Who’s coming to Oxford?
Pick the tile that fits your party. We’ll build the walk around your interests, pace and guide.
Private guided walks from £185
Solo & couplesA walk for one or two, shaped around what you’re curious about.
Group toursFriends, societies, alumni, schools and coach parties.
Families & childrenPaced for the youngest, told for every age.
Specialist toursMorse, Harry Potter, literature and more.
Corporate experiencesConferences, delegations and client days.
Not sure?
Choose a walk
Every one of these can be shortened, lengthened or combined.

Discover Oxford
Explore Oxford’s famous sights, historic colleges and fascinating stories with a knowledgeable local guide.
- Radcliffe Square, the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bridge of Sighs
- The Bodleian Library, the Divinity School and the University Church

Oxford on Screen
Discover the Oxford locations behind Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, Lewis, Endeavour and other memorable film and television productions.
- Lewis, Endeavour, His Dark Materials, Wonka and The Favourite
- College quads, grand staircases, historic libraries and hidden lanes
Photo: Jps3, CC BY-SA 4.0Oxford Colleges & University Life
Explore Oxford’s colleges, student traditions and university history, with advice on college visits and access where available.
- Colleges (Balliol, Trinity, New), architecture, the university and its history
- Inside a college, subject to opening on the day

Oxford and Beyond
Discover Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath and Stonehenge on a private half-day or full-day excursion with a Blue Badge guide.
- Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Bath and Stonehenge for a longer day

Oxford for Families
Discover Oxford through engaging stories, curious characters and family-friendly experiences tailored to your children’s ages and interests.
- Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland themes available on request
- Recommendations for family-friendly activities and experiences to suit your interests, energy levels and schedule

Oxford’s Literary World
Explore the lives, friendships and imaginative worlds of Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, Philip Pullman and other writers connected with Oxford.
- The colleges of Lewis, Tolkien, Auden and Golding
- Lewis Carroll's Christ Church and the origins of Alice

Oxford Uncovered: Secrets, Legends & Student Life
Venture beyond the familiar sights to uncover hidden corners, eccentric characters, strange traditions and the city’s curious stories.
- Secret places, lesser-known stories, hidden corners, unusual buildings and details
- Ghosts, legends, unusual stories, eccentric characters, hidden curiosities

Bespoke Oxford
Tell us what interests you, and we’ll create a tailor-made Oxford experience around your group, interests and pace.
- Mix and match from what you’ve seen here
- Gardens, natural history, women’s history, LGBTQ+ Oxford, Jewish heritage, politics, religion and music

Build your own tour
Looking for something a little different? We can match you with a guide who can create a private tour, something completely unique.
Choose one or more to combine.
What makes our tours different
Six things that hold true on every walk we run, whoever is guiding it.

Always private, never shared
Always private. Your guide, your party, nobody else.

Doors that usually stay shut
Quads, libraries and halls most visitors never see, opened through 20 years of relationships.

Built around what interests you
Tell us what you're curious about and we'll draw the route around it. Not sure? Let us surprise you.

Blue and Green Badge only
Every guide is accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

Connected to the best of local Oxford
We know the best local businesses in Oxford — need somewhere to stay, eat or shop?

Walked at your pace
Sit down when you want to and linger where it matters.
Starting prices
Prices are per guide and cover the private guided experience itself. They are full prices, with no VAT added.
- Private Blue or Green Badge guide
- Planning and delivery of your tour
- The classic walk, or a subject that interests you
- Private Blue or Green Badge guide
- Planning and delivery of your tour
- Blenheim Palace or the Cotswolds as a half day from Oxford
- Private Blue or Green Badge guide
- Planning and delivery of your tour
- Built around a hand-picked experience
- Blenheim, the Cotswolds, Stratford, Bath or Stonehenge
Specialist and unusual Oxford experiences are priced as above, excluding entry costs.
Three steps, no forms to fight
- 01
Tell us your date, party and interests
Use the form or call. A date, the number of people and a line about what you'd like to see is enough.
- 02
We match you with a guide
You'll get an accredited guide, a proposed route and the fee. Nothing is booked until you say yes.
- 03
Meet and walk
Your guide can meet you wherever you like. Then it's your Oxford for as long as you've booked.
The most common meeting points are the Ashmolean Museum, the Martyrs' Memorial and the train station.
What our guests have said
Read authentic reviews from people who walked Oxford with us.
Victoria did an absolutely wonderful tour. She personalised everything, and the breadth of her knowledge was amazing. She addressed each of our questions and took us to specific sites for our areas of interest, from the history of the colleges to Inspector Morse and Harry Potter scenes.
A lovely afternoon on the Morse, Lewis, Endeavour tour. Our guide Heidi was magnificent, a lovely personality, very knowledgeable, passionate and endearing. A most memorable experience to celebrate our visit to Oxford on our first date 31 years ago. Can thoroughly recommend this tour.
Elizabeth Hudson made Oxford a favourite for us! She showed us all the colleges and more. Her knowledge of Oxford and her passion for it shone through. She was kind and beyond informative.
Meet the guides
Not sure which tour or guide is right for you? Tell us about your group and interests, and we’ll recommend the best fit.
Prefer to choose your own guide? Browse Our Guides by language or specialism.
