tours in oxford england

New Tours Added for Spring and Summer 2024. Additional tours at 11.30am and 2pm every day.

Oxford Official Walking Tours

Oxford university walking tours, our walking tours.

• Our Most Popular Tour!
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Oxford University & City Walking Tour

The best way to explore Oxford is on foot with your friendly and expert guide, who will share stories about this beautiful city and its famous university.

• Hour Glass 1 or 2 hours

Group & Private Tours

Explore Oxford’s points of interest and history with your own private guide, perfect for school groups and families and friends. We’ll personalise your tour to meet your interests.

C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Tour

This is the specialist Oxford walking tour for all fans of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien. Explore their work and key Oxford locations with an enthusiastic guide.

Inspector Morse Tour Oxford

Join the Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour Tour for a fun look at all the Oxford locations for these popular TV detective series.

About Our Tours

Explore Oxford’s most famous buildings steeped in history and recognised around the world with one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides from Experience Oxfordshire. Our guides will walk you through some of the most famous spots in Oxford, including filming locations for Harry Potter and Inspector Morse.

You will discover the beautiful Oxford settings of some of the most renowned tales in literature and screen, with historical and cultural knowledge throughout.

Group sizes are limited to 20 people for your safety and comfort.

COVID-19: Our tours are VisitEngland #WereGoodtoGo accredited. They take place completely in the fresh air and comply to social distancing. Group sizes are limited for your safety, so you can enjoy a relaxing walking tour, taking in the famous sights and settings.

Your official Oxford guide will be wearing a visor, ensuring social distancing standards are met throughout the tour.

5-Star Walking Tours in Oxford

Lucy was a great tour guide and told us very funny stories along with some really interesting facts. I felt very safe as everyone was social distanced and the tour guide had a visor on ensuring we had a safe experience. I would highly recommend this tour.

Firstly a big thank you to Lucy as she was superb. Her tour was very informative and the 2 hours just flew by. We learnt things about Oxford that only a qualified guide would know. Definitely give this a go.

Really interesting way to get round the beautiful city of Oxford. The guide was great and it all felt very safe. Would definitely consider doing their other tours if I return back to oxford in the future.

I did this tour with my dad last November and even though it was pouring rain, we both remember the experience very positively. Our guide was very knowledgeable and found a great mix between being informative and entertaining.

Explore the tour

Bus Tour + Panorama

Bus Tour + Explore

Tour information.

Hop on and off the bus as many times as you like.

20 stops near all the major sights.

Audio commentary available in 14 languages.

Free headphones at the start of your journey.

Full hygiene measures.

Kids’ commentary available.

Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour (45 mins).

enjoy England .com Quality Assured Visitor Attraction Certified

Rate us on TripAdvisor

Visit us on Twitter

Ticket accepted on phone

Entry to Carfax Tower.

Town & Gown Walking Tour (90 minutes).

Black Oxford Untold Stories

Bus & Walking Tour to uncover the rich narratives of Black scholars.

Oxford Walking Tours

Discover a range of fantastic walking tours in and around Oxford.

The Great Cities Combination Ticket

With our new The Great Cities Combined Ticket, you can enjoy London AND Oxford from the top deck on our award-winning sightseeing bus tours, get up close and personal on exclusive walking tours, and more! 

Carfax Tower

Climb the 99 steps to the top of the 12th-century tower for an amazing view over the Oxford skyline.

VOX City Walks

Enjoy fascinating storytelling delivered by your VOX City Walks guides as you explore, discover and immerse yourself in Oxford’s quaint and charming streets.

Discover Oxford with our iconic bus tours

Our award-winning open-top bus tour lasts approximately one hour and allows you to discover the best sights and historical insights into the City of Dreaming Spires !

Tickets are available for 24 and 48 hours, so you can hop on and hop off as many times as you wish and explore all the famous sights and attractions around Oxford.

Where can I buy tickets?

There are plenty of options and you can purchase your tickets from:

• Online on our booking page
• Our friendly drivers (there’s no need to pre-book your tour)
• Our informative city ticket seller colleagues located at Oxford Rail Station and several other locations around Oxford
• The Oxford Visitor Information Point on High Street – click here for a map
• Oxford Bus Company’s Gloucester Green Travel Shop – click here for a map

How do I get to the City Sightseeing Oxford tours?

Oxford is well connected by road and rail to major cities including London. The best way to get to Oxford city centre is by public transport. We’re proud to hold the Good Journey Mark for welcoming car-free visitors. To find out how to get to City Sightseeing tours in Oxford, visit our Getting Here page.

What are others saying about the tour?

See what others have to say, we’re hiring .

We’re currently looking for enthusiastic and motivated ticket sellers, guides and drivers. Interested? Email your CV to [email protected] or find out more by clicking here .

Explore the Tour!

Frequently asked questions, how is it best to use the hop-on and off feature, can i purchase my ticket in advance, what are hop-on hop-off stops, can wheelchair users and buggies travel on your buses.

View all FAQs →

Deals, Offers & Extras

Group discounts.

Booking 10 or more tickets?

Contact us for a group discount.

Private Hire & Weddings

Hire a whole bus for your own private Oxford City tour or for use at a special event.

Super Saver Tickets

Oxford bus tour + attraction tickets. Historic buildings, boat trips and more!

Buy Oxford Bus Tour Tickets Online!

Buy your tour tickets quickly, easily and securely on our website.

11 Best Oxford Walking Tours (local approved!)

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Ready to tour the gorgeous Oxford on an interesting walking tour?

You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to explore the best 11 Oxford walking tours – all led by expert guides who want to share the beauty of this part of England and help you skip the tourist traps.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.

The best Oxford walking tour is this Oxford Official University & City Tour .

It has about 455 amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

Oxford, famously known as the City of Dreaming Spires, is one of the most beautiful, picturesque, and incredible parts of England that is famous for its university colleges, and is worth exploring!

If you want to see what your other options are, here are 10 more tours that are definitely worth your time.

So let’s get into the list of the best Oxford walking tours, so you can book it already!

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended, so you don’t miss out.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Oxford walking tour is this Oxford Official University & City tour.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Oxford Walking Tours

1.   oxford official university & city tour : best oxford walking tour.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 450+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Guided tour
• College visit
• Radcliffe Tower
• Martyr’s Memorial

This tour is a great way to discover Oxford, just like famous former residents did – walk the streets just like CS Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien did and see the top landmarks of the city.

The walking tour starts in central Oxford and moves towards the university area where you get a chance to see the elegant colleges along with key attractions like Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library . 

While you marvel at all the sites, your tour guide will tell you interesting facts and stories about Oxford’s history you might never have heard before.

Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to take in the evocative ambiance the city’s famous for.

Some exciting sights on this tour that you’ll get to see include Trinity College , Balliol College (known as the oldest Oxford college), Martyr’s Memorial and the monument on St Giles , and the Sheldonian theatre (the university’s ceremonial theatre).

Other stops include the iconic Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library, and the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. 

2. Private Oxford Walking Tour with University Alumni Guide

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional guide on one of the best Oxford walking tours
• All handling charges, fees, and taxes
• Customizable itinerary
• University colleges & the Oxford Castle

Take charge of your tour and explore the city at your own pace with this private tour .

Start off by meeting your guide right in the center of the city and learn about its university and its past while exploring the cobbled streets.

Whether you want your tour to start in the morning or in the afternoon is up to you.

You can make your itinerary as flexible as you like and tailor it as you wish to include sights that interest you, but make sure you visit at least Christ Church College for its gardens, chapels, and quadrangles, and the Bodleian Library.

Of course, you can ask your guide to accommodate other landmarks , too, such as the colleges used to film the Harry Potter movies.

Whatever you want to see more of, your tour guide will thoroughly guide you with in-depth knowledge and offer enjoyable stories about all the sights.

