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Oxford Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Plan a Visit at Your Own Pace

Oxford is a gem of a town. There’s so much to see, and you can visit practically all of their attractions on foot. This is why walking tours are an excellent option for those coming to Oxford. Some will choose to have a guide, while others might prefer to explore the city, its University museums and sights at their own rhythm . We’ve created these maps to help you do exactly that. Below, you will find free walking tour maps (you can download them to your phone if you prefer) to see all that Oxford has to offer. Pubs and restaurants? We got it. Colleges and libraries? Of course! How about a bit of shopping or a Harry Potter-themed adventure? Look no further. 

(Want to see a self-guided walking tour for Oxford Museums only? Check this link ). 

Oxford Basic Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

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Let’s start with a quick overview of the town. This walking tour is perfect for those visiting Oxford for just a few hours. It is a leisurely tour that should give you a great idea of what the town is all about. There are two paths I like to do myself when walking around Oxford:

In pink : Start from the train station or bus station and make your way to the centre of the city. This short walk should take about 30 minutes to an hour at a relaxed walking pace – and cover the best attractions in Oxford: Its colleges, churches, museums, and shops.

In purple : If the day is nice and you have an extra 40 minutes, you can also walk down St Aldate’s and into Christ Church meadow, where you will be able to relax in the shade and see the famous Cherwell river. Make your way back north through the Botanic Garden path and enter the city through the east, where you will see some of the oldest colleges of the university. 

Let’s go into a little more detail if you want to do the short (or pink) self-guided walking tour. 

• Arriving at the train or bus station, walk down George Street. If you are already hungry, this is the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, as there are several restaurants and bars here. If not…
• Continue walking until you reach St Michael at the North Gate . This was the city limit when Oxford was surrounded by a wall!
• Turn right and walk down Cornmarket Street, the central commercial vein. Don’t miss 24-26 Cornmarket Street , a house dating back to the 14th century (it’s on the left, right across the tower).
• You can continue walking down the street and check out the Covered Market , or turn left on Market Street and continue down Braselose Lane, which will eventually lead you to the landmark Radcliffe Camera library. To your right, you will also see the Church of St Mary the Virgin, and to the left, the Bodleian Library .
• Turn left again after you exit, and you’ll see the Sheldonian Theatre and, right across Broad Street, Trinity College .
• Walk up to Corn Steet and turn left again, so you can enjoy a pleasant stroll up Parks Road and see the Natural History Museum and Keble College .
• You can continue until Keble road to close the circuit or turn left on Museum Road to see a secret passage and the most beautiful tree in Oxford!

What You Shouldn't Miss in This Self-Guided Walking Tour

(You can click here to see all the historical places you will encounter )

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

This is the largest church in Oxford and is popular with students, professors, and visitors. The first church here was built in 1086, although the building that can now be seen on the north side of the chancel is from 1320 (when the Univesity was officially founded). The Baroque porch (considered “the most beautiful porch in the world”) was designed by Nicholas Stone, and the tower (also from the 13th century) can be climbed and offers an excellent view of Oxford. 

Radcliffe Camera

This circular library is probably considered by most locals and visitors as “the very centre of Oxford”. It was built in 1749 by James Gibbes and has an Edwardian Palladian style. Although it appears to have three stores from the outside, it’s actually one main floor. This floor is divided into different bays separated by Corinthian columns. Today, the Radcliffe Camera holds over 600,000 books. It’s open to students but not to the public. 

The Bridge of Sighs

Although you also won’t be able to cross this bridge (unless you are a Hertford College student), you can still admire its beauty from the street level. The bridge was built in 914 by Sir Thomas Jackson and received its name because it looks like its homonym in Venice. The geometrical concept is also inspired by Archimedes in the 3rd Century BC (the area of the parabolic segment is 4/3 of an inscribed triangle). 

St John’s College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford, St John’s College was founded in 1555 as a men’s college but turned coeducational later.

Keble College

Keble College is one of the University of Oxford’s constituent colleges. It is located on Parks Road, opposite the University Museum.

Exeter College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Exeter College is the fourth-oldest college of the university.

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.

Brasenose College

Oxford University’s Brasenose College (BNC) was founded in 1509 and is home to one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world.

All Souls College

All Souls College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford. It was founded by Henry VI and it has no undergraduate members.

See all Oxford Colleges >

Oxford Museums

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford is Britain’s first public museum. It was founded in 1683.

Oxford University University Museum of Natural History

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History or OUMNH displays many of the University of Oxford’s natural history specimens.

See all Oxford Museums >

Oxford Libraries

Radcliffe Camera is a neo-classical style building inside Oxford University, built from 1737 to 1749 for the Radcliffe Science Library.

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.

See all Oxford Libraries >

Un-Missable Stops in an Oxford Walking Tour

If you’re exploring Oxford on your own, there are a few places you should consider stopping by. This includes colleges (which are normally open to visitors during the day), museums, the Botanic Garden , shops, and definitely, if you can, the Bodleian Library !

Of course, Oxford has something for everyone, so if you’re looking for places to shop or parks to relax, you can see some good options in the list below this section.

However, before you move on, if you’re interested in visiting the best Oxford museums (and combining them with the city walking tour), you can use this map.

Also, here’s the complete guide covering the most popular Oxford Museums .

And the direct link to download the museum walking tour map . 

Best for Shopping in Oxford

There are two – possibly three – shops you should NOT miss if you’re visiting Oxford and doing a self-guided walking tour. These are Alice’s Shop (with tons of Alice in Wonderland memorabilia, all beautifully displayed in a historically-relevant little building!), The Shop of Secrets (more Harry Potter merch than you can dream of), and Blackwell’s Bookshop , founded in 1879.

Of course, as Oxford continues to grow, there re several other places you can visit if you’re looking for unique gifts or just a memorable experience. Below is a more comprehensive list with all of them. 

Blackwell’s Bookshop

Blackwell’s Bookshop first opened its doors in 1879, on Broad Street, Oxford. They have been trading continuously from there ever since. The History of Blackwell’s Bookshop The first Blackwell’s Bookshop

Alice’s Shop

Alice’s Shop is a little shop placed exactly where Alice Liddell (the “real” Alice that inspired the books) used to buy sweets.

Arcadia Bookstore

Arcadia is a popular bookstore in Oxford, offering second-hand books and stationery with a vintage and whimsical vibe.

The Shop of Secrets

The Shop of Secrets is Oxford’s chamber of Harry Potter collectibles and merch. A shopping must-to in the city, this is why you should visit.

Parks and Meadows

Oxford has many beautiful parks and meadows – which make perfect spots for a picnic or a relaxing stop. These parks are large and tend to have exotic plants and students practising sports or reading a book under the shadow of a tree. The best thing about adding a visit to a park during your self-guided walking tour is that you can visit them any time of the year. University Parks , for example, are evergreen and have seats no matter the season. Of course, if you like plants and quietness you should not miss the Botanic Gardens, they are included in the map above and have exotic species, lots of secret corners, and even a pond with fish!

Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

The Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the UK. It was founded in 1621 and holds unique and important species.

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church meadow is open to the public all year round. This open space in the heart of Oxford is an ideal choice for recreation.

Oxford University Parks

Oxford University Parks (or University Parks) is a large park area northeast of the city. The park is open to the public during the day.

Port Meadow

Port Meadow is a large open space in the north of Oxford. The River Thames flows through its heart and the plains are home to many animals.

Learn More About Oxford

Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum: A Brief History

Oxford College Gardens

Oxford Aerial Map and Guide

Insight Guides Great Breaks Oxford

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oxford

Today I want to share my self-guided walking tour of Oxford, England with you. This university city to the west of London is an exciting place to discover. With its historic colleges, pretty green spaces, exciting shopping streets, and beautiful river, there’s a lot to see on an Oxford walk. My self-guided route and map will show you the highlights of the city.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oxford

From the eye-catching architecture of the Radcliffe Camera to the riverfront scenery on Christ Church Meadow, Oxford is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK .

Home to the oldest English-speaking university in the world, the city is one of the most important centers of learning in Britain.

But it’s not just about the colleges. Whether you’re passionate about heritage buildings or punting on rivers, shopping at covered markets or being inspired by museums, Oxford has something for everyone.

If you’re here on an Oxford day trip or an Oxford and Cotswolds day tour , you’ll be able to discover a lot in this part of Oxfordshire.

I’ve visited Oxford many times. Each trip has revealed more of the city’s best highlights and secret spaces. Friends who studied at Oxford have often acted as my tour guides, and they’ve shown me spots visitors tend to miss.

I’ve also attended a graduation and a wedding in Oxford , and I’ve gone punting in Oxford and taken tours of Oxford with locals. All my experiences have imparted me with a love of this place.

I hope my walk helps you enjoy discovering Oxford as much as I have. It’s one of my favorite university cities in the UK . If you want more ideas, you can find lots of additional routes and maps in the book Oxford City Walks . You can get it on Amazon here .

Oxford Walk

My self-guided walking tour of Oxford starts on Broad Walk at Christ Church college. It’s centrally located, so it’s easy to get to from the train and coach stations, bus stops, and on foot from other parts of the city.

From Broad Walk you can take in the historic buildings of Christ Church, including the famous Christ Church Cathedral. You can also walk around Christ Church Meadow and soak up the peaceful riverfront surroundings.

When you’re done, continue your free walking tour of Oxford by heading onto St Aldate’s.

Here you’ll find fun places like Alice’s Shop, a store that pays homage to Alice in Wonderland’s Oxford connections (the author, Lewis Carroll, was a Tutor in Mathematics at Christ Church).

You can pop into Alice’s Shop if you want to, or continue your Oxford walk by turning right on St Aldate’s and heading north. You’ll pass by Christ Church’s Tom Tower on your right and the medieval St Aldate’s Church on your left.

Soon you’ll reach the Museum of Oxford and Oxford Town Hall, after which you’ll arrive at the intersection of St Aldate’s and the High Street.

If you look to your left, you’ll see the 12th-century Carfax Tower. You can go over and climb to the top for views across the city if you want to.

If not, continue your self-guided walking tour of Oxford by turning right on the High Street. Cross the street where it’s safe and head down one of the passageways leading to the Covered Market.

This 18th-century indoor marketplace is bursting with shops selling everything from clothing to food and flowers.

When you’re done exploring the market, head back out onto the High Street and turn left. You’ll pass beautiful historic buildings and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin before turning left onto Catte Street.

This passage will lead you to the iconic Radcliffe Camera. An 18th-century library, it’s one of the most famous buildings in the city .

You can walk around Radcliffe Square to see the library and the buildings of Brasenose College and All Souls College, then continue your Oxford walking tour by popping into the historic quad of the Bodleian Library.

The Bodleian is another Oxford landmark. It’s the main research library of the University of Oxford. Not only is it one of the oldest libraries in Europe, but also the second-largest library in Britain.

