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Oxford Private Tour: Discover Rich English History with Expert Guides
4.9
47 Ratings
Oxfordshire
Immerse yourself in the rich English history of Oxford on a private walking tour. Explore the city, university, and colleges with expert guides and discover hidden gems along the way.
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Weston Library - Begin your tour at the Weston Library, a part of the Bodleian Library, located in the heart of the University. The Weston Library boasts excellent facilities, a high-end cafe, and free exhibitions.
Next door, you’ll find Blackwell’s, a world-famous bookshop and an Oxford landmark. With its extensive collection spread over three floors and the Norrington Room housing 5 kilometers of books underground, it’s a must-visit for book lovers and often featured in our tours.
- Bodleian Library - The Old University Quarter presents visitors with one of the world’s most remarkable architectural ensembles. This enchanting area is rich in University history.
Your visit will include the original Ashmolean Museum, Sheldonian Theatre, Old Bodleian Library, Old Schools Quadrangle, Clarendon Building, Radcliffe Camera, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and the Narnia Doorway, which inspired key characters in CS Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia.
- University of Oxford - Choose to visit one or more of the University of Oxford’s enchanting ancient colleges. Experience college life firsthand as we delve into their history, chapels, dining halls, and stunning gardens.
- Bodleian Library - Explore the Divinity School, the University’s oldest classroom, and marvel at its architecture and history. This site has also served as a backdrop for many popular films, including The Favourite and Harry Potter.
What's Included
- Private Tour, exclusively for you, your family, colleagues and friends
- Designated meeting point. Plus we offer hotel pick ups (central Oxford only)
- Entrance fees to colleges and University as applicable
Additional Information
Awarded the best bespoke European walking tour operator award, Let’s Explore Oxford offers a 5 star TA rated walking tour of Oxford.
All our guides are Oxford graduates and published Oxford authors, internationally acclaimed for their fun, informal yet highly informative tours. We do not read from a script and love spontaneity, interaction, opinion and conversation.
As for local information, we offer a comprehensive service when you book your tour. Whether you want info on trains, parking, restaurants, pubs or punting, do let us know.
Come and make memories together with us in this magical city.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age 8. Please indicate the number of children in your party
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers since this tour involves a moderate amount of walking
- Tours run at 2pm start time.
- No pickup service outside of the central Oxford city area
Location
Weston Library
The Weston Library is situated on Broad Street opposite The Sheldonian Theatre and The Clarendon Building in the heart of the Old University Quarter. Look for a Tours of Oxford sign with your name(s) on it - your guide will be attached.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(47 Ratings)
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Diana_j
Aug 30, 2024
My 18 year old daughter... - My 18 year old daughter and I took the walking city tour in the morning and then the private tour with Chris Peters in the afternoon. The first tour gave us a broad overview of Oxford university. But Chris was able to take us inside one of the Colleges, and answered all the historical and cultural questions going back to the Saxons, Anglican - Catholic split, and the Reformation. Chris was able to also elaborate on the lasting influence of the Oxford university, and he showed us some very special sites.
Review provided by Viator
696hughb
Mar 6, 2024
Excellent walking tour of Oxford - Excellent and interesting tour with pleasant and knowledgeable guide who showed us many things we would have otherwise missed. The history and anecdotes were fantastic and my group of 8 really enjoyed! the afternoon. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherinebond
Oct 19, 2023
Chris was the perfect Oxford Guide! - We are two couples in our 60s who wanted a proper historical tour of Oxford (without Harry Potter stuff!) Chris was a mine of information. He explained the origins of Oxford and why it became the leading centre of teaching. We adored our trip around the Bodleian, Trinity and New College - without a guide we would never have found all the treasures. We would all recommend Chris highly!
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N8823blchristinab
Aug 28, 2023
Brilliant tour of Oxford University - A wonderful tour! Chris was so knowledgeable and interesting. He bespoked the whole experience for us and made it great fun. Thank you, Chris- highly recommended!
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Gordon_b
Aug 15, 2023
Great City Tour Guide - Chris was a wonderful guide for 8 of us.
He took us to parts of Oxford uni that we would never have found (or been allowed entry to) and was a very knowledgeable on the history of all aspects of Oxford. Certainly not your run-of-the-mill guide with a completely defined route and narrative. Tailored our tour to our interestes. Definetely Recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Jeffrey
Jul 23, 2023
All About Oxford - Just returned from UK and Tour of Oxford was one of the highlights of our trip. Tour guide was so very knowledgeable and having lived in Oxford as part of the University could give some great insight into the school. He wanted to know what we were interested in and tailored the tour accordingly. He was on no time schedule and really gave us a wonderful tour of so much of the university. Highly recommend this tour to get a feeling of what Oxford is all about.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael
Jul 4, 2023
Amazing tour! Wonderful guide! - Chris was an amazing tour guide. His knowledge of history and the university was incredible, and his personality and passion shine through in every tour he gives.
My wife and I only had a few hours in Oxford, and we didn’t realize we were traveling there right in the middle of hundreds of graduation ceremonies and parties. Even though it was a very busy day and many locations were closed, it didn’t phase Chris. He still gave us a wonderful tour and found additional stops where we could go inside and look around, allowing us to make the most of our time.
While we spent 2 hours with him, I think we could have spent days chatting about British history and seeing the sites. He gave us great recommendations for dining and shopping while we were in town as well. This is a 5 star tour company, and Chris was a 5 star guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrewi804
Jul 3, 2023
A private tour of oxford - Interesting, pleasant and competent guide who showed us interesting things. Much better than following a group.
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Smasher_mac_2222
May 22, 2023
Wonderful guide in a wonderful city - Chris was a super guide - good fun, full of information, brought the beauty of Oxford alive with background and context. Thoroughly recommend.
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Linda_t
Jun 15, 2023
Beware of an additional, charge for what, exactly?! - Overall, a good walking tour of beautiful Oxford University. The guide was knowledgeable and likable enough. However, The guide emailed me the day before and told me that there would be an additional entry cost. It wasn’t about the cost, it was more about being asked to pay additional dollars and we really we really didn’t get Togo into the chapel because the boy’s choir was practicing and the chapel was about to close!? It was very odd and we were all turned off….
Review provided by Viator