3. Inspector Morse Oxford Small Group Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Entry to St Johns, Balliol, Exeter College
• Maximum 14 people
• Entry to university locations
• Invitation to solve a murder mystery

Now, this one’s an interesting tour, especially if you’re a fan of the fictional character Inspector Morse (and its spinoffs, Endeavour and Lewis).

This tour gives you a chance to check out all the filming locations of the TV stories and learn about how the detective show was made.

You start off in central Oxford and head over to the different filming locations while listening to your guide about the British detective, the spinoffs, and interesting facts about the city.

Then, head over to Oxford University to see what it’s like to be a student here, before ending the tour with an invitation to solve an exciting murder mystery at Morse’s favorite pub that’s often seen on the show.

Since this tour is only limited to 14 people , you’ll have a nice time and won’t have trouble hearing what the guide has to say.

The different landmarks you’ll get to see on this tour include the Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, Exeter College, the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library, the Turf, and Hertford College.

4. Oxford City and University Walking Small Group Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 90+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Complimentary ILoveOxford map
• Balliol, St Johns, or Exeter college for a walking tour of Oxford university
• Filming locations for Harry Potter
• Iconic Oxford sights like Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs

If you’re a history buff interested in the city’s rich history, this walking tour is the best option for you.

Thanks to your guide, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of the city .

And since the group is limited to a maximum of 15 people , you won’t have to worry about keeping up with your guide.

Part of your tour includes a visit to the Divinity School of the Bodleian Library , where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.

You’ll also get to visit one other college (Wadham College, Exeter College, Balliol College, etc.), depending on what’s open on that day.

While you take in the beauty of all the historical buildings, your tour guide will tell you interesting things about alumni from Oxford University, including J.R.R. Tolkien and CS Lewis.

Before the start of your tour, you’ll also get an ILoveOxford map that shows all the main sites. 

5. Private Walking Oxford Tour for the Discerning Traveler

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private guide on this Oxford walking tour
• Pickup and drop-off
• Any time that suits your itinerary
• Insider tips about the university and the city

This private walking tour is the best way to get insider information about Oxford’s history.

With your guide’s in-depth knowledge and informative narration, you’ll get to learn all about how the university has evolved over the years as well as its achievements.

But perhaps the best thing about this tour is that the itinerary is flexible since this is a completely private tour just for your party.

This also means you’ll get personalized attention, and you’ll get a lot of time to ask all the questions you have in mind.

Your tour starts at the Weston Library , which is part of the main research library at Oxford.

Or you can opt to be picked up at the Oxford Railway station or the Oxford City hotel.

From there, you explore downtown and a few famous university colleges and learn about their ambitions, achievements, foibles, and feuds.

6. 90 Minute Private Guided Walking Tour in Oxford

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5-2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Wheelchair & stroller accessible
• Personalized experience on one of the best walking tours in oxford
• Information about onward transport and accommodation houses
• Stories & insights you won’t find anywhere else

Oxford is famously known as the City of Dreaming Spires because of the dazzling architecture of all its university buildings, and what better way to explore it than this small, guided group tour?

Some of the key attractions you’ll get to see as part of this tour include the Bodleian Library , Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs , Queen’s College, Christ Church College , and the Carfax Tower .

While you soak up the ambience and charm of the story, your guide will tell you all about the city’s rich history and insights and stories you’ll hardly ever discover on your own.

This group is best for first-time visitors who only have a limited time.

Plus, since the group size is limited to 10, you’ll have a much more personalized experience . 

7. Oxford Walk & Punt Tour with Optional Christ Church Entry Led By Alumni 

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 12+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Insight into the application process for Oxford
• University alumni guide
• Chauffeured punting tour to add to the guided walking tours in Oxford
• Historical tour & anecdotes

If you’re looking for something more than just a walking tour, check out this combination tour , which combines a walking tour with punting on the River Cherwell.

Yes, it’s as exciting and interesting as it sounds!

Start off your tour with an alumni guide who’ll tell you all about the student life and the storied university.

In addition to all the famous landmarks and colleges at the University of Oxford, you’ll also get insights into the Oxbridge application process and the student life there.

If you want, you can upgrade your tour to include the entrance fee for Christ Church College.

From there, you can enjoy a chauffeured 50-minute punting tour along the River Cherwell, where you’ll get to see various sites of popular literary inspiration. 

This tour is also limited to a small group, so you’ll get to enjoy a personalized experience.

8. Oxford City & University Walking Private Groups Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 9+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Entry to one college on this Oxford city walking tour
• Option to pay entry fees for other colleges
• Stories about famous Oxford students like J.R.R Tolkien and CS Lewis
• Personalized experience and undivided attention

Interested in knowing everything there is about the university city?

Take this private 2-hour tour that unveils the secrets of the famous and prestigious colleges in the city.

Out of the 38 colleges at Oxford University, this tour tries to cover as many as possible.  

In fact, we believe that this is the best introduction to Oxford that any first-time visitor can get.

Plus, since it’s a private tour , you’ll get not only your guide’s undivided attention but also a personalized experience.   

Be amazed by historical landmarks such as Christchurch and Bodleian Library, and marvel at the Oxford University buildings such as the Divinity School, Exeter College, and the New College just like past alumni like King Henry VIII, CS Lewis, Tony Blair, and J.R.R Tolkien did.

You’ll even get to hear some interesting stories about them! 

And don’t forget to check out the filming locations for Harry Potter and walk the halls where all the magic took place.

9. Oxford Private Pub and City Evening Walking Tour  

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 8+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2-4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional guide on this Oxford tour that includes walking
• Near public transportation
• Group of 2-6 people
• Pubs favored by alumni such as Bill Clinton

Nearly all the tours on this list have been about Oxford University colleges and the history of the city.

But if you’re looking for something different, this pub and city evening walking tour is your best bet.

With this evening walking tour, you get to see the different pubs around the city and illuminated landmarks that would make for great pictures for your Instagram!

As you go along with this tour, explore the twilit house and check out a couple of pubs, your knowledgeable local guide will indulge you in different urban legends, tales about the city’s past, and delightful stories about the antics of different students over the years.   

But what we love the most about this tour is that it doesn’t have a fixed route plan, but it introduces you to numerous famous sights and stops at a bunch of historic pubs that were favored by famous alumni like Bill Clinton.

And it is at these pubs that you can absorb and relax in the sociable atmosphere to have a unique experience.  

10. Oxford Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 4+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  50 minutes – 1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Self-guided audio tour (audio tour provided by a historian or local)
• Offline mode to download tours in advance in case you don’t have Wi-Fi
• GPS map to enjoy sites without getting lost
• Instagram hotspots for the perfect pictures

If you’d rather explore the city on your own without following a guide around, we suggest that you check out this self-guided audio tour that’s narrated by a local or a historian.

This tour takes you through not just iconic sights like the historic colleges, Radcliffe Square, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library, and the Bridge of Sighs, but also the perfect Instagram spots, so you get the best pictures of your tour without someone rushing you!

Plus, you’ll get to hear historical tales like the one about Protestant martyrs that were burnt at the stake and interesting stories such as the reason for Radcliffe Square’s unusual building.

The best part?

You don’t need an active internet connection to be able to take this tour.

You can just download it in advance and listen to it while walking around town, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi.  

11. Royal Windsor, Oxford & Cotswold Private Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 2+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Parking fees
• Wi-Fi onboard
• Private door-to-door tour

Get the ultimate English experience with this tour of the royal town of Windsor, which is home to the infamous Windsor Castle, Oxford, and Cotswolds , which is famous for its honey-hued stone cottages.

Of course, seeing these on your own without your own transportation, that, too, in just a day, is an impossible feat, but this door-to-door tour is perfect for the task.

The tour includes three different stops: Oxford, Eton College, and Windsor Castle, and a drive through the Cotswolds.

Since this is a private tour , the pace is entirely up to you.

Plus, there’s WI-Fi onboard to keep you connected and allow you to share your trip with others in real time without worrying about roaming charges.

The tour also includes a 2-way private transfer from your address of choice in London.   

