J.R.R. Tolkien's Oxford and Stonehenge Private Tour
New To The Site!
London, England
8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
JRR Tolkien may be the most imaginative, remarkable and influential author in our lovely country. His two most famous creations, "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" are probably the masterpieces of the fantasy literature. This tour is dedicated to John Ronald Reuel Tolkien in Oxfordshire. Let's not forget J. K. Rowling as well. In Oxford, we will see the pubs where the Inklings met to discuss his famous works "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings". Our professional blue badge guides will show you various Oxford Colleges and other important places connected to him. We will follow the footsteps of Tolkien. Our journey leads us to magnificent Stonehenge where we will reveal its mystery. After spending an hour, we shall either proceed to London or we may add some important locations such as Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace or Salisbury or Bath. You decide, so please contact us.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel surcharge
- Parking Fees
- Lunch
- Stonehenge and Oxford admission tickets
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
Show on Google Maps
Pickup details
- Hand sanitizers and masks will be available in our vehicles for the best hygiene practice. - Airport and cruise port pickups and transfers are also available at extra charge. Please contact us for further information. - Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time and let the lobby staff know that you are waiting for a tour guide. - Comfortable shoes are advised - Wheelchair users must inform our agent whether guest(s) is/are fully dependent on the chair or partly able to walk or move. - Guests must contact Tourope UK at least 24 hours before your product date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Please use the contact details on your confirmation/voucher.
What To Expect
Wolvercote Cemetery
Wolvercote Cemetery is in the parish of Wolvercote, Oxford, England. Its main entrance is on Banbury Road and it has a side entrance in Five Mile Drive. It has a funeral chapel and public toilets. The cemetery was opened in 1889 and now contains more than 15,000 burials. The grave of JRR and Edith Tolkien is one of the graves in the cemetery. When it was time for him to join Edith in ‘Middle-earth’ in September 1973 (aged 81), Tolkien was buried in the same grave in Wolvercote Cemetery, which is about 1¾ miles further north than Tolkien’s former homes in Northmoor Road. The grave bears not only the names of husband and wife but also Beren (male) and Lúthien (female), characters and lovers from ‘The Silmarillion’. It seems that Tolkien was just an old romantic. In fiction, Beren is killed but restored to life as a result of Lúthien’s pleading. In reality, there was no ‘second-coming’ for JRR perhaps because his real Lúthien had already predeceased him.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Tolkien's Oxford House
In Oxford, perhaps the most famous resident of Northmoor Road was the Oxford academic and author J. R. R. Tolkien. He lived at No. 22 in 1926–30 and then a larger house at No. 20 in 1930–47. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and most of The Lord of the Rings while living at 20 Northmoor Road. There is now a blue plaque on the house. After Wolvercote Cemetery, we will visit both his houses in Oxford.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Exeter College
JRR Tolkien matriculated (formally entered Exeter College) on 17 October 1911, aged 19, as an exhibitioner in Classics. He changed course to English Language and Literature graduating in 1915 with first class Honours. In 1914 Tolkien was awarded the college’s Skeat prize for English and the Library has acquired the book presented to him Some Hints on Pattern Designing by William Morris, another Exeter College alumnus. Exeter College Archives has information about his matriculation, tuition and accommodation at College, with details of scholarships and examination results. Loans from the college library included an annotated Finnish grammar, now in the Library special collections. He participated in the College’s 600th-anniversary celebrations in 1914, and was a prominent member of the college’s debating society, the Stapeldon Society, and Essay Club.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pembroke College
Pembroke College is an important venue in his career. Tolkien returned to Oxford before 1925. This time he would shift to the other side of the fence, still entrenched in academia, but as a professor, becoming firstly, a professor of Anglo-Saxon (1925-45), then of English Language and Literature (1945-59). That first spell of 20 years, immersed in Anglo-Saxon, was at Pembroke College, where Tolkien held a fellowship. He had also begun some private tutoring from mid-1919, including undergraduates at the all-women (at the time) colleges of Lady Margaret Hall and St Hugh’s College. Tolkien would busy himself with writing too. It was during the Pembroke years that he’d write ‘The Hobbit’ and the first two volumes of ‘The Lord of the Rings’.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Merton College
In 1945, Tolkien moved to Merton College where he was a Professor of English Language and Literature until 1959 when he retired aged 67. It was during the Merton years that Tolkien finished the last part of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (1948), close to a decade after he’d first begun sketching the stories. Getting things finished quickly was never a trait of his.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Christ Church (Pass By)
Christ Church is one of the famous colleges in Oxford. The School of many British Prime Ministers was founded by Henry VIII, where the Chapel of the college doubled as the Cathedral of the city. The Grand Hall of the Harry Potter films was filmed in three different spots. On the walls there are portraits of alumni–Prime Ministers, churchmen and philosophers; and Alice in Wonderland writer Lewis Carroll was teaching at the university. Our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides will tell you all interesting stories about Christ Church.
