Top Oxford Culture - page 6

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.

A private photo tour around historic Oxford to capture memories of your time there. For solo travellers, Oxford Graduates, couples or families. We will start by visiting iconic sites such as Oxford's Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library & Divinity School, Bridge of Sighs (also Harry Potter filming locations)& continue to many more and finish at Christ Church Meadows. If you're a Harry Potter fan I've also got you covered! A lot of the filming locations were around Oxford (fun fact... I was even in Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find them myself)! I like movement in the photos, such as walking shots, to create natural, comfortable photos. You will receive 10 digital printable images via an online gallery up to 2 weeks after your experience. Please note there are two options: One for up to 3 guests max. Another for 4+ guests (please allow for up to 2 hours if you are a larger group). Some locations are occasionally closed due to filming or ceremonies so I will adapt the tour as needed.

Follow me down a dark alleyway into Oxford's mysterious and bloody past. Oxford is one of the most haunted places in Britain, with good reason. It was the murder capital of medieval England, largely due to its extremely badly behaved student population. I will take you on a tour round the city's most sinister streets and baddest back-alleys, where we will hear about the terrible events that have left so many spirits wandering eternally. Burning bishops. Enraged poltergeists. Abandoned lovers. The Devil himself!! All have made their restless presence felt over the centuries and if we're (un)lucky, we might spot one of them tonight - it has happened on my tours before. This tour is thoroughly enjoyed by children, but it does contain some quite gory details so check they are ok with that. It needs to take place when it's dark, as that's when 'they' come out. It could well be cold, and possibly wet, so please dress accordingly.

Entry worth £10 per person is included to Magdalen college and deer park, as and when it is open. See what is excluded section for any dates of closures. Besides introducing Oxford heritage, this tour is led by one of Oxford's most experienced local guides and it introduces the best college gardens off the beaten route of most tourists visiting Oxford. For anyone interested in herbalism, this can be a focus interest too, if made known in advance before the tour. You will visit inside at least one or more college -see details of which colleges in the main tour description. This tour is suitable for all ages but it will appeal especially to anyone who has a special interest in gardening.

This charming Cotswolds tour of Downton Abbey locations is the perfect way to see both filming locations from the hit TV series and some of the most beautiful parts of the internationally renowned Cotswolds. Led by one of our highly experienced and very friendly Oxford Guild of Tour Guides guide, they will make your tour a day to remember by revealing a range of stories about the local area, details about the filming of the phenomenally successful series, and hints and tips about how to make the most of your time in the UK.

This tour offers something few others do: the chance to experience Oxford both on foot and from the water, all in one visit. Enjoy a full Oxford experience by combining our 90-minute student- or graduate-led college walking tour with a 30-minute chauffeured punting tour—a perfect way to take in the city’s history and beauty. The tour is outdoors. If selected when booking, AFTER THE WALKING TOUR ENDS, your experience can be enriched with a self-guided visit to New College, one of the university’s most historic and picturesque colleges. Then, without needing to plan a separate activity, you’ll step into a traditional punt and be taken along Oxford’s quieter, greener side. As you glide past the Botanic Gardens, Christ Church Meadows, and the banks where Lewis Carroll once walked, you’ll see a view of the city that most walking tours simply don’t reach. It’s a well-balanced way to enjoy both Oxford’s rich academic tradition and its peaceful riverside setting—all in a single experience.

Marvel at historical sights as you travel around the South of England in a classic Rolls Royce of Bentley on this tour. Accompanied by a former history master, customize your tour to suit your interests. Visit Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, enjoy delightful Cotswold villages, travel to Henry VIII’s famous Hampton Court Palace or choose from a range of other options - the choice is yours.

Fall in love with Oxford by joining a relaxing 20 minute Thames river cruise to Iffley village. Then walk or take the cruise back again Thames path. We'll see the Norman chapel & medieval homes in Iffley village. Special focus on Alice in Wonderland heritage and the Oxford rowing tradition. This tour includes about 1 mile walk at start of tour past famous university sights introduced briefly by the guide. After the cruise ends, we have one hour in Iffley village and then a 3 mile walk along the scenic Thames river path back to Oxford city. For anyone who has mobility walking issues, please let us know when booking as alternatively we could just replace the walk back from Iffley with either a return trip on the river cruise or a taxi back to the city. Notice: if the tour does not show as available on date you want to book, please ask viator to contact us. I avoid listing dates too early before the cruise boats are usually starting to run or to end. The boat cruise start date varies.

