Top Oxford Walking Tours - page 3

Explore the lives of two of Oxford's greatest writers, and their friendship, with an award-winning guide. On this tour we will follow in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. We will see where they studied, taught, lived, worshipped, lectured, wrote and - most importantly - drank with their friends the Inklings. Out of these friendships and conversations emerged Aslan, Gandalf and many other much-loved characters and stories. Both men became extremely famous in their lifetimes, but never gave up their day-jobs of teaching in the English department. We will explore CS Lewis's conversion to Christianity and late-life marriage to Joy Gresham, and hear about Tolkien's student pranks and life-long deep love for trees. We will end at the beautiful college of Magdalen, where Lewis taught for nearly 30 years and the Inklings met every Thursday. If you want to go inside it, you will need to pay the entrance fee, which is £9.50 adults/£8.50 concessions.

Enjoy a different way to explore the sights of scholarly Oxford—and pair your sightseeing with a cocktail of your choice—on this evening cruise. Board your boat before the sun sets, and head out onto the calm waters with just your guide and a small group for company. Sip a cocktail or a soft drink as you soak up the views, and spot attractions including Christ Church Meadow.

Enjoy a relaxed, hassle-free evening in Oxford with this river cruise and dinner combination that takes care of both sightseeing and dining in one seamless experience. Cruise along the River Thames while sipping chilled prosecco and taking in peaceful views of Christchurch Meadows and the university boathouses. Afterward, head to a highly regarded city-center restaurant for a delicious three-course meal—perfect for making the most of your time without juggling separate bookings.

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.

Explore the ‘uncomfortable’ side of the Ashmolean Museum. This tour highlights the contentious histories within museum spaces, bringing forward discussions about colonial origins, object transferal networks, and requests for repatriation. It encourages critical thinking and engagement with the Ashmolean Museum, its collections, and its displays. Delving into the intricate layers of history behind the exhibits, this tour will provide insight into the imperial connections that led to the development of the first public museum in England. Through the questioning of labels, displays, and exhibits, this tour asks participants: What is the purpose of a museum? All our tours are led by university researchers who have completed our official Uncomfortable Oxford training programme. Our guides combine expert knowledge and performance, ensuring each tour is a fun and educational experience. The tour has been developed in collaboration with the Ashmolean Museum staff and curators.

On this fully guided walking tour of Oxford’s must-see top 10 highlights, visitors can discover the treasures of one of the greatest university cities in the world. This tour offers the best opportunity to see the very best of Oxford. Starting from the heart of Oxford's historical centre, your expert local guide offers a wonderful engaging tour through the vibrant historical streets of Oxford visiting both well-known sites and hidden gems where visitors can see, and experience so much more, than they could on their own. Packed full of incredible insights and up-close historical visits, including the Bridge of Sighs, the 14th-century New College, and magnificent Divinity Library, this interactive, three hour tour is the essential guide into Oxford city and England’s fascinating history. Visit Oxford’s Top 10, including Bridge of Sighs, the 13th century New College as well as the magnificent Divinity Library, where many of the Harry Potter moves were filmed.

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.

Oxford is home to one of the world’s most famous and prestigious colleges, and this private 2-hour walking tour unveils all the secrets of the university city. Marvel at landmarks including the Bodleian Library and the Bridge of Sighs; and follow in the footsteps of British legends such as J.R.R Tolkien, CS Lewis, King Henry VIII, and Harry Potter.

Christ Church is home to many wonders, and I'm lucky enough to be one of the few guides accredited to take private tours inside. The college caps these at 5 people, so they are very exclusive! Christ Church is the most famous college in the world's oldest English-speaking university, unique in having a chapel that's also a cathedral. It has been a place of worship for 1300 years, founded by a feisty Saxon saint before Oxford even existed. Over time it became home not just to thousands of scholars but to the real Alice in Wonderland and, more recently, a famous boy wizard. I invite you to travel back in time via the spectacular Tudor dining hall, miraculously rescued ancient shrine, carved throne of doomed King Charles I, fabulous Hogwarts staircase and rare medieval stained glass windows to get a history of not just the college, but England itself. IMPORTANT: I'll need to check the college's availability before confirming.

Solve cryptic clues, uncover stories, and enjoy the excitement of following a treasure map with this private self-guided adventure around Oxford. No need to pick up any equipment—simply access the game via a link on your smartphone and you’re ready to begin. The treasure hunt is all outdoors, which is the perfect way to avoid crowds, and it’s a great way to learn lesser-known facts about Oxford too.

