Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Oxford University
- Sheldonian Theatre
Photos & Highlights
Select a date
Tour Description
Only an hour by train from London, Oxford is famed as seat of the oldest university in the English-speaking world and an architectural treasure house. Dating from Anglo-Saxon times, it has been a part of every important event in British history.
- Oxford Tour led by an Oxonian
- Explore the colleges with an insider
- Small groups, max 6 people
Oxford Tour
Oxford has an astonishing list of alumni - thirty-one British Prime Ministers, more than fifty Nobel Prize winners, a dozen saints and innumerable writers: JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Lewis Carroll, and Oscar Wilde to name but four. On your tour of Oxford, you will be shown around the city and University by an Oxonian guide, who will both explain and explore the intricacies of its history and workings. Each walk will be tailored to individual interests, whether personal, architectural, historical, or literary - no two are ever the same.
A Look Inside
There is so much to be enjoyed and seen - every nook and cranny has its own story. You will invariably visit at least one of the thirty-nine colleges - it might be the 14th-century splendor of New College, perfect Tudor symmetry of Corpus Christi and other architectural gems: perhaps the 15th-century Divinity School or Christopher Wren’s early masterpiece, the Sheldonian Theatre. Your expert will explain how the University functions and how its scholars lived both then and now.
"Loved the insights she had into both historical and current affairs."
Take Aways
Wrapping up, we will have developed an appreciation for Oxford's rich history, not just as a preeminent institution of higher learning, but as a historical center that has shaped art, culture, and thinking. We'll also admire Oxford's rich architectural tradition, ranging from gothic spires to neoclassical designs.
FAQ
Where are we meeting our guide?
You will be collected from Oxford Main Station (if you are coming from London, the train is by far the best way to reach Oxford).
Is it better to do this tour in the morning or the afternoon?
This tour works very well in both the morning and the afternoon! However, with less of a rush in the morning, plus a few additional options for colleges and dining halls to visit, and (in the summer) the chance to see an Evensong church service not long after the tour’s end, there are a few benefits to the afternoon tour that are well worth considering.
Is it better to do this tour in the morning or the afternoon?
This tour works very well in both the morning and the afternoon! However, with less of a rush in the morning, plus a few additional options for colleges and dining halls to visit, and (in the summer) the chance to see an Evensong church service not long after the tour’s end, there are a few benefits to the afternoon tour that are well worth considering.
Do we go inside the venues or just see them from the outside?
You will go inside colleges and other sites. Since there is no guarantee which sites will be open to the public, any entrance tickets will have to be purchased at the time of the visit at your own expense.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide.
Is this a walking intensive tour?
We cover about 2.5 miles during the walk. There are plenty of opportunities to sit down and rest, but please let us know if you have any concerns.
What if I want to visit Cambridge?
No problem! We offer a Cambridge tour that can also be done as a day trip from London.
What if I want to visit Cambridge?
No problem! We offer a Cambridge tour that can also be done as a day trip from London.
Where You'll Start
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92 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
I especialy liked the cupola of the C Wren building. She went out of her way to deliver an outstanding tour
Robert
May 17, 2016
We actually had 2 docents as one came along to familiarize herself with the Oxford tour. Both were knowledgable, personable and very enjoyable to be with. They kept us moving but we didn't feel rushed.
Since Tim had attended the Oxford University he had a wealth of knowledge about his college and the university in general. We never would have known a quarter of what we saw and learned with him.
The only negative was the very cold weather which was out of anyone's control!
Tim is an excellent docent and Emma contributed nicely from her experience and perspective so I give them both high marks and wouldn't hesitate recommending them and this tour. We plan on using Context again when we visit an area where you have tours. We will most definitely recommend your group to our friends who travel.
Jean
Apr 30, 2016
It was delightful to be guided with Oxford graduate and present PhD student. Very knowledgeable and pleasant. We cannot think of better docent than him in Oxford.
Yaeko
Jun 8, 2015