Whether you’re on a vacation with family and friends, on your honeymoon, or traveling solo in Oxford, capture the memories of a lifetime with a private photo session. Your professional photographer can help recommend the best locations, outfits, and more for your photos. Choose from a 60- or 100-minute session and receive your professionally edited photos within days.

Swap Oxford for a day explore the picturesque countryside gem of The Cotswolds. With a private local guide, you can customize your itinerary to your interests. Wander around scenic villages, and admire traditional architecture, and rolling hills. Highlights can include Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Chipping Camden, and lots of scenic viewpoints. Transport not included, though a taxi can be arranged for the day (extra expense).

For centuries, Europe’s finest wool came from the Cotswolds, much of which was traded at the bustling marketplace that fueled the growth of Chippy, as the locals affectionately call Chipping Norton. On this self-guided walking tour of this ‘wool town’, made rich by the trade of sheep and their fleeces, you’ll hear about Chipping Norton’s history and lesser-known quirks, like how Lord William Fitzalan’s hilltop manor ended up forcing the whole town to move up the hill. You’ll go on to explore St Mary the Virgin Church, one of the finest churches in the Cotswolds, with its origins in the 10th century. You’ll find the Theatre Chipping Norton, a charming establishment that is celebrated for its productions today, but was hugely controversial when it was first built. On the high street, you’ll find out how, as the town grew, it became the backdrop for an alarming number of riots, reflecting changes in social history.

Discover Oxford and the Cotswolds with our self-guided tour, exploring 9 centuries of academic brilliance and enchanting English countryside at your own pace. Begin among the dreaming spires of Oxford — the oldest English-speaking university city — where college quads, Gothic libraries, and dining halls that inspired the Harry Potter films stand alongside markets. Gaze up at the Radcliffe Camera dome, walk Christ Church College where Lewis Carroll first told Alice's adventures, and cross Hertford Bridge — Oxford's Bridge of Sighs. Then venture into the Cotswold Hills, where time stands still in villages of warm honey-coloured limestone. Wade through the River Windrush at Bourton-on-the-Water, photograph the medieval cottages at Bibury's Arlington Row, and climb Broadway Tower for views across 16 counties. From Blenheim Palace to the ancient squares of Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden, this tour weaves heritage and pastoral beauty across one of England's most treasured landscapes.

On this self-guided walking tour, you'll uncover centuries of executions, riots, and murders that shaped this seemingly genteel city. You'll also hear how religious persecution, medieval street violence, and courtroom curses left their mark on streets still walked today. The tour starts close to where three Protestant bishops – Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer – were burned at the stake on the orders of Queen Mary I. You'll pass the History of Science Museum, now on the site of the world's first public museum, where fresh corpses from the town gallows were once delivered for dissection. Winding through Brasenose Lane and along Cornmarket Street, you'll hear about a fatal midnight brawl between tailors and drapers, the city's extraordinary medieval murder rate, and the 1355 St Scholastica's Day Riot, which lasted three days and left dozens dead. The tour ends at Oxford Castle, where a condemned servant named Anne Greene was hanged in 1650 – and somehow survived.

Walk eight centuries of Oxford science and medicine with a DPhil scientist, from Boyle's Law on the High Street to where the penicillin story began. Each place comes to life through printed historical images you hold in your hands. Story-led and small-group, with no science background needed. This is an exterior walking tour: we explore the colleges and gardens from the outside, so there are no admission tickets to buy and nothing extra to pay on the day.

Oxford is a city where real and fictional worlds collide in Philip Pullman’s beloved fantasy series. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll explore the real Oxford locations that inspired Jordan College, discover filming spots from The Golden Compass and BBC’s His Dark Materials adaptation, and step into scenes straight from the pages of Pullman’s novels. From ancient college quadrangles to atmospheric lanes, you’ll experience Oxford through the eyes of Lyra Belacqua and her daemon Pan. The tour starts at Exeter College on Broad Street, the real-world inspiration for Lyra’s Jordan College. You’ll pass through the Covered Market where Roger would buy vegetables for Jordan College kitchens. You’ll also visit the magnificent Bodleian Library where the alethiometer is kept in Lyra’s world, and pass under the photogenic Hertford Bridge where Lyra and Roger were filmed fleeing from Gyptian children. You’ll see where many scenes from the adaptations were filmed.

