the guided tours, there’s only about an hour or so to explore independently, grab a snack, or browse gift shops. One reviewer, a history buff, noted that their experience felt rushed, with little opportunity to explore colleges or town streets at leisure. Others felt that the schedule didn’t allow enough time for in-depth visits, especially in Oxford, where the guide left guests to wander for about an hour and fifteen minutes.

The Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $164, this tour offers a rundown of two of Britain’s most renowned university towns. When you consider the entry fees to colleges, the comfortable transportation, and the guides’ knowledge, it can be quite good value for travelers wanting a structured, educational experience. That said, if you’re someone who prefers to explore at your own pace or visit specific colleges and sites deeply, this might feel a bit rushed.

The Review Spectrum

The reviews are mixed but generally positive. Many travelers praise the expert guides, especially mentioning Sandra, Eileen, and Cameron, who brought their stories and humor into the mix. The coach driver receives praise for navigating traffic skillfully, making the long journey seem smoother.

However, some critical voices mention feeling rushed and limited free time. One reviewer, a teacher, expressed disappointment at the minimal time spent exploring Oxford’s colleges and campus, feeling the experience was more about sightseeing than immersion.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for busy travelers who want a manageable way to see both Oxford and Cambridge in a day. It’s perfect if you value guided insights, prefer to avoid planning logistics, and want a comfortable coach experience. It suits those who are okay with a fast-paced schedule and don’t mind limited free time to explore independently.

However, if you’re hoping for a deep dive into university life, campus visits, or shopping, this might fall short. It’s best for history buffs, architecture lovers, and Harry Potter fans who want a curated, insider experience without the hassle of self-guided touring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included unless specified. You’ll want to bring snacks or plan to buy something during the breaks.

Does the tour pick me up from my hotel?
No, hotel pickup is not offered. The meeting point is Victoria Coach Station in London, making it convenient for those staying nearby.

Are the college visits inside or outside?
Entry to Christ Church and King’s College is included, so you’ll visit some interiors. However, the tour schedule is tight, so time inside each college may be limited.

What is the group size?
The tour has a maximum of 53 travelers, ensuring a comfortably guided experience without feeling overcrowded.

Is there Wi-Fi on the coach?
Yes, the coach is Wi-Fi-enabled with USB chargers, so you can stay connected during the long drive and listen to commentary without interruption.

How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended. You’ll be walking during guided tours, often on uneven or cobblestone surfaces, but no strenuous climbing is involved.

Can I customize the experience?
This is a guided group tour; customization isn’t available. If you want a more personalized visit, consider private tours or self-guided exploration.

Final Thoughts

This Oxford & Cambridge Universities Tour offers a solid snapshot of two of Britain’s most beloved academic towns. It’s designed for those who want a convenient, guided experience with insightful commentary, iconic sights, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of scholars and writers. The inclusion of entry to key colleges and the coach’s comfort features makes it a good travel value.

While the schedule can feel rushed, especially for those wanting a more immersive experience, it provides a well-rounded overview that covers history, architecture, and literary connections. If you’re after a stress-free day trip that hits all the highlights, this tour will suit you well.

However, if you prefer to linger longer or explore independently, you might want to consider tailored, private options or extending your stay to enjoy each city at a slower pace. For most travelers seeking a comprehensive, organized, and engaging introduction, this tour offers plenty of memorable moments.

Final Verdict

Best for: Travelers short on time, history and architecture enthusiasts, Harry Potter fans, and those who enjoy guided tours with educational narratives.
Not ideal for: Those seeking leisurely exploration, college-specific visits, or shopping and casual wandering.
Overall: A reliable, well-organized way to see two iconic university towns in one day—worth considering if you value guided insights and convenience over extended exploration.