Top Oxford Private and Luxury - page 5

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.

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.

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.

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.

A tour with a local, qualified, and enthusiastic guide. Your guide grew up in Oxford, has very in-depth knowledge of the city and has many interesting tales to tell you. Your guide has carefully curated this tour with a wide range of stories from books, listening to others and their own experiences. We visit well known buildings from the outside as well as lesser known streets and lanes. Will you see the floating orbs that usually appear on this tour? Will you discover any new ghosts?

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

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.

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.

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.

With a guide, you'll visit the Divinity School film site at the Bodleian Library. Ponder how studying at Oxford University compares to being a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and learn a bit about Oxford's history as your guide tailors the tour to the interests of everyone in your group.

If you’ve been captivated by TV’s “Clarkson’s Farm”, discover the real world locations from the series on this convenient tour. You don’t need a car. As the meeting point is a station with easy access to London and Oxford, you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Visit locations including the farm shop, Clarkson’s pub, his brewery, and pretty Chadlington, where farmhand Gerald Cooper lives (and builds walls).

Discover the picturesque beauty of the Cotswolds on this new day tour from Oxford with an established, award-winning local company! Visit charming villages like Bampton (the real-life 'Downton'!), and enjoy free time to explore the idyllic surroundings of Shilton, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Burford. With insights from fun, friendly, local driver-guides, you'll learn about the rich history and culture of the Cotswolds while enjoying a leisurely day in the countryside. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking an affordable and enjoyable day trip experience. - Full-day tour departs central Oxford at 09:30 and returns by 16:30 - Explore Bampton, Shilton, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Burford - Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with a local guide - Free time at each location to enjoy shops, cafes, and stunning views

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Ultimate Fusion of the Finest River and Dining Experiences in Oxford. Combine a serene river cruise, with a superb six-course tasting experience at one of Oxford's finest restaurant. Your experience begins boarding one of our elegant Edwardian River Launches for a 45 minute cruise taking in the highlights of river life in Oxford. We see Folly Bridge, Christchurch Meadows, the University boat houses and part of the Regatta course whilst a complementary glass of Champagne is served. This can be a wonderful time to be on the river as the sun gets lower in the sky and the light takes on a magical quality. We disembark at The Folly, where your exquisite meal will be served in charming surroundings either inside the restaurant or on the floating river terrace. The tasting menu is a showcase of the very best seasonal dishes, and there is the option of a 6 course wine pairing, or alternatively you can choose from a comprehensive wine list to complement your meal

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.

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).

This Oxford Guided Tour is an ideal choice for first-time visitors to the city, especially those who are Harry Potter fans. As it’s a private tour, you won’t waste any time waiting around for other travelers and can customize your tour based on your needs. Decide which sites you want to visit, and enjoy a day exploring Oxford’s top landmarks with a guide. Potential attractions you’ll see include New College, and the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library.

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.

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.

Oxford’s historic streets and colleges can be daunting for first-time visitors. Take the city in with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. Museum visits can be incorporated if you wish—simply notify your guide in advance. Ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour offers local insights, hidden gems, and a deeper appreciation of Oxford’s heritage.

Oxford is one of England’s most renowned university cities and a private tour means you can explore at your own pace. On this 3-hour walking tour, admire Oxford landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and the Ashmolean Museum; learn more about the city’s fascinating history and heritage; and see the famous Oxford University colleges.