When you’re done taking in the quad, continue your walk by heading north on Catte Street. You’ll soon see two famous sights: the Sheldonian Theatre on your left and Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs on your right.

The former is a ceremonial and concert hall, and the latter is a stunning arch that connects two Hertford College buildings over New College Lane.

From here your self-guided walking tour of Oxford continues with a left turn on Broad Street. You’ll pass the Clarendon Building and get a better view of the Sheldonian Theatre as you make your way down towards Trinity College and Balliol College.

When Broad Street meets Magdalen Street, turn right and walk up to Beaumont Street. Turn left there and take in the facade of the Ashmolean Museum.

This is one of the most famous museums in Oxford, and it has an impressive collection of art and archaeological treasures. You can go inside and look around if you want to (entry is free).

If not, continue your walking tour of Oxford by heading west down Beaumont Street until you reach St John Street. Turn right there and walk up to Wellington Square.

When you get there, walk around it to the northeast corner and take the passageway through to Little Clarendon Street.

Here you’ll find yourself in Jericho, a local part of Oxford that most visitors miss. It’s known for its colorful houses, so keep your eyes out for pastel facades.

Turn left on Little Clarendon Street and follow it to Walton Street. Along the way you’ll pass lots of shops and cafes.

When you reach Walton Street, you’ll see the Last Bookshop on your left. If you’re a book lover, this independent bookstore is worth a detour.

If you’re not, turn right on Walton Street and continue your Oxford walk past local shops and the Oxford University Press until you reach Observatory Street.

Turn right on Observatory Street and take in the long row of colorful houses as you walk towards Woodstock Road. When you get there, turn left, then take your first right on Bevington Road. It’s full of pretty brick and stone houses.

Walk along Bevington Road until you reach Banbury Road. Turn right there, then left on Parks Road. This will take you into University Parks, a big green space.

You can stroll along West Walk until you reach South Walk, where you can turn right to exit the park.

When you reach Parks Road, turn left and take in the eye-catching architecture as you make your way south. Soon you’ll reach the impressive facade of the building that holds the Pitt-Rivers Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

The former is a unique museum that houses 500,000 objects, photographs, and manuscripts from all over the world. The latter is home to an extensive collection focused on Earth, science, and nature. You can visit one or both if you want to (entry is free).

If not, continue walking down Parks Road past Trinity College and Wadham College. When you reach the intersection with Broad Street and Holywell Street, keep straight as Parks Road becomes Catte Street. You’ll recognize this area from earlier in your walk.

Walk down Catte Street to New College Lane and turn left. Pass under the Bridge of Sighs and follow New College Lane as it twists and turns. Eventually you’ll pass under an arch and find yourself on Queen’s Lane.

This narrow passage will take you past Queen’s College in Oxford before leading you back to the High Street. Once on the High Street, turn right and continue your self-guided walking tour of Oxford by taking in the beautiful historic buildings around you.

When you reach Magpie Lane, take a left and walk down the narrow alley to get to Merton Street.

When you get there, turn right and follow it as it curves around and becomes Oriel Square. You’ll see some of the stunning buildings of Oriel College as you go.

When you reach Bear Lane, turn left and follow the narrow street it as it becomes Blue Boar Street. Blue Boar Street will take you to St Aldate’s, where you can turn left to get back to Broad Walk at Christ Church college.

When you reach Broad Walk, you’ll be back where you started. Your self-guided walking tour of Oxford ends here.

Walking Tour Details and Map

Map of the first half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/cFZc97FAKTznpd3c6

Map of the second half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/RUWzLxLWJrWvVsFH7

Further afield: Blenheim Palace, The Cotswolds

I hope my self-guided walking tour of Oxford has made you want to get out and discover this amazing place and its world-class university. Oxford is one of the best cities in England and there are a lot of great sights to see here. Happy walking!

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4 Comments on Lady’s Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oxford

So nicely explained, we followed it to the T and enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for this.

You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

Clear and accurate ! The maps were very helpful.

Thanks, Anne! I’m really glad to hear you found the walk easy to follow.

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Free Oxford Walking Tour Itineraries

Oxford sightseeing

Oxford is such a magical city to explore and one way of seeing it is on your own by downloading one of our unique & free Oxford Walking tour itineraries. They guide you to the best places to see, eat and drink in Oxfordshire. All the downloadable itineraries have hyperlinks under each heading providing you with lots more information about each site you visit. Plus they have an associated Google map to help you navigate the tour.

Why are our Free Walking Tour guides unique?

There are many Oxford Walking Tour itineraries available online, in Apps and in guidebooks, so what makes myOxfordtravel itineraries different from the rest? We know how much time it can take to research a city visit. Deciding when to go, where to stay, how to get there, what places to see, where to eat, where to drink, etc. So we have taken traditional tour itineraries to a new level with my Oxford Free Walking Tour itineraries. We include what to see day by day, where to eat, drink and be entertained. After all, a city visit isn’t just about seeing, it’s about the experiences that live on in your memory.

We have also created a Harry Potter self-guided tour of Oxford, showing you all the film locations. You can also download the free entertainment guide, providing you with the best places to see music, shows, sports and activities.

Being lifelong local and experienced travellers, we have created these itineraries to allow you to make the most of your Oxford Sightseeing visit. We hope you enjoy them and if you have any feedback, I’d love to hear from you.

Easy to follow Free Oxford Walking Tour maps

A map showing the locations of each place can be found by clicking on a link given in the guide. If you download Google Maps from your app store to your mobile device and you have GPS activated, finding the next place to visit is made easy. For iPhone or iPad: Open the App Store app or for Android: open the Google Play app on your phone, search for “Google Maps” then download and install the free app.

Free Oxford City Walking Tour Itinerary #1

In this free self-guided ‘classic’ Oxford walking tour you will visit Oxford’s most important historical sites including a theatre designed by Christopher Wren, World famous libraries, an amazing Oxford University college, a 13th-century tower, a 400-year-old garden, and a beautiful historical shopping centre and many more.

Our itineraries focus on what to see, where to eat, where to drink and where to be entertained. This is the first of a set of six itineraries that will save you hours of research. In this one, we also provide details of the best way to see Oxford, the best time to visit and transportation tips.

Free Oxford City Walking Tour Itinerary #2

In this free self-guided ‘historic’ Oxford walking tour itinerary you visit the Ashmolean, Britain’s oldest museum, a choice of four University colleges, a Saxon tower and in summer you could go punting! You are also provided with some excellent suggestions for places to eat for lunch and dinner.

This guide continues on from our series of itineraries focusing on what to see, where to eat, where to drink and where to be entertained, saving you hours of research.

Free Oxford City Walking Tour itinerary #3

In this free self-guided Oxford walking tour itinerary we give you some morning options between history and shopping. If it’s more historical places you would like to see, Visit Oxford’s Castle built 1000 years ago for William the Conqueror, the World’s largest Bookshop; Blackwell’s, the superb Pitt Rivers Museum museum, or if it’s shopping then enjoy some excellent shopping at Bicester Village or the excellent refurbished Westgate. In the afternoon we enjoy afternoon tea and then stroll in University Park.

Guided Oxford Walking Tour with a local

When visiting a city like Oxford, we recommend taking a guided tour. You get a lot more local information, tales about local traditions and stories than you could ever get from a guidebook. If you would like to join a small group guided tour provided by a local, then take a look at the ‘Oxford Walking Tour with a local’ here .

Privacy Overview

City of Oxford walking tours

   Daily tours available

  90 – 120 minutes

  Starts at the Weston Library steps

  Available in English

  Book tickets in advance

We offer three Oxford walking tours: the City of Oxford walking tour, the Literary Oxford walking tour and the family walking tour .

For upcoming closures, please check our Plan your visit page.

City of Oxford walking tour

  From £20 per person

Discover the vibrant history of the oldest university in the English-speaking world on the only official University of Oxford walking tour. Learn how Oxford grew from a small market town to become the city of dreaming spires.

Starting and ending at the Weston Library, you will see beyond the remarkable spaces of the Bodleian Library in this walking tour; taking in the historic streets of Oxford and following in the footsteps of famous authors, scientists, politicians and film stars.

Developed by the Bodleian Libraries, in partnership with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides, our popular city of Oxford walking tour will take you on an entertaining journey that will reveal the secrets of this historic city.

As part of the tour you will see inside the oldest teaching room in the University: the Divinity School; as well as the exterior of the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera and the streets surrounding the central Bodleian site.

All our walking tours are conducted by accredited, qualified guides.

Literary Oxford walking tour

   Please check availability

Oxford has been described as ‘a city steeped in storytelling’, its ‘dreaming spires’ home to countless writers over the years. The Literary Oxford tour explores this city of books, uncovering some well-known authors and some not so well-known.

There are fascinating stories to be told. From English classics to modern writers, Oxford has fired the imagination and produced extraordinary characters, real and fictional.

Walking tour information

• Tours start on the steps of the Weston Library.
• After the walking tour, you will have access to the Divinity School.
• Our City Walking Tour and Literary Oxford tour include walking around Oxford city centre. If you or someone in your party has accessibility requirements, please contact the Tours team prior to your visit on [email protected] .
• Dogs are not allowed on our walking tours. Visitors with assistance dogs, please contact the Tours team prior to your visit on [email protected] .

In the shop

Bodleian Library Souvenir Guidebook £6.00

Face Coverings £6.00

The University of Oxford: A Brief History £12.99

What else to do on your visit

Contact the tours team.

  +44 (0)1865 287400   [email protected]

Our office hours are Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm

Related links

• Getting here
• History of the Bodleian

Explore the tour

Bus Tour + Panorama

Bus Tour + Explore

Tour information, city sightseeing oxford walking tours, stepping through oxford.

Discover the rich history and main attractions of Oxford with our official Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour. Our professional tour guides are ready to answer all your questions and provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Official Walking Tour

A quick and comprehensive experience.

Our Stepping Through Oxford walking tour is the perfect choice for those who want to explore the main sites of Oxford City Centre and learn about their fascinating history in a short period of time. This tour, which is our shortest at 45 minutes, offers a condensed yet comprehensive overview of the city.

Quality-Assessed Guided Walking Tours

All of our guided walking tours are quality assessed and delivered by highly trained, knowledgeable, and experienced guides. The tours are delivered in small group sizes, allowing for a more intimate experience – meaning that if you have any questions, you can always ask your tour guide!

Tour Details

Availability: Tours leave daily at 11:30, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:00

Duration: 45 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Price: Adult £10, Child £5, Senior/Student £9

Group sizes: Small

Meeting point: Oxford Visitor Information Point

Tour Features

• Popular short walking tour
• Delivered by friendly and professional guides
• Small group sizes
• Frequent departures
• The Stepping Through Oxford walking tour is free with all City Sightseeing Oxford open top bus tours

Explore other options

Private group walking tours in oxford.

