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Every one of these can be shortened, lengthened or combined. Use the filter to see the walks we suggest for your party.
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
A first walk through the heart of Oxford: Radcliffe Square, Broad Street and the lanes between them, with a guide who knows the stories behind each building. You’ll see the landmarks most visitors come for, and leave knowing where you’d like to go next, whether that’s up a tower, into a library or along to a museum.
- Spire, early 1300s
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
The University’s church on Radcliffe Square, where Cranmer was tried, with its twisted-column porch of 1637.
Afterwards Climb the tower’s 127 steps for the best view down on the Radcliffe Camera (small charge).
- Completed 1488
Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0Divinity School & Duke Humfrey’s Library
The Divinity School’s vaulted ceiling of 1488, beneath Duke Humfrey’s medieval library.
Afterwards Both can be seen inside for a small charge, Duke Humfrey’s where opening allows.
- Opened 1602
Bodleian Library
The Old Schools Quad and its Tower of the Five Orders, at the heart of one of the oldest libraries in Europe.
Afterwards The Weston Library across Broad Street has free exhibitions of the Bodleian’s treasures.
- Built 1664–69
Sheldonian Theatre
Wren’s first building and still the University’s ceremonial hall, with the Emperors’ Heads along its railings.
Afterwards Climb to the cupola on open days for the best rooftop view on Broad Street (small charge).
- Built 1737–49
Radcliffe Camera
The domed library everyone photographs, still a working reading room, at the centre of the square where every walk pauses.
Afterwards Walk round it at your own pace, with All Souls and Brasenose through their gates.
- Unveiled 1913
Bridge of Sighs
Hertford College’s bridge over New College Lane, the one on the postcards.
Afterwards St Helen’s Passage beside it leads to the Turf Tavern, against the old city wall.
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
Discover Oxford — Private City & University Tour
Enjoy a private introduction to Oxford, with the freedom to tailor the stories, pace and focus to your interests.
- Radcliffe Square, the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bridge of Sighs
- The Bodleian Library, the Divinity School and the University Church
Harry Potter in Oxford
Explore real filming locations and magnificent historic interiors connected with the wizarding world.
- New College cloisters and the Divinity School, with a small entry charge on the day
- Pitched for the ages in your party, from young readers upwards
Inspector Morse, Lewis & Endeavour
Follow in the footsteps of Oxford’s famous fictional detectives and discover the real locations behind the much-loved television series.
- Locations from Morse, Lewis and Endeavour across the city centre
- The pubs that appear in the series, the Turf Tavern among them
Photo: Jps3, CC BY-SA 4.0Oxford Colleges & University Life
Discover the traditions, history and daily life of the university, with college visits arranged where available.
- Colleges (Balliol, Trinity, New), architecture, the university and its history
- Inside a college, subject to opening on the day
Oxford and Beyond
Enjoy a private half-day or full-day excursion to Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath or Stonehenge.
- Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Bath and Stonehenge for a longer day
Photo: Adam Hopkinson, CC BY-SA 2.0Tolkien, C. S. Lewis & the Inklings
Discover the Oxford lives, friendships and literary influences behind some of the world’s best-loved imaginative writing.
- The colleges of Lewis, Tolkien, Auden and Golding
- The pubs and meeting places of the Inklings
Alice in Wonderland in Oxford
Explore the Oxford connections behind Lewis Carroll’s extraordinary tale and the curious world of Alice.
- The Christ Church of Lewis Carroll and Alice
- Pitched for the ages in your party, from young readers upwards
Oxford’s Ghosts, Legends & Curious Stories
Uncover atmospheric lanes, ghost stories, eccentric characters and the stranger side of Oxford.
- Ghosts, legends, unusual stories, eccentric characters, hidden curiosities
- Secret places, lesser-known stories, hidden corners, unusual buildings and details
Science, Medicine & Discovery
Explore the scientists, medical pioneers and discoveries that helped change our understanding of the world.
