Oxford, United Kingdom

Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off + Carfax Tower Panorama + Walking Tour

4.5 2,226 Reviews 24 / 48 Hours
Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off + Carfax Tower Panorama + Walking Tour - Photo 1
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Overview

Oxford Tour Overview – Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Carfax Tower & Walking Tour
Experience the timeless beauty of Oxford, famously known as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” with this value-packed sightseeing tour. Take in the city’s iconic skyline by climbing Carfax Tower, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over historic rooftops and elegant spires. Your ticket also includes a flexible 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, allowing you to explore Oxford’s top attractions at your own pace. To complete your visit, join a guided walking tour and uncover fascinating stories, hidden corners, and centuries of history. Combine convenience, culture, and unbeatable views in one seamless Oxford sightseeing experience—perfect for first-time visitors and returning explorers alike.

About the activity
Free Cancellation
Mobile Voucher
Wheelchair Access
Pet Friendly
Flexi: 1 Month
Family Friendly
Instant Confirmation
Audio Guide
English
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Portuguese
Russian
Polish
Japanese
Chinese
kids Commentary

Highlights

  • Flexible mobile ticket valid for 12 months — hop on and off the bus at any Oxford stop with ease.
  • Family-friendly Kids’ Commentary in English keeps younger travellers entertained throughout the journey.
  • Discover Oxford at your own pace by creating a personalised sightseeing itinerary.
  • Unlimited 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour covering Oxford’s top attractions and landmarks.
  • Enjoy panoramic open-top bus views of Oxford’s historic streets, colleges, and iconic sights.

Itinerary

Discover Oxford: The Ultimate Hop-On Hop-Off City Experience
Step into the timeless charm of Oxford, a city so picturesque it has starred in countless films. As you explore its historic streets, you’ll quickly see why it’s considered one of the most beautiful destinations in England. This flexible hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect way to uncover Oxford’s most iconic landmarks at your own pace.

Explore World-Famous Oxford University & Historic Colleges
No visit to Oxford is complete without experiencing the prestigious Oxford University, one of the oldest universities in the world. Many of its remarkable buildings date back over 600 years. Hop off to admire the stunning architecture, elegant courtyards, and rich academic heritage that define this legendary institution.

Visit the Iconic Bodleian Library
A highlight of the tour is the magnificent Bodleian Library, a 17th-century masterpiece housing over 13 million printed works. Known as one of the oldest libraries in Europe, it has also gained global fame as a filming location in the Harry Potter series. It’s a must-see stop for history lovers and film enthusiasts alike.

Climb Carfax Tower for Panoramic City Views
For breathtaking views of Oxford, make your way to Carfax Tower. Once part of a historic church, this landmark now offers one of the best vantage points in the city. Your ticket includes entry, so don’t miss the chance to climb to the top and enjoy a stunning panoramic perspective of Oxford’s skyline.

Enhance Your Trip with a Guided Walking Tour
Complete your Oxford adventure with the included “Stepping Through Oxford” walking tour. In just 45 minutes, you’ll gain fascinating insights into the city’s rich history, culture, and hidden gems from an expert guide.

The Perfect Oxford Itinerary in One Ticket
Combining a scenic bus tour, iconic landmarks, and an informative walking experience, this all-in-one package offers the ultimate way to explore Oxford efficiently and enjoyably.

What's Included

What's Included
  • 24/48hr hop-on hop-off bus tour
  • Stepping though Oxford Walking Tour
  • Admission to Carfax Tower

Schedule

Historic City & University:

  • Until 17th July: First departure from Stop 1 at 9:30am. Last departure from Stop 1 at 6pm. Frequency: every 15 minutes.
  • 18th July - 01st September: First departure from Stop 1 at 9:30am. Last departure from Stop 1 at 6:30pm. Frequency: every 15 minutes.
  • 02nd September - 23rd October: First departure from Stop 1 at 9:30am. Last departure from Stop 1 at 5pm. Frequency: every 15 minutes (Saturday & Sunday), every 20 minutes (Monday - Friday).
  • 24th October - 01st November: First departure from Stop 1 at 9:30am. Last departure from Stop 1 at 5pm. Frequency: every 20 minutes.
  • Loop: 60 Minutes
  • First Stop: Oxford Railway Station

Carfax Tower Opening Hours:

  • November – February: 10:00 – 15:00
  • March: 10:00 – 16:00
  • April – September: 10:00 – 17:00
  • October: 10:00 – 16:00

Redemption Info

  • Passengers can board at any stop and simply exchange their booking voucher with the driver/street staff at that point.
  • Your booking voucher will expire after you exchange it for a ticket.
  • The company or bus operator will not provide a refund if a voucher or ticket is misplaced.
  • Infants can travel free and you do not require to book infant ticket.