Embark on a group walking tour of Oxford’s Dreaming Spires, tailored to your preferences and led by our experienced and friendly guides. With a private tour, you get the freedom to explore the city without set paths, make no compromises, and have endless opportunities to ask questions. The colleges visited and the university buildings discussed are selected just for you!

Deals, Offers & Extras

Group discounts.

Booking 10 or more tickets?

Contact us for a group discount.

Private Hire & Weddings

Hire a whole bus for your own private Oxford City tour or for use at a special event.

Super Saver Tickets

Oxford bus tour + attraction tickets. Historic buildings, boat trips and more!

Buy Oxford Bus Tour Tickets Online!

Buy your tour tickets quickly, easily and securely on our website.

Walks in Oxford - routes and maps

Self-guided walks - walks in oxford.

Visit the  Walks in Oxford website  to download directions for self-guided walks.

Oxford Online Walking Map - Oxford Pedestrians Association

The Oxford Online Walking Map is a collaborative creation of on and off-road walking routes through the city and its green spaces to help plan your journeys and discover new places in Oxford.

Visit the the Oxford Online Walking Map  Oxford Pedestrians Association (OxPA) website .

River and canal walking and cycling routes

Visit our  River and canal walking and cycling routes page  for details.

Green Walking Maps

Sustainable Healthcare’s neighbourhood maps highlight green spaces and walking routes you can try on your own or as a group. There are routes for all fitness levels, with walks going from local health centres and back.

Location Maps:

• East Oxford
• Jericho  

Walks and trails in Oxfordshire

Visit the  Thames Path  and  Ridgeway pages  of the National Trails website for information about stunning local walks in Oxfordshire. 

You can also visit the Walks and rides pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website .

Walking in and around Oxford - Oxford Ramblers

The area covered by the Oxford Ramblers group includes not only the area within and around Oxford but also the many fine historic local towns and villages surrounding the city including Blenheim Palace, Port Meadow and Shotover Country Park.

Visit the Oxford Ramblers website for details of upcoming events.

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New Tours Added for Spring and Summer 2024. Additional tours at 11.30am and 2pm every day.

Oxford Walking Tours

Explore oxford with a skilled and knowledgeable guide.

Explore Oxford with a skilled and knowledgeable Oxford Official Walking Tour Guide. See the filming locations used in Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, and the University’s most famous buildings: The Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, Sheldonian Theatre, and the Bodleian Library.

• Our Most Popular Tour!
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Oxford University & City Walking Tour

The best way to explore Oxford is on foot with your friendly and expert guide, who will share stories about this beautiful city and its famous university.

• Hour Glass 1 or 2 hours

Group & Private Tours

Explore Oxford’s points of interest and history with your own private guide, perfect for school groups and families and friends. We’ll personalise your tour to meet your interests.

Oxford Ghost Tour

Meet the ghosts of Oxford on this evening ghost tour! Hear the spookiest, most well-known tales from around the city and learn about its most famous spirits.

Inspector Morse Tour Oxford

Join the Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour Tour for a fun look at all the Oxford locations for these popular TV detective series.

C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Tour

This is the specialist Oxford walking tour for all fans of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien. Explore their work and key Oxford locations with an enthusiastic guide.

• Hour Glass 1 hours

Harry Potter Highlights Tour

For all fans of Harry Potter (designed especially for children and their families), this is the perfect Oxford walking tour. See the key locations from the outside that inspired the Harry Potter Stories.

Philip Pullman’s Oxford Tour

Experience the places and stories that inspired Philip Pullman’s best-selling books on a walking tour of Oxford, endorsed by the author himself!

• Map Marker Oxford
• Hour Glass 50 Minutes

Oxford Experience Cruise

Oxford river cruises.

Experience river life in Oxford whilst cruising down the University regatta course! We take in a fascinating stretch of River as we cruise down the university regatta course towards quaint Iffley village.

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Oxford Picnic Cruise

Travel through the city past famous landmarks including Christchurch College and Meadows, the University boathouses and regatta course, the Head of the River and Folly Bridge. Tour operates between April and October.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Afternoon Tea River Cruise

This relaxing afternoon cruise sails downstream from Folly Bridge taking in the best-known reach of the River Thames in Oxford.  This trip operates between May and September.

• Map Marker London

River Thames Cruise

Vip london tour.

Discover London’s hidden riverside gems on this fascinating tour.

Windsor Castle Tour

Visit the amazing site of Windsor Castle.

Stratford upon Avon, Oxford and The Cotswolds Tour

Famous sights and gorgeous architecture with your own private driver

Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle Tour

Beautiful scenery and world famous architecture in one private tour.

Bath, Stonehenge, Salisbury and Magna Carta Tour

Informative and fun all day private tour.

Stonehenge and Bath Tour

See some of Britain’s most marvellous sights with your own private driver!

London Top Sights Small Group Tour

See the sights tours.

See all the sights at once including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, Downing Street & more

Regents Canal Waterbus Boat Trip from LITTLE VENICE → CAMDEN TOWN

London water bus.

Perfect for a visit to CAMDEN MARKET & Buck Street eco Market.

Regents Canal Waterbus Boat Trip from CAMDEN TOWN → LITTLE VENICE

Departing from West Yard street food at CAMDEN MARKET travelling to serene LITTLE VENICE, with nearby Paddington Central, Merchant Square and Warwick Avenue.

Pay & Play Virtual Tour – Regent’s Canal

London guided walks.

Discover the history of the Regent’s Canal, between Angel Islington and London Fields, Hackney.

Temple Treasure Hunt

Give your brain a workout with our challenging clues which cover the famous area known as Temple.

Find the Phoenix – Virtual Escape Room

Embark on a virtual London adventure with friends, family or colleagues.

• Map Marker Henley

Private Cruise on Modern Day-Boat

Henley river boats.

Enjoy a wonderful river cruise on a modern day boat, as you relax on the river as it meanders through Henley and runs along the famous Regatta course.

Two-hour Private Cruise on Hebe

Enjoy a wonderful river cruise on a traditional boat, as you relax on the river as it meanders through Henley and runs along the famous Regatta course.

Wizards London Bus Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations

Brit movie tours.

Come and join the Wizards London Bus Tour and take a magical fun-packed coach tour of Harry Potter film locations and inspirations inspired by J K Rowlings books in the British capital.

James Bond Walking Tour of London

Discover what it takes to be the world’s most famous secret agent, as we take you on a journey to uncover some of the locations from the James Bond films, including the latest 007 film to be released in 2020 – No Time to Die, as well as Bond’s previous adventure, SPECTRE.

James Bond Walking Tour of London • Private

Wizards london walking tour of harry potter film locations.

For fans of J K Rowlings famous young wizard this Wizards London Walk is a perfect way to spend a couple of hours in the British capital exploring Harry Potter London filming locations.

Wizards London Walking Tour of Harry Potter Film Locations • Private

Midsomer murders private tour.

Enjoy a tour of the fictional murder capital of England with your own expert local driver guide

London Ghost Tour

Brit icon tours.

Believers and skeptics are welcome to join this frightening London Ghost Tour as your world renowned author leads you on a walking tour around some of London’s most haunted sites.

Jane Austen Tour of Bath plus City Highlights

Bath as your expert local guide shows the main attractions of this beautiful Georgian city.

Beatles London Walking Tour

Roll up, roll up, step right this way as we take you on a Beatles Tour of London.

Tour Calendar

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Oxford Free Walking Tours

And other paid tours to consider.

Whenever I'm offering one of our many free London walking tours, there's always a chance that I will be asked about whether or not Free Tours By Foot offers a tour in Oxford.

That's why I wrote this post to provide details of the best walking tours available in Oxford, including free, self-guided options, as well as Harry Potter Tours.

No matter how you choose to experience this city, there are several options, including multiple free walking tours of Oxford.

• City + University Tours
• Harry Potter
• Tours From London
• Self-Guided Tour
• Things to Do in Oxford
• Other Day Trips From London

Disclosure: We think you should consider our free tour , but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text .

OXFORD CITY TOURS

In this section, we will go over all of the walking tours that cover general information about the city of Oxford and its historic landmarks, including both free and paid options.

In our exploration of Oxford tours, you'll come across the renowned University of Oxford with its historic university church of St Mary.

These Oxford city tour uncovers tales from legendary alumni, showcasing filming locations like Harry Potter sites.

As tourists walk through, they are often captivated by these unique spots and the deep-rooted traditions of the university college.

GPS-Led Audio Tour

We are happy to provide you with an excellent guided tour that you could take any time you wish. 

This tour starts from the main train station, so it's perfect for day-trippers coming to Oxford by train.

The app is free to download and the tour costs just £2.

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Here's a sample.

Oxford University & City Walking Tour

Footprints Tours offers 2 tours, a small-group tour for £16.99/person as well as a pay-what-you-wish tour.

This 2-hour guided tour from Footprints covers a variety of different locations in the city, including Oxford University, the Bodleian Library, Trinity College, the Radcliffe Camera, Brasenose College, the School of Divinity, and even a Harry Potter filming site.

The cost of the tour duration includes entrance fees and taxes, so you won’t have to worry about paying anything extra for admission to certain locations.

• £24.99/Adults | £16.99/Children
• Duration: 2 hours
• Availability: Daily at 11:00 am & 14:00 pm (2 pm)
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

With a 4 ½ out of 5-star rating ( read reviews here ), many guests have reported that this was an enjoyable and informative tour.

Free Walking Tour of Oxford

Also offered by Footprints, this 2-hour outing covers a variety of important landmarks such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church, as well as notable Harry Potter filming locations.

While on this tour, you’ll see where figures such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once walked.

• Ticket Price: pay-what-you-wish at the end
• Availability: Mon-Fri at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 14:00 (2 pm)
• Weekend Availability: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 14:00 (2 pm), 15:30 (3:30 pm)
• Learn more or book this tour .

Most people feel their free tours are very high quality, praising their tour companies' guides for providing an interesting look at Oxford.

Oxford Highlights & University Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a shorter alternative, this 1 ½ hour walking tour covers many of the same locations and subjects as other services, and it’s a bit less expensive as well.

Much like the other Oxford mile of walking tours, admission to colleges and libraries are included for free.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walking tours of oxford (@walkingtoursofoxford)

In addition to visiting historic landmarks, you’ll also see filming locations from both the Harry Potter movies and the TV series Brideshead Revisited.

• £19.95/Adults | £18.95/Students & Seniors
• Duration: 1 ½ hours
• Availability: Daily at 12:00 pm, 14:00 (2 pm), and 16:00 (4 pm)

Much like their competition, Oxford Walking Tours also has a 4 ½ out of 5-star rating ( read reviews here ).

Most guests found their guide to be informative and knowledgeable, but some reviewers feel they could have been more thorough.

Self-Guided Oxford Tour

Visitors who want to explore the city at their own pace may want to consider taking a self-guided Oxford tour instead.

Below , we offer a guide that has 23 different stops to see and plenty of useful information about each notable location.