Green BadgeJane Mead
A qualified Green Badge guide, I love showing visitors around the stunning architecture of Oxford and bringing the city alive with stories of the many individuals past & present, real and fictional, who have known these streets and strolled around these colleges and quads. As well as introducing you to the story of the city and the university, I enjoy adapting tours to guests’ interests and I specialise in
· C S Lewis & J R R Tolkien at Oxford
· The Oxford of Morse, Lewis and Endeavour, Oxford’s most famous fictional detectives
· Oxford’s religious history, from medieval monks and saints to Methodism and the Oxford Movement
· Children’s Stories – from Lewis Carroll to contemporary writers
· Literary Oxford
- C S Lewis & J R R Tolkien
- Morse, Lewis and Endeavour
- Literary Oxford
Christ Church & Bodleian guideMagnus Macfarlane
For the past 15 years my guests have enjoyed “entertaining, knowledgeable and insightful” tours of historic Oxford. For 5 years I have been testing my colleagues with a quiz and writing monthly articles about the heart of Oxford for which I have a passion. I am also a privileged, licenced guide in Christ Church and the Bodleian Library.
My special interests are History, Pre-Raphaelites, Film, Morse, Weathervanes and Ghosts
Take your pick of what you want to include in your tour: the University, history, traditions, literature, colleges, buildings, the library, people, exhibitions, museums, religion and politics and all in a “light witty and wise” way
- Pre-Raphaelites
- Film and Morse
- Weathervanes and Ghosts
Green BadgeLeigh Guyatt
I am a qualified Green badge Guide for oxford and a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. I settled in Oxford in 1984 after a “life in the fast lane”.
Before Oxford life I lived and trained as a Secondary School teacher in Inner London, where I taught Business Studies for five years.
In 1980 I decided to return to Hong Kong and teach in the Forces School. This experience whetted my appetite and I have travelled extensively ever since.
I returned to UK in 1984 and had several teaching jobs in and around Oxford where I decided to settle.
In 1986 whilst doing a course on Oxford and its Architecture at the College of Further Education I met some of the early members of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides and they encouraged me to become a guide. I loved it and have been guiding on and off ever since.
Over the years I have enjoyed expanding my repertoire and now guide not only on City tours but specialist tours such as Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and latterly Morse, Lewis and Endeavour.
- City tours
- Harry Potter & Alice
- Morse, Lewis & Endeavour
Green BadgeSusannah Sallé
I grew up in a village near Oxford, spent all my school years here, and after university studies in Leeds, London, Florence and Montpellier, I returned to my roots!
After ten years in the publishing industry, I now dovetail freelance editing work with tours of Oxford. With my ITG Oxford City Green Badge, I give tours in English and French, and also speak some Italian. I get a buzz from sharing ‘my’ city with people from all over the world and of all ages, giving them an insight into its workings and learning new things myself all the time.
- City & University
- Tours in French
- All ages
Accredited guideJoanna Hamilton
I have spent most of my life in Oxford so it is a joy to be part of the accredited guiding community. I know all the facts and figures (numbers and people) but offer visitors a ‘tailored’ experience.
My particular interests might be the history, literature, architecture and people of Oxford, but Harry Potter, Alice, pubs and punting feature too.
It’s wonderful work touring the streets of Oxford and sharing the stories, old and new, with interested and interesting visitors from overseas and the UK. I inform, entertain and make sure visitors get the most out of their visit.
- History & literature
- Architecture
- Harry Potter & Alice
Ben Lawson
I am an Oxford Green badge holder and grew up in the city.
I have worked for the BBC in News, television Entertainment, Comedy and Radio Production. My experience includes public facing areas of the BBC, presenting and demonstrating new technology and providing VIP visits to BBC studios.
Before returning to live in Oxford, I provided tours of numerous TV and Film location sites in London, including the ‘Secrets of the London Underground’ tours for the London Transport Museum. Ben also holds a BA Hons in English from Royal Holloway University of London. My specialist tours include film,TV, literature and children’s tours
- Film & TV locations
- Literature
- Children's tours
Verity Tiff
Following a career in Science Education working, with all age groups from reception to adults, including children and young adults with Special Educational Needs I trained as a Blue Badge Guide for the Heart of England Region in 2015. Since 2016 I have been leading walking tours and providing coach commentaries throughout the region, which includes Oxford.
Since then I have gained the Windsor and Eton accreditation and in 2023 gained the Oxford City Green Badge.
None of my tours are ever the same. They will always be tailored to what you, the visitor wants to see and do. My particular interests are architecture, the history of science and medicine, the history of religion and how it has shaped our society.
- Architecture
- Science & medicine
- Coach commentaries
Accredited guideVictoria Bentata
A graduate of Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University, I have a huge enthusiasm and interest in Oxford’s history and heritage, which I am always delighted to share. I try to make my tours fun as well as informative and to tailor them to my guests.
Alongside general introductory tours to the University and City, I also give specialised tours on a variety of themes: Oxford’s Literary heritage, its place in the history of Medicine and Science, its Civil War story as the Royalist Capital, Oxford’s Women, Oxford’s Jewish Heritage and an introduction to its wonderful stone carvings, known as Gargoyles and Grotesques. I have recently developed a World War II tour of Oxford, outlining the extraordinary contribution of the city to military intelligence, medical and scientific research and to keeping RAF planes in the air throughout the Second World War.
I studied Russian, German and history and give tours in French and Spanish as well as English.