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

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UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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Top Tours in Oxford, England

Oxford tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Film & TV Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

2. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

3. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London

4. Extended: Oxford University & City Tour With Christ Church

5. Cotswolds Villages and Oxford Full Day Tour from London

6. Oxford Official University & City Tour

7. Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle Day Trip

8. River Cruise with Three Course Riverside Restaurant Dining

9. Downton Abbey and Oxford Tour from London Including Highclere Castle

10. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter and Oxford Day Trip

11. Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Tour from London

12. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

13. Oxford and Cambridge Tour from London

14. Cotswolds Villages Full-Day Small-Group Tour from Oxford

15. Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Along The University Regatta Course

16. Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

17. Small-Group Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter & Oxford

18. The Inklings Oxford Writers Tour - Private Groups Daily

19. Cotswold Summer Explorer Tour

20. 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford

21. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford Day Tour from London

22. Stonehenge and Bath Tour from Oxford

23. Evening Cocktail Cruise in Oxford

24. Private tours to Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, Oxford

25. The Cotswolds and Shakespeare Tour from Oxford

26. Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Oxford Walking Tour

27. Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

28. Shared | Oxford Uni Walking Tour w/opt Christ Church Entry

29. 1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges Walking Tour

30. Warwick Castle, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon Custom Day Trip from London

What travellers are saying.

• Debra Stuart, FL 3 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great walking tour of Oxford with University student guide The tour was really well done. Just the right amount of information to give one a feel for life at Oxford. Our guide was a current student at Oxford. It was really interesting getting the perspective of a student. My husband and I both walked away feeling that in a short amount of time, we were immersed in life at the University, balanced with a sufficient sense of Oxord’s history. Our guide, Martin, was really good. He was fun, energetic and a great story-teller. We recommend this tour for anyone interested in seeing Oxford through both a historical lens and a current-day view of life at Oxford. Read more Review of: Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide Written June 13, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

The best things to do in Oxford: exploring the university and beyond

Jan 3, 2022 • 14 min read

Oxford has lots of quirky little pubs to while away a day in © Guerilla / Getty Images

It’s hard to think of Oxford without conjuring up images of academics in billowing black gowns breezing through honey-colored cloisters, and crowds of starry-eyed students crammed into cavernous lecture theatres.

It may be true that Oxford’s prestigious university is the city’s defining feature, but stray a little beyond the educational institution’s hallowed grounds and you’ll stumble upon intriguing museums, labyrinthine bookstores, and excellent historic pubs to while away an afternoon like the writers of yesteryear did. There's a lot more to this golden-hued city than austere and solemn academia. Here are the top things to do in Oxford, a centuries-old city full of modern inspiration.

Wander historic university colleges

Oxford University can be traced back to the 11th century. Within 200 years, it had taken shape as a loose association of independent colleges, still housed (for the most part) in their original historic buildings scattered around the city. Pick a couple of colleges to visit depending on your interests and get inspired by the intellectual heritage of this institution.

Merton College is where JRR Tolkien wrote much of The Lord of the Rings in its magnificent medieval library. Trinity College boasts a beautifully restored Baroque chapel, and Lincoln College alumni include Dr Seuss (Theodore Geisel) as a Rhodes scholar. However, the more popular colleges with visitors are Magdalen College , where C S Lewis was a fellow, for its 15th-century tower and cloisters; All Souls College , founded in 1438, for its eye-catching Gothic towers; and Christ Church college, which doubles as Hogwarts during multiple scenes in the cinema adaption of the Harry Potter books.

Photograph classic Oxford landmarks

No doubt Oxford’s most photographed landmark is Radcliffe Camera , a dome-topped sandy-gold edifice built between 1737 and 1749 in grand Palladian style, then known as Radcliffe Library. It was demoted to a “camera” (room) in 1860 when it became the reading room of the neighboring Bodleian Library. The only way for non-members to see the interior is on the extended 1½-hour tour of the Bodleian.

Close to Radcliffe Camera, you’ll also see people milling about to snap a picture of the iconic Bridge of Sighs (a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane). Completed in 1914, it's sometimes erroneously described as a copy of the famous namesake bridge in Venice, but it looks more like Venice’s Rialto Bridge.

Tour the Bodleian Library

At least five kings, dozens of prime ministers and Nobel laureates, and luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien have studied in Oxford's Bodleian Library , a magnificent survivor from the Middle Ages. Wander into its central 17th-century quadrangle, and you can admire the buildings for free. The neighboring Weston Library displays a revolving selection of “Bodleian Treasures” – ranging from manuscripts by the likes of Mary Shelley to the original Magna Carta – that are also free to visit.

However, if you’re a proper library fan you’ll probably want to get on one of the guided tours of the Bodleian. Starting in the ornate medieval Divinity School, the university's earliest teaching room, tours visit Convocation House which hosted the English Parliament three times, plus the Chancellor’s Court, in which Oscar Wilde and Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley went on trial (for debt and promoting atheism, respectively).

Indulge your love of bookshops

After that book-lovers pilgrimage to the Bodleian Library, you can continue your literary love affair at the many bookshops of Oxford. Next door to Weston Library is a Blackwell’s with its basement lined with 3.5km (2.1 mi) of shelves. Popular children's murder mystery writer Robin Stevens worked as a bookseller here.

Along Broad Street you’ll find a branch of Waterstones and up in Summertown, Daunt Books has a footprint in Oxford. For secondhand books there is the Oxfam bookshop in St John, while Jericho, the museums center of Oxford, is famous for the Last Bookshop . Here discounted stock on everything from poetry to psychology to politics, largely from academic publishers, can be found. And finally, theologians and philosophers should head to St Philip’s Books on St Aldates, which specialises in rare, secondhand and antique books on the Christianity, medieval studies, spirituality and philosophy.

Treasures and afternoon tea at the Ashmolean Museum

Britain’s oldest public museum, Oxford’s wonderful Ashmolean Museum , is surpassed only by the British Museum in London for size and volume of world treasures. You could easily spend a day exploring this magnificent neoclassical building and its collection. Family-friendly pamphlets draw kids into select exhibits. To the museum’s credit, the curators are engaging with how displays are presented in the age of postcolonial understandings of museum collections. For example, a recent exhibition focused on the links between the British custom of drinking tea and the exploitation of enslaved people producing sugar in the West Indies.

The rooftop restaurant is also a great shout. It’s run by the Benugo chain and a proper English afternoon tea is a speciality here, including a vegan menu. Floor to ceiling glass windows open out onto a large terrace with deckchairs on the fake-grass “lawn” in the summer months – head up to enjoy views of the picturesque spires of Oxford.

Enter the Victorian era in the Pitt Rivers Museum

If exploring an enormous room full of eccentric unexpected artefacts sounds like your idea of the perfect afternoon, welcome to the amulets-to-zithers extravaganza that is the Pitt Rivers Museum .

Tucked behind Oxford’s natural history museum, and dimly lit to protect its myriad treasures, it’s centred on an anthropological collection amassed by a Victorian general, and revels in exploring how differing cultures have tackled topics like “Smoking and Stimulants” and “Treatment of Dead Enemies”. Wandering its three balconied floors, you may come across anything from Mesopotamian temple receipts to Japanese Noh-theatre masks or a warrior’s helmet made from the skin of a porcupine fish.

Hear Christ Church Cathedral Choir at Evensong

Christ Church Cathedral doubles as Christ Church college’s chapel and the city’s cathedral. It was the site of an Anglo-Saxon shrine of St Frideswide, Oxford’s patron saint, since the 8th century. Later the 12th-century priory church became part of Cardinal Wolsey’s new Cardinal College in 1525. And Henry VIII made the church a cathedral when he renamed it Christ Church in 1546.

Christ Church Cathedral is also famous for its incredible choirs – four in total and each with its own distinctive identity. Described as "one of the finest choirs on Earth", the Cathedral Choir can be heard on some award-winning recordings with international orchestras and soloists, as well as the TV themes for The Vicar of Dibley and Mr Bean (you’re going to look those up now aren’t you?).