HARRY POTTER OXFORD TOURS

There were a lot of Harry Potter scenes shot in and around Oxford, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that some companies offer entire walking tour of Oxford covering these filming locations.

This section will provide details about the best Harry Potter walking tours available in Oxford, how much they cost and what you can expect to see.

You also have a free, self-guided tour option .

And do note that we also offer both a pay-what-you-want guided walking tour and a free  self-guided tour covering Harry Potter filming locations in London.

Oxford Harry Potter Film Locations Tour

Over the course of 1 ½ - 2 hours, you’ll join a professional guide for a walk around Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) to see Harry Potter filming locations.

In addition to the tour itself, you’ll also enjoy admission to at least 2 of the sites where these movies were filmed.

You’ll also receive a detailed map of all the major attractions in the area, making it easy to see everything that isn’t covered on this tour as well.

• £39.99/Adults | £29.99/Children
• Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• Availability: Daily at 14:30 (2:30 pm)

Visit Oxford Tours has an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Most guests report that their tour expert guide provides a lot of interesting information about both Harry Potter and the history of Oxford in general.

Harry Potter & Alice in Wonderland Tour

In addition to visiting Harry Potter filming locations, this tour also covers the history behind Alice in Wonderland.

Due to its subject matter, this tour includes admission to Christ Church, the Divinity School, and the Bodleian Library.

Guests will also receive a map of Oxford detailing all of the most notable sites and attractions in the area.

• £75/Adults | £50/Youth & Children
• Duration: 2 - 3 hours
• Availability: Daily at 1 pm

Despite the fact that this is one of the more expensive Harry Potter tours in Oxford, it currently has a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Guests report that the tour guides from Visit Oxford Tours are knowledgeable and their outing can sometimes be even longer than advertised!

OXFORD TOURS FROM LONDON

In addition to all the walking tours you can take in Oxford, there are also day trips from London which include a tour of the area.

This section will provide information about Oxford day trips with tours, as well as other methods for visiting Oxford from London.

Full-Day Oxford Tour From London

Offered by Sandemans, this service includes train tickets to and from Oxford as well as a tour of the city which will reveal all of the major sites.

While taking the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see sites such as Trinity College, Christ Church College, Radcliffe Square, Chapels, and more.

Your tour guide will also cover subjects such as the great minds that got their start at Oxford University and the pub once frequented by the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

This tour will depart from Paddington Station on Platform 1.

• £40/Adults | £37/Students | £27/Children
• Duration: 1 day [9:15 am - 17:15 (5:15 pm)]
• Availability: Tue, Fri & Sat at 9:15 am
• Not currently available.

This service currently has a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars, and most guests indicate this is a great deal considering everything included.

Many customers suggest that their tour guide is informative and fun to be around, providing a lot of interesting information about Oxford.

Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Trip

If you’re specifically interested in visiting Oxford to see some of the Harry Potter filming locations, this day trip is definitely worth considering.

In addition to a trip to the Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour , this outing also includes an excursion to Oxford with a full guided tour of the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Warner Bros. Studio Tour (@wbtourlondon)

Travel by executive coach is included with this day trip. The outing departs outside of either Gloucester Road tube station or Great Portland Street tube station.

This is an excellent outing for any fan of the wizarding world, as it includes several notable sites from the films and tales from behind-the-scenes!

• Off-Peak: £149/Adults | £145/Children
• Peak: £169/Adults | £165/Children
• Duration: 1 day [7:30 am - 19:30 (7:30 pm)]
• Availability: Sat-Wed at 7:30 am
• Tickets sell out fast – buy them well ahead of time

This day trip from International Friends has an overall score of 4 ½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Guests report that they had plenty of time to explore the studio and learned a lot of enlightening information about Oxford.

The Most Affordable Oxford Day Trip

Trying to save some money? You can always just purchase train tickets to Oxford and explore the area at your own pace using our self-guided tour .

Alternatively, you can also take the pay-what-you-wish guided tour from Footprints!

Regardless of which option you choose, all you really have to pay for is transportation to and from the city.

You should expect it to take about 1 ½ hours to reach Oxford from London, and set aside the same amount of time to get back.

The easiest way to get here is to take either a coach or a train. Both options range from £5-£15 for a ticket there and back.

Since you’ll be saving so much money, you might want to think about purchasing tickets for some of the more popular attractions in Oxford.

For more details, make sure to read our post about how to get to Oxford from London .

SELF-GUIDED OXFORD TOUR

For those who want to explore Oxford on foot and would like to tread the streets on their own, we’ve put together a self-guided tour of the city that will cover over 20 of the most significant sites in the city.

This is an interactive map. Click on it and you can scroll around.

TOUR START: Carfax Tower

TOUR FINISH: Oxford Castle

The app is free to download and the tour costs just £2. 

(A) Carfax Tower  

Start your tour at the Carfax Tower, the last remaining part of the 12th century St. Martin’s Church. Standing at 74 feet (23m), no building in Oxford may be built higher than this tower.

It’s a good idea to go inside and climb up the 99 steps to the top which gives you an unparalleled view of the city you’re about to explore.

For those traveling on a budget, don’t worry, as entry is under £5.00 for both children and adults!

Walk up CORNMARKET STREET and after a few minutes, you will come to St. Michael at the North Gate on your RIGHT-HAND side.

(B) St. Michael at the North Gate

This is the oldest building in all of Oxford, dating back to the 11th century. The tower here dates from 1040 and is part of the original church, which can be visited.

Inside, the cell where the Oxford Martyrs were held is still available to see. The marriage certificate of William Morris and Jane Burden, who were married here in 1859, is also on display inside.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judy Martin (@judy.martin46)

Continue down CORNMARKET STREET which turns into MAGDALEN STREET. Ahead on the RIGHT-HAND SIDE will be the Martyr’s Memorial.

(C) Martyrs’ Memorial 

The Memorial here is a Victorian creation, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, commemorating the Oxford Martyrs who were put to death nearby in the 16th century.

Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, and Hugh Latimer were burned at the stake for their Anglican religious beliefs in 1555 and this memorial is dedicated to their memory.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Max King (@snacksblingmaxking)

Across the street from the Martyrs Memorial sits the grand entrance to the Ashmolean Museum.

(D) Ashmolean Museum 

The world’s first University museum, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, was established in 1683 within the historic cloisters of the University, adjacent to its famed lecture halls. It has been thrilling visitors ever since.

There is much to see inside and highlights include drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, paintings by Turner, a Stradivari violin, and works by Picasso and van Dyk.

You can also see Oliver Cromwell’s death mask, the lantern Guy Fawkes carried during the Gunpowder Plot, and works of art and architecture dating back literally thousands of years!

The Museum takes a good chunk of time to visit so it’s up to you to decide whether a visit to the museum will fit into your walking tour or if you’d prefer to carry directly on.

MAGDALEN STREET here turns into ST GILES. Follow ST GILES past the Museum and eventually on the LEFT-HAND SIDE will appear The Eagle & Child.

(E) The Eagle and Child 

The pub was the meeting point of The Inklings (a writing group that included Hugo Dyson, Charles Williams, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien).

The Inklings originally held their meetings on Thursday evenings at Lewis’s college dormitories but then changed to meeting at lunchtime on Mondays and Tuesdays at The Eagle and Child.

It is one of the best-loved pubs in Oxford because of its history and literary connections.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Eagle and Child (@the_eagle_and_child)

Turn back down ST. GILES STREET. Take the fork on the LEFT for MAGDALEN STREET EASY which will take you past Balliol College on the LEFT-HAND SIDE. Then turn LEFT onto BROAD STREET which takes you past Trinity College on the LEFT before taking you to Blackwell’s Book Shop.

(F) Balliol/Trinity College 

Balliol College, founded in 1263, counts three prime ministers, five Noel laureates and two Indian cricket captains as alumni.

Trinity College, founded in 1555, counts three prime ministers, a King of Belgium, numerous politicians and explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trinity College, Oxford (@trinitycollegeox)

(G) Blackwells 

Blackwells boasts the largest single room devoted to book sales in Europe: the Norrington Room.

With 10,000 sq. ft. and over 3 miles of shelving, Blackwell’s is an Oxford institution and has been selling books to Oxford students and literati such as J. R. R. Tolkien since its construction on New Year’s Day in 1879.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blackwell's Bookshop Oxford (@blackwelloxford)

With Blackwell’s on your LEFT, the building on your RIGHT is The Sheldonian Theatre.

(H) Sheldonian Theatre 

Designed by noted architect Christopher Wren, the Sheldonian Theatre was built in 1668 with the sole intention of hosting graduation ceremonies.

Today, the theatre is used for music recitals, conferences, ceremonies, and performances.

The top of the building houses a viewing gallery set into an eight-sided cupola, which is open to visitors.

With the Sheldonian Theatre on your RIGHT, continue up BROAD STREET for a few minutes until you come to the Clarendon Building on your RIGHT.

(I) Clarendon Building 

Designed by Christopher Wren’s pupil, Nicholas Hawksmoor, The Clarendon Building was completed in 1715. Originally it was home to the Oxford University Press and was funded by Edward Hyde, the 1st Earl of Clarendon.

Today it is part of the Bodleian, the main research library of Oxford University.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Victoria Liu (@victorialliv)

Continue up BROAD STREET until it ends then turn RIGHT onto CATTLE STREET. Take the first LEFT onto NEW COLLEGE LANE until you get to the bridge spanning the road.

(J) Bridge of Sighs 

Technically named Hertford Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs gained this nickname due to its similarity to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice.

Far more recently constructed than much of Oxford, the Bridge of Sighs was completed in 1914 and designed by architect Sir Thomas Jackson in order to connect two sections of Hertford College.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carlos Ismael Casagrande (@carlos_ismael)

Just after the Bridge of Sighs, take the first LEFT onto the small ST. HELEN’S PASSAGE. Follow the path along as it curves and it will lead you to The Turf Tavern.

(K) The Turf Tavern  

Known mostly as “The Turf”, The Turf Tavern is a popular historic haunt in Oxford.

With a foundation going back to the 13th century and the bar area from the 17th, the pub is bordered on one side by the remaining section of the old city wall, as the pub was strategically built just outside the city wall in order to host illegal activities such as gambling!

The Turf has also hosted two events in popular culture. 

It was here that Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke set a Guinness World Record for consuming a yard-long glass of ale in 11 seconds.

Also, rumour has it that it was at The Turf that American President Bill Clinton (who was attending Oxford) infamously smoked marijuana but “did not inhale.”

Come back out onto St. Helen’s Passage back to New College Lane and turn LEFT. The path will take you past New College as it turns into Queen’s Lane.

Follow Queen’s Lane, passing St. Edmund’s Hall on the LEFT before taking a RIGHT onto the High Street, taking you past Queens College on the RIGHT.

Walk until you get to St. Mary the Virgin on your RIGHT.