- Literary Oxford
- Science & medicine
- Tours in French
Guy Collins
I would be delighted to show you round Oxford and introduce you to the fascinating cast of characters that have shaped its development.
My walks cover 1,000 years of history from the founding of the mediaeval colleges through the Civil War and the growth of the modern city and university.
Apart from general tours, I offer specialist visits on architecture, literature or politics and will adapt to your requirements.
I am a Green Badge guide for Oxford, accredited with the Institute of Tourist Guiding, and a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides, the professional association for the city.
- A thousand years of history
- Architecture
- Literature & politics
Accredited guideBryan Hartley
I first fell in love with Oxford when I was a student here and it has been home for the past 35 years. It is a privilege to share my city with visitors from both near and far.
I aim to make my tours flexible, informative and importantly – fun. My guiding interests range from architecture, the arts and culture, through to the history and modern-day workings of the University – taking in science, medicine and Harry Potter on the way (other film and TV locations are available).
When not guiding, I am often to be found in gardens – either my own or visiting one of the delightful gardens of Oxford or the Cotswolds.
- Architecture & the arts
- University life
- Harry Potter & film
Green BadgeJess Worth
I will help you make the most out of your time in Oxford! I’ve lived here for over 25 years and love sharing my enthusiasm for our stunning city’s history, culture and green spaces – and its many eccentric inhabitants. I have a degree in History/English Literature and a Masters, and enjoy bringing to life for visitors the social, political and imaginative role that Oxford has played in the history of Britain, and the world.
- fully-qualified Green Badge tour guide
- happy to tailor a tour to your interests, including architecture, stained glass, Pre-Raphaelites, women in Oxford and radical Oxford
- Pre-Raphaelites & stained glass
- Women in Oxford
- Radical Oxford
Accredited guideSara Fletcher
My name is Sara. I am an historian with a passion for the culture, history and heritage of Oxford. My love of the city began when I studied at Brasenose College, one of the 39 University colleges.
Come on a tour and let me share with you Oxford’s fascinating tales and curiosities. My special interests include: the city’s art, architecture and stained-glass windows; Oxford’s writers, their literature and poetry; the development of science and medicine as well as crime, punishment and policing through time; Oxford at the time of war; and the story of women in Oxford.
- Art & stained glass
- Writers & poets
- Crime and punishment
Green BadgeRebecca White
I have been working in the travel industry for over 30 years and have had the privilege of escorting tour groups to over 100 countries, mostly during my time working on board cruise ships.
I have returned home and am now proudly a fully qualified Green Badge Tour Guide for the City of Oxford. Member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides, Member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding and an Accredited Guide for the college of Christ Church.
I have a great passion for History, stained glass windows, film & literature, specialising in the Inspector Morse, Lewis & Endeavour series.
I am happy to tailor make my tours to include your interests and what you would like to experience in this glorious city.
- Morse, Lewis & Endeavour
- Stained glass
- Christ Church accredited
Blue & Green BadgeSean Callery
Hello! I offer tours in historic Oxford and across the beautiful Cotswolds. I love telling its many stories.
I’m a Green Badge Guide for Oxford and a Blue Badge for the Heart of England. I’ve been a journalist, writer and teacher so I’ve spent my life finding fun ways to present stories and information. I’ve also written a book about the area, called Offbeat Cotswolds.
I enjoy meeting people and tweaking my tours to follow their interests. Plus being a guide is a great excuse to be really nosey and I’m always finding out new things.
- Historic Oxford
- The Cotswolds
- Storytelling
Accredited guideErica Kendall
Maybe you’re visiting Oxford for the first or tenth time, maybe you live here! Whichever way, I ‘d love to spend some time with you and share my stories. I’ll bring the ancient stones to life with tales of saints and students, eccentric academics, kings and cannonballs, mallards and mayhem.
You’ll laugh, you might cry, you’ll learn, you’ll return. I’m a Cambridge graduate, and started off working as a lawyer and then as a writer. Now I work as a guide and also at the Bodleian Library. I will tailor a tour especially for you, so do get in touch!
- Storytelling tours
- Saints, students & eccentrics
- The Bodleian
Blue & Green BadgeSteve Roth
A long-time resident of Stroud on the high western edge of the Cotswolds, I am a Green Badge guide for Oxford and a Blue Badge guide for the Heart of England, which includes the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon Avon.
A newspaper and magazine journalist, I’ve spent my life telling stories. I love history; embrace the bizarre; thrill to tales of adventure and derring-do; and am particularly fond of folklore, myths and legends.
I’ll lead you through Oxford’s long, eventful and – lets be honest – sometimes strange history, and explain how the university operates today. I am also accredited to guide in Christchurch.
- Folklore, myths & legends
- The Cotswolds & Stratford
- Christ Church accredited
Blue & Green BadgeVicky Bailey
I’ve just become an Oxford City Green Badge Guide and have been leading tours for fifteen years as an extremely enthusiastic London Blue Badge Guide! My special subjects include Egyptology, literary tours in Oxford and Oxford in the Civil War.
I love showing you all around and revealing the hidden stories behind the statues, lamplights and sculptures around the streets of Oxford before having lunch at one of Oxford’s famous historic pubs. Tours of Oxford can be combined with other sites, such as Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace.
- Egyptology
- Literary Oxford
- Oxford in the Civil War
Blue & Green BadgeAnne Roberts
I’m lucky: I work in a beautiful, fascinating city and each tour is different. I’m an Oxford Green Badge Guide and a Blue Badge Guide for the region, which allows me to take visitors a little further afield – Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds, for example!
