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Private Walking Tour of Oxford: Explore History and Colleges

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Oxford, England
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from $68.40 per person

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Duke Humfrey's Library at the Bodleian Library

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Discover the rich history and unique architecture of Oxford on a personalized walking tour led by an experienced, independent, local guide (we're new here on City Boat Tours ). This tour provides insights into the Oxford University system, the colleges, and fascinating stories of notable figures who shaped the city. Tailor your experience by choosing a theme such as literature, history, or music to enhance your visit. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour, allowing you to explore hidden corners and learn about the vibrant student life at Oxford today. A visit to one or more colleges is highly recommended for a complete experience.

- Private tours tailored to your interests and schedule
- Flexible duration, typically 2 hours, with options to extend
- Explore themes like literature, history, and architecture
- Entry to one or more colleges can be arranged. We will arrange this with you in advance. This is an extra cost.
- Prices include the Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp.

What's Included

  • Price includes Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp: Get the most from your visit!
  • All taxes and fees
  • Your Personal Guide
  • Please note: the colleges are usually closed between 21 Dec - 3 January and over Easter.
  • Colleges may be closed on graduation days.
  • Gratuities
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3AS, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

St Marys Church
High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ, UK

The tour usually ends near the University Church in Radcliffe Square. Sometimes we end somewhere else, depending on the tour itinerary.

What To Expect

Broad Street

"your guide will meet you here and will give you an introduction to the city and university"
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

New College

Your tour will include a visit to at least one of the Oxford Colleges. Learn about the Colleges and the University. Learn about what life is like for students and tutors at Oxofrd University, and about colourful people who lived and worked at the Colleges. The entry fee is included in the cost of the tour.Colleges which we often visit include New College, Magdalen College, Trinity College, Jesus College, Exeter College, Balliol College, Merton College, Corpus Christi College, All Souls College and St John's College. A visit to Christ Church College can usually be arranged but requires a week's notice.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Bodleian Library

Your guide will tell you the history of the buildings and how they are used today. You'll learn about films which were made here. eg Harry Potter!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Radcliffe Camera

Your guide will show you the iconic Radcliffe Camera and the buildings of Radcliffe Square which include several Colleges and the University Church. This is a great place to take memorable photographs.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bridge of Sighs

Your guide will show you Oxford's Bridge of Sighs, named after the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei sospiri) in Venice
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sheldonian Theatre

Your guide will explain how the Sheldonian Theatre is used by the University for ceremonies and events.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Merton College

The tour usually includes Merton Street, one of Oxford's most beautiful streets and stops outside Merton College, one of Oxford's oldest colleges. Learn about J.R.R.Tolkien who was professor of English at Merton College, and published The Lord of the Rings while he was working here.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Christ Church

The tour will visit the magnificent Christ Church College from the outside. Learn about the 500 year old history of this college, founded in 1525. Learn about how the real Alice inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice in Wonderland. Hear about how the first Harry Potter movie was filmed here. Visits inside the College can be arranged. Ask us!
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 6 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Walking Tour of Oxford: Explore History and Colleges?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5576492P2

Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

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 Private Walking Tour of Oxford: Explore History and Colleges?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Price includes Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp: Get the most from your visit!.
  • All taxes and fees.
  • Your Personal Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Please note: the colleges are usually closed between 21 Dec - 3 January and over Easter.
  • Colleges may be closed on graduation days.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
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. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

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:

Accessibility information for the Private Walking Tour of Oxford: Explore History and Colleges is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Walking Tour of Oxford: Explore History and Colleges 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 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Price includes Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp: Get the most from your visit!
  • All taxes and fees
  • Your Personal Guide
  • Please note: the colleges are usually closed between 21 Dec - 3 January and over Easter.
  • Colleges may be closed on graduation days.
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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