Tours in Oxford

191 results

Medieval Oxford Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™

Why is being ‘medieval’ seen as an insult? Why are we fascinated with the idea of 'horrible histories'? Modern media has fostered the stereotype that people in the Middle Ages were uniquely backwards, superstitious, violent, and dirty. Join us on a tour that delves into medieval Oxford, uncovering the complexity of life in the past, while debunking the many myths of 'medieval' times. This tour will explore long-lasting similarities with how people acted centuries ago, while discussing how historic tensions have lasted to this day. This tour lasts for about 1.5hrs. Our tours are academically researched and led by experts. They incorporate active discussion and ask questions about historical memory, controversial histories, and the impacts of discrimination on the city and university. ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, but please note some mild uneven pavement in the city centre. Distance walked is less than 2km.

1 hour 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$27.59

Ghost Tour of Oxford

Join us for an unforgettable evening as our costumed guide—cloaked in mystery and centuries of secrets—leads you through Oxford’s haunted heart. Beneath the dreaming spires and cobbled lanes lies a darker tale: ghostly whispers in ancient college halls, eerie echoes from long-forgotten trials, and spirits said to walk the night still. This isn’t your average history tour. With dramatic flair and spine-tingling storytelling, our in-character guide brings the city's spectral past to life. You'll laugh, shiver, and maybe even glance over your shoulder as you uncover the secrets they never told you in the textbooks. Whether you're a curious visitor, a brave local, or just love a good ghost story, The Oxford Ghost Tour promises thrills, chills, and a dash of theatrical fun. Dare to walk with us… if you’re not afraid of what lingers in the dark.

1 hour 15 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$27.58

Oxford: Official CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour

Visiting Oxford on foot is the best way to see it, especially if you are a fan of Oxford’s most well known writers, the founder members of The Inklings. Join this 2-hour CS Lewis and Tolkien Tour and learn more about these writers’ lives and work. Both Oxford University alumni Lewis and Tolkien are respectively known for the Narnia series and The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. During the tour you will be able to see Exeter College, where Tolkien studied and the University Church where Lewis preached in WW2 and hear about the colleges where they taught. Moreover, you’ll walk past the Eagle & Child pub, where The Inklings used to meet every Tuesday, to talk about their work. Discover more about their unique writing styles and their influence. This is definitely a jump back in time and it will give you a glimpse of how Oxford used to be in the early 20th century, and of course earlier. Being the City of Dreaming Spires, the architecture is still stunning to this day!

2 hours

Free Cancellation

From

$44.15

Southern Cotswolds Tour from Stratford-on-Avon / Moreton-in-Marsh

On this small group tour, embark on a journey through the wilder, sparser southern Cotswolds. Admire countryside views, discover ‘royal’ Tetbury, and step back in time in tiny Castle Combe. You'll explore the amazing World Heritage City of Bath, too! After collecting our guests from Stratford-upon-Avon (08.50) or Moreton-in-Marsh (09.30), we'll travel to Tetbury. This small, pretty and typically Cotswold market town is known for its quaint streets, historic market hall and great shopping - especially if you're into antiques. King Charles III lives at the nearby Highgrove Estate! From Tetbury, it's on to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. First, we’ll make a quick photo stop at the iconic Royal Crescent. Then, we’ll drop you in the centre of Bath for 2 hours 45 minutes of free time to explore with maps we’ll provide. Grab lunch on the go so you can see as much as possible! Lastly, explore idyllic Castle Combe, consistently ranked as the “prettiest village in England”!

8 hours 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$110.37

Official Oxford Cycle Tour

Oxford is a city full of history, breath taking architecture, and scenic waterways. From its world-famous university to its charming countryside and tranquil canals, this city has inspired brilliant minds for centuries—and now, it’s your turn to explore it. Join us for a unique guided cycling tour, where you'll experience so much more than just the usual sights. Ride through hidden alleyways, historic landmarks, and the stunning Oxfordshire countryside, all while covering far more ground than on foot. Our group tours are fun, engaging and inclusive - we welcome cyclists of all ages and abilities.