As an experienced teacher, I explain difficult ideas clearly eg Oxford Colleges, and I’m a story-teller and entertainer.
As well as general tours showing the University and town, my particular interests include Literary Oxford, Harry Potter, the real Alice, Poets and Novelists, William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites, Children’s tours and, above all, fictional crime!
- Literary Oxford
- Harry Potter & the real Alice
- Fictional crime
Green BadgeAlastair Lack
I studied at Oxford University before working for the BBC for almost thirty years. I then worked for Oxford University before training as a Green Badge Guide for the city of Oxford.
As well as leading general tours of the university and city, I enjoy the variety of several specialised tours. These tours include Inspector Morse and Lewis, Film Oxford, Oxford in the Civil War, Literary Oxford and the Oxford of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein.
- Morse & Lewis
- Film Oxford
- Lewis & Tolkien
Blue BadgeEdward Taylor
As an Oxford resident and Blue Badge guide I’ve been welcoming people to the city of dreaming spires for the last five years. I’ve found that exploring the University at a relaxed pace allows everyone to soak up the atmosphere of the famous colleges and gardens, while learning about the traditions, and the fascinating stories of students and fellows, past and present.
I often lead specialist tours such as the literary Oxford of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, or science and medicine at the University. I enjoy tailoring a tour for the needs of my clients, and usually include a recommendation for the best taverns or restaurants for refreshment afterwards!
Beyond Oxford I lead groups to the Cotswolds, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Blenheim Palace, and many other attractions in the region, offering coach tours and local walking tours
- Lewis & Tolkien
- Science & medicine
- Coach tours
Green BadgeBrian Lowe
I am a Green Badge Guide in Oxford, now in my fifteenth year. Living just outside Oxford all my life, I pursued a career in photography in the Royal Navy, and then in industry; at retirement I took up guiding through my love of the city, and enjoy showing people the beauty of this place.
Apart from City & University tours, I also lead walks on Stained Glass, Religion in Oxford, St. John Henry Newman, John Wesley, C S Lewis & JRR Tolkien, and Oxford in the Civil War.
Beyond guiding my interests extend to local history, photography, walking and bellringing.
- Stained glass
- Religion in Oxford
- Oxford in the Civil War
Green BadgeChristine Bainbridge
I hold the coveted Green Badge for this City.. Oxford is a magical place to tour around. Magnificent buildings, the majesty of colleges spanning 800 years, glimpses through doorways as you follow in the footsteps of the real and imaginary characters who were here before you.
Apart from the walking tour which gives you an overall understanding of the City and University and on which you will see the iconic buildings I offer some specialist tours:
- Religious History
- Children’s Stories
- Morse, Lewis and Endeavour
- Literary Oxford
- Religious history
- Children's stories
- Morse, Lewis & Endeavour
Guild memberElizabeth Hudson-Evans
I have been a guide and a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides for 11 years. I have guided hundreds of visitors around our wonderful city and the University.
I specialise in Morse and Lewis and Literary tours. Also Stained glass, and Tudor Oxford, and of course Children’s Literature in Oxford. I also enjoy giving tours for school children.
- Morse & Lewis
- Tudor Oxford
- Children's literature
Green BadgeHeidi Boon Rickard
I have been in the travel industry for over 20 years and have been fortunate to travel all over the world. I’ve been a tour guide in the Netherlands and a holiday representative in Turkey. My work has taken me to America, Canada and Australia.
I trained as a Green badge guide in Oxford and I love discovering its secrets and sharing them with the groups I guide.
As well as the general tour I offer specialist tours including Inspector Morse, Film sites, Harry Potter, Gargoyles and Grotesques, Literary Oxford, Downton Abbey and Bampton, and of course Alice in Wonderland.
- Inspector Morse
- Film sites & Harry Potter
- Downton Abbey & Bampton
Guild memberSusanne Addis
I made Oxford my home 22 years ago after living in several different countries since I left school. My degrees are in English and Social Sciences.
Bilingual English and German, I am a qualified language guide and member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. Every time I walk around my city I know how privileged I am to live amidst such beauty and multicultural heritage which I love to share.
I adapt my tours to my guests’ personal interests, often researching particular parts in more detail and also enjoy taking families and young people on tour, always including fun facts and stories for all ages.
By drawing a wider picture of Oxford’s unique place in history and the world today my tours are informative and entertaining.
- Tours in German
- Families & young people
- Oxford in the wider world
Green BadgeBrigitte Whitehead
I am a qualified Green Badge guide for Oxford, a place I have called home since 1987. I grew up in Salzburg, Austria.
I am a current doctoral student at the University of Oxford (Architectural History). My thesis is on an Edwardian architect-artist who grew up in Oxford.
I am a retired teacher (25 years) of modern foreign languages (German, French, Spanish, Portuguese) and theology, and prior to teaching worked as a freelance translator and interpreter.
I enjoy guiding children, teenagers, adults … I am well informed on what is going on in the city, and within the university.
- Architectural history
- Tours in German, French, Spanish & Portuguese
Green BadgeDavid Crosby
Let me take you on a fun and informative walking tour in the historic heart of Oxford. As a qualified Green Badge guide with a passion for storytelling, I will give you the inside story on the university’s traditions and most colourful characters. You will go inside one of University’s famous colleges. Experience the wonderful atmosphere, learn how the students live and hear humorous stories along the way.