- Boyle, Hooke and the birth of experimental science
- The penicillin story and Oxford's medical pioneers
Oxford’s Architecture & Art
Look beyond the façades to discover Oxford’s architectural styles, artistic details and remarkable craftsmanship.
- Medieval colleges, cloisters and the old city wall
- Wren's Sheldonian, Hawksmoor's All Souls and Gibbs's Radcliffe Camera
Photo: Mike Peel, CC BY-SA 4.0Oxford’s History & People
Explore the people, conflicts and events that shaped Oxford, from its medieval beginnings to the modern city.
- Medieval, Civil War, religious history, political history
- Significant people and events
Bespoke Oxford
Create a tailor-made tour combining the places, themes and experiences that matter most to you.
- Mix and match from what you’ve seen here
- Gardens, natural history, women’s history, LGBTQ+ Oxford, Jewish heritage, politics, religion and music
Discover Oxford — Group City & University Tour
Explore Oxford’s famous sights, historic colleges and fascinating stories together, with a guide and itinerary suited to your group’s size, interests and schedule.
- Radcliffe Square, the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bridge of Sighs
- The Bodleian Library, the Divinity School and the University Church
Photo: Jps3, CC BY-SA 4.0Oxford Colleges & University Life
Discover Oxford’s colleges, academic traditions and student life, with advice on college visits and access arrangements where available.
- Colleges (Balliol, Trinity, New), architecture, the university and its history
- Inside a college, subject to opening on the day
Oxford on Screen
Explore 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
Oxford’s Literary World
Discover the writers, books and literary connections that have made Oxford a source of inspiration for generations of readers.
- The colleges of Lewis, Tolkien, Auden and Golding
- Lewis Carroll's Christ Church and the origins of Alice
Photo: Mike Peel, CC BY-SA 4.0Oxford’s History & People
Explore the people, events and remarkable stories that have shaped Oxford, from its medieval beginnings to the modern city.
- Medieval, Civil War, religious history, political history
- Significant people and events
Oxford Uncovered: Secrets, Legends & Student Life
Venture beyond the familiar sights to uncover hidden corners, eccentric characters, unusual traditions and the stranger side of Oxford.
- Secret places, lesser-known stories, hidden corners, unusual buildings and details
- Ghosts, legends, unusual stories, eccentric characters, hidden curiosities
Science, Medicine & Discovery
Discover Oxford’s scientific heritage, pioneering medical work and the people and breakthroughs that changed our understanding of the world.
- Boyle, Hooke and the birth of experimental science
- The penicillin story and Oxford's medical pioneers
Oxford’s Architecture & Art
Explore Oxford’s distinctive buildings, artistic details and architectural history, with a focus suited to your group’s interests.
- Medieval colleges, cloisters and the old city wall
- Wren's Sheldonian, Hawksmoor's All Souls and Gibbs's Radcliffe Camera
Oxford and Beyond
Discover Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath and Stonehenge on a guided half-day or full-day excursion from Oxford.
- Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Bath and Stonehenge for a longer day
Bespoke Group Tours
Have a particular theme, itinerary or event in mind? We’ll work with you to create a tailor-made Oxford experience around your group’s interests, size and schedule.
- Mix and match from what you’ve seen here
- Gardens, natural history, women’s history, LGBTQ+ Oxford, Jewish heritage, politics, religion and music
Harry Potter in Oxford
Step into the wizarding world as you explore Oxford’s real-life filming locations, magnificent historic interiors and magical architectural details.
- New College cloisters and the Divinity School, with a small entry charge on the day
- Pitched for the ages in your party, from young readers upwards
Discover Oxford — Family City Tour
Discover Oxford through engaging stories, curious characters and fascinating landmarks, with the pace and content tailored to your children’s ages and interests.
