Top Oxford Culture - page 5

There's more than open days to learning about studying at Oxford. Prospective students can get to know the different colleges and the application process on this private tour followed by a Q&A session with an Oxford or Cambridge graduate. The typical walking tour includes an overview of around 10 colleges from outside. When colleges are open to the public, you'll get to see inside two (please note: restrictions apply).

Take this unique opportunity to learn about "Oxford On Screen". Oxford naturally lends itself as a stunning backdrop for the movie and TV screen and reflects why VisitBritain's latest promotion campaign is called “Starring Great Britain”. Our expert and passionate guides will show you around the most famous landmarks that have been immortalised on screen, from the Radcliffe Camera in Emerald Fennel’s Saltburn, to the Bodleian Library in Harry Potter, and share the titbits and anecdotes that filming in Oxford can bring. Suitable for all ages, whether you are a “set-jetting” cinephile or just intrigued by filming locations, join up with those who enjoy spotting the landmarks regularly seen on film and TV.

What do you get if you take 1500 years of history, add lashings of ancient buildings, and mix in some of the world’s most colourful characters? A city that’s ‘alive’ with ghosts – that’s what! Meet the victims of horrific punishments, visit one of the most haunted roads in England, and hear the chilling tales of phantom Fellows and spooky Scholars that haunt the city.

From Harry Potter™ to one of the best-known universities in the world, Oxford is a city that’s rich in stories. However, without a guide, it can be hard to track down the top sights. Save time and get oriented in the city on this convenient walking tour. Led by a local who knows both the town and gown sides of Oxford, head to spots you'd otherwise miss and hear stories you won't find in a guidebook.

Did you know Oxford’s Great Tom bell chimes 101 times every night—and the university runs 5 minutes behind the rest of England? Discover the stories behind Oxford’s most iconic landmarks on this comprehensive 18-stop self-guided audio walking tour. From Christ Church’s Harry Potter connections to the hidden Narnia door, from a 14th-century rebel tavern to the world’s oldest public museum – this tour covers more ground than most guided walks, at a fraction of the price. Crafted with insights from Oxford students, the tour is available in 9 languages. Unlike fixed-time group tours, you control the pace. Start anytime, pause to explore colleges and museums, grab lunch at the Covered Market, or linger over a pint at the Turf Tavern – your tour waits for you. Over 1000 customers have taken this tour and a full refund guarantee means you can book with confidence

Explore the charming village of Blockley, the real-life backdrop for the beloved BBC series Father Brown. This 90-minute walking tour invites fans to wander through iconic filming locations, including St. Peter and St. Paul Church, which serves as Father Brown's parish. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the show's production while you enjoy the picturesque streets and stunning countryside views. Ideal for Father Brown enthusiasts and lovers of British crime drama, this intimate tour provides a unique perspective on the series and its connection to Blockley's rich history. - Visit iconic filming locations featured in Father Brown - Led by a local guide with insider knowledge of the show's production - Discover Blockley's history as a former mill town during a scenic walk - Perfect for fans of Father Brown and the Cotswolds, with a leisurely pace to enjoy the surroundings

This is not like other Oxford walking tours. If you’re bored of the Bodleian, sick of the Sheldonian and tired of the towers… then this is the tour for you! We want to help you scratch beneath the surface of Oxford, whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here for decades. Our tour explores Jericho, a neighbourhood just a few minutes north of the city centre. Today it’s one of the most desirable areas in the country. But 150 years ago it was smoky, noisy, smelly and relentlessly productive. You’ll hear stories of kings, politicians and rock stars - but our real focus will be on the factory workers, printers, publishers and hospital staff who worked, lived and died on these streets. Your guide for this two hour walking tour is Rob, who has lived in Oxford for over 25 years. Rob’s a storyteller, not an historian. We’ll go down rabbit holes and explore the personal stories that have helped shape Jericho’s community.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll follow Radiohead’s journey from their schooldays through to global stardom, visiting the venues, pubs, and hidden corners around Oxford that shaped their sound and story. This tour starts at Oxford’s O2 Academy, the spot where Radiohead filmed their iconic Creep music video. You’ll weave through the city’s historic centre, hearing about the complex relationship between Oxford’s most famous band and its world-famous University. You’ll visit venues like the New Theatre Oxford and the Old Fire Station, where Radiohead cut their teeth playing gigs in their early years. I’ll also tell you how Oxford inspired many of Radiohead’s most famous songs. The tour finishes at The Jericho Tavern, a legendary watering hole where Radiohead played their first ever gig and signed their first ever record contract.