Know Before You Go

Voucher Validity:

  • The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of booking.

Important Info:

  • Our buses are wheelchair accessible.
  • Dogs in carriers are permitted on the bus.
  • There may be disruptions due to weather, traffic, and events.
  • You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver.
  • Stops and timings are subject to alter. There will be an updated map on the bus.
  • There may be a small delay in the bus's arrival and departure schedules.
  • Road closures and heavy traffic can result in delays, reduced trips, and route modifications. We'll make every effort to deliver a seamless and regular service! Under these circumstances, there will be no refund.

Hop-On Hop-Off Tour:

  • Paper vouchers can be redeemed at our Visitor Information Point at 44-45 High Street, Oxford, our ticket sellers and our drivers.
  • Operational season: all year round (Except on: 1st January, 25th & 26th December)
  • Many of our tours have live commentary delivered by our friendly and professional guides in English.
  • Please click here to check live interactive map
  • There will be no service on 25th & 26th December and 1st January 2026

Guided Bus Tour (Live Guide):

  • Departure Point: Stop 9.
  • Departure Times: 10:55am, 11:55am, 12:55pm, 1:55pm, 2:55pm and 3:55pm
  • Last tour concludes at approximately 4:55pm at Stop 9.

Oxford Uncovered Walking Tour:

  • Schedule: Daily, every hour from 11am - 4pm (subject to availability).
  • Duration: 60 minutes.
  • Departure Point: Visitor Information Point, City Sightseeing Oxford, 44-45 High Street, OX1 4AP.

Carfax Tower:

  • Opening hours: daily (subject to weather conditions)
  • November: 10:00 - 15:30 (last entry at 15:00)
  • December: 10:00 - 15:00 (last entry at 14:30)
  • Carfax Tower is not suitable for under 5’s.
  • Carfax Tower will be closed on December 25th, 26th and January 1st.

Cancellation Policy

  • To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the activity/tour start time.
  • If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time, you will not get any refund.
  • Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time. You must contact us through email.
  • The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.

Disclaimer

  • There may be unexpected changes in the route or timetable due to traffic, public holidays, weather conditions, cruise ship arrivals, or other unanticipated situations. During major events, summer vacations, and weekends, the city will be quite busy. We will do everything we can to provide a smooth and consistent service! In such cases, no reimbursement is allowed.
  • Tours run regardless of the weather. Weather-related refunds will not be issued unless the service is discontinued due to inclement weather.
  • The service provider preserves the right to amend or cancel the itinerary due to city events or force majeure.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.

After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.

We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
 
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.

Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.

You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.

Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.

Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.

If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.

Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.

Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.

Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.

Customer Reviews

4.5
based on 2,226 reviews
Rating Distribution
5 stars
1,580
4 stars
382
3 stars
166
2 stars
93
1 stars
5
Simple and Enjoyable Tour

"The hop on hop off service made exploring the city straightforward. We saw several landmarks, enjoyed great views, and appreciated being able to continue our journey whenever convenient."

Ideal for Sightseeing

"This tour was a convenient way to explore popular attractions. We enjoyed informative commentary, comfortable transportation, and the flexibility to spend extra time at places we liked."

Wonderful Way to Travel

"We loved seeing the city from the upper deck. The route covered many interesting areas, and the freedom to hop off whenever we wanted was extremely useful."

A Memorable Experience

"The entire tour was enjoyable from beginning to end. Beautiful views, helpful commentary, and convenient stops made it easy to experience the city without feeling rushed."

Comfortable and Convenient

"The service made our sightseeing day much easier. We enjoyed comfortable seats, excellent city views, and convenient stops that allowed us to explore attractions without unnecessary travel."

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