- Radcliffe Square, the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bridge of Sighs
- The Bodleian Library, the Divinity School and the University Church
Alice in Wonderland in Oxford
Follow the Oxford connections behind Alice’s extraordinary adventures and discover the real people, places and curious stories behind the beloved tale.
- The Christ Church of Lewis Carroll and Alice
- Pitched for the ages in your party, from young readers upwards
Oxford’s Ghosts, Legends & Curious Stories
Hear about Oxford’s strange traditions, eccentric characters, mysterious happenings and ghostly tales, with stories selected to suit your children’s ages.
- Ghosts, legends, unusual stories, eccentric characters, hidden curiosities
- Secret places, lesser-known stories, hidden corners, unusual buildings and details
Photo: Jps3, CC BY-SA 4.0Oxford Colleges & University Life
Discover what Oxford students really do, explore historic college surroundings and find out what it takes to become a student here.
- Colleges (Balliol, Trinity, New), architecture, the university and its history
- Inside a college, subject to opening on the day
Oxford on Screen
Explore Oxford’s role in film and television, from magical settings to familiar locations from much-loved productions.
- Lewis, Endeavour, His Dark Materials, Wonka and The Favourite
- College quads, grand staircases, historic libraries and hidden lanes
Oxford’s Literary World
Discover the writers and imaginative worlds connected with Oxford, including Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Philip Pullman and the stories that continue to inspire readers of all ages.
- The colleges of Lewis, Tolkien, Auden and Golding
- Lewis Carroll's Christ Church and the origins of Alice
Oxford and Beyond
Make Oxford your base for a family day out to Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath or Stonehenge, with a guided itinerary suited to your family.
- Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Bath and Stonehenge for a longer day
Bespoke Family Tours
Tell us your children’s ages, interests and energy levels, and we’ll create a tailor-made Oxford experience with the right mix of stories, discovery and time to explore.
- Mix and match from what you’ve seen here
- Gardens, natural history, women’s history, LGBTQ+ Oxford, Jewish heritage, politics, religion and music
Oxford City Walk & BMW MINI Plant Visit
Combine a guided walk through Oxford’s historic streets and university landmarks with a visit to the BMW MINI plant in Oxford to discover the city’s modern manufacturing heritage. Factory visits are available Monday through Thursday, subject to the plant’s timetable and availability.
- The Cowley works where every Mini is built
- How car-making shaped modern Oxford, the city beyond the colleges
Bespoke Corporate Experiences
Create an Oxford experience around your objectives, schedule and guests, whether you’re entertaining clients, welcoming international colleagues or planning a company event.
- Mix and match from what you’ve seen here
- Gardens, natural history, women’s history, LGBTQ+ Oxford, Jewish heritage, politics, religion and music
Photo: Jps3, CC BY-SA 4.0Oxford Colleges & University Life
Explore the traditions, history and distinctive character of Oxford University, with college visits and access arrangements where available.
- Colleges (Balliol, Trinity, New), architecture, the university and its history
- Inside a college, subject to opening on the day
Oxford Uncovered: Secrets, Legends & Student Life
Give your group a different perspective on Oxford through hidden corners, curious traditions, eccentric characters and surprising stories.
- Secret places, lesser-known stories, hidden corners, unusual buildings and details
- Ghosts, legends, unusual stories, eccentric characters, hidden curiosities
Oxford on Screen
Explore the real Oxford behind famous film and television productions, including Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour.
- Lewis, Endeavour, His Dark Materials, Wonka and The Favourite
- College quads, grand staircases, historic libraries and hidden lanes
Oxford’s Literary World
Discover the writers, ideas and literary connections that have helped make Oxford internationally renowned.
- The colleges of Lewis, Tolkien, Auden and Golding
- Lewis Carroll's Christ Church and the origins of Alice
Oxford’s Architecture & Art
Explore Oxford’s extraordinary buildings, architectural styles and artistic details on a tour tailored to your group’s interests.