(L) New College

Founded in 1379, New College counts Virginia Woolf, Hugh Grant, and Dennis Potter as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New College Oxford (@newcollegeoxford)

(M) St. Edmund Hall 

Founded in 1278 and containing the last surviving medieval hall at the University of Oxford, St. Edmund Hall counts two MPs; Lionel Barber, editor of the Financial Times; Journalist Samir Ahmed; and Olympic fencer Allan Jay as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LinaG (@linafromoxford)

(N) University Church of St. Mary the Virgin  

Built in the 13th century, but with foundations going back to 1086, St. Mary is said to be the first church of Oxford University.

The Tower can be climbed by the public and the 124 steps to the top reward guests with fine views around Oxford, including a stunning panorama including the famous view of Radcliffe Camera.

While facing St. Mary the Virgin, take the path to the RIGHT of the building, Catte Street. All Soul’s College will be on your RIGHT and take either the first or the second path on your LEFT around the Radcliffe Camera.

(O) All Souls College 

Founded in 1438, All Souls College counts Christopher Wren, T. E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”), and George Nathaniel Curzon as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The University of Oxford (@oxford_uni)

(P) Radcliffe Camera 

One of the most recognizable buildings in Oxford the circular dome and the round structure of Radcliffe Camera is world-famous.

Built in 1749 to house the Radcliffe Science Library, the structure is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library. Funding from the structure was provided by the estate of Dr. John Radcliffe who left a fortune to Oxford University in his will.

Although not open to the public (unless taking a guided tour) the Radcliffe Camera has a place in popular culture. J. R. R. Tolkien claimed that the building resembled Sauron’ Tower.

It is mentioned in  His Dark Materials.  It has been seen in  Inspector Morse  and is also the location of important scenes in Gaudy Night  by Dorothy Sayers and  The Historian  by Elizabeth Kostova.

Go back down Catte Street and turn RIGHT onto High Street before making a LEFT onto Magpie Lane. Then turn LEFT onto Merton Street which takes you past Merton College. Follow on until you return to High Street and make a RIGHT, passing Magdalen College on your LEFT. The Botanic Gardens are located on your RIGHT.

(Q) Merton College 

Founded in 1264, Merton Collee counts J. R. R. Tolkien, T. S. Eliot, the heir to the Japanese Throne, Crown Prince Naruhito, and Kris Kristofferson as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Merton College, Oxford (@mertoncollegeoxford)

(R) Magdalen College

Founded in 1458, Magdalen College counts Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis, Dudley Moore, T. E. Lawrence, Sir John Betjeman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and King Edward VII as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Magdalen College, Oxford (@magdalenoxford)

(S) Botanical Gardens

Started in 1621, and spanning 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares), this is the oldest botanic gardens in Britain.

The Botanic Gardens were previously dedicated to the study of medicinal plants and today houses examples from over 90% of the higher plant families.

It is believed that the gardens were the inspiration for the gardens where Alice in Wonderland encounters the Queen of Hearts’ servants painting the roses red!

When facing the Botanical Gardens, turn back on yourself RIGHT down High Street then take the first LEFT onto Rose Lane. Rose Lane will split and take a LEFT onto Christ Church Meadow Walk along the park.

Walk until you come to Broad Walk on the RIGHT and take this path. The Broadwalk will dead end on St. Aldate’s and here take a RIGHT.

Walk up, passing Christ Church College on the RIGHT and continue until you reach the Museum of Oxford on your RIGHT.

(T) Christ Church 

Founded in 1522 and soon taken over by King Henry VIII, Christ Church counts Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein, John Locke, and William Penn as alumni.

It’s also worth noting that The Great Hall at the college was used for filming scenes in  Harry Potter !

(U) Museum of Oxford 

The Museum of Oxford displays original treasures and artifacts found in the area from prehistoric times.

A relatively recent organization, the Museum of Oxford was founded in 1975 (although the building here dates back to 1897) and the exhibitions here contain items donated by Oxford Colleges and contains a medieval crypt.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museum of Oxford (@museumofoxford)

Keep the Museum of Oxford on the RIGHT and continue up St. Aldate’s until it turns into High Street. Follow it to the RIGHT and you will come to the Covered Market on your LEFT.

(V) Original Ben’s Cookies/Covered Market 

Officially opened on 1st November 1774, the Covered Market began when it was decided to clear the “untidy, messy and unsavoury stalls” from the main streets of Oxford.

Architect John Gwynn designed the covered market which today is home to dozens of obtruding stalls, including greengrocers, butchers (who sell famous Oxford sausages), flower shops, sandwich stalls, and bakeries.

Notably, it is also home to the original Ben’s Cookies stall, located here since 1984 guests can still buy delicious, fresh-baked world-famous cookies.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Covered Market Oxford (@thecoveredmarketoxford)

Get back onto High Street after visiting the Covered Market. With the Market BEHIND you, turn RIGHT. High Street will turn into Queen Street as you walk straight ahead, passing the Carfax Tower where you began.

Continue straight until Queen Street turns into Bonn Square which turns into New Road. Keep going straight ahead until the Oxford Castle appears on your LEFT.

(W) Oxford Castle 

Dating back 1,000 years and doubling as both a home and a prison, Oxford Castle now has a new life as a hotel.

The original castle was damaged severely in the English Civil War but still operated as a prison until 1996 before being transformed into a historic place to stay.

The ruins of the original tower, such as the base of St George’s Tower, still stands and the crypt is preserved and may be visited.

The grassy motte outside of the Castle dates from the 11th century, as does the crypt, and both are worth a visit.

THE TOUR ENDS HERE

Can the public walk around Oxford University?

Absolutely! Visitors can explore historic colleges, witness the beauty of University Parks, and even join Oxford University walk tours led by university-educated guides.

Is Oxford a walkable city?

Certainly! Oxford's Ship Street, Parks Road, and Jericho areas are perfect examples of walkable regions full of historic charm.

Is one day enough for Oxford?

A day lets you experience landmarks like the Old Bodleian Library and Keble College; having more time will enrich your experience of this famous university city.

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• How to Get to Oxford from London
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• Private Family Tours

2 Hour Free Oxford Walking Tour

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• The Most Popular Tour In Oxford
• Hear About Student Life, Ceremonies And Rivalries

Duration : 2 Hours Language : English Availability Monday to Sunday: 11am & 2pm Meeting point : All Our Tours Meet At Oxford Tourism Information, 16 Broad Street, OX1 3AS ( see here )

All groups of 8 or over, and any commercially arranged trips, must make a private booking – contact us  for details.

• Is this child-friendly?

Absolutely. Lots of families come on this every day. We keep the content as fun and engaging as possible!

• Is this accessible with a pram? 

Yes, but at one point you may need to collapse the pram to go through a kissing gate. 

• Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but it must not disrupt the tour. 

The Original Famous Oxford Free Tour

For over 10 years we have provided this hugely popular experience. With our fun and engaging guides, its fair to say this tour has revolutionised tourism in Oxford!

The Most Famous Sites At Oxford University

From the Radcliffe Camera to the Libraries, this tour covers a huge amount of sights. These are all covered externally, if you want to go inside you need this tour (click here ). 

A Wealth Of History In A Fun Way

 The tour covers a vast range of different topics, all explained clearly and accessibly by our University-educated guides. We take you through the story of Oxford, from the city’s beginnings as a humble Saxon town through to its current position as a world-famous seat of learning and culture. Oxford has been around for nearly 2000 years. Give us two short hours, and we’ll tell you this amazing story from start to finish!

No Boring Tours

All of our Oxford walking tours are delivered in such a way as to ensure you don’t fall asleep! We hate dry, boring tours that don’t engage their audiences. History doesn’t need to be boring, and with so many big names and events having been tied to Oxford (as well as the University having so many bizarre traditions and funny stories), we see no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy every single minute of your tour experience.

• Christ Church College
• All Souls College
• Trinity College
• Oriel College
• Hertford College
• Merton College
• The Bodleian Library
• The Radcliffe Camera
• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
• University Church of St Marys
• Many More University Sites
• History Of The Town
• Student Life At Oxford
• University Ceremonies
• Famous Graduates And Their Little Known Stories
• Our Famous Finishing Story!

How Much Does All That Cost?

At Footprints, we believe in letting you decide how much your experience was worth. Our free oxford walking tour is solely funded by tips; tips are purely voluntary, and our guides will never pressure you to leave one.

This way of doing business means we are constantly working to provide the best Oxford walking tours we can. If people didn’t love our tours, we’d be long gone! Fortunately, they do – we’re consistently have more reviews than any Oxford tour provider on TripAdviser!

Want to go inside the University?

Previous tour, booking for 2 hour free oxford walking tour.

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Walks in Oxford

A list of interesting self-guided walks in oxford to download or purchase.

Tourist Walks

Walks in England

Other walks.

FREE App with A FREE WALK in Every City

Each walk delivers a unique and fascinating user experience. Through Tourist Walks’ self guided tour application you can explore the hidden gems created by local experts. For people wanting to explore the neighbourhood and experience the local culture, we provide a unique experience of exploring the city using GPS guided audio tours. We provide a free walk to our new users.

Full Audio Visual Commentary

Tourist Walks is an application that can give you the freedom to explore the famous walks at your own discretion. We have created a full audio-visual self-guided experience that gives you the confidence to explore and discover the stories of various cities on your own.

Visit the Best Tourist Sites & Explore Them

Get a list of all the tourist sites you can visit. The Tourist Walks application will guide you to your next destination because every journey starts with a single step.

GPS and Multilingual Audio and Text Guidance

Even if you don’t understand the local language of the city you are visiting, Don’t worry. Audio guided walks have multilingual text assistance that will guide you in your native language.

Start/Stop/Rewind /Restart Go at Your Own Pace

Tourist Walks’ audios are narrated by professionals who will keep you entertained while you are walking your way to the next destination.  We help you discover the city around you in a more impressive way.

Download the Walk App & Use Offline. No Mobile Data Required.

It is always frustrating when you wish to travel somewhere but your mobile phone service is out-of-order. Don’t worry! Tourist Walks comes with an offline version of built-in maps you might need, even without internet access.

• Full Audio Visual
• Tourist Sites
• Multilingual Texts
• Easy Audio Access
• Offline App

FREE App & Walk Summaries

Each walk delivers a unique and fascinating user experience. Through Tourist Walks’ self guided tour application you can explore the hidden gems created by local experts. For people wanting to explore the neighbourhood and experience the local culture, we provide a unique experience of exploring the city using GPS guided audio tours. The App is FREE, and all the walk summaries are FREE, each walk is individually priced and you can buy all the walks for a city at a discounted price.

Visit the Best Tourist Sites & Explore Them

Tourist Walks’ audios are narrated by professionals who will keep you entertained while you are walking your way to the next destination. We help you discover the city around you in a more impressive way.

Download the Walk App & Use Offline. No Mobile Data Required.

Self-guided walks in oxford.

