Oxford City and University Walking Small Group PUBLIC Tour

Oxford , United Kingdom

Oxford City and University Walking Small Group PUBLIC Tour

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(99 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is a small group tour with typically under 5 persons and limited to max 14 persons. Minimum numbers to book may apply to book- currently minimum 3 or 4 adults applies to book. Our competitors run tours with much larger numbers than we do, so one advantage of booking our tour, is a more personalised service.

This tour will include entry into at least one or more colleges- which college/s will vary from day to day.

See Oxford and England's history will be brought alive on this unique small-group guided walking tour of the city and university traditions. See inside colleges with any chargeable entrance fees included in your tour. The 90 to 120-minute long tour will feature storytelling about student life, college traditions, Henry VIII, Bloody Mary, CS Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien and even Harry Potter!

Notice: please see What's not included section for details of university graduation dates as most colleges are closed on such dates.

Available options

Public tour

Daily shared public tour: Daily shared PUBLIC Individual tickets lasting 90-120 minutes

What's included

Entry fee worth £3 max per person is included.

PLEASE SEE EXCLUSIONS SECTION FOR DETAILS OF ANY CLOSURES TO VENUES.

The tour typically visits inside either Balliol or Exeter or St Johns college worth max £3 person

Your guide will give you a complementary ILoveOxford map, showing you of all the main sights.

Detailed itinerary

Which colleges we visit inside will vary from one tour to the next, depending on what is open from day to day. This college is free entry to visit yourselves.

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route. This college is where Tolkien was a student! It's also connected to JK Rowling.

Stop 3 Pass by

Which colleges we will visit will vary from day to day, depending on what is open from day to day. This college is worth £3 in entry fee and we often visit here during the tour.

Stop 4

We introduce the Bodleian and the Divinity school which is a Harry Potter film site at the Bodleian library. It costs £3 to enter the Divinity school and on dates, when no colleges may be open, the tour instead includes entry to the Divinity school.

We do NOT visit inside the medieval library as it is not open to private guiding but we do introduce the library history and architecture from outside. We also present info about the filming of Harry Potter here.

Stop 5 Pass by

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route.

Stop 6 Pass by

An iconic Oxford sight

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route.

Stop 8 Pass by

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route.

Stop 9

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route.

This college is free entry and we sometimes visit here.

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route.

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route. This college is where...Jesus studied in Oxford!!

We briefly introduce a range of colleges or sightseeing spots such as this one, on our route. This college, we usually visit during the tour, assuming it's open. Its' free entry.

What's not included

Tour does NOT visit Bodleian, Christ church, Magdalen or New colleges ( which cost £8-£18)

Christmas notice: colleges are usually all closed from approx Dec 21 to Jan 2nd

On graduation dates, we may not always be able to enter a college so see graduation dates below:

2025 Graduation dates includes....

May 31, July 19 + 29, Aug 1 + 2 + 9, Sep 26 + 27, Nov 7+ 8+9+14 +15 of 2025

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

34 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

65 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We cannot always guarantee entry inside any colleges during Covid19 and on graduation dates or Xmas period from approx. Dec 22nd to Jan 2nd

Please take note of any advertised university graduation dates mentioned below, as those dates can have less options of colleges to visit.

Graduation dates- please see 'EXCLUSIONS' section.

Meeting point

Meet your guide wearing red lanyard. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop.

Important notes

Please note that as the university colleges are private institutions, we can't always guarantee entry to colleges but it is very rare that we cannot get entry into at least 1 or 2 colleges on the tour. This may however be the case on any graduation dates- see dates below- or over Xmas period from approximately Dec 21 to Jan 2nd.

NOTICE:

The Divinity School closes approx. 30 days per year and it sometimes closes without any advance notice given, so we cannot promise entry to this venue- it is a bonus to the tour.

INFO FOR DRIVERS AND PARKING:

If you are driving, then please allow extra 30-60 minutes over whatever time you think it will take you to get here. Oxford is NOT car friendly and it is congested roads and hard to find parking spaces....unless you park at the sign posted 'park and rides' on edge of town on any major road into the city and hop on their buses into city centre. The park and ride buses leave every 15 or every 30 minutes and take anything from 10 min to 30 min (depending on traffic) to reach city centre. So if you are going to drive, then please assume you should be aiming to park your car about one hour before your tour starts.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

We actually recommend instead using the much faster and reliable train services but again please aim to arrive about an hour or earlier before your tour starts as trains can be delayed and the train and coach station are about 15 minutes walk from our meeting point. There is also the coach service from London called the Oxford Tube which leaves every half hour or more but it can take much longer than its advertised 105 minute journey time. It drops you off either at High street Oxford or Gloucester Green coach station. It's quicker to ask to get off on High street near Carfax tower, then it's a 10 minutes walk to Broad street.

About Oxford

Oxford is a historic university city renowned for its prestigious academic institutions and stunning architecture. With a rich history dating back to the 9th century, it offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

University of Oxford

One of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford is a must-visit for its historic colleges, libraries, and museums.

Historical/Cultural Half day to full day Free to £15 for guided tours

Bodleian Library

One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library is a stunning example of architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Historical/Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free (some exhibitions may have a fee)

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is the UK's oldest public museum, housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from around the world.

Museum 1 to 3 hours Free (some special exhibitions may have a fee)

Christ Church College

One of the most famous colleges at the University of Oxford, Christ Church College is known for its stunning architecture and historic significance.

Historical/Cultural 1 to 2 hours £12 for a guided tour

Oxford Botanic Garden

The oldest botanic garden in the UK, Oxford Botanic Garden is a beautiful and peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Nature 1 to 2 hours £7.50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Oxfordshire Sausages

Made from locally sourced pork and seasoned with herbs, these sausages are a staple of Oxfordshire cuisine.

Main Course Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Punting Lunch

A traditional Oxford experience, a punting lunch typically includes sandwiches, pastries, and drinks enjoyed while gliding along the River Cherwell.

Lunch Various options available, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

Oxfordshire Cheese

Locally produced cheeses, such as Cotswold cheese, are a must-try for cheese lovers.

Snack/Dessert Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans.

Popular Activities

Punting on the River Cherwell Cycling tours Hiking in the Cotswolds Visiting the Oxford Botanic Garden Punting with a picnic Enjoying a spa day Guided tours of Oxford's colleges and museums Attending theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various events and festivals.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oxford is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Getting there

By air

London Heathrow Airport • 60 miles (97 km)
London Luton Airport • 50 miles (80 km)

By train

Oxford Railway Station

By bus

Oxford Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network in Oxford is comprehensive and affordable, covering most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center North Oxford Jericho Cowley Road

Day trips

Blenheim Palace

8 miles (13 km) • Half day to full day

A stunning baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and offers beautiful gardens and parkland.

The Cotswolds

20 miles (32 km) • Full day

A picturesque region known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic sites, the Cotswolds offers a quintessential English countryside experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon

60 miles (97 km) • Full day

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with historic sites, theaters, and beautiful gardens.

Festivals

Oxford Literary Festival • March Oxfordshire Artweeks • May and June Oxford Pride • September

Pro tips

Visit the Bodleian Library and other historic sites early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Book guided tours of Oxford's colleges in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting local markets and independent restaurants.
Take a punting tour on the River Cherwell for a unique and relaxing experience.
Use the park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic and parking challenges in the city center.