2 hours 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$48.29

Oxford: Historic Pubs and Taverns Guided Walking Tour

While Oxford is known for its universities, it’s also an iconic destination for historic pubs. On this guided tour, you’ll visit the oldest, most famous and the hidden gems, all while hearing about famous patrons including American presidents and writers. Start by meeting your tour guide at the iconic Carfax Tower. From there, you'll hit the streets and visit The Turf Tavern, which dates back to the 14th century. Pass by The Bear Inn, and The Lamb and Flag, and hear about the famous regulars over the centuries, including J.R.R. Tolkien. Afterwards, continue exploring the city with a sightseeing app which includes self-guided walking routes. Go at your own pace from the convenience of your smartphone.

1 hour 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$20.69

Foraging walk for beginners

LET US GO ON A LITTLE FORAGING MISSION TOGETHER! - Explore with me the local area by foot where I will show you around 50 (!) different edible wild plants plus a few poisonous ones - The walk also includes the sampling of foraged food/drinks and homemade natural skin salves/creams

2 hours 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$48.29

Discover Oxford University with Recent Graduate

Welcome to my speciality tour: an unforgettable 90-minutes in the world’s greatest university – led by Rory, recent graduate of the University of Oxford (BA Philosophy and Theology, 2020-2023). You’ll discover a thousand years of history and tradition, learn from first-hand experience what it’s like to be an Oxford University Student, and visit some of the most incredible architecture in the world. We’ll even get to go inside a college or a University building (normally Trinity College, or the Divinity School - the oldest teaching building in the whole University)! I keep my tour groups small and personal – with a maximum of 10 people, you'll be in one of the smallest groups in Oxford – meaning you’ll be able to ask all the questions you want. I’m always happy to adapt tours to the interests of the group.

1 hour 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$34.49

Oxford Alumni Historic Walking Tour

Discover the charm of Oxford with Oxford alumni. This tour offers exclusive access to some of the university's oldest colleges, beautiful gardens, and historic chapels. As you stroll through the historic streets, you'll pass key landmarks like Christ Church College, Trinity College, and Jesus College. Each site has its own fascinating story, and our guides will share insights that you won’t find in guidebooks. This walking tour includes a visit to the iconic Bodleian Library, the second-oldest library in the world. With over 14 million books and three miles of bookshelves, it’s a true treasure trove of knowledge and history. Learn about its visionary founders and the remarkable figures who have studied here, including Nobel Peace Prize winners and influential scientists. Discover the unique architecture and philosophy of the colleges and soak up the ambiance of the city known as the City of the Dreaming Spires.

1 hour 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$48.29

Oxford Bike Tour with Student Guide

Explore the city of dreaming spires on two wheels on this 2-hour Oxford bike tour. Follow a guide through Oxford and take in top sites of interest like Magdalen College, the Oxford University Press building, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and Port Meadow. Reach hidden corners of the city with ease and hear of famous names including J. R. R Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, and Tony Blair who lived and worked here.

2 hours

From

$41.37

Private Oxford Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

130

An Oxford walking tour tailored to what you want to see, ensuring you make the most of your time in Oxford!

2 hours

From

$103.47

Oxford: Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour

Discover charming and historic Oxford, renowned for being home to the prestigious University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the world. The city boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, picturesque scenery, and fascinating cultural attractions, like the Bridge of Sighs and the Carfax Tower, that you will discover in our walking tours. Discover the iconic Christ Church College and Lincoln College and marvel at their stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture. Learn about the famous alumni that studied there. After the tour, download the sightseeing app (included in your tour) to discover more of Oxford and its incredible history with curated audio-guided routes through the main quarters.

45 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$15.18

PRIVATE Oxford Food Tasting and Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy sampling 4 or 5 of Oxford's best and unique local food or drink market stalls or shops on this Oxford food tasting & sightseeing guided walking tour which takes in the top Oxford sights. We can cater to special dietary needs. Food & drinks usually wine or gin tasting at a micro-brewery stall, a visit to the Oxford cheese company and or Italian style gelato plus a choice from a wide range of local, international food stalls at Oxford's international food market. You can also sample a micro brewery drink inside the Covered Market, if you wish to. This tour introduces each college we pass on the route and sometimes it also includes entry to one of the university colleges.