Oxford is the place of the “dreaming spires”, and is a city of great renown. It is the home of one of the oldest Universities in the world, which dates from the 12th Century, and by the 14th Century Oxford University dominated the town, and its history. The original settlement came here because it is in a strategic location on the River Thames, where it meets the River Cherwell. This played a part in the English Civil War when King Charles I used Oxford as his main base of operations, against the forces of Parliament. Our walks discover the best the city has to offer. See its University Colleges, its main attractions, as well as its historic pubs hear stories of the people who lived here. Take our ghost tour and hear about those who could not stay away, even after death. Happy sightseeing.

Learn more about the history of Oxford and the best places for a budget-friendly walking tour in Oxford. Pick a walk depending on how much time you have or what you wish to see.

Top Tourist Walks in Oxford

Heart of Oxford Walk

The definitive walk around the heart of Oxford

Harry Potter Walk

A tour of Oxford Harry Potter filming locations

Castle & City Walk

A walk that covers a castle, museums, Colleges and pubs

List of Walks in Oxford

Heart of oxford & university.

The University of Oxford is the oldest educational institution in England and one of the best in the world. The university is an amalgamation of 38 self-governing colleges, and six permanent private halls. It has produced thousands of the most influential people on the planet, the university is also a major attraction both for the architecture, and its history. This walk takes you to the most important and beautiful colleges in Oxford, as well as many of the other tourist attractions in this wonderful city. Happy sightseeing

Castle & City Tour

This walk completes our City and Colleges tour. It covers more of the fascinating places that Oxford has to offer including the Castle, Museums and Pubs. This walk is great to broaden your knowledge and appreciation for this beautiful city. Happy sightseeing.

Harry Potter Walk Walk

Perhaps surprisingly, Oxford was actually used as a major filming location for Hogwarts, in the Harry Potter series. If you’re a fan, or just keen on discovering a few of the places that defined the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and walk in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione and Ron along the same mysterious hallways. We will visit the Bodleian Library, which appeared as Hogwarts Infirmary in “Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone”, New College Cloisters, where Harry confronted Malfoy, and where he was then turned into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody, and other recognizable places. Happy sightseeing

View All Oxford Walks

Heart of Oxford & University

Oxford Castle & City Tour

Scientific Oxford

Harry Potter Walking Tour

SELF GUIDED WALKS

Do you wish to explore all the beautiful tourist spots? Download our application and discover the hidden beauty and mystery of your destination. Explore today!

Frequently Asked Questions

No. After the walks have been downloaded, for which you need an internet connection, no mobile data is required to do the walks.

No you can pause and resume at any point within the walk. Whether you need a coffee or a comfort break the walks are entirely flexible.

Yes you will receive both verbal guidance and a GPS enabled map to take you around each of the points of interest on the walks.

No the walks are circular so you will receive multiple options of where to start each walk.

Yes there are providing you buy them as a bundle, not one at a time. You can even buy all the walks in one package at a very generous price.

For each point of interest you will get information both verbally and in text and sometimes video form together with helpful images to get the most from each one.

You can pay by all manner of credit and debit cards as well as Paypal.

In the walk summary we point out if the walk is suitable for wheelchairs and pets, and there is also an indication of the distance of the walk, and how long it will take.

Yes we would love to hear from you through our website: www.touristwalks.co.uk

Happy Tourists

If you’re looking for a great way to explore York, England, then be sure to check out the Tourist Walk! This self-guided walking tour is one of the best ways to see all the city has to offer. You’ll get to explore historic buildings, beautiful parks, and much more. The tour takes about two hours, and it’s a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture. The Tourist Walk is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great way to see York!

I thoroughly enjoyed this self guided walk around York. It was a great way to see the city and learn about its history. The route was clearly marked and easy to follow. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great way to spend a few hours in York. Thanks for a great experience!

Cortney Jane

I highly recommend the self guided walk in York. It is a great way to see the city and get some exercise. The route is well marked and easy to follow. There are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. I especially enjoyed the historic sites and buildings that I would have never known about otherwise. This is a great activity for all ages.

Sally Andrew

Martin Luca

If you’re looking for a fun and informative way to see York, I highly recommend the self guided walking tour. There’s no need to hire a guide – with a well-marked map and some helpful pointers, you can explore the city at your own pace. And there’s plenty to see – from the charming medieval streets of the old town to the towering Gothic cathedral, there’s something for everyone. The tour takes you past all the major landmarks, and you’ll learn a lot about the history and culture of York along the way. I had a great time on this tour, and I’m sure you will too!

Christopher

If you’re looking for a great way to experience York, you need to go on a walking tour! I did the self-guided walk and it was a lot of fun. The route is well-marked and takes you through all the major tourist spots in the city. I would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting York.

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Oxford Online Walking Map

The Oxford Online Walking Map is a collaborative creation launched in summer 2023. It shows on- and off-road walking routes through the city and its green spaces to help plan your journeys and discover new places in Oxford.

The map shows the locations of Oxford’s many benches for breaking a journey or enjoying a view, and playgrounds are marked across the city, whether as destinations or places to pause when walking with children.

Our aim is to add to the map by including a layer of places of local and historical interest, with photos. We’d love help with this, so if you are a member of a local history group or a residents’ association, or even if you just know a lot about local history and want to get involved, please message us.

The Oxford Online Walking Map has been created by volunteers using Google Maps. To suggest additions or changes, or to get involved, please contact [email protected]

• Blue: Walking route, good surface
• Green: Walking route, less good surface

A ‘good surface’ is one where year-round access with buggies and wheelchairs should be possible: typically, tarmac or otherwise paved.

A ‘less good surface’ is one where this is not guaranteed: typically, earth or otherwise not paved.

Oxford Pedestrians Association (OxPA.org.uk)

Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel (CoHSAT.org.uk)

Oxford Online Cycling Map

Oxford walking tours

Oxford walking tours A Oxford university & Harry Potter Style Walking tours visit filming location and site's of inspiration / with your very own magical wizard

Oxford best walking tours.

Oxford Walking Tour / 2 tours in 1

2 Walking Tours in 1  

Join us on an amazing journey as we visit the main tourist locations at Oxford University . Learn about the history of the buildings we visit and tales of student life. We’ll also visit some Harry Potter  filming locations and sites of inspiration.

Your guide is not just any guide – a professional magician  who has entertained the British Royal Family on several occasions and will perform magic and illusions for you around the tour. We will also create a popular spell from the Harry Potter film 🪄 that looks like trick photography – it has to be seen to be believed!

See Oxford in a new and unique way, perfect for adults and families alike 🌟. This is not your usual boring tour!

🎟️ Tickets can be purchased from the guide prior to departure. Numbers are limited and advanced booking is recommended.

🌟 The only Tour Company in Oxford that has live entertainment on the tours.

⏰ Tour running time approximately 90 min.

Due to popular demand, we have added an extra time slot!

🕰️ Time: 11 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM Daily.

Oxford walking Ghost Tour

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey through Oxford gruesome past? Join us on a spine tingling journey as we walk through the city of Oxford as we explore and discover the darker side of this city

👣 Guided Nighttime Exploration: Walk along the spooky cobbled streets and lanes of oxford at night where this tour Brings the horrible past alive once again

👻 More Than Just Stories: We don’t just take you to a location and tell you stories like other tours. This tour is immersive fun with a jump scare or two along the way.

💀 Diverse Dark Tales:    executions / suicide / murder and even a broken heart. listen to a chilling tale about the devil himself.  lets not forget about the grim reaper do you think you have what it takes to escape his grasp join us and  we shall find out as we play a quick game of cards of life or death. 

🧛‍♂️ Age-Appropriate Chills: Age guidance for this tour is 10+

🚫 Important Notes: Please note this tour is not suitable for people with a heart condition or of a nervous disposition. 

⏰ Tour Details: Tour running time is approximately 75 min  

Halloween week every evening  from Wed the 25th October – Tue 31st October 7 pm start time

Time 7 pm Fri Sat & Sun

Private Tours of Oxford

Discover the Magic of Oxford with Our Exclusive Private Tours

Embark on a journey through the historic and enchanting streets of Oxford with our private walking tours, tailored just for you. Whether you’re an individual, a company looking for a unique team-building experience, or a school group eager to explore the educational riches of Oxford, we have the perfect tour for you.

🏛️ Explore Oxford University & Harry Potter Filming Locations

🎩 Entertainment Like No Other

🕰️ Flexible and Convenient Tour Times

📆 Special Halloween Week Tours

Magic OXFORD Walking TOURS

Not just a walking tour, it's a magical experience.

Oxford Magic Walking Tours , your fun oxford walking tour company.

Welcome to Oxford Magic Walking Tours! We offer a unique infotainment experience that blends education and Magical live entertainment on the tour. Our tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will take you on a captivating journey through Oxford’s rich history. But that’s not all! Your guide is also a real-life magician/wizard who will perform tricks and illusions throughout the tour, keeping you entertained every step of the way. Say goodbye to boring tours!

We also bring a spell to life from the harry potter films which looks like trick photography. 

It’s the only walking tour in Oxford that offers such a unique experience no other tour includes magic and illusion form a professional magician / wizard 

Our Oxford Walking tours / Ghost tours are perfect for anyone eager to learn about Oxford’s history while enjoying award winning magical entertainment. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, our Walking tours promise an unforgettable experience.

We also offer private walking tours that can be tailored to your specific needs. Please contact us for more details. Our guides are highly trained and experienced, ensuring you receive the best possible experience .

Don’t miss out! Book your tickets now  and join us for an unforgettable and magical walking tour of Oxford!

We now have a  blog which gives tips and insights  on anything related to walking 

Oxford walking tours Finding us

We are at 13 Broad Street oxford

You cant miss us we are right buy the red postal box you will see our sign and the guide will be holding a clip board with Oxford Magic Walking Tours written on it.. 

Key Highlights of Oxford Magic Walking Tours:

• Unique Blend of History and Magic : The tours are not just about sightseeing; they incorporate live magic performances by a professional magician, adding an extraordinary twist to the exploration of Oxford’s historic sites.
• Engaging and Interactive : The guide, a skilled magician, performs tricks and illusions throughout the tour, ensuring a captivating and interactive experience.
• Comprehensive Exploration : The tour covers all the major tourist locations in Oxford, including Harry Potter filming sites, offering insights into the city’s rich history and academic traditions.
• Small Group Experience : With a focus on small groups, the tour ensures a more personalized and engaging experience, allowing for deeper interaction with the guide and the magic performances.
• Family-Friendly Adventure : The tours are designed to be enjoyable for both adults and children, making it a perfect family activity when visiting Oxford.

Why Choose Oxford Magic Walking Tours?

• Distinctive Experience : Unlike standard city tours, Oxford Magic Walking Tours offers a blend of education and entertainment, making it a memorable experience.
• Expertise and Entertainment : The guide’s knowledge of Oxford’s history, combined with their skill in magic, creates a unique and enjoyable tour experience.
• Personalized Tours : They also offer private walking tours that can be tailored to specific interests, providing a more customized experience.

