This is the main introductory tour of Oxford. The guide will take you through the heart of the historic city centre illustrating the history of Oxford and its University and describing the architecture and traditions of its most famous buildings and institutions.
Take a fascinating tour to hear of the transformation of the study of science at Oxford. By the 14th century Oxford was famous for the work of Bacon and Grosseteste, for developments in mathematics and astronomy. The 17th century saw Boyle, Hooke and Halley make their respective ground-breaking discoveries. In the 20th century, it was the penicillin scientists under Professor Florey who made the greatest impact. Find out about Oxford's role at the leading edge of science right up to 21st century.
Oxford is one of Britain's busiest and most instantly recognisable places for film and TV drama locations. See the backdrop for historical re-creations and literary adaptations from fantasies to thrillers. Hear of the links with some of the biggest names in cinematic history.
Tour the locations where memorable Harry Potter scenes were shot and enter the magical wizarding world. This tour can include a visit to Christ Church, New College and The Divinity School for each of which an additional entry fee is charged. Please state in the booking form which of the locations you would like to include in the tour.
Explore the Oxford of Alice, Lyra & Will, of Prince Caspian & Aslan... characters created by well-known Oxford authors in Alice in Wonderland, The Northern Lights trilogy (filmed as The Golden Compass) and The Chronicles of Narnia. Delight in the make-believe as you discover places which inspired Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis and Philip Pullman amongst others.
Follow in the footsteps of the city's celebrated TV detective, created by Oxford author Colin Dexter. Visit the scenes of Inspector Morse and Lewis' best-known cases, with lots of lively anecdotes along the way.
The well-know people associated with Oxford are really too numerous to mention but include Sir Christopher Wren, Samuel Johnson, John Wesley, Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien...If you have a particular interest in one of them, we can ensure that your tour has a special emphasis on that person.
Learn about the many women connected with Oxford and how women fought to become accepted as full members of the University. From St Frideswide, Patron Saint of Oxford to the Medieval queen Matilda; from Dorothy Wadham, college founder, to future Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher, Indira Ghandhi and Benazir Bhutto to authors Dorothy L. Sayers and Iris Murdoch, Oxford owes much to its women and their story is a fascinating one.
The city of Oxford has some of the finest stained glass in the UK. Almost every style and period of English glass-painting is represented; from medieval to modern times including some beautiful 17th century windows and a wealth of 19th century glass particularly by William Morris and Co. Enjoy the opportunity of seeing some fascinating craftsmanship. Bring your binoculars!
The Pre-Raphaelites were closely connected with Oxford. Edward Burne-Jones and Morris studied here and together with Holman Hunt, they left the city with some outstanding artistic works. Join a tour with emphasis on this delightful period of Victorian art.
This is an alternative tour of Oxford to find out about secret societies, alchemists, martyrs, traitors, rogues and criminals. Discover too, one of the world's largest collections of amulets, talismans and magical items. Best time for this tour 12noon onwards.
Oxford in the Civil War was at the centre of the national stage, with King Charles making his Headquarters at Christ Church. Ramparts enclosed the city, college silver was melted down to make coins and Oxford became a garrison rather than a university town. Join this tour to hear more about life in Oxford during the Civil War.
Oxford is full of gardens and parks open to the public. They include the vast expanse of Christ Church Meadows in the heart of the city, the magnificent University Parks, The Botanic Garden, containing the scientifically important hybrid garden, as well as many hidden college gardens. Enjoy their varied beauty in all seasons from stunning carpets of spring bulbs, through magnificent summer herbaceous borders, to glorious autumn leaves.
If you have a special area of interest please discuss it with the Tours Coordinator as, if the subject is relevant to Oxford, we can usually accommodate you.
Email: wtours@oxford.gov.uk
Although every effort will be made to find foreign language speaking guides, this may not be possible. The Tours Coordinator will arrange for English speaking guides instead. If you have specified that this is not acceptable the tour will be cancelled.
Guides can be booked to match the English level of the group: beginners or intermediate. Please specify the level required in the booking form. We advise a 1.5hour tour for beginners.
Oxford Visitor Information
Tel: +44(0)1865 252200
Fax: +44(0)1865 240261
Email: tic@oxford.gov.uk
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