See the most iconic buildings – the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre. And all the time you will be walking in the footsteps of famous authors, film stars, scientists and politicians.
- University traditions
- Colourful characters
- Inside a college
Green Badge • Guild trainerFelicity Lewington
Hello, my name is Felicity! I am a professionally accredited UK Institute of Tour Guides, Green Badge Guide. A member and trainer of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides taking tours for 11 years.
My tours aim to provide “light bulb” moments of “I didn’t know that”! They are a mixture of fun, contemporary facts, plus the fascinating history of the ancient city of Oxford. I am flexible and can tailor make my tours to suit visitors from the UK and all over the world. I want to ensure Oxford is a memorable visit.
I specialise in the following tours: General city and university tours. Harry Potter location tours with insights into the filming and JK Rowling’s books. Alice in Wonderland a glimpse into the world created by Lewis Carol. Get to know the real Alice and her family and their life in 19th century Oxford. Pre Raphaelites in Oxford including William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. Literary tours exploring the world of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Philip Pullman. English as a Foreign Language city tours. My background in teaching and TEFL Qualifications allows me to provide clear, concise, correct vocabulary for all English levels.
- Harry Potter & Alice
- Tolkien, Lewis & Pullman
- Tours for English learners
Green Badge • Bodleian guideIan Mitchell
I arrived in Oxford over 40 years ago when I became a lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. On retirement I took history courses at Oxford University, qualified as a Bodleian and Green Badge Guide and became a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. I love the fascinating history and glorious beauty of Oxford.
I provide general tours where we walk in the footsteps of …..authors and their fictional characters, scientists, politicians, world leaders, and stars of film and TV…..through college quads and gardens.
I also have a particular interest in architecture, science and medicine and provide tours focusing on these areas. I aim to inform and entertain and be adaptable. Tours should be fun and I love questions as we go. My experience in university education and my family links with Cambridge and Oxford helps me explain the particular nature of Oxford University to those considering studying here.
- Architecture
- Science & medicine
- Prospective students
Blue BadgeSally Jenkins
I studied Modern Languages at Cambridge University, then moved to Oxford, where I trained as a Blue Badge Guide. I have been guiding in and around this lovely city for many years, and have also worked as a tour manager in a lot of different countries.
I offer tours in French and Spanish as well as English. In addition to general tours, I offer walks with an emphasis on children’s literature, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter, C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien, film sites, science, literature and Inspector Morse.
- Children’s literature
- Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter
- C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien
- Film sites and Inspector Morse
Green BadgeJane Mead
A qualified Green Badge guide, I love showing visitors around the stunning architecture of Oxford and bringing the city alive with stories of the many individuals past & present, real and fictional, who have known these streets and strolled around these colleges and quads. As well as introducing you to the story of the city and the university, I enjoy adapting tours to guests’ interests and I specialise in
· C S Lewis & J R R Tolkien at Oxford
· The Oxford of Morse, Lewis and Endeavour, Oxford’s most famous fictional detectives
· Oxford’s religious history, from medieval monks and saints to Methodism and the Oxford Movement
· Children’s Stories – from Lewis Carroll to contemporary writers
· Literary Oxford
- C S Lewis & J R R Tolkien
- Morse, Lewis and Endeavour
- Literary Oxford
Christ Church & Bodleian guideMagnus Macfarlane
For the past 15 years my guests have enjoyed “entertaining, knowledgeable and insightful” tours of historic Oxford. For 5 years I have been testing my colleagues with a quiz and writing monthly articles about the heart of Oxford for which I have a passion. I am also a privileged, licenced guide in Christ Church and the Bodleian Library.
My special interests are History, Pre-Raphaelites, Film, Morse, Weathervanes and Ghosts
Take your pick of what you want to include in your tour: the University, history, traditions, literature, colleges, buildings, the library, people, exhibitions, museums, religion and politics and all in a “light witty and wise” way
- Pre-Raphaelites
- Film and Morse
- Weathervanes and Ghosts
Green BadgeLeigh Guyatt
I am a qualified Green badge Guide for oxford and a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. I settled in Oxford in 1984 after a “life in the fast lane”.
Before Oxford life I lived and trained as a Secondary School teacher in Inner London, where I taught Business Studies for five years.
In 1980 I decided to return to Hong Kong and teach in the Forces School. This experience whetted my appetite and I have travelled extensively ever since.
I returned to UK in 1984 and had several teaching jobs in and around Oxford where I decided to settle.
In 1986 whilst doing a course on Oxford and its Architecture at the College of Further Education I met some of the early members of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides and they encouraged me to become a guide. I loved it and have been guiding on and off ever since.
Over the years I have enjoyed expanding my repertoire and now guide not only on City tours but specialist tours such as Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and latterly Morse, Lewis and Endeavour.
- City tours
- Harry Potter & Alice
- Morse, Lewis & Endeavour
Green BadgeSusannah Sallé
I grew up in a village near Oxford, spent all my school years here, and after university studies in Leeds, London, Florence and Montpellier, I returned to my roots!
After ten years in the publishing industry, I now dovetail freelance editing work with tours of Oxford. With my ITG Oxford City Green Badge, I give tours in English and French, and also speak some Italian. I get a buzz from sharing ‘my’ city with people from all over the world and of all ages, giving them an insight into its workings and learning new things myself all the time.