In summary, Oxford Magic Walking Tours stands out with its innovative approach to city touring, combining the charm of Oxford’s history with the wonder of magic and illusion. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an engaging, educational, and entertaining tour of Oxford. for those who like harry potter – oxford university or a tour of the city of oxford this tour has it all 

The Best walking tour's in oxford?

# 1 oxford magic walking tours, introducing the all-new oxford walking tours.

At the top of the List we have the all new Oxford Magic Tours: Oxford Magic Tours stands out as the number one walking tour in Oxford due to its blend of live entertainment and captivating storytelling by a professional magician. Unlike traditional tours, this unique experience infuses magic tricks, illusions, into the exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.

https://www.high-endrolex.com/14

Please click here to read more information on walking tours of oxford and the oxford city tours which includes the two tours in one

Live entertainment

This tour is Led by a highly skilled master magician how has entertained at the highest levels including the British Royal family , Oxford Magic Walking Tours takes you on a journey through the streets of Oxford, combining historical anecdotes with awe-inspiring magic. As you visit all the best sites in oxford such as  the Bodleian Library or the Radcliffe Camera, the bridge of sighs, HARRY POTTER filming location and much more you’ll be spellbound by astonishing tricks and illusions and learning about the city’s rich history and academic traditions.

The Distinctive Appeal of Oxford Magic walking Tours

The live entertainment aspect of Oxford Magic Tours sets it apart from other walking tours, injecting a sense of wonder and excitement into your exploration of Oxford. The magician’s expert sleight of hand and engaging storytelling captivate both adults and children, making it an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Elevating the Experience

While other tours may offer valuable insights into Oxford’s history and architecture, Oxford Magic Tours elevates the experience by adding an element of surprise and intrigue. At oxford magic walking tours we ensure every step of your journey is filled with moments of wonder, leaving you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for oxford city’s enchanting atmosphere.

Step into a World of Magic and Mystery

If you’re seeking a walking tour that goes beyond the ordinary then oxford magic walking tours is for you. you will be immersed in a world of magic and mystery, Oxford Magic walking Tours is undoubtedly the top choice. Prepare to be amazed as you embark on this extraordinary adventure, where Oxford’s captivating history is brought to life through the artistry of a professional magician

# 2 Footprints walking Tours:

Footprints Tours offer an engaging and informative walking tour of Oxford led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. The tours cover the main highlights of the city, including the colleges, the Sheldonian Theater, and the Bridge of Sighs. They provide a comprehensive introduction to Oxford’s history, traditions, and famous alumni. They also Offer a free tour that you pay a donation. Foot prints tours can be found 2 doors down from Oxford Magic tours signage as of the 15/ 08 / 2023 They are located at number 15 broad street oxford 

# 3 Oxford Walking Tours: 

Experience the captivating Official Oxford Walking Tours, led by highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic Oxford  Tour Guides. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this historic city as you explore its renowned landmarks, including the iconic Bodleian Library, the elegant Radcliffe Camera, and the prestigious colleges. Delight in a range of themed tours tailored to diverse interests, such as the enchanting Harry Potter tour or the intriguing Inspector Morse tour. Uncover the secrets and stories of Oxford. This tour operator can be found outside trinity college 

# 4 Oxford Free Walking Tours

As the name suggests, Oxford Free Walking Tours operate on a “pay-what-you-want” basis. Led by local guides, these tours take you through the heart of Oxford, exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden corners. The guides share interesting stories and historical facts about the city, making the experience enjoyable and informative. As of 22 / 07 / 2023 This oxford walking tour company does not have great reviews on Google out of 5 reviews 3 of them are 1 star  and 1 is only a week old. Whilst i have not experienced this walking tour myself i am unable to comment on the validity of the reviews. Oxford free walking tour does not seem to be free at all instead you have to pay a donation to the guide at the end of the tour.

Please click here to read more information on the so called free Tours of oxford 

Oxford walking tours Top Questions people ask

Are you curious about exploring the charm and history of Oxford through captivating walking tours? We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions people have about our tours:

1. What Makes Oxford Walking Tours Special?

Our walking tours offer a unique blend of history, entertainment, and magic. Led by experienced guide.

2. Who Leads the Tours?

The tour is led by knowledgeable guide who is passionate about Oxford. Plus, he is a master magician who performs live tricks and illusions, ensuring an engaging journey from start to finish.

3. What Sites Will I Visit?

You’ll explore Oxford’s iconic landmarks, including the renowned Bodleian Library, the stunning Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs, and  harry Potter filming location and harry potter inspiration  and so much more . Get ready to uncover hidden gems.

4. Are the Tours Family-Friendly?

Absolutely! Our tours are designed for everyone, from adults to children. The live magic performances add an element of excitement that appeals to all ages, making it a fantastic family activity.

5. Can I Book a Private Tour?

Yes, indeed! We offer private tours that can be customized to your preferences. Whether it’s a special occasion or a unique gathering, our private tours provide a personalized experience.

6. How Do I Book a Tour?

Booking a tour is simple. You can easily reserve your spot through our website or contact our friendly team for assistance. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

7. What Should I Expect During the Tour?

Prepare to be amazed! The guide will share captivating historical insights, while the magic aspect of the tour will dazzle you with mind-boggling tricks. Be ready for a journey that’s both educational and enchanting.

8. Is the Tour Accessible for Everyone?

We strive to make our tours accessible to all. If you have any specific accessibility concerns or requirements, please let us know when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

9. Do I Need to Have Prior Knowledge of Oxford?

Not at all! Our tours are designed for both locals and visitors, whether you’re familiar with Oxford’s history or not. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s heritage while having a magical time.

10. What Should I Bring for the Tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your sense of wonder are all you need. Don’t forget your camera to capture the magical moments!

Have more questions or ready to embark on a captivating Oxford walking tour? Feel free to reach out to us for further information or to reserve your spot. We look forward to welcoming you on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting streets of Oxford

General Questions about oxford

Best walking tour in oxford.

The all new Oxford Magic Tours tops the list: Oxford Magic Tours stands out as the number one walking tour in Oxford due to its blend of live entertainment and captivating storytelling by a professional magician. Unlike traditional tours, this unique experience infuses magic tricks, illusions, into the exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.

Can you walk around Oxford?

Yes, Oxford city is considered a highly walk-able city. All the tourist sights are quite close to each other which makes it easy to explore by walking. Many of the major sights, including the historic colleges, museums, and libraries, are within walking distance of each other. To see the sights of oxford it is best to book a walking tour please check Oxford magic tours the number one magic walking tour in Oxford. Oxford also has pedestrianized areas and numerous walking paths, making it convenient and enjoyable for visitors to navigate and discover the city’s charm by walking. Additionally, the city’s flat terrain and well-maintained sidewalks contribute to its walk-ability.

Can you walk around Oxford University for free?

Yes and No Most of the colleges charge a fee ranging from around £4 up-to £25 for entrance there are one or 2 colleges hidden away that are free to enter.  but they are very hard to find . it is always best to find a walking tour guide to take you around and see all the best landmarks that way you will not waste valuable time wandering around aimlessly or get lost.  i highly recommend Oxford magic tours as it has some entertainment involved which is a great tour for the whole family 

Can you tour oxford on your own?

When it comes to exploring Oxford, there is one tour that stands above the rest: Oxford Magic Tours. Renowned as the best tour in the city, Oxford Magic Tours offers an exceptional experience that should not be missed. However, if you prefer to explore Oxford independently, there are several must-visit places worth considering. Among these are the captivating colleges, which often welcome visitors during the day, allowing you to soak in the prestigious atmosphere. Additionally, the city boasts an array of fascinating museums, the serene Botanic Garden, enticing shops, and if possible, an absolute must-see is the iconic Bodleian Library. Whether you choose Oxford Magic Tours or opt for your own exploration, these highlights will ensure an enriching and memorable experience in Oxford.

Why Visit oxford?

Oxford, an enchanting city adorned with magnificent architecture, is a haven of rich history and culture. Immerse yourself in the splendor of both ancient and modern colleges that grace the streets, offering a glimpse into the prestigious academic heritage. Explore captivating museums and galleries that house treasures from various eras, providing a fascinating window into the past. Amidst the vibrant city, discover tranquil parks, verdant gardens, and ample green spaces where you can unwind and find solace.. For an even deeper appreciation of Oxford’s beauty and history, consider embarking on the remarkable Oxford Magic Walking Tours

Can you visit Oxford for 1 day?

Oxford, is and can be described as one of the most picturesque cities in the UK and for good reason, an ideal destination for a nice memorable day trip from London its not far and only takes around 45 min from London to oxford by train. While a single day might seem fleeting, it provides a remarkable opportunity to savor the essence of this captivating city. To truly make the most of your visit, I highly recommend embarking on a walking tour, particularly the renowned Oxford Magic Tours – the city’s top-rated walking tour. With their expert guides leading the way, you’ll have the chance to visit all the best places without wasting valuable time or getting lost. With Oxford Magic Tours, you’ll embark on an immersive experience that allows you to explore the very best of Oxford in a day, leaving you with lasting memories of this wonderful city.

where to walk in oxford?

When exploring Oxford on foot, there are several areas and landmarks that you should include in your itinerary. While you can certainly explore independently, considering a walking tour can enhance your experience by providing a deeper understanding of the city’s history and hidden gems. Oxford Magic Tours, in particular, stands out as an exceptional choice for an enchanting and entertaining walking tour. Here are some areas and landmarks to consider visiting:

1. Radcliffe Square: Start your walk in the heart of Oxford at Radcliffe Square, where you’ll find the iconic Radcliffe Camera. This circular library is a sight to behold and offers a great starting point for your exploration.

2, The University Colleges: Oxford is renowned for its prestigious university and stunning college buildings. Consider visiting popular colleges like Christ Church, Magdalen College, or New College. These colleges showcase remarkable architecture and beautiful courtyards.

3. The Bodleian Library: any visit to Oxford is not complete unless you visit the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and most famous libraries in all of Europe.

4. Covered Market: visit oxfords Covered Market, which dates back to the 18th century. you will can find some fun and quirky shops and items that you might not find on the traditional high street

5. The Bridge of Sighs: which is Located at Hertford College, the Bridge of Sighs is a picturesque landmark that connects two parts of the college over New College Lane. Its architectural beauty makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in all of oxford

While exploring these areas independently can be enjoyable, considering a walking tour like Oxford Magic Tours can truly elevate your experience. With their professional magician guide, you’ll not only discover these renowned landmarks but also witness mesmerizing magic tricks and enchanting performances along the way. Oxford Magic Tours adds an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to your exploration of Oxford, making it the best walking tour option for a truly magical experience.

How long are the walking tours of Oxford?

The walking tours in Oxford vary in length depending on the type and itinerary of the tour. Generally, they last between 90 minutes to 2 hours. 