As a working Anglican cathedral, there’s no charge to visit for private prayer or to attend a service. ​​Evensong, a 470 year-old meditative service of sublime music and readings, is celebrated at 6pm most days.

Overnight at Oxford Castle and Prison

As a visitor site, Oxford Castle and Prison provide an interesting overview of the city’s extraordinary history, especially on a guided tour. Little now remains of Oxford Castle, which was built for William the Conqueror in 1071, and largely destroyed after the English Civil War. But entertaining theatrical tours led by costumed guides lead through the parts that survive.

St George's Tower, where the tours begin, is Oxford’s oldest building, erected to keep the Vikings out around 1009, as one of four towers on the city walls. Tours continue to the 11th-century crypt of St George's Chapel and the 18th-century Debtors' Tower, where you’ll learn about the grisly lives, daring escapes and cruel punishments of various Victorian inmates.

Today you can also opt to bed down in the former prison for a night, at Malmaison Oxford Castle . Centring on a turreted tower of Oxford’s castle, this is infact a sophisticated contemporary hotel with plush interiors, sultry lighting and polished service. Accessed via classic prison catwalks, each of its 95 slick rooms occupies three former cells (generous, we know) and contains a proper bed (no hard prison cot for you).

Oxford’s Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Founded in 1621, Oxford's small, peaceful botanic garden is the oldest of its kind in England celebrating its 400-year birthday in 2021. With over 5000 plant species, it remains a department of the university and is run more for research than pleasing the public. However, it’s a lovely spot beside the River Cherwell to escape the city streets, especially in peak tourism season. There is an admission fee (except for university staff and students) and pre-booking is strongly encouraged. 

Greenhouses and open beds hold displays like “Plants That Changed The World” which includes potatoes, pineapples and cannabis. And at its southern end you’ll find the bench that Lyra and her extra-universal lover Will vow to visit once a year in Exeter College-alumni, Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials.

Punting under Magdalen Bridge

Directly across the road from the Botanic Gardens, also on the Cherwell, you’ll spot Magdalen Bridge where you can go punting from the boathouse . An iconic Oxford experience, punting is all about lounging back in a flat-bottomed boat and sipping Pimms (a classic English summer beverage) as you watch the city’s glorious architecture drift by. 

To achieve that blissful state, you must first master punting’s greatest skill – persuading someone else to do all the hard work. The actual act of punting, propelling a boat along a river by repeatedly poking a long pole into the muddy bottom, is far more difficult than it appears. If you just want to relax, consider renting a professional to take you on a tour. Most punts hold five people, four of them sprawled on cushions and the punter standing at the back. 

The Alice in Wonderland Shop

Oxford has many links to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland stories, but this tiny 500-year-old shop on St Aldate’s is one of the most tangible that remains. It was operating as a grocery and sweets shop when the real Alice, Alice Liddle (the inspiration for the storybook character) used to shop here 150 years ago. 

The fabled shop was transmuted into the “Old Sheep Shop” in the 1871 novel Through the Looking-Glass. On leaving the shop at the end of the chapter, Alice says: "Well, this is the very queerest shop I ever saw!". Today it’s a treasure trove of gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia from jigsaws to jewelry that commemorates this beloved character. Even the biggest Wonderland fan will not be disappointed.

Perhaps because opinions of the author have undergone a dramatic revision in recent years, Oxford is big on celebrating its connections with Alice, the character. In July, the city commemorates the anniversary of the Liddle family and Charles Lutwidge Dodgson’s Thames rowing trip where the story that became Alice in Wonderland began with Alice’s Day. Another Alice sight still standing is the “Treacle Well” (referenced during the Mad Hatter’s tea party) near the 12th-century Church of St Margaret of Antioch , half a mile west of the Thames in Binsey. 

Leave a memento to give thanks for Lord of the Rings 

At the gated Wolvercote Cemetery, 2.5 miles north of Oxford city centre, is the final resting place of John Ronald Reuel (JRR) Tolkien (1892–1973) and his wife, Edith Mary Tolkien, who passed two years before him. Their gravestone bears the names Beren (for him) and Lúthien (for her), referencing the love between a mortal man and an elf maiden who gave up her immortality to be with him. 

When you enter the main gates a series of small signs points visitors to the grave which is usually covered in offerings of flowers, plants and sometimes jewellery. We assume these offerings are a way to say thank you from fans of the writer’s contribution to the world. There’s also a campaign running to transform his home into a center for creativity.

Drink a pint on the bank of the River Thames

Oxford is also renowned for its excellent pubs, several with delightful river views that perfectly complement a lovely afternoon pint. The Perch is thatched roof village pub with a sprawling beer garden that’s tucked down a magical footpath just off the Thames.

The Trout sits next to a cascading mill stream on the river – a favourite spot of Lewis Carroll and C.S Lewis during their years at Oxford University. And with boats moored on the towpath outside and rowers passing up and down stream, Isis River Farmhouse , has excellent river views from its beer garden as well as live music. Closer to Oxford city centre, Head of the River offers a good selection of beers and great views.

Dissect the History of Science

Housed in the lovely 17th-century building that held the original Ashmolean Museum, this wee museum is not just for science fans. Learn more about the development of scientific inquiry and the instruments that facilitated that quest. It is stuffed with astrolabes, orreries and early electrical apparati. 

Displays include cameras that belonged to Lawrence of Arabia and a radio receiver invented by Guglielmo Marconi in 1896. Plus a blackboard that was covered with equations by Einstein in 1931, when he was invited to give lectures on relativity. Einstein's scientific legacy of innovation continues with a recent addition to these displays – a glass sculpture of a nanoparticle of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The museum is understandably proud of the key role Oxford-based scientists played in the development of this life-saving drug – thankfully the sculpture is one million times the size of an actual nanoparticle so you can see it in all its glory.

Enrich your imagination at the Story Museum

A thousand years of Oxford’s storytelling history, from ancient myths and legends to classics of children’s literature, are celebrated at this child-friendly museum . Move through the sprawling complex, exploring Britain's storytelling heritage. 

Rooms honour the likes of Lewis Carroll, Phillip Pullman and Wallace and Gromit, and the Whispering Wood is a man-made forest where every tree has a secret to reveal. The museum also hosts an ever-changing program of storytelling sessions and live shows. Check the website for details.

Admire Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History

It’s worth visiting this charming museum just to admire its light-filled, glass-roofed Victorian Gothic home. The cast-iron columns, flower-carved capitals and a soaring glass roof make a superb showcase for some extraordinary exhibits. Specimens from all over the world include a 150-year-old Japanese spider crab.

However, it’s the dinosaurs that really wow the kids. As well as a towering T-rex skeleton – ‘Stan’, the second most complete ever found – you’ll see pieces of Megalosaurus, which was the first dinosaur ever mentioned in a written text in 1677. Another visitor favourite is the (stuffed) dodo that was immortalised by Lewis Carroll in Alice in Wonderland. The unfortunate bird was stunningly revealed in 2018 to have been shot in the head, rather than having died peacefully in captivity, as previously believed.

Visit the birthplace of Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace

It’s a 10-minute drive from Oxford city but totally worth the journey. One of Britain's greatest stately homes, and a Unesco World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is a monumental baroque fantasy, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor, and built between 1705 and 1722. Queen Anne gave the land, and funds, to John Churchill Duke of Marlborough, as thanks for defeating the French at the 1704 Battle of Blenheim. Sir Winston Churchill was born here in 1874, and Blenheim (blen-num) remains home to the 12th duke.

Beyond its majestic oak doors, the palace is stuffed with statues, tapestries, sumptuous furniture, priceless china and giant oil paintings in elaborate gilt frames. The palace features in a number of films from Harry Potter to James Bond, and if you’ve watched the latest Cinderella film starring Camila Cabello, James Corben and Pierce Brosnan, you might recognise those floor to ceiling shelves in the Long Library. For a full experience, make sure you allow enough time to enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea in the Orangery and then head for a postprandial walk of the lavish gardens and parklands. They’re not to be missed.

