From £249 per person
Book tickets on Viator (opens in a new tab): Private | Oxford Tour by Alumni™ with optional New CollegeYou book and pay on viator.com. Inclusable may earn a commission.
4.9 / 5 from 38 reviews on Viator
- Per booking
- Up to 15 people
- Languages
- Chinese, English, Spanish
- Rating on Viator
- 4.9 / 5 · 38 reviews
About this tour
Walk through Oxford with someone who knows it from the inside. Our guides are Oxford students or graduates who combine personal experience with a deep knowledge of the city’s history and architecture. The 90-minute tour includes landmarks like the Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Square, and the Bridge of Sighs.
The tour is entirely outdoors, focusing on Oxford’s streets, squares, and college exteriors. If selected when booking, AFTER THE WALKING TOUR ENDS, your experience can be enriched with a self-guided visit to New College, one of the university’s most historic and picturesque colleges.
You’ll pass through quiet college lanes and meadows where Lewis Carroll imagined Alice in Wonderland, C. S. Lewis envisioned the gateway to Narnia, and where Tolkien and J. K. Rowling studied, lived, and found inspiration. Along the way, you’ll admire the city’s striking mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Accessibility, as stated by the supplier
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
Limits the supplier notes
- Uneven surfaces
The supplier asks you to tell them your needs when you book.
“Wheelchair users are welcome on the tour. Please note that one small area is inaccessible, though it only accounts for a few minutes of the route. Some parts of New College may also be difficult to access. We advise caution due to uneven surfaces, curbs, and potential trip hazards. Please also be mindful of vehicles and bicycles, particularly in busy areas.”The supplier’s own words
Provided through Viator and not verified by Inclusable. Ask the supplier about your specific needs before you book.
Itinerary
View itinerary · 12 stopsHide itinerary
- 1
Meet the guide OUTSIDE the address, not inside. The location is not part of our business. The meeting point is the RED PILLAR MAILBOX in front of 11 Broad Street. Your guide wears a royal blue item of clothing with a heraldic shield—this may be a jacket, cap, beanie, scarf, or polo shirt.(pass by)
- 2
Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.(5 min)
- 3
Take a look into some of the strange traditions that come with an old and prestigious university. From pranks to tortoises, student life certainly isn’t boring here!(5 min)
- 4
Learn about the 13 busts visible atop the pillars, and get an insiders’ correction of a common misconception.(5 min)
- 5
Hear about the intricacies of the Oxford graduation ceremony, and, if possible, take a look inside the Divinity School which was famously used in the Harry Potter films.(10 min)
- 6
A library with a long history, find out about some of the treasures kept among the 12 million books here.(5 min)
- 7
A dome that is famous for being one of the Oxford Dreaming Spires, and a Camera which has nothing to do with photography? Contradictions abound here, and your guide will make sure you don’t get lost in them!(5 min)
- 8
All Souls is a very prestigious college which requires an incredibly stringent examination to be completed by all prospective students. Your guide can give you examples of past questions; how do you think you would fare?(5 min)
- 9
The University Church is a great location to understand some of the tensions between so called ‘Town and Gown’, and of course is a stunning building to appreciate!(5 min)
- 10
A controversial piece of university history, learn why there have been protests against honouring one of the main funders of the College.(10 min)
- 11
One of the most famous sites in Oxford, there are many powerful figures associated with this college!(10 min)
- 12
##IMPORTANT: This option is available only if selected at the time of booking. Access times for New College – Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October): Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry at 4:30 pm. All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm. The self-guided visit to New College takes place at the end of the walking tour. Access involves a short walk to the entrance on Holywell Street. Please keep these timings in mind when booking this option.(45 min)
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- ##IMPORTANT: Before booking New College, please note the following timings: Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October): Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm Last entry at 4:30 pm All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact us.d for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk
- New College is generally 10 to 15 minutes away from the tour’s end point. Please keep this in mind before booking.
- Wheelchair users are welcome on the tour. Please note that one small area is inaccessible, though it only accounts for a few minutes of the route. Some parts of New College may also be difficult to access. We advise caution due to uneven surfaces, curbs, and potential trip hazards. Please also be mindful of vehicles and bicycles, particularly in busy areas.
- Not recommended for travellers who cannot complete a 90-minute walk
Included
- Exceptional access to interiors (WHEN ACCESSIBLE)
- Oxford University Student or Graduate Guide
- Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
- Learn about Oxford history and anecdotes
- Gain an insight into student life at an elite university
- Enter New College (WHEN YOU BOOK THIS OPTION)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Location & contact
- Area
- Oxford
- Meeting point
- Important: meet the guide OUTSIDE the address, not inside. The location is not part of our business. The meeting point is the RED PILLAR MAILBOX in front of 11 Broad Street. Your guide wears royal blue item of clothing with heraldic shield—jacket, cap, beanie, scarf, or polo shirt—and a blue lanyard
- Contact
- Questions about access or your booking go through Viator, which handles the booking and passes your request to the operator.
From £249
Book and pay on viator.com