Click on a tour title from the list below to jump down the page to more information about that tour.
This is our most popular introductory tour, taken by the majority of visitors. the guide will lead 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.
These tours depart daily except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day
This tour is also available in French, German or Spanish on selected dates during the year.
The first tour of the day may include a visit to the Divinity School (except on a Saturday). The University and City Tour with Divinity School is confirmed on a Friday for the week ahead.
Follow in the footsteps of the city's celebrated TV detective and his successor, Lewis, created by oxford author Colin Dexter. Visit the scenes of their best-known cases with lots of lively anecdotes along the way.
This tour departs at 13:30 every Saturday, with additional tours every Mondays and Friday between March and September.
Fun in Oxford for all the family! Take part in this informal tour and share in a light-hearted look at the surprises and delights Oxford has to offer children and adults alike. have even more fun with our free activity sheet!
This tour departs at 13:30 during the english school holidays.
Two university lecturers and friends, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, wrote some of the most popular books of the 20th century. Share the environment in which they studied, lived and spent their leisure time in their beloved Oxford.
Look out for the Special J.R.R. Tolkien & C.S. Lewis Tours with the option to take tea at Pembroke College at the end of the tour! Additional fee applies, ensure you purchase the appropriate ticket in advance.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 2nd February & 23rd November 2013
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.
Two dates in 2013 for this tour 29th June and 13th September 2013
Walk around what was once the medieval Jewish Quarter and learn about Jewish life in the city and significant events before the expulsion of 1290. Come up to date with the story of the Jewish population since the 17th century re-admission and remarkable facts about the Jewish contribution to Oxford University in the 20th century.
Only date in 2013 for this tour 27th September 2013
Over the centuries many famous writers: poets, novelists, critics and children's authors have studied or lived in Oxford. Explore this rich heritage with one of our knowledgeable guides.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 17th March & 29th September 2013
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.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 30th June & 27th October 2013
Discover this leafy suburb described by Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, the home of J.R.R. Tolkien, Lawrence of Arabia, Iris Murdoch, Tom Yorke of Radiohead and Colin Dexter. On this tour you will stroll around streets of exquisite Victorian houses, the first women's colleges, the Dragon School attended by Emma Watson, and the splendid University Parks.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 26th May & 10th August 2013
Oxford University owes its collegiate system to the generosity of early benefactors, who founded colleges and endowed scholarships for "poor young clerics". Oxford has continued to attract benefactors over succeeding centuries: in particular John Radcliffe, Cecil Rhodes and Lord Nuffield. This tour will explore their legacy.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 23rd March & 31st August 2013
Explore the Oxford of Alice and the Dodo, Lyra & Will, Prince Caspian & Aslan, characters created by well-known Oxford authors in "Alice in Wonderland", "His Dark Materials" 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.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 23rd February & 25th October 2013
Oxford is one of Britain's busiest and most instantly recognisable 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.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 23rd April & 26th October 2013
The many and varied plaques adorning the buildings and monuments of Oxford are a delightful and beguiling feature of the city. Each brief inscription hides a fascinating story. Join this walk to find out more about the amazing men and women commemorated in the plaques and the events which shaped Oxford's history.
Only date in 2013 for this tour 9th June 2013
The Western Quarter of Oxford is one of the city's little known secrets containing a late 18th century prison, now a hotel, and the remains of a Norman Castle. There is evidence of occupation from the Bronze Age and the Roman period and of early Anglo Saxon settlements. The tour offers riveting stories of the area's long history and its ancient buildings where friars lived and beer was brewed.
Only date in 2013 for this tour 6th July 2013
Tour the locations where memorable Harry Potter scenes were inspired and shot and enter the magical wizarding world yourself.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 15th February & 30th November 2013
Join this tour to learn how religion and faith shaped the early university. Follow in the footsteps of the martyrs, the founders of Methodism, the Oxford Movement, and Oxford's recent saints.
Only date in 2013 for this tour 30th March 2013
Take a fascinating tour about the study of science at Oxford. By the 14th century Oxford was famous for the work of Bacon and Grosseteste and for developments in mathematics and astronomy. The 17th century saw Harvey, Boyle, Hooke and Halley make their 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 the 21st century.
Two dates in 2013 for this tour 15th June & 26th August 2013
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 including particularly beautiful 17th century windows and a wealth of 19th century glass by William Morris and Co. Enjoy the opportunity of seeing some fascinating craftsmanship. Bring your binoculars!
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 11th May & 16th November 2013
The Tudor period roughly coincided with the great change in church life known as the Reformation. Walk and hear history in the making in Oxford, from Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, Queen Mary's persecution of Protestants for their faith, to Queen Elizabeth I's encouragement of University revival.
Only two dates in 2013 for this tour 16th March & 24th August 2013
"Alice in Wonderland" was inspired by Alice Liddell. She spent her early years in Oxford, and her friendship with Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, led to the writing of the two "Alice" books. Another favourite, Harry Potter, appeared here when some of his film scenes were shot in Oxford locations. Join this tour to explore their worlds of wonder and wizardry.
This tour has the option to enjoy afternoon tea served at the old prison. Indulge in delicious teas, slender finger sandwiches and cakes - Mal style! Turned upside down and back to front, you'd be as mad as a hatter to miss it. You are welcome to dress as an Alice character for the occasion. Additional fee applies, ensure you purchase the appropriate ticket in advance.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 16th February & 2nd November 2013
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.
First and last dates in 2013 for this tour 5th April & 23rd August 2013
Oxford Visitor Information
Tel: +44(0)1865 252200
Fax: +44(0)1865 240261
Email: info@visitoxfordshire.org