Oxford’s historical streets are full of interesting and unusual pubs, some of which have been providing refreshment for over 700 years. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll visit a few of the oldest and quirkiest pubs the city has to offer. Starting at the Head of the River pub near Folly Bridge, you’ll wind through cobbled lanes and hidden passages to discover ten of Paul Coyne favourite pubs, each with a story to tell. The audio guide will lead you through the ancient streets where students and townspeople have all enjoyed an ’Education in Intoxication’. You’ll see where a Tuesday afternoon pub brawl took 600 years to be finally reconciled, and learn which pub had a camel. You'll also see a few historical landmarks like Hertford Bridge, Carfax Tower, and Radcliffe Square. By the end of the tour, in front of the Grapes on George Street, you’ll have learnt the differences between an alehouse, a tavern, and an inn.

Join us for a special interest walking tour of Oxford. See the 2026 Contrada Tours schedule below for further details. Saturday 4 April - Oxford history and architecture Saturday 11 April - 17th c. Oxford and the British Civil Wars Saturday 18 April - 19th century Oxford Saturday 25 April - Literary Oxford Saturday 2 May - Oxford history and architecture Saturday 9 May - 17th c. Oxford and the British Civil Wars Saturday 16 May - (Graduation day) - Oxford ceremonies Saturday 23 May - (Graduation day) - Oxford ceremonies Saturday 30 May - 19th century Oxford Saturday 6 June - Literary Oxford Saturday 13 June - Oxford history and architecture Saturday 20 June - 17th c. Oxford and the British Civil Wars Saturday 27 June - Literary Oxford Saturday 4 July - 19th century Oxford Saturday 11 July - tbc Saturday 18 July - (Graduation day) - Oxford ceremonies - Your tour will be led by an expert, local, independent guide.

Are you looking for a way to see Cirencester without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • See Anne Boleyn’s silver gilt chalice, believed to be the last thing she touched before her execution and stroll down Cecily Hill, the most exclusive street in Cirencester • Hear from producer Owen Bowles, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England region • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

The TouringBee audio guide serves as a handy mobile companion for a self-guided tour in Oxford. This tour is specifically designed for those looking to explore the city in a short span of time (1.5-2 hours). Simply follow the route on the app's map, which takes you from Oxford Castle to University Park, passing by colleges and other notable landmarks. You're guaranteed to see: Carfax Tower, Tom Tower, Alice's Shop, Christ Church College, St. Mary's University Church, Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, The favourite pubs and a bench of J.R.R. Tolkien. Once you've downloaded the tour, the app runs offline. The audio guide can always be heard clearly through your headphones. Enjoy captivating stories and legends at your own pace, without the need to keep up with a tour group. Feel free to pause for a break in a café, or explore a scenic alleyway before resuming your tour. If you only have a few hours to explore Oxford, make the most of it with the TouringBee audio guide.

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! From the gates of Trinity College, embark on an enchanting Harry Potter experience with your witch or wizard guide. Receive your wands, and be sorted into Hogwarts Houses, before a visit to Oxford's own Flourish & Blotts. Enter the Bodleian Library Divinity School, where Harry was visited by Dumbledore in The Philosopher’s Stone. Wander through the medieval corridors of New College (founded in 1379), following the footsteps of Hogwarts students in the films. See the oldest dining hall in Oxford, where students have been eating in gowns for almost 650 years. Stand under the tree where Draco Malfoy tried to curse Harry Potter—but ended up transfigured into a ferret! Gaze at the windows of the Restricted Section of Hogwarts, where real-life books were also chained to the shelves. Dance where Professor McGonagall taught Ron Weasley how to waltz in The Goblet of Fire. Test your knowledge in our Harry Potter quiz along the way!

This One Hour Wonder offers a compact walking tour crafted for those who want the very best of the city in the shortest time. Led by an Institute of Tourist Guiding professional and Oxford Guild of Guides member, this 60 minute tour distils a thousand years of history into an unforgettable sweep through Oxford’s most beautiful heart. What makes it special? Efficiency with depth, condensed highlights without feeling rushed. Flexible timing. Perfect between meetings, before dinner, or curtain-up. Atmospheric settings – Oxford’s landmarks glow differently at dawn, midday, or twilight. Real history – authentic stories from Anglo-Saxon origins to the vibrant student life of today. Discover Oxford’s most iconic sights, from the Radcliffe Camera and Sheldonian Theatre and Oxford's historic quad in a magical bite-sized experience designed to orient, delight, and leave you with a sense of wonder and fresh understanding of the city's history and great scholars.

Waddesdon Manor is a French Renaissance-style chateau, built in the 1870s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain the fashionable world and house his impressive art collection. Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world. Opened to the public in 1959, Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation, a family charitable trust, on behalf of the National Trust, who took over ownership in 1957. It’s home to the Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Make the most of your visit. Take a stroll in the Gardens, explore the paintings, furniture, porcelain and tapestries collected by generations of Rothschilds in the House. Meet the Aviary Keeper and see the colourful birds housed in the ornate Aviary. Explore the Cellars storing over 13,000 bottles of Rothschild wines, and hear about their history and so much more.

