Biking through Oxford is the best way to experience this compact university city. Well-organized bike tours run 2-3 hours or full-day, covering all the must-see spots from the Bodleian Library to Blenheim Palace. Student guides – many from Oxford University itself – share insider knowledge while leading small groups through the cobbled lanes and into the surrounding countryside.
The city’s flat terrain makes cycling accessible for most fitness levels. We love the classic 2-hour University and City tour for its perfect mix of sights and stories. For literary enthusiasts, the Authors and Ale tour combines historic pubs with tales of famous Oxford writers.
Book ahead, as the best tours fill quickly. Most require two-person minimum.
Ready to explore Oxford on two wheels? Let’s check out the top bike tours worth your time.
Key Points
- Oxford offers a variety of bike tours, including 2-3 hour cycle tours, bike and walking tours, and scenic countryside tours.
- Key attractions on the tours include the Bodleian Library, literary pubs, the Thames River, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace.
- The tours receive excellent customer feedback, with ratings of 4.4/5 or higher, praised for knowledgeable guides and unforgettable experiences.
- Tour requirements include a minimum of 2 travelers, moderate fitness levels, and advance booking due to limited spots.
- Pricing for the tours ranges from $63.83 per person for the Oxford Bike & Walking Tour to $323.77 for the Cotswolds One Day Guided Cycle Tour.
2-3 Hour Cycle Tour of Oxford
Cycling through the historic streets of Oxford, the 2-3 Hour Cycle Tour offers travelers an immersive experience exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.
With a highly-rated local guide, a group of up to 15 you will visit key sights like the Bridge of Sighs, Thames River, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s former residence.
The tour features scenic biking routes and informative narratives, earning it a Badge of Excellence and 98% traveler recommendation based on 225 reviews.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour provides use of a bicycle and requires a minimum of 2 travelers, with an option for single person supplement.
Participants should note the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
Read our full review: 2-3 Hour Cycle Tour of Oxford Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford Bike & Walking Tour: 3 Hrs of City, Colleges & Canal.
Embarking on a comprehensive exploration of Oxford’s iconic landmarks, the Oxford Bike & Walking Tour offers travelers a captivating 3-hour experience. Valued at $63.83 per person, this activity combines cycling and walking to showcase the city’s renowned university, historic colleges, and picturesque canals.
Guests can expect to visit Christ Church College, Magdalen College, and other renowned sites while learning about Oxford’s rich heritage from their knowledgeable guide.
With a 4.6 rating from 809 reviews, this tour provides an immersive and well-rounded introduction to the city, catering to those seeking an active yet informative way to discover Oxford’s renowned attractions.
Read our full review: Oxford Bike & Walking Tour: 3 Hrs of City, Colleges & Canal. Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford Bike and Walking Tour
The Oxford Bike and Walking Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks and history. This 3-hour guided tour combines cycling and walking, allowing participants to experience both the city’s charming streets and its magnificent university buildings.
Highlights include the Bodleian Library, Christ Church, and the Eagle and Child pub, frequented by literary legends J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The tour also provides insights into Oxford’s 1,000-year-old past.
With a maximum group size of 9, the tour is accessible to travelers of moderate fitness levels. While the bike quality and weather conditions have drawn some concerns, the knowledgeable guides and historical insights have received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the 26 customers who’ve experienced this tour.
Read our full review: Oxford Bike and Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford: City Bike Tour With Student Guide
Visitors to Oxford can explore the city’s iconic landmarks and historic sites on an engaging 3-hour City Bike Tour led by a knowledgeable student guide.
The tour covers key attractions like the University of Oxford, Christ Church College, and charming cobblestone streets. Cyclists can admire the elegant architecture and learn fascinating insights from their guides, who offer a unique student perspective.
With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 7 reviews, this bike tour provides an immersive way to discover Oxford’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Priced at $161.56 per person, it’s a popular activity for those seeking an active and educational exploration of the city.
Read our full review: Oxford: City Bike Tour With Student Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford Bike Tour With Student Guide
Ideal for those seeking an active and educational exploration of Oxford, the Oxford Bike Tour with Student Guide offers an immersive way to discover the city’s iconic landmarks and historic sites.
Rated highly by travelers, this 2-hour tour covers more ground than a walking tour, allowing visitors to cycle through the “City of Dreaming Spires” and access pedestrianized areas inaccessible to tour buses.
Led by knowledgeable student guides, the tour highlights key university buildings, literary sites, and scenic spots like the Port Meadow.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the experience promises an informative and family-friendly adventure, perfect for those with moderate fitness levels.
