Top Oxford Cultural Tours

Oxford zealously guards and protects its architectural heritage which boasts one of the finest collections of historical buildings in the United Kingdom and possibly across the Western World. Our Classic Oxford tour takes visitors on a relaxing 60 to 90 minute meander through 1000 years of architectural and social history. Not only do we see some of the most iconic civic and university buildings in Oxford and discuss their origins, the materials they are constructed from, the architects and purpose of their construction but we provide a rich vein of social history of the town and university. Among the sights you will see are Christ Church, the 11th-century University Church of St Mary the Virgin where the University first began, the world-famous Radcliffe Camera, Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs, the Bodleian Library, the oldest academic library in the English speaking world, and much more. Customised tours including pre-booking into colleges, galleries and museums can be arranged.

Walk the halls of one of the world’s oldest and most famous universities on this walking tour of Oxford University. Get a glimpse of student life as you peek inside the famous Bodleian Library and see landmarks like the University Church of St. Mary, Radcliffe Camera, and Trinity College. Learn about the prestigious university’s famous alumni, hear fascinating stories and anecdotes about its history, and see on-campus locations used in the Harry Potter films.

Spend a day in the Cotswolds with this guided day trip from the city of Oxford. A region of postcard-perfect English villages, green hills, and manor houses, the Cotswolds has been designated as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. See its highlights with a guide, and discover villages such as Asthall, Swinbrook, and Bourton-on-the-Water -- places that inspired writers and artists with their idyllic appeal. Through the day, you'll enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace.

NOTICE: On any dates when Divinity school is closed, the tour will instead visit New college film site at an extra cost to pay of £5 per person on the day. How does studying at Oxford University compare with studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Fun tour for Muggles of all ages. Guide will cater the tour according to everyone's interests, introducing also Oxford heritage.  Calling all fans of the world’s favourite wizard, this Oxford walking tour takes you to recognizable locations of the Harry Potter films. During this family-friendly tour, see the grand buildings of Oxford University and see inside the Divinity School—which featured as the infirmary & classroom space in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Learn of other literary legends that attended Oxford University. Tour includes entry worth £2.50 per person inside the Divinity school at the Bodleian Library. Tour lasts average 90 minutes.

See more of Oxford in less time, and get up close and personal with its world-famous scenery, on this small-group biking tour of the city and its major landmarks. Meet your guide in the center of Oxford, and climb on your cycle. Begin by discovering the Bridge of Sighs and other historical landmarks in the city center before heading to the Port Meadow and cycling along the Thames River. Finally, see the former residences of famous Oxford denizens like J.R.R. Tolkien.

Our University of Oxford graduate guide will take you on an enthralling journey through time as we recount to you the fascinating story of Oxford and its illustrious university. Enjoy famous student anecdotes and authentic insights into student life from real Oxford University Alumni and current students. You are welcomed to ask questions at each stop on the tour and prospective students may ask about the Oxbridge application process from someone who has been successful. This is the real Oxford University experience from behind closed doors!

This is the essential tour for Harry Potter fans. Spend a day discovering the sites of Oxford associated with the Harry Potter movies. See Christ Church College which inspired the Great Hall of Hogwarts, and learn behind-the-scenes secrets about the Harry Potter actors, and J. K. Rowling.

Immerse yourself in the world of Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Hathaway during this 2-hour walking tour in Oxford. Listen to stories about the city's most famous detectives and stop at landmarks such as Broad Street, the White Horse pub, and the Randolph Hotel.

Explore Oxford University’s famous regatta course on this 50-minute Thames River sightseeing cruise in Oxford. Hop aboard your sightseeing vessel in the heart of Oxford and cruise out onto the famous waterway. Listen as your guide sheds light on the city’s rich history, and discover local landmarks such as Folly Bridge, Christchurch College, the Oxford University boathouses and the Meadows. Share the waters with rowing eights, punts, university boats and cruisers, and watch the banks for sightings of native river wildlife.

Fans of fantasy books won’t want to miss this 1.5-hour tour of Christ Church College, the setting and inspiration behind novels such as Alice and Wonderland and Harry Potter. By booking your ticket in advance, you’ll avoid the long lines outside of the prestigious Oxford University building, home to the Bodleian Library and adjoining Divinity School. Visit recognizable filming sites and learn about Lewis Carroll’s time at England’s oldest university.

If you’re interested in Oxford’s rich history, look no further than this walking tour for a comprehensive overview of the historic city. In a small group limited to 15, visit Bodleian Library—home to 'Harry Potter' filming locations—and one other college, and learn about Oxford University alumni such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Plus, receive an ILoveOxford map showing all of the main sites.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Thames River and soak up the views in style on this 30-minute evening sightseeing cruise in Oxford. Hop into your sightseeing boat as the sun starts to set and head out onto the calm waters with your guide. Sip a glass of Prosecco, beer, wine or a soft drink as the sunlight dances on the river, and gaze out over Oxford’s beautiful Christchurch Meadows. Learn of the city’s educational and sporting heritage, and enjoy a romantic moment on the river with your loved one.  