Radcliffe Camera (Pass By)
Completed in 1737, this domed classical building forms the hub of architectural Oxford and is considered one of England's earliest examples of a round library. Funded by Dr John Radcliffe, designed by James Gibbs and built between 1737 and 1748, this grand circular building in the middle of Radcliffe Square is an iconic landmark in Oxford and a working library. The domed classical building is considered to be one of England's earliest examples of a round library. Public access is restricted to tours only.
Bodleian Library (Pass By)
The Bodleian Library is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which forms the historic heart of the University, and you can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures at no charge. Some of the buildings, such as the University’s oldest teaching and examination room, The Divinity School (built 1427-88) are where you will discover more of the University’s fascinating history by Tourope UK's APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides telling behind the scenes in the Library, including its oldest research library, dating from 1602-20. You will marvel at 5 basic orders of the architecture of columns, Doric, Ionic, Corianthian, Tucson and Composite.Pass By: Sheldonian Theatre The Sheldonian Theatre, an exquisite Grade I listed building situated in Oxford's city centre, is the official ceremonial hall of Oxford University. The Theatre is a popular tourist attraction particular because it offers one of the best indoor panoramic views of Oxford's famous skyline from its Cupola. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1664 and 1669. Learn about how the University was formed, how long it's been in existence and the secrets of its past by Tourope UK's APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides. Next to the Sheldonian Theatre, we will also visit Divinity School. You will be amazed at the Divinity School’s intricate ceiling patterns and gorgeous tall windows. On your visit make sure to take a seat on a bench and imagine oral exams taking place within those magnificent walls. The Divinity School is a medieval building and room in the Perpendicular style characterised by its rich ornamentation and tracery. The building, which belongs to the University of Oxford, is attached to the Bodleian Library. Designed between 1423 and 1488 specifically for lectures, oral exams and discussions on theology, was almost ‘certainly the building that popularized Tudor arches’. The building was also used during the very first Harry Potter movie.
Bridge of Sighs (Pass By)
The main buildings at Hertford College are linked together by a corridor called the "Bridge of Sighs," built-in 1913-14 and named after the Ponte Dei Sospiri in Venice. The Bridge of Sighs lies right opposite the entrance to the Bodleian Library, famous for its similarity to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, has never intended to be a replica of the Venetian bridge, and instead, it bears a closer resemblance to the Rialto Bridge in the same city. Nevertheless, the bridge provides a popular photo opportunity for tourists and newcomers. Just pay attention to our guide why we call the bridge as "Bridge of Sighs"
Sheldonian Theatre (Pass By)
The Sheldonian Theatre, an exquisite Grade I listed building situated in Oxford's city centre, is the official ceremonial hall of Oxford University. The Theatre is a popular tourist attraction particular because it offers one of the best indoor panoramic views of Oxford's famous skyline from its Cupola. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1664 and 1669. Learn about how the University was formed, how long it's been in existence and the secrets of its past by Tourope UK's APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides. Next to the Sheldonian Theatre, we will also visit Divinity School. You will be amazed at the Divinity School’s intricate ceiling patterns and gorgeous tall windows. On your visit make sure to take a sit on a bench and imagine oral exams taking places within those magnificent walls. The Divinity School is a medieval building and room in the Perpendicular style characterised by its rich ornamentation and tracery. The building, which belongs to the University of Oxford, is attached to the Bodleian Library.
Designed between 1423 and 1488 specifically for lectures, oral exams and discussions on theology, was almost ‘certainly the building that popularised Tudor arches’. The building was also used during the very first series of Harry Potter movie.
Clarendon Building (Pass By)
Built-in 1712 by the Oxford University Press for the University's printing, the building is now part of the Bodleian Library. It was built to house the Oxford University Press, which had previously been occupying a large room over the ceiling of the Sheldonian Theatre. It owes it name to the fact that it was partly paid for by the profits from the History of the Great Rebellion by Lord Clarendon, whose son presented the University with its copyright. It was known as “The Printing House” until the University Press moved to Walton Street in 1832. Today the building is used as an international exam centre.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge stands alone in the vast, empty section of the Salisbury Valley as the world's most famous prehistoric and now a World Heritage Site. Its origins date back almost 5,000 years and since then it has been home to pagan religions and spiritual worship. What was the purpose of this huge collection of stones? Was it a Moon Sighting Observatory, a Sun Temple, or a complex cemetery? Who were those people that took these 40-ton rocks and carved them? You will learn all the answers and marvel at this remarkable and mysterious feat of ancient design and engineering here today. You will first visit Stonehenge Visitors Centre to understand the idea of this prehistoric burial ground. Just listen to this ancient story from your APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides provided by Tourope UK today.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the J.R.R. Tolkien’s Oxford and Stonehenge Private Tour?
Cancellation Policy
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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Activity code: C-195542P9
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the J.R.R. Tolkien’s Oxford and Stonehenge Private Tour?
A:Apr 2025
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Bottled water.
- Private transportation.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Fuel surcharge.
- Parking Fees.
The following is NOT included:
- Lunch.
- Stonehenge and Oxford admission tickets.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the J.R.R. Tolkien's Oxford and Stonehenge Private Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for J.R.R. Tolkien's Oxford and Stonehenge Private Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel surcharge
- Parking Fees
- Lunch
- Stonehenge and Oxford admission tickets
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
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