Read our full review: Oxford Bike Tour With Student Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Discover Oxford: City & Countryside Cycling Tour
Discover the hidden gems of Oxford and its picturesque countryside on this 3-hour Discover Oxford: City & Countryside Cycling Tour.
Priced from Kč 3,858 per person, this private group tour takes you on a scenic route along the Thames River path to the charming village of Iffley.
Explore the village’s thatched cottages and medieval church, and stop for optional refreshments at a garden pub.
Along the way, you’ll get an introduction to Oxford’s famous sights, including its university colleges, and insights into the inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”.
With free cancellation and pay later options, this tour offers a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the best of Oxford.
Read our full review: Discover Oxford: City & Countryside Cycling Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford Scenic Cycle Tour- 2 Persons Minimum Summer Season
Cycling enthusiasts can embark on an Oxford Scenic Cycle Tour, a 2-hour excursion through the city’s charming countryside.
This small-group tour, limited to 15 participants, takes riders along the Thames River, passing narrow boats, ducks, swans, and traditional pubs.
Stops include Christchurch and Binsey, where cyclists can admire a Norman chapel and medieval thatched cottages.
The tour is an active, friendly experience on flat terrain. Bike rentals, a local guide, and optional helmets are included.
A minimum of 2 persons is required to book the tour, which starts at $161.88 per person.
Advance notice is needed for children’s bikes and infant seats. The tour ends back at the meeting point outside the Oxford tourist information center.
Read our full review: Oxford Scenic Cycle Tour- 2 Persons Minimum Summer Season Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford: Bike Tour With Local Guide
For those looking to explore Oxford on two wheels, the Oxford: Bike Tour With Local Guide offers an engaging and informative experience.
This 2-hour tour takes visitors through the city’s charming streets, showcasing its iconic landmarks such as the University of Oxford, Bridge of Sighs, and Carfax Tower.
Guided by a local expert, the tour provides insights into Oxford’s rich history and architectural wonders.
Rated 4.7 stars, this activity is a popular choice, offering skip-the-line access and small groups for a more personalized experience.
At $38.19, the Oxford: Bike Tour With Local Guide is an affordable way to discover the city’s highlights from a unique perspective.
Read our full review: Oxford: Bike Tour With Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Cotswolds One Day Guided Cycle Tour – Private Groups
The Cotswolds One Day Guided Cycle Tour – Private Groups offers an immersive experience for those seeking to explore the picturesque Cotswolds region on two wheels.
Participants will ride e-bikes through charming villages, visit historical sites, and capture stunning photos, all while enjoying a customizable itinerary. The tour includes lunch, and travelers can request stops for drinks or tea.
While a moderate fitness level is required, the e-bikes provide assistance on hilly terrain. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, this tour promises a memorable day of cycling, sightseeing, and local cuisine.
Interested parties can inquire about the tour, which starts at $323.77 per person, depending on group size.
Read our full review: Cotswolds One Day Guided Cycle Tour – Private Groups Review
Book now: Check availability
9-Day Self-Guided Cycling Tour in Cotswold
This 9-day self-guided cycling tour in the Cotswold region offers travelers a chance to explore the picturesque countryside at their own pace.
The tour starts and ends in Cheltenham, UK, with a 9 AM start time. Accommodation is provided through bed and breakfast stays, and meals are included.
Participants will receive a comprehensive tour pack with color-coded routes on local maps, as well as a smartphone app with GPS for navigation. Luggage transfers and emergency telephone assistance are also provided.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, though not recommended for those with back problems.
With a 5-star rating from a single review, this self-guided cycling adventure promises an immersive Cotswold experience.
Read our full review: 9-Day Self-Guided Cycling Tour in Cotswold Review
Book now: Check availability
Oxford Bike Tour to Blenheim Palace Includes Tickets, Lunch & Tea
Departing from the University Press in central Oxford, this bike tour takes travelers on a scenic journey to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Accommodating a maximum of 6 people, the tour departs at 9 AM and returns to the starting point. Included are entry tickets to Blenheim Palace, a picnic lunch, afternoon tea, and bottled water.
Participants will ride quality hybrid bicycles, with an e-bike upgrade available. While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate fitness level required makes this tour suitable for most.
With perfect 5-star reviews highlighting the unforgettable experience, this bike tour offers an exceptional way to explore the English countryside.
Read our full review: Oxford Bike Tour to Blenheim Palace Includes Tickets, Lunch & Tea Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Oxford offers a diverse range of bike tours, catering to various interests and preferences. From short city tours to longer excursions in the Cotswolds, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking for a guided experience or a self-guided adventure, these bike tours provide an excellent way to explore the historic city and its surrounding countryside.