You might also like: Bards and Roman baths: best places in England Best things to do with kids in England Literary Oxford - a book lover's guide to the city of dreaming spires

This article was first published Oct 11, 2021 and updated Jan 3, 2022.

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1. Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

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• Debra Stuart, FL 3 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great walking tour of Oxford with University student guide The tour was really well done. Just the right amount of information to give one a feel for life at Oxford. Our guide was a current student at Oxford. It was really interesting getting the perspective of a student. My husband and I both walked away feeling that in a short amount of time, we were immersed in life at the University, balanced with a sufficient sense of Oxord’s history. Our guide, Martin, was really good. He was fun, energetic and a great story-teller. We recommend this tour for anyone interested in seeing Oxford through both a historical lens and a current-day view of life at Oxford. Read more Review of: Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide Written 13 June 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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In 1987, John Thaw hit our screens as the iconic Inspector Morse and Oxford has not been the same since! A total of 33 episodes were filmed over a period of thirteen years on the streets of Oxford (although a couple were not filmed in Oxford). 2006–2015 was the Lewis era, during which Lewis and Hathaway tried to make the streets of Oxford safe. We now have the prequel, Endeavour, which will return to our screens this Winter (2023) for the final 3 episodes.

Walking Tours of Oxford has specialist guides who have witnessed the filming and would be delighted to show you some of the scenes, although we cannot promise to cover nearly 200 hours’ filming in just two hours! Heidi Boon Rickard, owner and guide at Walking Tours of Oxford is the author of the book; Morse, Lewis, Endeavour and Oxford – A guide celebrating 35 years on screen.

Join others on this 1 hour and 45 min Morse/Lewis/Endeavour tour around Oxford and discover some of the many filming sites and stories.

‘Shall we say 2pm?’ says Max time and again so it makes sense for a 2pm start! The tour operates on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday all year, plus Monday, Wednesday and Sunday in mid season (plus extra tours to meet demand at 11am please see ‘Book now’ button for up to date timetable). From Martyrs Memorial on St Giles. We are the highest reviewed and rated tour company in Oxford for these tours – don’t take our word for it – read our numerous reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook and feefo!

Your journey will take you through the heart of Oxford to the locations used in all three – Morse / Lewis and Endeavour!

These tours are often fully booked weeks in advance so book early to experience the best!

This is an adult tour. No children under 12. Age 12+ will require an adult ticket.

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£20 per person + booking fee.

We do not visit inside a college.

Just a quick note to say thank you to you and all your staff – in particular Elizabeth, who certainly knew her stuff and looked after all the group all the way round, from crossing the road to navigating round the cyclists. I don’t think we’ve been on a better informed and managed trip anywhere. She even managed to find places to shelter when it rained!! And we were certainly very lucky with the weather looking at how it bucketed down after we had all dispersed. We were very impressed with the efficiency of the radio media package, which working very well indeed and we were able to hear everything she said all the way round.

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We will start in a central location, or meet you at your hotel, train station or bus stop at a time and day to suit you. Each tour is unique and will depend on many different factors but we will certainly see a good selection of filming locations throughout the city.

If you would like to visit inside a college then there maybe a small additional fee which is usually around £2 per person, further information will be given at the time of booking.

At the end of the tour, we will provide suggestion on other locations that you may wish to visit.

Morse, Lewis, Endeavour and Oxford – A guide Celebrating 35 years on screen

On 6th January 1987, ‘The Dead of Jericho’ was shown on ITV and introduced the world to Chief Inspector Morse. The rest, as the say, is history! Our book not only provides a tour of Oxford but delves into the mind and thinking of Colin Dexter. Ideally it is a perfect companion alongside out tours but can also be enjoyed and appreciated from your armchair. It makes a perfect Christmas or birthday gift and signed copies are available on our website from the home page BOOK BUTTON .

Best tour we have been on…ever Review of: ‘Inspector Morse,’ ‘Lewis,’ and ‘Endeavour’ Walking Tour of Oxford

Heidi was an excellent guide. She kept our group entertained with her vast knowledgeable of Morse, Lewis and Endeavour, and also kept it light and humorous, whilst taking care to make sure that those whose English was not their first language could understand by speaking clearly, and when necessary, loudly. 5/5 stars all they way.

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Excellent tour Review of: ‘Inspector Morse,’ ‘Lewis,’ and ‘Endeavour’ Walking Tour of Oxford

The tour was fantastic, combining both general facts about Oxford and facts and details about all three shows. Í saw a lot of the beautiful city, inside looks into some colleges being just one of the many highlights. The many pictures of various scenes helped spark my memory, so that I could remember many locations from one of the episodes. All in all very recomendable for all fans.

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Best Day Tours From Oxford

Our pick of the best day tours from Oxford taking you to some of the most spectacular parts of the English countryside. Our small group tours operate with a maximum of 16 people. Travel in executive transportation with a friendly expert guide. Discover the highlights of the region including visits to Downton Abbey filming sites, Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Our tours are available with regular weekly departures from Oxford city centre and can also be taken as private chauffeur-driven tours.

Best Day Tours from Oxford:

Stratford-upon-Avon

Cotswolds & Stratford-upon-Avon Tour from Oxford

Our Cotswolds & Stratford-upon-Avon day tour departs from Oxford city centre. Begin the day with a drive through the breathtaking English countryside, known for its green rolling hills and pastoral scenery. Pass some of the most famous Cotswolds villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, which is known locally as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. Stop for lunch at Stow-on-the-Wold, another pretty Cotswolds village characterized by its honey-coloured stone buildings.

From here, we will head to Shakespeare’s country with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. We’ll see Shakespeare’s birthplace as well as visit the childhood home of his wife, Anne Hathaway.

On the final part of the tour, we return to Oxford. The visit begins with a guided walking tour of the city, including the famous courtyards and buildings of Oxford University. Discover Divinity School, a medieval building built in 1427 that served as the University’s first purpose-built teaching room.

This is the best tour of the Cotswolds & Stratford-upon-Avon from Oxford. By using a small minibus, we can drive through the windy country lanes and visit locations that larger coach tours simply can’t reach! Our small-group tour with a maximum of 16-passengers is perfect for comfortable sightseeing.

The tour is available every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday departing from Oxford.

More details: Cotswolds & Stratford tour from Oxford

Stonehenge & Bath Tour from Oxford

Discover Stonehenge & Bath on a day tour from Oxford. This is the best way to visit Stonehenge in the comfort of a 16-seater minibus. Led by an experienced guide, this is a small-group tour. You’ll begin the day with a visit to Bath, one of the prettiest cities in England. There will be time to explore the city centre, see Pulteney Bridge and enjoy the beautiful Georgian architecture.

The afternoon is spent at Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous Neolithic monument in the world. See the ancient stone circles, walk through the Neolithic village and explore the visitors centre.

This is the best way to see Stonehenge & Bath in a day from Oxford. The tour is available every day, with pickup from hotels in central Oxford.

More details:  Stonehenge & Bath Tour from Oxford

Highclere Castle & Downton Abbey Tour from Oxford

Highclere Castle, the location of Downton Abbey

This is the best day tour from Oxford if you are looking to visit the real-life locations used in the making of Downton Abbey. The highlight of our trip is a visit to Highclere Castle, which is instantly recognizable as the real-life Downton Abbey. Our tour includes entrance tickets to explore the castle interior, including the State Rooms, dining room, and bedrooms that were home to Lady Sybil, Edith, Mary and more. Spend time exploring the magnificent gardens or perhaps enjoy lunch or afternoon tea.

Our Downton Abbey tour from Oxford also includes a visit to the village of Bampton and Cogges Farm that were both used in the filming of the TV series.

This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 18-passengers. It is only available on dates when Highclere Castle is open to the public and often gets sold out in advance.

More Details:  Highclere Castle & Downton Abbey Tour from Oxford

Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace Tour from Oxford

The charming village of Bibury!

