Description
Some colleges are now open again, but entrances should be booked in advance to ensure your visit.
What you will see
On your tour, as well as seeing some of the oldest colleges and most famous University buildings from the outside – including the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Old Schools Quadrangle – your Guide will take you on a visit to one of Oxford’s world-famous colleges, when available, to see its quadrangles, chapel and beautiful gardens.
What you will learn
With your friendly Guide showing you around the ancient colleges and cobbled streets, you will be entertained on the way with anecdotes about the many famous characters and academics who have walked down these lanes in times gone by. Even if you are already familiar with Oxford, there’s likely to be something new to learn about this City on your tour. You will hear about what student life is like today, as well as what it was like centuries ago when the colleges were first founded.
Book this as a private tour
For details on how to book this as a private tailor-made tour on this or a combination of themes, for yourself or family and friends, please call us on +44 1865 686 442 or see our Group and Private Tours page. Groups can also book by email at officialtours@experienceoxfordshire.org.
Meeting Point
All Oxford Official Walking Tours now meet outside the Cool Britannia gift shop at the corner of Turl Street and Broad Street (Broad Street Numbers 23-25 OX1 3AS).
Your Guide
Your Guide will be happy to help with any questions and also to advise on what else you might like to see as part of your stay in Oxford.
Group size
Groups are limited to 20 people to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant experience and can ask your Guide questions as you walk around with them.
Distance
Your 2-hour tour will cover 1.5 – 2 miles walking (stopping every so often to admire the architecture and learn about the quirky university traditions) and not travelling further than a 10/15 minute walk away from the City centre and the Meeting Point OX1 3AS.
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are welcome on all tours. Unfortunately, other dogs and pets are not allowed.
Children
Children under 16 are welcome on this tour but must be accompanied by at least 1 adult per two children. Children under 5 go free but tickets must be booked for them.
Accessibility
The City centre is very flat and walkable – however, some of the most ancient colleges do have steps. If you have any mobility difficulties, please let us know in advance by phone on +44 1865 686 442 or email officialtours@experienceoxfordshire.org before you book, so that we can arrange with the guide ahead of the tour how to best accommodate you.
Weather
Tours go ahead whatever the weather, however, we do advise you to come prepared and warmly dressed for winter, prepared for rain whatever the season with comfortable footwear.
Parking
We recommend the Park and Ride service. The nearest site will be signposted on your entry route to Oxford and the buses leave regularly. Please allow at least 20 minutes for the journey into the City Centre and ask for the stop nearest to the Visitor Information Centre in Broad St. For more parking information please see https://www.oxford.gov.uk/parking.
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