- City & University
- Tours in French
- All ages
Accredited guideJoanna Hamilton
I have spent most of my life in Oxford so it is a joy to be part of the accredited guiding community. I know all the facts and figures (numbers and people) but offer visitors a ‘tailored’ experience.
My particular interests might be the history, literature, architecture and people of Oxford, but Harry Potter, Alice, pubs and punting feature too.
It’s wonderful work touring the streets of Oxford and sharing the stories, old and new, with interested and interesting visitors from overseas and the UK. I inform, entertain and make sure visitors get the most out of their visit.
- History & literature
- Architecture
- Harry Potter & Alice
Ben Lawson
I am an Oxford Green badge holder and grew up in the city.
I have worked for the BBC in News, television Entertainment, Comedy and Radio Production. My experience includes public facing areas of the BBC, presenting and demonstrating new technology and providing VIP visits to BBC studios.
Before returning to live in Oxford, I provided tours of numerous TV and Film location sites in London, including the ‘Secrets of the London Underground’ tours for the London Transport Museum. Ben also holds a BA Hons in English from Royal Holloway University of London. My specialist tours include film,TV, literature and children’s tours
- Film & TV locations
- Literature
- Children's tours
Verity Tiff
Following a career in Science Education working, with all age groups from reception to adults, including children and young adults with Special Educational Needs I trained as a Blue Badge Guide for the Heart of England Region in 2015. Since 2016 I have been leading walking tours and providing coach commentaries throughout the region, which includes Oxford.
Since then I have gained the Windsor and Eton accreditation and in 2023 gained the Oxford City Green Badge.
None of my tours are ever the same. They will always be tailored to what you, the visitor wants to see and do. My particular interests are architecture, the history of science and medicine, the history of religion and how it has shaped our society.
- Architecture
- Science & medicine
- Coach commentaries
Accredited guideVictoria Bentata
A graduate of Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University, I have a huge enthusiasm and interest in Oxford’s history and heritage, which I am always delighted to share. I try to make my tours fun as well as informative and to tailor them to my guests.
Alongside general introductory tours to the University and City, I also give specialised tours on a variety of themes: Oxford’s Literary heritage, its place in the history of Medicine and Science, its Civil War story as the Royalist Capital, Oxford’s Women, Oxford’s Jewish Heritage and an introduction to its wonderful stone carvings, known as Gargoyles and Grotesques. I have recently developed a World War II tour of Oxford, outlining the extraordinary contribution of the city to military intelligence, medical and scientific research and to keeping RAF planes in the air throughout the Second World War.
I studied Russian, German and history and give tours in French and Spanish as well as English.
- Literary Oxford
- Science & medicine
- Tours in French
Guy Collins
I would be delighted to show you round Oxford and introduce you to the fascinating cast of characters that have shaped its development.
My walks cover 1,000 years of history from the founding of the mediaeval colleges through the Civil War and the growth of the modern city and university.
Apart from general tours, I offer specialist visits on architecture, literature or politics and will adapt to your requirements.
I am a Green Badge guide for Oxford, accredited with the Institute of Tourist Guiding, and a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides, the professional association for the city.
- A thousand years of history
- Architecture
- Literature & politics
Accredited guideBryan Hartley
I first fell in love with Oxford when I was a student here and it has been home for the past 35 years. It is a privilege to share my city with visitors from both near and far.
I aim to make my tours flexible, informative and importantly – fun. My guiding interests range from architecture, the arts and culture, through to the history and modern-day workings of the University – taking in science, medicine and Harry Potter on the way (other film and TV locations are available).
When not guiding, I am often to be found in gardens – either my own or visiting one of the delightful gardens of Oxford or the Cotswolds.
- Architecture & the arts
- University life
- Harry Potter & film
Green BadgeJess Worth
I will help you make the most out of your time in Oxford! I’ve lived here for over 25 years and love sharing my enthusiasm for our stunning city’s history, culture and green spaces – and its many eccentric inhabitants. I have a degree in History/English Literature and a Masters, and enjoy bringing to life for visitors the social, political and imaginative role that Oxford has played in the history of Britain, and the world.
- fully-qualified Green Badge tour guide
- happy to tailor a tour to your interests, including architecture, stained glass, Pre-Raphaelites, women in Oxford and radical Oxford
- Pre-Raphaelites & stained glass
- Women in Oxford
- Radical Oxford
Accredited guideSara Fletcher
My name is Sara. I am an historian with a passion for the culture, history and heritage of Oxford. My love of the city began when I studied at Brasenose College, one of the 39 University colleges.
Come on a tour and let me share with you Oxford’s fascinating tales and curiosities. My special interests include: the city’s art, architecture and stained-glass windows; Oxford’s writers, their literature and poetry; the development of science and medicine as well as crime, punishment and policing through time; Oxford at the time of war; and the story of women in Oxford.
- Art & stained glass
- Writers & poets
- Crime and punishment
Green BadgeRebecca White
I have been working in the travel industry for over 30 years and have had the privilege of escorting tour groups to over 100 countries, mostly during my time working on board cruise ships.
I have returned home and am now proudly a fully qualified Green Badge Tour Guide for the City of Oxford. Member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides, Member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding and an Accredited Guide for the college of Christ Church.
I have a great passion for History, stained glass windows, film & literature, specialising in the Inspector Morse, Lewis & Endeavour series.