Available from April to November

Our Cotswolds Villages & Blenheim Palace tour combines history, heritage, and beautiful scenery with lunch in a charming pub. Travel from Oxford in an executive, air-conditioned minibus. Get to know your friendly guide and fellow passengers as you journey into the Cotswolds countryside. We use a small, 16 seater minibus, which is able to drive along some of the narrow country roads that most large group tours cannot do! We’ll spend the morning on a guided tour, discovering some of the villages typical to the region including Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Enjoy a two-course lunch in one of the oldest inns in the country with a choice of traditional English pub food.

We will visit Blenheim Palace in the afternoon, one of the most impressive stately homes in the country. Highlights of the palace include its staterooms, library, dining rooms, and magnificent landscaped gardens. Our Cotswolds tour is available every Saturday from Oxford between April & October.

More details: Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace Tour from Oxford

Downton Abbey Sites & Blenheim Palace Tour from Oxford

Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Our Downton Abbey Sites & Blenheim Palace day tour from Oxford visits the film locations used in the making of the Downton Abbey TV Series. This is followed in the afternoon by a tour of Blenheim Palace .

Depart Oxford in the morning and drive into the magnificent Cotswolds countryside, admiring the sweeping hills. First stop is Yew Tree Farm which is better known as Cogges Manor Farm. Discover the fictional home of Mr Drewe and his family with a guided tour of this working farm. We continue with a visit to the village of Bampton, better known in the TV series as the village of Downton. Discover the many scenes and events that took place in this pretty little village, and see the church, post office and Downton hospital. We continue our drive through the English countryside, passing beautiful villages including Shilton and Swinsbrook. Stop for Lunch in Woodstock, with a great choice of cafes and restaurants.

We spend the afternoon at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace. This was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Learn about the Palace with an audio-guided tour around the house and enjoy plenty of free time to explore the spectacular landscaped gardens.

One of the best day tours from Oxford, our Cotswolds, Downton Abbey, Blenheim Palace trip is available with departures from Oxford every Wednesday & Friday from April to October.

More details: Downton Abbey & Blenheim Tour from Oxford

Private Tours from Oxford

All our tours from Oxford can be arranged as private day tours . This is the best way to travel if you are looking for a custom-built tour according to your needs. Tours can be arranged with a driver/guide, a driver and a separate guide or a driver only private tour. Private Oxford tours can also be taken to other nearby locations including Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor Castle.

more things to do

Best Cotswolds Tours from London

Cotswolds Day Trip Itinerary

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Visit the world-famous Bodleian Libraries

Discover our tours, free exhibitions, shop and café

Library guided tours

Go inside our beautiful and historic library buildings with our expert tour guides

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Discover the fascinating history of the University and city of Oxford on our walking tours

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Be inspired by our latest exhibitions, open every day at the Weston Library.

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Browse our exclusive literary gifts in the shop, and enjoy a delicious snack in the Weston Library café

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Stories from the Bodleian

Franz Kafka's papers and the Bodleian Libraries

Discover the story of survival and chance that led to the majority of Franz Kafka's archive ending up in Oxford

Peter Brathwaite: Mischief in the Archives

Baritone and artist Peter Brathwaite introduces his research and his fascinating pop-up exhibition at the Bodleian

Enter the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize

Take part in the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize 2024, running in partnership with our exhibition Kafka: Making of an Icon

Behind the Desk: Phillip Pullman

Author Sir Philip Pullman reveals where he works and discusses his writing process

BOOKNESS with Kevin Steele

BOOKNESS speaks to graphic designer, book artist and paper engineer Kevin Steele about his work The Movable Book of Letterforms

Playford's Dancing Masters: how to learn English country dances

Find out more about the very first printed collection of English country dances and their melodies, and learn two Playford dances

Introducing our Chinese collections

Explore six remarkable objects that show the breadth and uniqueness of the Bodleian's Chinese collections, including the Selden Map

The secrets of manuscript makers and owners

Mary Wellesley traces the stories of the people who made, loved and sometimes destroyed medieval manuscripts

Jane Austen's letters to her sister Cassandra Austen

Explore two of the few surviving letters by Jane Austen, donated to the Bodleian and Jane Austen’s House after a campaign to save them by Friends of the National Libraries

Stories from the Bodleian's collections

Delve into the Bodleian's incredible collections, from the Magna Carta to Shakespeare and Tolkien

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The best things to do on a day trip in Oxford

The historic city of Oxford prides itself on being home to the oldest University in the English-speaking world! But it’s not all history and academia - Oxford has a thriving and diverse culture, with eclectic independents and a foodie scene to rival any big city.

If you’re wondering what to do in Oxford, these are the best things to do, from sightseeing and places to eat to shopping. Hop in a Zipcar to explore Oxford your way.

Eat and drink in Oxford

• The Handle Bar - Rub shoulders with students at this artsy and eclectic café-bar-restaurant-gig venue hybrid. The Handle Bar serves delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, as well as delicious coffee, sweet treats, smoothies and even evening tapas dishes and cocktails on the weekend! Why not stop in for a slice of cake and a coffee to recharge after a walking tour?
• Oli’s Thai - A hinge-pin in Oxford’s Asian restaurant scene, Oli’s Thai is a tiny 5 table restaurant that pack big flavours into every one of its dishes. So much so that the restaurant has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand four years running. If you love Thai food, it’s advisable to book waaaay in advance of your visit to Oxford. 
• The Varsity Club - The roof terrace at The Varsity Club boasts panoramic views in amongst the Dreaming Spires of Oxford. The perfect setting for a special occasion, romantic date or simply to treat yourself with an expertly crafted cocktail or a bite to eat as you admire the birds-eye view across the city.

Places to visit in Oxford

• Christ Church - You don’t have to be religious to appreciate this ancient marvel of British architecture. Not only is Christ Church a key college of Oxford University, but it has also featured in many famous movies, perhaps most notably the Hall of Christ Church, which was the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films.
• Walking Tour - Arguably the most popular thing to do in Oxford for tourists, walking tours are a fascinating way to learn more about the history, architecture and academia of this famous University city. Oxford walking tours are usually run by the students themselves, who can offer unique insights to life at one of the world’s leading seats of learning.
• Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum - Oxford has many firsts, and the Botanic Garden is another one, as the first of it’s kind in the UK – founded in 1612. A stunning array of trees, plants and flowers can be found in the carefully tended gardens and glasshouses – over 5000 species in total. It’s a must-visit for any plant lover.

Shopping in Oxford

• Oxford Covered Market - Support Oxford independent traders at this historic covered market dating back to the 1770s. Not only will you be contributing to Oxford’s heritage, but the narrow corridors, busy shop windows and colourful eaves make it highly Instagrammable!
• Reign Vintage - The very best in vintage fashion awaits at Reign. From vintage Levi jeans and reworked plaid shirts for everyday wear, to 80s cocktail dresses and statement jumpsuits, find your own unique and sustainable style at this vintage emporium. 
• Objects of Use - Practical, useful and hardwearing items that will last a lifetime – Objects of Use might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of buying souvenirs in Oxford, but their expertly and sustainably crafted collection of household items are both intriguing to look at and actually serve a purpose.

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Visiting the colleges

Here you will find information on opening times and admission charges, where these apply, for the colleges and permanent private halls of Oxford University, and links to their individual websites.

You will also find links to virtual tours of some of the colleges.