Soak up amazing English countryside views from this hill top Rothschild estate. Walk around the sculptures and spot the one made for the gardens of Versailles. Count the different kinds of birds in the aviary - Waddesdon is a licensed zoo and successfully breeds rare songbirds. See the formal garden, called the Parterre, planted twice a year with around 110,000 different colorful plants Take the kids to the Woodland Playground and eat lunch or try an ice cream at the family-friendly Stables Cafe.

Set out on an Oxford adventure that’s both intriguing and enlightening! Begin at the Martyrs’ Memorial, delve into the city’s Viking roots, and explore the world’s oldest museum. Capture selfies at the Radcliffe Camera, climb the tower of a 13th-century church, and uncover the surprising origin of the word “snob.” Stroll along the same streets once walked by C.S. Lewis and Rupert Murdoch, and wrap up your journey at the Ashmolean Museum. And keep your eyes open—you might just spot the elephant!

The Best Way to Discover Oxford: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a photo at the History of Science Museum or a visit to The Story Museum and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Oxford Castle & Prison, The Covered Market, Ashmolean Museum, History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, The Story Museum, Christ Church, and Christ Church Meadow.

Visit these two amazing World Heritage sites in one day for a trip to remember - a fascinating journey through 5000 years of English history. Experience the unforgettable atmosphere of Stonehenge. Step inside reconstructed Neolithic houses to see how the builders of this must-see monument lived. Dig deeper into the story of this enigmatic site at the world-class exhibition center. In Bath you can enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. You could visit the world-renowned Roman Baths or stunning Bath Abbey, then grab some lunch at one of the many traditional tearooms or pavement cafes. • Travel in style in our spacious and luxurious vehicles. • Skip the Stonehenge queues with tickets pre-booked and collected by your guide. • Enjoy a private guided tour of Bath.

Why is being ‘medieval’ seen as an insult? Why are we fascinated with the idea of 'horrible histories'? Modern media has fostered the stereotype that people in the Middle Ages were uniquely backwards, superstitious, violent, and dirty.  Join us on a tour that delves into medieval Oxford, uncovering the complexity of life in the past, while debunking the many myths of 'medieval' times. This tour will explore long-lasting similarities with how people acted centuries ago, while discussing how historic tensions have lasted to this day. This tour lasts for about 1.5hrs. Our tours are academically researched and led by experts. They incorporate active discussion and ask questions about historical memory, controversial histories, and the impacts of discrimination on the city and university. ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, but please note some mild uneven pavement in the city centre. Distance walked is less than 2km.

Come face to face with famous scenes from the Harry Potter films on this Oxford walking tour. Visit the three major must-see sights: Christ Church, New College and the Divinity School. See the stairs Hogwarts freshmen climb to go to the Great Hall, find the spot where Alastor Moody turns into a ferret, catch a glimpse of the place where Hermione shows Harry his father’s Quidditch trophy, and much more.

This private walking tour reveals Oxford’s historic and romantic heritage. Ancient streets create a timeless atmosphere for couples. Begin at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Its medieval tower reflects Oxford’s spiritual legacy.Admire the Radcliffe Camera nearby. This classical landmark symbolises centuries of scholarship. Observe the historic Bodleian Library exterior. Generations of thinkers studied within its ancient walls.Walk beneath the elegant Bridge of Sighs. Why did this graceful bridge inspire such a name?View the Sheldonian Theatre designed by Christopher Wren. Its architecture celebrates England’s classical tradition. Pause at the Martyrs’ Memorial. It marks a dramatic chapter of religious history.Explore the historic Oxford Castle area. End near Christ Church Cathedral and Magdalen College grounds. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

On this one-day tour, you'll get out of the minibus and into the glorious countryside! Experience the Cotswolds' celebrated walking trails with a fun, friendly local guide. You'll enjoy up to three glorious walks on this tour. Walks may vary according to the group, weather and trail conditions, but we can promise you peaceful Cotswold villages, gloriously scenic views and quiet footpaths away from the crowds of the ‘touristy’ parts of the Cotswolds - heaven! The day will round off with a visit to the gorgeous village of Broadway (with the option to see Broadway Tower), where you can explore, shop, or grab some refreshment after your day of walking the Cotswolds! Tours depart from Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, or from Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds. Travelling from London or Oxford? Take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh! You'll skip all the traffic, enjoy a charming, scenic train ride, and get to spend even longer in the beautiful Cotswolds!

Oxford is one of principal university cities of Great Britain, and its university is renowned across the globe.   Oxford is full of wonderful buildings and architecture and walking around its streets it is easy to get lost in its history as Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Wonder round the historical chapels and courtyards around the university or take a walk along the River Thames, known locally as Isis.  Over 9 million visitors a year come to Oxford but there is so much to see that it still feels like a special destination. Oxford also has a wonderful collection of museums such as The Ashmolean Museum, which is every bit a match for those found in London.  Nearby is the famous Bodleian Library, centuries old and one fo the main repositories for books in the United Kingdom. Finally, if all this history and culture gets too much then why not look for a gift or have a tea and scone in Oxfords main shopping district.