I am happy to tailor make my tours to include your interests and what you would like to experience in this glorious city.
- Morse, Lewis & Endeavour
- Stained glass
- Christ Church accredited
Blue & Green BadgeSean Callery
Hello! I offer tours in historic Oxford and across the beautiful Cotswolds. I love telling its many stories.
I’m a Green Badge Guide for Oxford and a Blue Badge for the Heart of England. I’ve been a journalist, writer and teacher so I’ve spent my life finding fun ways to present stories and information. I’ve also written a book about the area, called Offbeat Cotswolds.
I enjoy meeting people and tweaking my tours to follow their interests. Plus being a guide is a great excuse to be really nosey and I’m always finding out new things.
- Historic Oxford
- The Cotswolds
- Storytelling
Accredited guideErica Kendall
Maybe you’re visiting Oxford for the first or tenth time, maybe you live here! Whichever way, I ‘d love to spend some time with you and share my stories. I’ll bring the ancient stones to life with tales of saints and students, eccentric academics, kings and cannonballs, mallards and mayhem.
You’ll laugh, you might cry, you’ll learn, you’ll return. I’m a Cambridge graduate, and started off working as a lawyer and then as a writer. Now I work as a guide and also at the Bodleian Library. I will tailor a tour especially for you, so do get in touch!
- Storytelling tours
- Saints, students & eccentrics
- The Bodleian
Blue & Green BadgeSteve Roth
A long-time resident of Stroud on the high western edge of the Cotswolds, I am a Green Badge guide for Oxford and a Blue Badge guide for the Heart of England, which includes the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon Avon.
A newspaper and magazine journalist, I’ve spent my life telling stories. I love history; embrace the bizarre; thrill to tales of adventure and derring-do; and am particularly fond of folklore, myths and legends.
I’ll lead you through Oxford’s long, eventful and – lets be honest – sometimes strange history, and explain how the university operates today. I am also accredited to guide in Christchurch.
- Folklore, myths & legends
- The Cotswolds & Stratford
- Christ Church accredited
Blue & Green BadgeVicky Bailey
I’ve just become an Oxford City Green Badge Guide and have been leading tours for fifteen years as an extremely enthusiastic London Blue Badge Guide! My special subjects include Egyptology, literary tours in Oxford and Oxford in the Civil War.
I love showing you all around and revealing the hidden stories behind the statues, lamplights and sculptures around the streets of Oxford before having lunch at one of Oxford’s famous historic pubs. Tours of Oxford can be combined with other sites, such as Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace.
- Egyptology
- Literary Oxford
- Oxford in the Civil War
Blue & Green BadgeAnne Roberts
I’m lucky: I work in a beautiful, fascinating city and each tour is different. I’m an Oxford Green Badge Guide and a Blue Badge Guide for the region, which allows me to take visitors a little further afield – Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds, for example!
As an experienced teacher, I explain difficult ideas clearly eg Oxford Colleges, and I’m a story-teller and entertainer.
As well as general tours showing the University and town, my particular interests include Literary Oxford, Harry Potter, the real Alice, Poets and Novelists, William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites, Children’s tours and, above all, fictional crime!
- Literary Oxford
- Harry Potter & the real Alice
- Fictional crime
Green BadgeAlastair Lack
I studied at Oxford University before working for the BBC for almost thirty years. I then worked for Oxford University before training as a Green Badge Guide for the city of Oxford.
As well as leading general tours of the university and city, I enjoy the variety of several specialised tours. These tours include Inspector Morse and Lewis, Film Oxford, Oxford in the Civil War, Literary Oxford and the Oxford of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein.
- Morse & Lewis
- Film Oxford
- Lewis & Tolkien
Blue BadgeEdward Taylor
As an Oxford resident and Blue Badge guide I’ve been welcoming people to the city of dreaming spires for the last five years. I’ve found that exploring the University at a relaxed pace allows everyone to soak up the atmosphere of the famous colleges and gardens, while learning about the traditions, and the fascinating stories of students and fellows, past and present.
I often lead specialist tours such as the literary Oxford of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, or science and medicine at the University. I enjoy tailoring a tour for the needs of my clients, and usually include a recommendation for the best taverns or restaurants for refreshment afterwards!
Beyond Oxford I lead groups to the Cotswolds, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Blenheim Palace, and many other attractions in the region, offering coach tours and local walking tours
- Lewis & Tolkien
- Science & medicine
- Coach tours
Green BadgeBrian Lowe
I am a Green Badge Guide in Oxford, now in my fifteenth year. Living just outside Oxford all my life, I pursued a career in photography in the Royal Navy, and then in industry; at retirement I took up guiding through my love of the city, and enjoy showing people the beauty of this place.
Apart from City & University tours, I also lead walks on Stained Glass, Religion in Oxford, St. John Henry Newman, John Wesley, C S Lewis & JRR Tolkien, and Oxford in the Civil War.
Beyond guiding my interests extend to local history, photography, walking and bellringing.
- Stained glass
- Religion in Oxford
- Oxford in the Civil War
Green BadgeChristine Bainbridge
I hold the coveted Green Badge for this City.. Oxford is a magical place to tour around. Magnificent buildings, the majesty of colleges spanning 800 years, glimpses through doorways as you follow in the footsteps of the real and imaginary characters who were here before you.