If you are interested in studying at Oxford University, please see our information for prospective students  including  information on colleges for prospective undergraduates

All Souls College

• Location : High Street (OX1 4AL)
• Tel : 01865 279379
• Open : Members of the public are welcome to visit the College Front and Great Quadrangles and Chapel as individual visitors or groups (up to six) 14:00-16:00 on weekdays and Sundays.
• Charge: Free
• Website :  All Souls College
• All Souls College location map

Balliol College

• Location : Broad Street ( OX1   3BJ)
• Tel : 01865 277777
• Open : Usually open 10:00-17:00 or dusk (whichever is earlier)
• Charge : Adults from £5, concessions and students from £3
• Note : Groups: 19 plus guide for green/blue badge guided tours; 8 plus guide for all other groups
• Website : Balliol College
• Balliol College location map
• Balliol College Virtual Tour

Blackfriars

• Location : St Giles (OX1 3LY )
• Tel : 01865 278400
• Open : Blackfriars Church is open to the public daily in daylight hours.
• Website : Blackfriars
• Blackfriars location map

Brasenose College

• Location : Radcliffe Square (OX1 4AJ)
• Tel: 01865 277830
• Open : Mon-Fri: 10:00-11:30 and 14:00-16:30, Sat and Sun: 13:00-16:30
• Charge : Free, donations welcome 
• Note : Groups must book in advance. Maximum group size of 20. Only one group allowed into the College at any one time. Individual tourists can be allowed in at the discretion of the duty porter, with a small donation to the College. Full information for tourists and tour groups is available here .
• Website : Brasenose College
• Brasenose College location map
• Brasenose College Virtual Tour

Campion Hall

• Location : Brewer Street (OX1 1QS)
• Tel : 01865 286100
• Open : By appointment only
• Website :  Campion Hall
• Campion Hall location map

Christ Church

• Location : St Aldate's (OX1 1DP)
• Tel : 01865 276492
• Open : Mon-Sun. To visit Christ Church please book a timed ticket online via the Christ Church website . Tickets are released on a weekly basis. Please note that as a working academic and religious institution some areas, including the Hall and the Cathedral, may close occasionally without notice. Any known closures will be listed against the relevant time slots on the booking system. Visit the  cathedral website  for a schedule of daily services.
• Charge : Full details can be found by visiting the  tickets page on the Christ Church website .
• Note : Book tickets online to guarantee entry. Groups of 12 or more must book in advance. For information on how to visit Christ Church Picture Gallery please see:  Visiting the Gallery at Christ Church .
• Website :  Christ Church
• Christ Church location map
• Christ Church Virtual Tour

Corpus Christi College

• Location : Merton Street (OX1 4JF)
• Tel : 01865 276700
• Open : 13:30-16:30
• Note : Groups (maximum 20) must book in advance and be accompanied by a Blue Badge Guide
• Website : Corpus Christi College
• Corpus Christi College location map
• Corpus Christi College Virtual Tour

Exeter College

• Location : Turl Street (OX1 3DP)
• Tel : 01865 279600
• Open : Members of the public are very welcome to visit Exeter College at Turl Street, unless the College is closed for a special event. We recommend calling in advance to check the College is open and any restrictions on where you can visit. The College is normally open between 14:00 and 17:00 during term time and between 13:00 and 17:00 outside of term time.
• Charge : Alumni, prospective students and Bodleian card holders are welcome to visit with up to three guests for free. Organised tour groups can visit for £3 per person (no charge for tour guides) by booking with the Porters’ Lodge.
• Note : Exeter College Chapel services are open to all and provide everyone the opportunity to reflect and to listen to the College’s outstanding choir, irrespective of religious beliefs. Cohen Quad is open to current members of the University of Oxford and to Exeter College alumni with appropriate identification. Cohen Quad is not generally open to the public, although public events such as musical or dramatic performances, lectures, or open days are sometimes held there and members of the public encouraged to attend.
• Website : Exeter College
• Exeter College location map
• Explore Exeter College: video tours
• Exeter College Virtual Tour

Green Templeton College

• Location : Woodstock Road (OX2 6HG)
• Tel : 01865 274770
• Open : By appointment only
• Note : Maximum 20 people in a group. Graduate college
• Website : Green Templeton College
• Green Templeton College location map

Harris Manchester College

• Location : Mansfield Road (OX1 3TD)
• Tel : 01865 271006
• Open : Chapel only. Mon-Fri 10:00-17:30, Sat 09:00-12:00
• Charge : Free, donations welcome
• Note : Large parties must book in advance
• Website : Harris Manchester College
• Harris Manchester College location map
• Harris Manchester College Virtual Tour

Hertford College

• Location : Catte Street (OX1 3BW)
• Tel : 01865 279400
• Open : Hertford College is only open to prospective students, alumni, members of the University or those with a connection to the college. Members of the public are welcome to attend Evensong (Sunday 17:30 during term time) and advertised music recitals in the Chapel. The college will be closed to all visitors without appointment from 3 July 2023 until further notice for a major rebuilding programme.
• Website : Hertford College
• Hertford College location map

Jesus College

• Location : Turl Street (OX1 3DW)
• Tel : 01865 279700
• Open : Blue Badge guided tours only: 14:00-16:30 daily. For all other visitor enquiries contact the College Lodge on the number above. 
• Charge : Adults £3, seniors and children over 5 £2.
• Note : Maximum 20 people in a group; groups must book in advance
• Website : Jesus College
• Jesus College location map
• Jesus College Virtual Tour

Keble College

• Location : Parks Road (OX1 3PG)
• Tel : 01865 272727
• Open : Daily 14:00-17:00
• Note : Members of the public are welcome to visit the College main quad (Liddon quad) and Chapel. Occasionally during the year the College will be closed for College events so it is always best to contact the Porters prior to planning a visit. It is recommended to pre-book in case the College is closed due to events. Alumni, prospective students and offer holders are welcome to visit the College at any time. Please note that visitors to the College are not permitted to bring in any animal, except those specifically trained to provide assistance to their owners (eg guide/assistance dogs). Guided tours and groups of 8 or more must pre-book through the Porters Lodge or they will need to split into smaller groups and take the tour in turns. 
• Website : Keble College
• Keble College location map
• Keble College Virtual Tour

Kellogg College

• Location : 60-62 Banbury Road (OX2 6PN)
• Tel : 01865 612000
• Open : Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
• Charge : Free
• Note : Graduate college committed to flexible learning
• Website : Kellogg College
• Kellogg College location map

Lady Margaret Hall

• Location : Norham Gardens (OX2 6QA)
• Tel : 01865 274300
• Open : Daily 10:00-17:00
• Website : Lady Margaret Hall
• Lady Margaret Hall location map
• Lady Margaret Hall Virtual Tour

Linacre College

• Location : St Cross Road (OX1 3JA)
• Tel : 01865 271650
• Note : Graduate college
• Website : Linacre College
• Linacre College location map

Lincoln College

• Location : Turl Street (OX1 3DR)
• Tel : 01865 279800
• Open : Mon-Sun 14:00-17:00
• Website : Lincoln College
• Lincoln College location map
• Explore Lincoln College: enjoy virtual tours around the college

Magdalen College

• Location : High Street (OX1 4AU)
• Tel : 01865 276000
• Open:  3 January to 22 December: 10:00 to dusk or 19:00, whichever is the earlier. (These are subject to occasional change which will be advertised on this website , or our noticeboard outside the main entrance. The College will be closed to all visitors on 24 and 25 June, 22 and 23 September, 1 October and 19-31 December, all dates inclusive. Find out more about other special opening times including New Year’s Day 2024 at Visiting Magdalen College .
• Charges:  Adults £9.50; over 65s, children and students £8.50; family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children aged 7 or over) £28. 
• Note:  Please see college website for full visitor information.
• Website : Magdalen College
• Magdalen College location map
• Magdalen College Virtual Tour

Mansfield College

• Location : Mansfield Road (OX1 3TF)
• Tel : 01865 270999
• Note : Groups (maximum 12 people) must be accompanied by a guide
• Website : Mansfield College
• Mansfield College location map
• Mansfield College Virtual Tour

Merton College

• Location : Merton Street (OX1 4JD)
• Tel : 01865 276310
• Open : Mon-Fri 14:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30pm), Sat 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30), Sun 12:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30pm).
• Charge : Adults £3. Free to children under 13. There is a reduced fee of £2 for adults aged over 65. Free to University members and alumni (and up to three guests). Guided tours of college and medieval library £5 per person (summer only).
• Note : Groups of more than 10 must book in advance
• Website : Merton College
• Merton College location map
• Merton College Virtual Tour

