Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights

5.0 (4 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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4 reviews

5.0

Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

See a Hall where students dine in manorial style — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Oxford History Tours offer real history for genuine history lovers. Experience Oxford's rich history on a 90-minute walking tour led by an Institute of Tourist Guiding professional and Guild of Guides member. Explore the city's origins from Anglo-Saxon times, the evolution of the university, its stunning architecture, libraries, and the student life of today.

Stroll through Oxford's iconic sites, including:

Radcliffe Camera

Divinity School

Bridge of Sighs

Bodleian Library

Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre

Medieval Colleges around every corner

Discover stories of patrons, artists, politicians, saints, scholars, rebels, and martyrs who shaped over 1,000 years of Oxford's history. This tour also includes practical tips to enhance your stay in Oxford.

The route passes famous film, television locations and literary legend.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours New Product Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, French
Operated by: Oxford History Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Advice to explore Oxford 's colleges and museums and where to eat and shop.
Included: Guided tour led by an experienced, licensed guide

Itinerary

Stop 1

3 min

Important Victorian monument to the Protestant martyrs of the 16th century.
Stop 2

4 min

This Anglo Saxon Tower was part of the Medieval city gate and is probably the surviving oldest building in Oxford today. Many stories over the centuries
Exeter College

4 min

Exeter's chapel was inspired by the Oxford Movement and modelled on Paris' St Chapelle. Graduates include Philip Pullman, JR Tolkien and Alan Bennett.
Lincoln College

3 min

Lincoln College's original face onto Turn Street tells a story about the University's origins and its relationship with the city. Lincoln College recently got it first Priminister Rushi Sunak, and was also home to the ~Methodist Wesley Brothers
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

7 min

The University Church was the University's first building. It is listed in the Doomsday Book. Ot is possible to climb its magnificent spire. Today we will admire its famous stained glass and learn how it inspired CS Lewis.
Bridge of Sighs

3 min

Oxford's iconic bridge belonging to Hertford College. Although it looks like an old Venetian Bridge, it was built in the twentieth century! It is also next to the house of Edmund Halley who had the comet named after him.
Sheldonian Theatre

6 min

We will admire this 17th century home to the ceremonies of Oxford University. It is believed to be the first building by Christopher Wren. The architect of St Paul's Cathedral in London was also Astronomer of Photography at Oxford University.
Bodleian Library

5 min

Today the Bodlein Library has over 13 million books. We will admire the 17th century buildings and learn about the origins go the library and how it still works today.
Radcliffe Camera

5 min

Oxford's first science Library. Learn about one of Oxford's most eccentric and generous benefactors, the Royal Physician sir John Radcliffe
Balliol College

15 min Admission included

We will step inside Oxford's second oldest college and see its internal quadrangle, the Capel with its glorious stained glass, as well as its dining hall with portraits that tell its interesting foundation story. Here we'll learn more about when women undergraduates started to have access to the University and its colleges.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet at Protestant Martyrs Memorial

End point

The tour can be adapted to have alternative finishing points.

Pickup points

Malmaison Oxford Castle
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre
The Randolph Hotel, A Graduate By Hilton
The Store Oxford
Old Bank Hotel
Old Parsonage Hotel
voco Oxford Spires by IHG

Please let us know if you would like to be collected from a particular meeting point. Where you so not have a preference this tour starts from the Martyrs Memorial on St Giles, OX1 3AE