Apart from the walking tour which gives you an overall understanding of the City and University and on which you will see the iconic buildings I offer some specialist tours:
- Religious History
- Children’s Stories
- Morse, Lewis and Endeavour
- Literary Oxford
- Religious history
- Children's stories
- Morse, Lewis & Endeavour
Guild memberElizabeth Hudson-Evans
I have been a guide and a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides for 11 years. I have guided hundreds of visitors around our wonderful city and the University.
I specialise in Morse and Lewis and Literary tours. Also Stained glass, and Tudor Oxford, and of course Children’s Literature in Oxford. I also enjoy giving tours for school children.
- Morse & Lewis
- Tudor Oxford
- Children's literature
Green BadgeHeidi Boon Rickard
I have been in the travel industry for over 20 years and have been fortunate to travel all over the world. I’ve been a tour guide in the Netherlands and a holiday representative in Turkey. My work has taken me to America, Canada and Australia.
I trained as a Green badge guide in Oxford and I love discovering its secrets and sharing them with the groups I guide.
As well as the general tour I offer specialist tours including Inspector Morse, Film sites, Harry Potter, Gargoyles and Grotesques, Literary Oxford, Downton Abbey and Bampton, and of course Alice in Wonderland.
- Inspector Morse
- Film sites & Harry Potter
- Downton Abbey & Bampton
Guild memberSusanne Addis
I made Oxford my home 22 years ago after living in several different countries since I left school. My degrees are in English and Social Sciences.
Bilingual English and German, I am a qualified language guide and member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. Every time I walk around my city I know how privileged I am to live amidst such beauty and multicultural heritage which I love to share.
I adapt my tours to my guests’ personal interests, often researching particular parts in more detail and also enjoy taking families and young people on tour, always including fun facts and stories for all ages.
By drawing a wider picture of Oxford’s unique place in history and the world today my tours are informative and entertaining.
- Tours in German
- Families & young people
- Oxford in the wider world
Green BadgeBrigitte Whitehead
I am a qualified Green Badge guide for Oxford, a place I have called home since 1987. I grew up in Salzburg, Austria.
I am a current doctoral student at the University of Oxford (Architectural History). My thesis is on an Edwardian architect-artist who grew up in Oxford.
I am a retired teacher (25 years) of modern foreign languages (German, French, Spanish, Portuguese) and theology, and prior to teaching worked as a freelance translator and interpreter.
I enjoy guiding children, teenagers, adults … I am well informed on what is going on in the city, and within the university.
- Architectural history
- Tours in German, French, Spanish & Portuguese
Green BadgeDavid Crosby
Let me take you on a fun and informative walking tour in the historic heart of Oxford. As a qualified Green Badge guide with a passion for storytelling, I will give you the inside story on the university’s traditions and most colourful characters. You will go inside one of University’s famous colleges. Experience the wonderful atmosphere, learn how the students live and hear humorous stories along the way.
See the most iconic buildings – the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre. And all the time you will be walking in the footsteps of famous authors, film stars, scientists and politicians.
- University traditions
- Colourful characters
- Inside a college
Green Badge • Guild trainerFelicity Lewington
Hello, my name is Felicity! I am a professionally accredited UK Institute of Tour Guides, Green Badge Guide. A member and trainer of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides taking tours for 11 years.
My tours aim to provide “light bulb” moments of “I didn’t know that”! They are a mixture of fun, contemporary facts, plus the fascinating history of the ancient city of Oxford. I am flexible and can tailor make my tours to suit visitors from the UK and all over the world. I want to ensure Oxford is a memorable visit.
I specialise in the following tours: General city and university tours. Harry Potter location tours with insights into the filming and JK Rowling’s books. Alice in Wonderland a glimpse into the world created by Lewis Carol. Get to know the real Alice and her family and their life in 19th century Oxford. Pre Raphaelites in Oxford including William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. Literary tours exploring the world of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Philip Pullman. English as a Foreign Language city tours. My background in teaching and TEFL Qualifications allows me to provide clear, concise, correct vocabulary for all English levels.
- Harry Potter & Alice
- Tolkien, Lewis & Pullman
- Tours for English learners
Green Badge • Bodleian guideIan Mitchell
I arrived in Oxford over 40 years ago when I became a lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. On retirement I took history courses at Oxford University, qualified as a Bodleian and Green Badge Guide and became a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. I love the fascinating history and glorious beauty of Oxford.
I provide general tours where we walk in the footsteps of …..authors and their fictional characters, scientists, politicians, world leaders, and stars of film and TV…..through college quads and gardens.
I also have a particular interest in architecture, science and medicine and provide tours focusing on these areas. I aim to inform and entertain and be adaptable. Tours should be fun and I love questions as we go. My experience in university education and my family links with Cambridge and Oxford helps me explain the particular nature of Oxford University to those considering studying here.
- Architecture
- Science & medicine
- Prospective students
Blue BadgeSally Jenkins
I studied Modern Languages at Cambridge University, then moved to Oxford, where I trained as a Blue Badge Guide. I have been guiding in and around this lovely city for many years, and have also worked as a tour manager in a lot of different countries.
I offer tours in French and Spanish as well as English. In addition to general tours, I offer walks with an emphasis on children’s literature, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter, C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien, film sites, science, literature and Inspector Morse.
- Children’s literature
- Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter
- C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien
- Film sites and Inspector Morse
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Things to see and do in Oxford
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