New College

• Location : New College Lane (OX1 3BN)
• Tel : 01865 271233/01865 279500
• Open : Easter-Oct 10:00-17:00 (seven days a week); Oct-Easter 13:30-16:30 (Tuesday-Sunday)
• Charge : Adults £8; seniors, under 16s and full time students £7; family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children aged 7 or over) £25. Free to children under 7 years of age, Oxford residents and old members.
• Note : Maximum 20 people in a group. Larger groups will need to split.
• Website : New College
• New College location map
• New College Virtual Tour

Nuffield College

• Location : New Road (OX1 1NF)
• Tel : 01865 278500
• Open : Closed until further notice due to building works.
• Website : Nuffield College
• Nuffield College location map

Oriel College

• Location : Oriel Square (OX1 4EW)
• Tel : 01865 276555
• Open : Mon-Fri 14:00-17:00 or dusk (whichever is earlier), Sat-Sun 13:00-17:00  
• Charge : Adults £3; concessions £2. 
• Note : Access to hall, chapel and first quad only. Maximum 12 people in a group. Closed during events.
• Website : Oriel College
• Oriel College location map
• Oriel College Virtual Tour

Pembroke College

• Location : Pembroke Square, St Aldate's (OX1 1DW)
• Tel : 01865 276444
• Note : Pembroke College is only open to prospective students, alumni, members of the University or those with a connection to the college.
• Website : Pembroke College
• Pembroke College location map
• Pembroke College Virtual Tour

The Queen's College

• Location : High Street (OX1 4AW)
• Tel : 01865 279120
• Open : Pre-arranged tours only, permitted Mon-Fri between 14:00-17:00 during term time.
• Note : The Queen’s College is only open to prospective students, alumni, members of the University, or those with a connection to the college. Aside from this, entry is only permitted if you are on a pre-arranged tour with the  Oxford Guild of Tour Guides  or attending Evensong.
• Website : The Queen's College
• The Queen's College location map
• The Queen's College Virtual Tour

Regent's Park College

• Location : Pusey Street (OX1 2LB)
• Contact : 01865 288120
• Open : By appointment
• Website : Regent's Park College
• Regent's Park College Map

Reuben College

• Location : Parks Road (OX2 6ED)
• Contact :  [email protected]
• Note : The building is currently closed for major refurbishments – please check the College website for updates
• Website : Reuben College
• Reuben College location map

Somerville College

• Location : Woodstock Road (OX2 6HD)
• Tel : 01865 270600
• Open : 09:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00. No admission outside term-time except for university members and Alumni card holders.
• Note : Large groups must book in advance
• Website : Somerville College
• Somerville College location map
• Somerville College Virtual Tour

St Anne's College

• Location : Woodstock Road (OX2 6HS)
• Tel : 01865 274800
• Open : Daily 09:00-17:00
• Website : St Anne's College
• St Anne's College location map
• St Anne's College Virtual Tour

St Antony's College

• Location : Woodstock Road (OX2 6JF)
• Tel : 01865 284700
• Website : St Antony's College
• St Antony's College location map

St Catherine's College

• Location : Manor Road (OX1 3UJ)
• Tel : 01865 271700
• Note : Advance booking is required for groups of 10 or more
• Website : St Catherine's College
• St Catherine's College location map
• St Catherine's College Virtual Tour

St Cross College

• Location : St Giles (OX1 3LZ)
• Tel : 01865 278490
• Open :  By appointment only
• Website : St Cross College
• St Cross College location map (Image: Blackwell Quad, credit David Fisher)

St Edmund Hall

• Location : Queen's Lane (OX1 4AR)
• Tel : 01865 279000
• Open : Daily 10:00-16:00
• Note : Maximum 12 people in a group. Larger groups by appointment.
• Website : St Edmund Hall
• St Edmund Hall location map
• St Edmund Hall Virtual Tour

St Hilda's College

• Location : Cowley Place (OX4 1DY)
• Tel : 01865 276884
• Website : St Hilda's College
• St Hilda's College location map
• St Hilda's College Virtual Tour

St Hugh's College

• Location : St Margaret's Road (OX2 6LE)
• Tel : 01865 274900
• Open : Please check in advance
• Note :   We welcome visitors but kindly ask that you check in advance. Email [email protected] or telephone ahead.
• Website :  St Hugh's College
• St Hugh's College location map
• St Hugh's College Virtual Tour

St John's College

• Location : St Giles' (OX1 3JP)
• Tel : 01865 277300
• Open : 13:00-17:00 or dusk, whichever is earliest. The chapel is also open daily from 13:30 until close.
• Note : Maximum 14 people in a group, accompanied by a guide. Larger groups will be split into smaller ones.
• Website : St John's College
• St John's College location map
• St John's College Virtual Tour

St Peter's College

• Location : New Inn Hall Street (OX1 2DL)
• Tel : 01865 278900
• Open : 10:00-17:00
• Note : Booking is required for groups of five or more
• Website : St Peter's College
• St Peter's College location map
• St Peter's College Virtual Tour

Trinity College

• Location : Broad Street (OX1 3BH)
• Tel : 01865 279900
• Open : Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00
• Charge : Adults £4, seniors/children £3.
• Note : No charge for group leaders or teachers accompanying school groups. A call is recommended to avoid disappointment, as the college could close for events during the summer.
• Website : Trinity College
• Trinity College location map
• Trinity College Virtual Tour

University College

• Location : High Street (OX1 4BH)
• Tel : 01865 276602
• Open : 09:00-17:00 (open to the public out of term time only)
• Charge : £2 per head (children under 5 years free)
• Note : Maximum 15 people in a group, accompanied by a guide. Advance booking is required. 
• The Univ VR app offers a virtual tour of parts of the College, with commentary, and is available from both the Apple App Store (search 'Univ VR App') and via Google Play .
• Website : University College
• University College location map
• University College Virtual Tour

Wadham College

• Location : Parks Road (OX1 3PN)
• Tel : 01865 277900
• Open : Term time: 13:00-16:15. Vacation 10:30-11:45 and 13:00-16:15
• Note : Groups must book in advance and be accompanied by a Blue Badge Guide
• Website : Wadham College
• Wadham College location map
• Wadham College Virtual Tour

Wolfson College

• Location : Linton Road (OX2 6UD)
• Tel : 01865 274100
• Open : Daylight hours
• Note : Groups should notify the College in advance of their visit. Graduate college. 
• Website : Wolfson College
• Wolfson College location map

Worcester College

• Location : Walton Street (OX1 2HB)
• Tel : 01865 278300
• Open : Open to current and Old Members, prospective applicants and residents of OX1 and OX2, daily 12:30-16:00 (book via telephone or [email protected] ). 
• Website : Worcester College
• Worcester College location map
• Worcester College Virtual Tour

Wycliffe Hall

• Location : Banbury Road (OX2 6PW)
• Tel : 01865 274200
• Open : By appointment
• Charge:  Free
• Website : Wycliffe Hall
• Wycliffe Hall location map
• Wycliffe Hall Virtual Tour

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London, England   Travel Guide

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Best Times To Visit London, England

The best time to visit London is March through May when the temperatures are mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. However, late spring – along with summer – is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. You're more likely to find airfare and accommodation deals in the fall and winter though you'll also encounter chilly temperatures. December in London is also an incredibly popular place to be during the holidays, so expect the streets to be crowded with both English and international tourists. And no matter when you travel, you should pack an umbrella: London is notorious for experiencing misty days and showers year-round. If you have any concerns related to the weather, crowds or other unpredictable factors, you might want to consider an international travel insurance policy  or a cancel for any reason plan for more extensive coverage.

Another thing to keep in mind: it's nearly impossible to escape crowds in London. Along with being one of the biggest cities in Europe, London is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the world , so no matter what time of year you go, you're bound to run into lots of tourists.

Weather in London, England

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit London, England

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