- Medieval colleges, cloisters and the old city wall
- Wren's Sheldonian, Hawksmoor's All Souls and Gibbs's Radcliffe Camera
Science, Medicine & Discovery
Discover the scientists, medical pioneers and breakthroughs associated with Oxford, particularly suited to groups with scientific, academic or technical interests.
- Boyle, Hooke and the birth of experimental science
- The penicillin story and Oxford's medical pioneers
Photo: Mike Peel, CC BY-SA 4.0Oxford’s History & People
Explore the people, events and ideas that shaped Oxford, from its medieval origins to its continuing influence on British and international life.
- Medieval, Civil War, religious history, political history
- Significant people and events
New tours coming soon
We’re always adding new walks. Tell us what you’d like to explore and we’ll let you know when it’s ready.
Tell us what you’d likeStarting 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.
What’s included
The private guide and the planning and delivery of your tour: the guided experience itself.
What costs extra
Your price covers the guided walk itself. These are paid on top:
- College or attraction entry
- Punting
- Food and drink
- Transport
- Extra guides for larger groups
We can book college entry for you and add it to your booking, or you can pay on the day where that’s possible.
Larger groups
Pricing is per guide. One guide takes up to 19 people. Colleges set their own limits, from 6 to 19, and tour leaders count towards the numbers, so larger groups need an extra guide at an extra fee.
If a larger group wants to go inside a college, entry costs extra and the college’s guide-to-student ratio applies. If a college caps groups at 14, for example, a group of 25 needs extra guides to go in.
How it works
1. Tell us about your day
Send your date, roughly what time suits, how many are coming (tour leaders count), your preferred length, and what you’d love to see. Add your name, email and a phone number. Families, please include the children’s ages. Corporate bookers, please add your company and invoice details.
2. We find your guide
We’ll usually reply the same day with a guide, a route and the fee. Nothing is booked until you say yes.
3. Confirm and pay
Once your guide and tour are confirmed, we’ll send an invoice with a secure card payment link. It’s due 14 days before your walk, or straight away if you book closer than that.
4. Swap numbers
We’ll give you your guide’s mobile number and share your group leader’s number with them, so you can find each other easily on the day.
5. Meet your guide
We usually meet at the Martyrs’ Memorial on St Giles, but we can also meet at your hotel, a college or the station or wherever you need. Coach groups can be met at one of the drop off points in Oxford. See the 'explore Oxford' page for the accepted coach drop offs and pick ups. If you’re running late, give your guide a call.
Good to know
Group size
One guide takes up to 19 people. Larger groups need an extra guide at an extra fee.
Extras
College or attraction entry (about £3 to £15 per person), punting, food and drink, transport and extra guides are paid on top.
Children and access
Under-18s need a supervising adult or teacher over 18. Please give us advance notice of any wheelchair users so we can plan an accessible route.
Bank holidays and languages
Tours on UK bank holidays cost £20 more per guide, and Christmas Day is double. Tours in a language other than English cost £10 more than the listed fee for up to two hours, £20 more for a half day and £30 more for a full day.
Cancellation
Our guides are freelance and hold your date for you, so there’s a charge if plans change. It’s in line with Guild of Registered Tourist Guides guidance, and if you’ve already paid, we’ll refund the difference.
- More than 7 days before: £50 per guide
- 7 days to 48 hours before: 50% of the fee
- Within 48 hours, or if you don’t show: the full fee
If we have to make a change, for example through illness, we’ll do our best to find a replacement guide. If we can’t, we’ll tell you as early as we can and either refund you in full or offer another date.
Late arrivals
Guides are booked for the agreed time and may have another tour afterwards, so they might not be able to stay on. If you’re running late, let them know.
What private 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.
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.
Our guide was just fantastic, so knowledgeable and friendly. We felt like experts by the time the tour had ended. What a wealth of history and stories to cover in a few hours. Such good value.
Ready to walk?
Send us your date and we will come back with a guide and a quote, usually the same day.