LET US GO ON A LITTLE FORAGING MISSION TOGETHER! - Explore with me the local area by foot where I will show you around 50 (!) different edible wild plants plus a few poisonous ones - The walk also includes the sampling of foraged food/drinks and homemade natural skin salves/creams

See more of the picturesque Cotswolds than you could on your own on this full-day trip from Moreton-in-Marsh or Stratford-upon-Avon. Showcasing the region's must-see villages that can be tricky to find on your own, this excursion visits Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Camden, and lesser-known sights that many Cotswolds tourists miss. You have ample free time to explore, along with commentary and tips for places to eat or see through the day.

Travel seamlessly between Oxford and Heathrow Airport by prebooking a private transfer. Avoid the hassle of public transport or waiting in long lines for taxis. Choose a pickup time that works for your schedule, meet your driver outside your hotel or accommodations. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy a comfortable ride to Heathrow.

Admire the highlights of England’s Cotswolds on this full-day, small-group tour from Oxford. Traveling by air-conditioned minivan with a driver-guide, stop to explore villages such as Great Tew and Stow-on-the-Wold. En route, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Burford, stroll around Bourton-on-the-Water, and visit the village and 15th-century ruins of Minster Lovell. Includes transport and central Oxford pickup and drop-off, with entrance fees at your expense.

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.

Explore Oxford University with a graduate as your guide to show you around and tell you all about what it’s like studying within these hallowed halls. Learn about thousands of years worth of history and tradition at this university while you take in stunning architecture. Tour in a small group of no more than 12 and learn things about the city that even locals might have missed.

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.

There's no need to grapple with luggage on London public transit. Get from Oxford to London Heathrow Airport without the stress when you book this convenient coach service, with free onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging, and power sockets, direct from Oxford. Services run both day and night, from a range of convenient Oxford locations, and are fully climate-controlled with onboard restrooms.

Explore Christchurch, Oxford’s most prestigious college on an ancient site. Harry Potter was filmed, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland were conceived here, and 13 British Prime Ministers educated and famousHarry Potter scenes filmed. Visit the Hall, staircase, medieval cathedral, and more of its architectural marvels. The tour continues with a beautifully curated introduction to Oxford’s architectural and historical highlights, featuring its most iconic sites, offering a concise yet immersive journey through centuries of history and culture. An Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG) certified guide is one of the few permitted to lead visitors inside Christchurch. You will enjoy an informed and enriching experience. ITG green and blue badge guides meet strict standards of historical knowledge, guiding expertise, and visitor safety. This tour is available in English, French, or both.

Get a taste of life in Oxford and meet local residents on this small-group guided social walk. Ideal for solo travelers or groups of friends, meet your local guide then choose a route to explore, which can include city landmarks, Oxford University Parks, Iffley Village, and more. Grab a drink or bite (own expenses) at the end of the walk.

Explore the highlights of Oxford's two major art collections, at the Ashmolean Museum and Christ Church Picture Gallery, with an art historian and Sotheby’s specialist. Join me on a rich and entertaining journey through the history of European art, from Ancient Greece to French Impressionism. On the way, you’ll discover masterpieces ranging from Uccello's Hunt in the Forest, to Monet’s Sunset at Sea. Half way through, we’ll have a coffee break at Ashmolean’s Rooftop café. We’ll then walk to Christ Church Picture Gallery, part of Christ Church, one Oxford’s most famous colleges, to see masterpieces from their collection of mainly Italian paintings and drawings, including Botticelli's paintings of the Sybils, and Head of Young Woman by Verrocchio, one of the most beautiful drawings that remains from the Florentine Renaissance. During the experience, you'll be introduced to specialist skills, including spotting painting restorations and identifying 15th century paper.

Can money ever be 'clean'? This tour highlights the University of Oxford’s relationship with contentious sources of revenue. Learn about historic and modern wealth distribution networks within the University and engage with conversations of wealth inequality in a city experiencing a housing crisis. We ask why billionaires keep investing in the historic university, how massive philanthropic donations should be handled, and what effects such income streams have on academic freedom and political neutrality. All our tours are led by university researchers who have completed our official Uncomfortable Oxford training programme. Our guides combine expert knowledge and performance, ensuring each tour is a fun and educational experience. Tour recommended for teens age 14 and older.

Explore the historical ties between Oxford and the British Empire and the impact of imperialism on this private guided walking tour. Led by an Oxford University student guide, visit key sights, like the Natural History Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum and pass by pivotal colleges and schools, including Rhodes House, New College and the Oxford Martin School.

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.