Tours & Activities in Oxford
Discover one of the most fascinating places in England on this guided tour of Oxford University. This tour is not to be missed!
Take a trip through two thousand years of Oxford’s history, visiting famous sites and little-known gems.
You’ll learn why the Anglo-Saxons first built a settlement here some 1500 years ago, how the city has has become the home of a globally renowned university and what it’s like to live here today.
Along the way I’ll introduce you to some of the famous characters who have made Oxford their home and contributed to its reputation as one of world’s great centres of science, art and culture, including John Locke, Albert Einstein, J.RR Tolkien, Lewis Carol and many many more.
The Tour Includes:
- Oxford Castle and St George’s Tower (two of the city’s oldest buildings)
- Christchurch College (a college of the University dating back to 1546 and the alma mata of thirteen British Prime ministers)
- The Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library (The centre of the University’s Library system dating to the 15th century)
- All Souls College (one of the world’s most exclusive academic institutions)
- The University Church (The venue for some of the most important moments in English religious history)
- The Natural History Museum (A repository of important scientific specimens, including the only remaining soft tissue from a dodo)
As we journey through the city, I’ll also take you off the tourist trail to discover some surprises that many visitors miss.
I can also offer advice on where to eat, drink and relax.
The walking tour includes the visits to the outsides of most of the locations listed. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for these attractions to visit afterwards, I will happily advise you where this can be done.
Hello, I am David, an Oxonian, being born, raised and educated in this wonderful city of 'dreaming spires', a term used to describe Oxford's stunning architecture. I will bring the hidden history of the city to life and explain what student life is like today compared to medieval times. You will gain an understanding of the complex relationship between the 'town' (Oxford) and 'gown' (University) over the centuries.
You will see the important University locations from the outside (e.g. Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre, University Church of St. Mary the Virgin) and some of the most famous city sights (e.g. Martyrs' Memorial, St Michael-at-the-Northgate, Carfax Tower, Covered Market). Filming locations for Inspector Morse and Harry Potter, together with places associated with JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis and Lewis Carroll will be pointed out. The highlight of the tour will be Radcliffe Square, the heart of the University and has a real 'wow' factor!
I will always aim to include a visit to a College, especially for the afternoon tour.
At the end of the tour, I will recommend other places to see and visit.
All tours will start and finish on the steps to the entrance of the Weston Library in Broad Street.
It would be fantastic for you to join me on one of my tours - I love showing off my home city and have a wealth of knowledge to impart and share with you.