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$137.96

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Oxford with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

184

A fun and different way to see Oxford! Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones. Spot things other people take for granted! You’ll learn interesting facts and stories. Everything is outdoors and you can do social distancing.

2 hours 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$33.10

Top 10 Oxford Highlights with Divinity School and New College

On this fully guided walking tour of Oxford’s must-see top 10 highlights, visitors can discover the treasures of one of the greatest university cities in the world. This tour offers the best opportunity to see the very best of Oxford. Starting from the heart of Oxford's historical centre, your expert local guide offers a wonderful engaging tour through the vibrant historical streets of Oxford visiting both well-known sites and hidden gems where visitors can see, and experience so much more, than they could on their own. Packed full of incredible insights and up-close historical visits, including the Bridge of Sighs, the 14th-century New College, and magnificent Divinity Library, this interactive, three hour tour is the essential guide into Oxford city and England’s fascinating history. Visit Oxford’s Top 10, including Bridge of Sighs, the 13th century New College as well as the magnificent Divinity Library, where many of the Harry Potter moves were filmed.

2 hours 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$67.60

Oxford Walking Tour - Discover its University and Traditions

Take a day trip out of London and explore Oxford. Walkthrough this charming literary city as you discover its most iconic architectural, historical, and literary spots, with this immersive guide! On this self-guided tour, narrated by an expert historian, we’ll visit the most famous historic buildings and architectural highlights. We’ll hear about the ancient tales that live in this city, as well as the story behind the birth of one of the world’s most famous universities and what it’s like to be a student at Oxford University! We'll visit the most iconic spots such as Exeter and Jesus Colleges, Radcliffe Square, Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre. Learn about the famous people that have lived in Oxford, and finish the tour by visiting the Martyrs Memorial to cap off this cultural adventure in this must-see picturesque city. Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets

50 minutes to 1 hour

Free Cancellation

From

$13.78

Special Offer

Oxford Self Guided Walking Tour with Mobile App

Discover the enchanting city of Oxford through this app-based self-guided walking tour. Crafted with insights from Oxford students, explore not just colleges, but other famous landmarks in the city. This tour has been updated in 2025 to include 18 stops. You will discover the traditions of different colleges, havens for book-lovers, inspirations for Narnia, museums, taverns and so much more. This walk is perfect for those who are in Oxford for a day and want to discover popular spots and hidden gems at their own pace. You can pause the tour at any point where you wish to enter and explore more.

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Free Cancellation

From

$5.72

$7.15

$1.43 savings

CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 11.45am

This public tour is brand new to be listed here on viator but we have been successfully running this tour with excellent reviews for private groups for several years here with over 46 recommendations . This tour typically lasts 2 hours to 2.5 hours and it includes entry to Magdalen college, where CS Lewis taught. If Magdalen is ever closed, we will inform you & offer refund or reschedule date or proceed with a visit to an alternative such as Exeter college, where Tolkien studied. This tour introduces both these famous writers and their lives here in Oxford plus offers insights into what life is like as an Oxford academic. Magdalen entry fee worth £10 per person is included. NOTICE: any known closures for Magdalen college will be published under the What's Excluded section. Please note that Magdalen only permits entry to up to 10 persons with guide before we must instead pre book with Magdalen. Thus, if you book at very short notice, you may instead be asked to do private tour.

2 hours 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$68.98

Experience Oxford's Art Masterpieces with an Art Historian

Explore the highlights of Oxford's two major art collections, at the Ashmolean Museum and Christ Church Picture Gallery, with an art historian and Sotheby’s specialist. Join me on a rich and entertaining journey through the history of European art, from Ancient Greece to French Impressionism. On the way, you’ll discover masterpieces ranging from Uccello's Hunt in the Forest, to Monet’s Sunset at Sea. Half way through, we’ll have a coffee break at Ashmolean’s Rooftop café. We’ll then walk to Christ Church Picture Gallery, part of Christ Church, one Oxford’s most famous colleges, to see masterpieces from their collection of mainly Italian paintings and drawings, including Botticelli's paintings of the Sybils, and Head of Young Woman by Verrocchio, one of the most beautiful drawings that remains from the Florentine Renaissance. During the experience, you'll be introduced to specialist skills, including spotting painting restorations and identifying 15th century paper.