Discover the Harry Potter movie locations of Oxford on this walking tour. Visit the famous Bodleian Library to see the hall used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary in many movies, and view other locations in one or two of Oxford’s oldest colleges. As you walk, enjoy a fun Harry Potter quiz, and learn about Oxford University and other famous children’s books written in the city. Entrance fees to the Bodleian and select colleges are included.

Experience one of the world’s greatest university cities on this hop-on hop-off Oxford bus tour. With a 24- or 48-hour pass, design a personalized itinerary with several possible stops including the University of Oxford buildings (some featured in the 'Harry Potter' films), Oxford Castle, and Bodleian Library, one of the world’s oldest public libraries. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and fun onboard commentary as you savor this elegant city.

Set sail for a romantic cruise through the heart of Oxford on this 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, including afternoon tea served on-board. Tuck into traditional English teatime treats like finger sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream, as you glide downstream. Following a scenic route along the University Regatta Course, you’ll discover Oxford’s surprising greenery and enjoy marvelous views of the University Boat Houses, Christ Church Meadows and Iffley lock.

Follow in the footsteps of famous former residents like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—and discover many of Oxford’s top landmarks in just a couple hours—on this introductory walking tour. Meet your group in central Oxford, and set off on foot. You’ll see key attractions like the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre, will explore the university area, and will even visit one of its elegant colleges. As you go, your guide will share insider stories about Oxford’s history.

Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Morse, star of the British TV detective drama that was filmed on the streets of Oxford. With a guide, you’ll see the eminent university city through the eyes of Morse and his sidekick Lewis, visiting filming sites such as pubs and even one of the university colleges. Along the way you’ll learn all about the cast and crew who were involved in the much-loved productions of Inspector Morse, the Lewis spin-off series, and the Endeavour prequel—all filmed in the city.

Visit filming locations from the British television series 'Inspector Morse,' as well as spin-offs 'Lewis' and 'Endeavour,' on this Oxford walking tour. With a guide, learn about the making of the detective show and visit Oxford University colleges to gain insight into what it might be like to be a student here. End with an invitation to solve a murder mystery at one of Morse's favorite pubs. Entrance fees to university locations are included; drinks are not.

Admire the best-known and hidden villages of England’s Cotswolds on this full-day small-group tour from Oxford. Traveling by air-conditioned minivan with a driver-guide, stop to explore villages such as Great Tew and Stow-on-the-Wold, and the hamlets of the Windrush valley. On route, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Burford, stroll around Bourton-on-the-Water, and visit the village and 15th-century ruins of Minster Lovell. Includes transport and central Oxford pickup and drop-off, with entrance fees at your expense.

Immerse yourself in the Cotswolds on this active one-day tour that gets you off the road and onto the trails! Visit Broadway Tower, Broadway, Burford and experience the celebrated walking trails of the Cotswolds. Highlights: - Easy walk to Broadway Tower for panoramic views and red deer sightings - Take the minibus to Broadway, or walk from Broadway Tower following The Cotswold Way - Free time in Broadway to explore and take lunch at your leisure - Peaceful circular walk along the Windrush Valley to secluded Cotswolds villages. - Free-time in the historic Cotswolds town of Burford. Between stops, travel the narrow country lanes, while your friendly local driver-guide brings the Cotswolds to life with a fun live commentary. Tour includes a pick-up from Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, enabling an easy connection by train London, Reading, Oxford, Worcester or Birmingham.

Uncomfortable Oxford takes a unique approach to the walking tour format - both fun and thoughtful, we encourage analysis and discussion about uncomfortable subjects within the city. This guided journey around Oxford will go back in time to highlight the many ways women have historically experienced the urban space and family life, how masculinities have shaped and been shaped by the university, and discuss queer experiences in the city. Together we will analyse the urban landscape and material culture, discuss gendered geographies, and push against social expectations. This tour is run by students from the University of Oxford and lasts for about 1.5hrs. We will walk no more than two miles, but please be aware that cobble stones and uneven pavement may restrict the accessibility of this event.

Explore the Cotswolds without having to drive on this full-day private tour from your chosen north Cotswolds location, such as Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon. With a private car and driver-guide, simply soak in the scenery as you follow an itinerary tailored to you. Visit manor houses, explore towns and villages such as Stow-in-the-Wold and Minster Lovell; and stop to shop and eat at your leisure—all without transport or parking issues.

Discover many of Oxford’s key landmarks—and venture beyond the material covered by most walking tours when you explore topics like colonialism, racism, and inequality in the context of the city’s history and the university’s past—on this immersive, small-group walking tour. Led by an Oxford student guide, you’ll see landmarks like Balliol College and Carfax Tower, and will learn about the invisible divides and backstories that shape Oxford today.

If you're short on time but want to experience the Cotswolds, book this half-day tour from Oxford. The region is known as an English countryside idyll with its gentle hills and thatched-roof villages, and you'll discover its highlights with the help of a guide. The experience includes sights of all the must-see villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, Asthall, Stow-on-the-Weld, and Woodstock where Sir Winston Churchill was born.

Explore the university city of Oxford with your own private guide, and discover the history behind its standout sights such as the Bodleian Library, Bridge of Sighs, and the Sheldonian Theatre. With your guide, you’ll also see some of the famous university colleges, and learn about the institution’s history from its humble roots to its worldwide prestige today.