Top Oxford Sightseeing Tours

Follow in the footsteps of famous former residents like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—and discover many of Oxford’s top landmarks in just a couple hours—on this introductory walking tour. Meet your group in central Oxford, and set off on foot. You’ll see key attractions like the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre, will explore the university area, and you will see many of the elegant colleges from the outside. Note: book an afternoon tour to tour inside the colleges (subject to availability).

Walk the halls of one of the world’s oldest and most famous universities on this walking tour of Oxford University. Get a glimpse of student life as you peek inside the famous Bodleian Library and see landmarks like the University Church of St. Mary, Radcliffe Camera, and Trinity College. Learn about the prestigious university’s famous alumni, hear fascinating stories and anecdotes about its history, and see on-campus locations used in the Harry Potter films.

Discover the Harry Potter movie locations of Oxford on this walking tour. Visit the famous Bodleian Library to see the hall used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary in many movies, and view other locations in one or two of Oxford’s oldest colleges. As you walk, enjoy a fun Harry Potter quiz, and learn about Oxford University and other famous children’s books written in the city. Entrance fees to the Bodleian and select colleges are included.

Avoid wandering Oxford without context or missing its hidden corners on this roughly 90-minute walking tour of Oxford University’s historic colleges. Benefit from the insider knowledge of a local guide as you follow the footsteps of alumni such as Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, and J.R.R. Tolkien, admire landmarks including Trinity College, New College, and the Radcliffe Camera, and step inside selected colleges and chapels to understand the traditions and stories that have shaped one of the world’s most famous universities.

Discover the hidden gems of Oxford on a self-guided walking tour that combines history with fun. Navigate through charming alleys and historic squares while listening to audio guides that share intriguing stories about landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre. Engage in interactive quizzes that unlock the next part of your adventure, allowing you to explore at your own pace. This tour is perfect for solo travelers, families, or friends looking to enjoy a unique experience without the pressure of a group setting. - Walk 2.8 km in approximately 1.5 hours, any time of day - Enjoy 10 quizzes that challenge your knowledge as you explore - Use your smartphone for audio guides and smart maps - No group pressure – go solo or team up with friends.

With narrow, often busy country lanes, complex geography, and limited parking, the Cotswolds can be challenging to explore independently. Leave route planning, navigating, and parking to your personal driver-guide on this flexible private tour that hits all the highlights direct from your door. Upgrade to add a professional photographer who can capture your group amid the beauty and create memories that can last a lifetime.

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.

Discover the charm of Oxford at night on this City Sightseeing Walking Tour, perfect for history buffs and those looking for a unique gift idea. Follow your friendly local guide as they bring Oxford history to life. Discover the unique architecture and philosophy of these storied institutions as you soak up the ambience of this enchanting city. Explore the magical grounds of Oxford University, spot gargoyles on the famous rooftops, wander through the leafy streets, and discover surprising stories hidden around every corner of the city. Enjoy a family day out or evening that’s exciting, educational, and full of adventure.

Set sail for a romantic cruise through the heart of Oxford—and pair your sightseeing with a classic afternoon tea—on this unique, two-in-one boat tour. Tuck into English teatime treats such as finger sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream as you glide downstream. Following a scenic route along the University Regatta Course, discover Oxford’s greenery and admire views of the University Boat Houses, Christ Church Meadows, and Iffley lock.

Experience England’s Cotswolds on a private tour that whisks you around its highlights so you don’t have to worry about itineraries or transport. Avoid the inconveniences of a DIY or large-group trip, and relax on a chauffeur-driven tour of the must-see towns and villages. See the riverbank houses of Bourton-on-the-Water, and admire honey-stoned Broadway and other gems; all with a driver-guide for personalized service plus flexible pickup and drop-off options.

Get the inside scoop on Oxford's storied history on this private walking tour. Through your dedicated guide's informative narration, learn about the evolution of the university and all the achievements that have taken place there. Enjoy a flexible itinerary, personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions, since this is a private tour for just you and your party.

Enjoy Oxford’s pubs and illuminated historical sights on this private evening walking tour. With a local guide, delve into twilit streets and visit two or three pubs as you hear urban legends, stories about student antics, and tales of this university town’s past. Discover pubs favored by famous alumni, relax into the sociable atmosphere, and admire the exteriors of well-known colleges on route.

Step into the world of Jeremy Clarkson’s hit TV show with this immersive road trip through the Cotswolds. Visit the iconic Diddly Squat Farm Shop, enjoy a pint at Hawkstone Brewery, and relax at The Farmer’s Dog pub—all set against the backdrop of rolling English countryside. Along the way, explore charming villages, sample local produce, and discover the real-life locations that inspired the show. Perfect for fans and countryside explorers alike!

Walk in the footsteps of two of the most famous authors from Oxford: CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. Learn about the authors’ lives and works as you walk around past key sites in their lives, including Exeter College (where Tolkien studied), University Church (where Lewis preached) and the Eagle & Child Pub (where the two met weekly as part of The Inklings).

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.

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.

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.

Explore Oxford University’s famous regatta course on this Thames River sightseeing cruise. Hop aboard your sightseeing boat in the heart of Oxford and cruise out onto the famous waterway. Learn more about the city’s rich history from your guide, and discover local landmarks such as Folly Bridge, Christchurch College, the Oxford University boathouses and the Meadows.

The Cotswolds' prettiest villages are spread across narrow country lanes that coaches can't reach. This private tour puts in a luxury Mercedes-Benz handles the back roads with ease, delivering you to stops like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold. Your itinerary is designed around your interests, with optional pauses at farm shops and village bakeries.

Discover Oxford’s highlights on foot and two wheels on this walking and bicycle tour. Set out by foot to visit the Bodleian Library, Christ Church, and other colleges as you learn about their history and former luminaries. Then, ride a bike to see the Radcliffe Camera, Magdalen College, places linked to Oxford’s literary heritage, and other sights. Includes entrance fees and bike usage during your tour.

Admire Oxford from the water on this cruise, and see a side to the city that many travelers miss. Float along the tranquil Thames River as your skipper points out places of interest such as Christchurch College, the Meadows, Port Meadow, and Folly Bridge—which you can enjoy without having to jostle the land-based crowds. A picnic lunch midway keeps you fueled throughout.

Explore the fascinating world of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis on this guided walking tour through Oxford. See iconic locations such as Exeter College, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library, and Magdalen College, where the Inklings met. Discover how these writers inspired and helped one another. Enjoy a visit to Magdalen College, where Lewis spent nearly three decades. This tour provides a unique insight into the lives of these authors and the city that inspired them. - 2.5 hour guided walking tour of Oxford’s literary landmarks - Visit Magdalen College, where Lewis worked from 1925 to 1954 - Suitable for teenagers and adults; private tours are also available for families with young children - Learn from an expert guide about the lives of Tolkien and Lewis and their friendship - Learn how Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) met the young Alice Liddell at Christ Church College and how she inspired him to write Alice in Wonderland! - Avoid the crowds - maximum group 12 people

Perfect for history buffs and those looking for a unique gift idea. This tour offers exclusive access to some of the university's oldest colleges, beautiful gardens, and historic chapels.[Enter St Johns and Keble College]This small-group experience, limited to just ten participants, ensures a more personal and engaging atmosphere. This walking tour includes entry to two of the iconic colleges of Oxford University. Discover the unique architecture and philosophy of these storied institutions as you soak up the ambience of this enchanting city. It's a perfect gift for anyone eager to explore the world of academia and enjoy the charm of one of the UK’s most iconic cities.