3 hours

Free Cancellation

From

$41.39

The Pre Raphaelites Artists Oxford Private Tour

Learn from your local guide interesting facts about Pre-Raphaelite artists. The group sought a return to the abundant detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of Quattrocento Italian art. Also, discover the history of two artists that were part of this movement, William Morris and Edward Burne Jones. Finally, visit Exeter College with its chapel and the Magi tapestry. A passageway from the Front Quadrangle leads through to the college's Fellows' Garden. Enjoy the best views of Oxford and spot Radcliffe Square, including All Souls College and the Radcliffe Camera. Please note that entry to Exeter is included, as and when it's open. Its opening schedule varies lots by the time of year. Discover the history of Oxford, the collegiate system, and the famous alumni who studied and taught at the university. There are 38 colleges at Oxford University, but the tour will be focused on Exeter College, which continues to welcome students of the fine arts nowadays.

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$103.47

Oxford: MINI Factory Tour Go Behind the Scenes

Get exclusive access to the home of MINI on this award-winning, 100-minute factory tour in Oxford. Begin your journey with a warm welcome and an introduction to the plant’s rich history and significance. For over a century, cars have been built at this storied site – now the only place in the UK that builds the MINI, an iconic British car beloved worldwide. Feel the heritage come alive as you hear how a humble Oxford factory evolved into a state-of-the-art facility, crafting a true automotive legend.

1 hour 40 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$35.87

Discovering Cheltenham: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Are you looking for a way to see Cheltenham, the party capital of Regency era England without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Discover how the humble pigeon transformed the town into a leading Regency resort town that attracted royal patronage • Hear from producer Owen Bowles, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England region • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Free Cancellation

From

$7.99

Oxford’s Famous Alumni: Self-Guided Story Puzzle Walk

Discover San Sebastian’s iconic places in the Downtown area by solving clues and unlocking stories on your phone. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore Oxford Playhouse, Bodleian Library, Magdalen College, and lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers. • Discover where Albert Einstein’s genius equations are captured forever on a chalkboard. • Visit the beautiful, centuries-old library where Harry Potter was filmed. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes

Free Cancellation

From

$7.65

A Guide to the City of Dreaming Spires: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oxford

Are you looking for a way to see Oxford without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Discover why Oxford’s time is 5 minutes behind the rest of the country and find out why students are forbidden from jumping into the River Cherwell • Hear from producer Ian Grover, a licensed tour guide who’s produced a number of popular VoiceMap tours • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

From

$14.99

Oxford is a brand, a symbol of an ideal education with centuries of tradition and the latest improvements. The city and the university are inseparable, like a body and the beating heart within it. The ancient streets are filled with the atmosphere of student youth, perseverance and determination – the best of the best study here. This place is perfect for informal walks in the company of local guides. Whether you're interested in the mysteries of antiquity or architecture, the Harry Potter filming or university, or all of the above, there are many interesting themed tours of Oxford to choose from!

Oxford's sights are elegant and intellectual. There are 38 colleges at the university, and visitors are most often interested in Christchurch, Magdalen, Trinity and Merton. Some of them can be seen from the inside. The magnificent Bodleian Library consists of several buildings, the most prominent of which is the Radcliffe Rotunda. The Sheldonian Theatre is a traditional venue for university events. Fans of antiquity will be drawn to the Ashmole Museum of Art and Archaeology, but there are plenty of open-air antiquities in and around Oxford.

Within the city limits, Old England is represented by Oxford Castle and Carfax Tower. In the surrounding countryside, where local guides will be happy to take you on a tour by car, you will be enchanted by such unique monuments as the White Horse (an artifact of primitive times), Dorchester Abbey, Waddesdon Manor and Blenheim Palace.

Oxford and its suburbs are full of memories of famous people who lived, studied and created here. "Centers of attraction for many of them were the city's pubs. For example, in "The Eagle and Child" sat Lewis and Tolkien, and in "Turf Tavern" – the future president of the United States Bill Clinton. It is impossible not to touch these time-keepers and sit in them with a pint of ale.