Oxford & Cambridge Universities Tour

Rating: 4.0 / 5 (187 reviews)
Location: London, England
Price: $164.25 per person
Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Supplier: Evan Evans Tours

What to Expect from This Full-Day Journey

Imagine visiting two of Britain’s most historic university towns in a single day without the hassle of planning multiple trips. For around $164, you get a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped coach journey from London that whisks you into the heart of Oxford and Cambridge, with guided walks, entry to iconic sites, and plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere.

Two things we love about this tour: first, the chance to see both universities in one trip — a real time-saver and a budget-friendly way to compare the architecture, history, and student energy of these two legendary institutions. Second, the expert guides who share engaging stories and insider knowledge at each stop, making the experience more enriching than just wandering around on your own.

A possible drawback is the long day on the road, with around 6 hours of bus time in total. If you’re not a fan of lengthy coach rides, this might test your patience, especially if traffic delays occur. But for those eager to cover both towns efficiently, the trip offers tremendous value.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, Harry Potter fans, or anyone curious about the UK’s academic giants. If you prefer a leisurely, in-depth exploration of each city, you might find this brief overview a little rushed. But if your goal is to tick both places off your list and get a taste of their splendor, this trip hits the spot.

Key Points

• Visit Both Cities: See Oxford and Cambridge in one day — an efficient way to experience top sights.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating stories and context at each stop.
• Comfortable Transportation: Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and a smooth coach make the long ride more pleasant.
• Iconic Sites: Entry to Christ Church College and King’s College Chapel gives you access to two of the most famous university landmarks.
• Time Management: Ample walking tours are included, but some reviews mention feeling rushed—plan your expectations accordingly.
• Overall Value: For just over $160, you get a full day of sightseeing, expert commentary, and entry to historic colleges, making it a solid choice for a quick university tour.

Introduction: A Day to See Two Legendary Universities

When you’re in London, it’s tempting to want to see everything. But with limited time, choosing what to explore can be tough. This full-day coach tour simplifies that by taking you to Oxford and Cambridge, two towns that have shaped numerous generations of scholars, writers, and world leaders.

For $164.25, this tour offers more than just transportation. It promises guided walks, insider stories, and access to notable colleges. Through the reviews and details, we see this as a practical way to get a quick yet meaningful glimpse into these historic universities.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Actually Do

Morning Departure from London

The tour begins early at Victoria Coach Station, with a departure time around 8:30 a.m.. The coach is described as superior, equipped with Wi-Fi and USB chargers, which makes those long hours of travel more tolerable. Expect a 10-hour day, including travel, sightseeing, and walking tours.

Stop 1: Oxford – The City of Dreaming Spires

Your first stop is Oxford, home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, dating back to the 11th century. You’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s honey-colored Gothic and Gothic Revival architecture.

Highlights include Christ Church College, famous for its Harry Potter filming locations, and the iconic Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest and largest. The admission to Christ Church is included, giving you access to its stunning quadrangles and the cathedral, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere where generations of scholars have studied.

Reviews praise the enthusiastic guides, with one exclaiming that Sandra was “excellent” and well-informed. Many mention the picturesque streets and architecture, and some even note the Harry Potter connection as a highlight.

Stop 2: Cambridge – The Scholarly Rivalry

After a leisurely exploration of Oxford, the tour heads to Cambridge, founded in 1209. Here, you’ll see the King’s College Chapel, renowned for its fan vault ceiling, and the Bridge of Sighs, which evokes Venice’s famous bridge.

Your guide shares stories about the long-standing rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge, adding some fun context. You’ll stroll along the River Cam, perhaps even watching students punting, which is a classic Cambridge sight.

The entry to King’s College is included, allowing you to admire the Gothic architecture up close and perhaps imagine the academic giants who once walked these halls.

Additional Sights and Atmosphere

You’ll also get to see the Bodleian Library at Oxford — a must-see for book lovers — and stroll through the historic streets teeming with academic tradition. The Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge provides a picturesque photo opportunity, and some reviews mention how the views over the river add to the charm.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ wealth of knowledge, with one reviewer mentioning how “Eileen provided depth to the experience”. Knowing that guides are able to answer questions and tell stories makes the trip much more memorable. A good guide can turn a quick visit into a storybook journey, and this tour seems to deliver on that.

Transportation: Comfort and Convenience

The coach is described as comfortable, with Wi-Fi and USB charging, making the long ride manageable. This is vital, given the 6 hours of travel in total. A good coach means you can relax, catch up on your device, or simply enjoy the scenic countryside.

Group size is limited to about 53 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly atmosphere and allows guides to give more personalized attention.

Timing: A Balancing Act

While most reviews note the ample time in each city, some mention feeling rushed, especially in Cambridge. The 2-hour walks in each town are substantial but may leave little time for shopping, exploring independently, or grabbing a quick bite.

One review specifically said, “We barely had time to use the restroom and no time to eat,” so if you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed pace, this could be a consideration. Still, many find the organized schedule offers excellent value, especially for a quick overview.

The Cost and Value

At just over $164, this tour offers entry to key colleges, expert-guided walks, and transportation for a full day. When you compare it to the cost of independent entry fees and transportation, the value becomes clearer. Plus, the guided commentary adds context that you couldn’t easily get on your own, making the experience more meaningful.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

Some of the most praised aspects include the knowledgable guides, the stunning college architecture, and the opportunity to see Harry Potter filming sites at Christ Church.

Reviews also talk about the smooth ride conducted by skilled drivers, with some mentioning Winston and Bill as making the journey safe and comfortable.

A few critical reviews point out the feeling of being rushed or limited access to some college areas. If you’re looking for a deep dive into university life, this might not satisfy. But for most travelers, the highlights and insider stories offered are enough to make the day worthwhile.

This full-day trip offers a well-organized, informative introduction to Oxford and Cambridge. It’s especially suited for first-timers, Harry Potter fans, or anyone eager to get a snapshot of Britain’s most iconic university towns without the hassle of arranging their own transport or timings.

If your priority is seeing the main sights with guided stories, and you’re okay with a long bus ride, this tour offers good value. It’s not for those seeking an in-depth, leisurely exploration—you’ll get a taste, not a full immersion.

For travelers who want a balanced mix of guided insight, iconic sights, and efficient planning, this tour is a dependable choice. The highlight of visiting Christ Church and King’s College makes it a memorable way to connect with the academic spirit of Britain’s premier universities.

Is food included on the tour?

No, food and drinks are not included unless specified. You might want to bring snacks or plan to grab a quick lunch during your free time.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No, the meeting point is at Victoria Coach Station in London. You will need to make your way there on your own.

How long is the coach ride?

The total coach time is around 6 hours, split between traveling to Oxford, Cambridge, and returning to London.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, admission to Christ Church College in Oxford and King’s College in Cambridge is included, allowing you to access these iconic sites.

What’s the walk like in each city?

The walking tours are guided and take you through the main sights and college quadrangles, with some reviews mentioning they are informative but possibly rushed for some.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?

Moderate physical fitness is recommended; walking and standing are involved. If mobility is a concern, check directly with the provider.

How many people are in each tour group?

The maximum group size is about 53 travelers, ensuring a manageable experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

This Oxford & Cambridge Universities Tour strikes a practical balance between comprehensive sightseeing and efficient travel. It’s ideal for those who want to cover both historic university towns in a single day without sacrificing guided insight or iconic site access. While the long coach ride can be tiring, the story-filled tours, beautiful architecture, and access to famous colleges make it a worthwhile experience for many.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, educational trip that highlights the best of both universities, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights and learn some fascinating stories along the way. Just be prepared for a full, busy day.