Oxford , United Kingdom

Oxford food and sightseeing tour

Active

(5 reviews)

2h - 3h

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

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.

NOTICE: this is NOT a tapas tour as one finds in Spain, where they enter bars and sit down. Instead we visit food stalls but there is no restaurant or bar service. Plus it's not a set fixed every time menu of choices. We make suggestions and the guide pays for the food and drink.

Available options

Solo traveller private tour

What's included

Experienced local guide from tour company with hundreds of 5 star reviews!

4-5 x Food and drinks tasting portions

Includes entry paid by guide up to £4 to see inside a college or the Divinity school HP film site

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

In case of bad weather, we can do a much reduced short walk around the city sights and then just head to one of many pubs or cafe or bar close by.

Stop 2

Introduced in passing

Stop 3

Introduced from the outside but usually opportunity exists to also go inside the Divinity school (Harry Potter film site) at the Bodleian worth £2.50 per person entry ticket, subject to tickets being available on the day

Stop 4

Introduced in passing. This site and others are on our route.

Introduced in passing. This site and others are on our route. Option to go inside and learn about Oxford's martyrs. No cost to enter.

Multiple colleges of Oxford university are introduced in passing. Option to go inside at least one college or inside the Divinity school during the tour, subject to what's open.

The guide will pay for your entry ticket up to a value of £3. If you may wish to see inside any other more expensive colleges to enter, that can be discussed on the day and paid for as extra cost.

THIS TOUR NEVER VISITS INSIDE OR OUTSIDE CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE. We do visit Christ church on a separately advertised tour but with minimum numbers.

What's not included

We cannot guarantee entry to anywhere during Xmas dates on Dec 24 + from about Dec 27 to about Jan 2

We cannot guarantee entry on graduation dates. "2025 dates includes...

Sep 26 + 27, Nov 7+ 8+9+14 +15 of 2025

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point. If you arrive more than 5 minutes later than the scheduled tour, then you will likely forfeit and lose your booking as it interrupts the guide and other customers, if we are trying to find you after a guide has started and left the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide wearing red lanyard and/or Hogwarts gown. 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 ARRIVE ON TIME:

Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point. If you arrive more than 5 minutes later than the scheduled tour, then you will likely forfeit and lose your booking as it interrupts the guide and other customers, if we are trying to find you after a guide has started and left the meeting point.

INFO FOR DRIVERS AND PARKING:

If you are driving, then please allow extra 30-60 minutes over whatever time you think. 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.
• Departure and meeting point for tour is OUTSIDE visitor info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS
• We have several bikes which will fit adults from height of 1.5m upwards but we have only two bikes which will fit a child or adult of height from 1.4m to 1.5m. In addition, we don't stock any parents tandem bikes or parents bike with child back seats or any bikes for children under 1.4m. So all such bike requests, we will need at least 24 hours to try to hire in such bikes with notice.
• Regarding poor weather on the day of your tour, UK weather is highly unpredictable, so you need to dress for all weather and carry waterproofs. Nearly all of our bikes have a basket to put a small day backpack or hand bag into. Unfortunately you CANNOT cancel bike tours just because it's wet but if the weather was very wet, we may offer (upon customer request) to go ahead with the walking tour element of the tour but to replace the cycle tour with a substitute activity on foot.
• If we believed that the cycle tour was not safe to conduct due to storm weather conditions or ice or snow, then either we may either offer to reschedule your booking or to refund the tour or upon your request and our offer, we could either offer you a substitute activity on the day to miss out the cycle part of the tour, as described above or we could offer to reschedule your tour.

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.