The Oxford Beyond the Dreaming Spires Walking Tour takes you away from the well-trodden tourist routes and into the city’s hidden heart. Whether this is your first visit or you’ve already explored Oxford’s famous sights, this tour reveals a side of the city that many visitors never experience. Venture north of the historic centre, where many of the University’s colleges are found, including the pioneering colleges that opened higher education to women. Explore the striking architecture and innovation of the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, wander through the characterful streets of Jericho, and uncover the places where Oxford’s academic, cultural, and social life truly thrives. Along the way, you’ll step into lively neighbourhoods filled with independent cafés, historic pubs, acclaimed restaurants, and hidden corners loved by generations of scholars, writers, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs. This is Oxford beyond the postcards. Beyond the clichés. Beyond the dreaming spires.

Explore the charming market town of Burford at your own pace on this self-guided walking tour, where every cobblestone has a story to tell. Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Burford boasts ancient streets lined with honey-colored cottages, quaint shops, and cozy pubs. Starting at Tolsey Museum, you’ll learn about its medieval role in law enforcement before strolling past landmarks like the Lamb Inn, Burford Priory, and St John the Baptist Church. Along the way, hear tales of ghosts, Civil War conflicts, and infamous residents like Lord and Lady Tanfield. You’ll also discover hidden gems, from the oldest pharmacy in England to a mansion tied to Parliament. Narrated by experienced guide Ian Grover, this 75-minute tour brings Burford’s past to life, offering fascinating stories, stunning architecture, and a true taste of Cotswold charm.

Welcome to the Secret Oxford Walking tour, where you’ll take roads less travelled and see some of the city’s surprising features, along with its highlights. On this walking tour of the city, you’ll tread in the footsteps of some of Oxford’s most famous names, while sound effects and music enhance the sense of being transported back over a thousand years. Starting from Oxford Railway Station, you’ll hear about the city’s Anglo-Saxon origins whilst making your way through modern streets to its peaceful canal. I’ll share stories about dramatic escapes from Oxford Castle, clashes with Vikings, and how residents have fought for their independence over the centuries.

Explore Oxford’s iconic sights, uncover rich history, and embark on the ultimate academic adventure! Perfect for exam takers and curious travelers alike - celebrate your success and start your journey here. The world awaits! Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

Discover Hogwarts on a Harry Potter tour, visiting film sites from the Philosophers Stone and The Chamber of Secrets. Enter into New Colleges Cloisters, Dining Hall, Gardens and Chapel.

Join an exciting 60-minute walking journey through Oxford. Learn all the key facts about the city, dive into the local lifestyle, and feel its unique culture. From Tom Tower, Christ Church to Magdalen College, get to discover the city's most defining landmarks. Your Local will also share insider tips on the best cafes, restaurants, and lively bars in Oxford to ensure you get the most out of your stay. • See Oxford through a local's eyes, uncovering the city's true essence. • Discover Oxford's dreaming spires, showcasing its scholarly charm. • Get top local tips on the best bars, cafes, and restaurants to visit. • Maximize your time, discovering more of Oxford in less time. • Enjoy the intimacy of a small group, with a maximum of 8 travellers.

Hello, I’m Iryna, a historian and tour guide with over 10 years of experience leading cultural and historical tours. Originally from Ukraine, I discovered Oxford’s extraordinary stories after moving here and I am passionate about sharing the city’s fascinating past with visitors from around the world. This is not just a tour of famous buildings — it is a journey through the lives of the people who shaped Oxford. Together, we will explore the stories of medieval scholars, visionary writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, great scientists, philosophers, and generations of students who made this city a centre of knowledge and inspiration. I believe history comes alive through human stories, surprising details, and moments of connection. My private tours are designed to be engaging, personal, and memorable, allowing you to experience Oxford beyond the guidebook. Join me to discover the history, traditions, and hidden stories that make Oxford truly unique.

Explore the enchanting city of Oxford on a private walking tour tailored just for you. Accompanied by a friendly local guide, wander through charming streets and visit iconic landmarks like the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and historic Oxford Castle. This personalized experience allows you to uncover fascinating stories about the university's traditions and local secrets, ensuring a memorable adventure that highlights the best of Oxford. The tour concludes at the picturesque Bridge of Sighs, offering a perfect photo opportunity. - Enjoy a private walking tour with a local guide in Oxford - Visit must-see landmarks including the Bodleian Library and Oxford Castle - Customise your start time and choose your meeting location - Ideal for groups of up to 4 or more, with a duration of 1.5 hours

Join me on a magical journey through Oxford, where we combine Greek mythology & Oxford's history. Imagine what it would be like if Percy Jackson were to study Classics at one of its ancient colleges?