Do I need to book in advance for a walking tour of Oxford?

 It depends on the tour operator and availability. Some tours require pre-booking online or by phone, while others allow you to join on the day by paying the guide before or after the tour. It is advisable to check the website or contact details of the tour you are interested in for more information.

What should I wear for a walking tour of Oxford?

You should wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and weather conditions. Also bring something to drink especially in the summer months. Oxford can be cold and rainy at times, so it is recommended to bring a jacket, umbrella, or raincoat. Some tours may also require you to cover your shoulders or knees when entering religious buildings.

Can I take photos during a walking tour of Oxford?

Yes, you can take photos during a walking tour of Oxford unless otherwise stated by your guide or by signs at certain locations. However, you should be respectful of other people’s privacy and property when taking photos. after all a walking tour is no good if you cant save those magic moments 

How can I book a walking tour in advance and what are the payment options?

You can book a walking tour in advance online through the websites of the tour providers or through third-party platforms such as TripAdvisor or Viator.  You can pay by credit card, debit card, PayPal, or cash on the day of the tour. Some tours may require a deposit or full payment in advance, while others may allow you to pay on arrival. You should check the booking and cancellation policies of each tour before booking.. Oxford magic tours it is best to book in advance their tour is unique and gets very busy at times so booking in advance on this tour is recommended

What are the best times and days to join a walking tour in Oxford?

There is no  best time and or days to join a walking tour in Oxford as it all depends on your availability, preferences, and the weather. Generally, the tours run all year round, but some may have different schedules or availability depending on the season or the day of the week. For example, some tours may not run on Sundays, bank holidays, or during university vacations. You should check the timetable of each tour before booking. You may also want to avoid peak times or days when the city or the colleges are more crowded or busy, such as during graduation ceremonies, festivals, or events. You may also want to consider the weather and choose a time or day when it is sunny, dry, and warm

What are some of the filming locations and literary inspirations that I can see on a walking tour in Oxford?

Some of the filming locations and literary inspirations that you can see on a walking tour in Oxford are filming location for Harry Potter (the Great Hall and the staircase), Alice in Wonderland (the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s stories), The Golden Compass (the inspiration for Philip Pullman’s stories), and Brideshead Revisited (the TV series and the movie). X men First Class – transformer the Last night  – The Golden Compass not forgetting the Queens Speech.

The Oxford Museum

A Special Place. A Special Heritage.

Walking Tour of Oxford

Premium Free Oxford Walking Tour of Oxford University, City & The Old Bodleian Library with University Educated Students & Alumni Guides

Tour price - free, please click on the book now to fill our tour booking form and get instant booking confirmation., join our famous, fun and informative premium walking tour of oxford university, city & the old bodleian library. go inside historic colleges to see where now oxford university students live and study, visit old chapels, 13th century & 15th century lecture halls, exam hall, oldest graduation venue & the great dining hall for free. tour timings - 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm from monday to sunday. we have space available for our daily tours. please fill our book now form. tour duration will be between 90 minutes to 100 minutes and involves less than half a mile of walking. is this tour free – yes it’s a free tour we do not charge any fixed price like others. other tour companies charge £25 per person for this same tour. our donation based tour offers visitors fair pricing in which visitors can pay as they like. this is fair pricing for visitors, where you pay the price that you are confident in and at the end of the tour according to your happiness. our tour guide will take visitors inside many oxford university buildings and historic colleges for free. be inspired, be informed. we also offer premium private oxford university tour. all our private tours can be tailored at the start to ensure you get exactly what you want from your time with us. about us - since 2012, premium oxford university walking tour guides have experience of providing "mind blowing oxford tour" to visitors everyday. all our guides are highly educated university students & alumni, highly experienced and passionate about oxford's history., join our excellent free tour to uncover the inspiring historic stories of oxford university, old bodleian library and oxford city while visiting the oldest colleges which were established between 1249 and 1264. go behind the huge gates and high stone walls to see where university of oxford students live. our tour guide will help you discover the distinctive collegiate structure, unknown secrets of famous alumni and weird traditions of the university of oxford..

Click Here To Book Now

Text us or call us on 07412937003 for booking the tour or email us on [email protected]

Tour timings - 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm from monday to sunday. (please fill our book now or contact us form for instant tour booking confirmation)., tour duration - our tour will last between 90 minutes to 2 hours approximately with less then half-a-mile of walking to leave you with happy feet., tour starting point - please meet your guide opposite tse noodle restaurant no.8 ship street, oxford (postcode is ox1 3da) and join premium oxford university walking tour. please click here to see visitors who joined our tour previously., premium oxford university walking tour highlights –.

Go inside the oldest lectures halls with our university educated guide and understand how students lived and studied here centuries ago? Learn how the old teaching traditions and methods are influencing this world-leading centre of learning, teaching and research known as University of Oxford? And also learn why Oxford is called "the City of Dreaming Spires"? Find why locals and students rioted for many centuries in Oxford?

Your friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide will show you around the ancient colleges and with cobbled streets, you will be entertained on the way with unknown anecdotes about the many Oxford University famous students and academics who have walked down these same lanes in times gone by.

Visit Harry Potter filming locations , see Inspector Morse sights, discover Narnia Inspiration, explore Alice in Wonderland site, visit Mordor inspiration of Lord of the Rings, uncover most Haunted site in Oxford with Premium Oxford University Walking Tours.

Premium Walking Tour of Oxford University, Old Bodleian Library & City tour Price – Yes It’s a Free tour! Other tour companies charge £25 per person for this same tour.

Is there any entry fee for going inside the historic Oxford University sights?

Our tour includes visiting the old colleges, old lecture halls, old graduation venues, the old exam school, the old Bodleian library, the Weston library, old school quads where lecture were given earlier and historic chapels for free.

There is a £2.50 optional entry fee for Medieval Lecture hall known as School of Divinity which was also used in Harry Potter movie.

When you can join this Premium Walking Tour of Oxford?

Tour Timings: – 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm Everyday. (Limited places available for our Famous Free Tour. Please fill our Book Now or Contact Us form)

Where does this Premium Walking Tour of Oxford starts from?

Tour starting point - Please meet your guide opposite TSE NOODLE Restaurant No.8 Ship Street, Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) and join Premium Oxford University Walking Tour. .

Our guide will come 10 minutes before the tour starts at the tour starting point.

Tour Duration - Our tour takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours approx with less then half-a-mile of walking and seating arrangements to leave you with happy feet.

Information for Tour Groups - Our Free Tour is for small groups. All groups of more than 6 people or school groups or student groups or any commercially arranged trips, must make booking through contact us form or call us on 07412937003 and ask whether your group can joining our tour.

Tour Description –

• Discover Oxford’s history, traditions and walk in the footsteps of famous members like J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis
• Visit old colleges,old school quads, lecture halls, exam hall, graduation venue for free
• Explore Oxford with a knowledgeable University educated guide
• Go inside 800 years old Oxford University sites and visit world-famous sites like School of Divinity, the Bodleian Library, Bridge of Sigh and Christ Church meadows.
• Learn about unique Oxford University traditions, ceremonies, mysterious legends, student life and much more!
• Visit Narnia through the wardrobe.
• Discover the inspiration of Alice in Wonderland.
• See J. R. R. Tolkien's world of Middle-earth, Mordor.
• Go inside Harry Potter filming locations.
• Follow the footsteps of world famous Inspector Morse.
• Uncover the secret of the historic Tower of Five Orders.
• Visit the Old Bodleian Library Quads.
• Our tour guide will show visitors the oldest lecture halls.
• Our tour includes visiting one of the Oldest Colleges & Chapels.

Visit Harry Potter filming sites, Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland & Lord of the Rings sites on a Free Tour. Visit Inspector Morse filming sites with us.

Premium oxford university walking tour & your guide.

Since 2012, Premium Oxford University Walking Tour guides have experience of providing "excellent tours" to visitors everyday. Premium Oxford University Walking Tour guides are passionate about Oxford's inspiring history. Your friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Guide will be highly trained and University educated.

Premium Oxford University Walking Tour guides will be happy to help with any questions. Our tour guides will cover all the interesting topics about Oxford’s glorious past, historic landmarks and dark secrets.

With our University-educated guides, you will walk the walk through thousands years of Oxford’s history from early Saxon time of small Oxford Town to its present world famous city of learning. Our guides will lead you through historic landmarks of Oxford’s amazing historic stories.

Our guides are University educated with years of guiding experience and local history knowledge. With our guides you can go behind the closed doors where Oxford University members can go.

Which sights will be covered on a Premium Oxford University Walking Tour and what you will see?

• Visit 800 years old Oxford University sites with Oxford University Walking Tour.
• Why we do not charge £25 per person like other tour operators?
• Our guides are highly passionate about Oxford’s history. We have been giving excellent tours since 2012 everyday, otherwise we would have been long gone by now. We believe that all the visitors visiting Oxford should know about the history of Oxford.

Where does this tour starts from and when you can join this Premium Walking Tour of Oxford?

• Our tour starts at 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm Everyday. Please fill our booking form for more information on where the tour starts from and please fill our Book Now or Contact Us Form .
• Tour starting point - Please meet your guide opposite TSE NOODLE Restaurant No.8 Ship Street, Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) and join Oxford University Walking Tours.
• Premium Oxford University Walking Tour guide will come 10 minutes before the tour starts.
• Please do not go inside the Church to ask about our tour because people sell tickets for other tour guides.
• Meet your friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Guide who will be highly trained guide and travellers who are visiting Oxford.
• Walking distance - Your tour will cover less then half-mile of 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. Tour Price – Free. Our free tour is a completely free tour and we do not ask visitor to pay anything for this free tour. Our free tour duration will be 90 minutes. Visitors can also switch from our free tour to our donation based tour or private tour for £140. Our private tour will be just for your group. Discover Oxford University with a expert tour guide. Large groups of over 6 visitors are required to take permission before joining our tour. However, when our free tour is fully booked then we can offer visitors a fixed price tour for £6 per person with other visitors.
• Take memorable pictures when we go inside the 13th Century Oldest Lecture and Examination Hall of University of Oxford and all other sites.
• Weather - Tours go ahead whatever the weather, however we do advise you to come prepared and warmly dressed for winter with comfortable footwear.
• Parking - We recommend the Park and Ride service or Westgate Car Park on Thames Street, Oxford OX1 1TR. Please allow at least 30 minutes for the journey into the City Centre.
• Feel free to ask question to your friendly guide and get tips for further planning interesting things to do in Oxford after our tour.
• Take pictures of iconic Oxford University sight's during the tour.

Discover Historic Sights With Premium Walking Tour of Oxford

Discover Oxford’s unknown historic traditions during Premium Walking Tour Of Oxford, visit exhibitions, museums and beautiful gardens. Visit the famous colleges and to take some memorable pictures. Premium Oxford University Walking Tours will make your time well spent in Oxford and walk cobbled stones paths. Find What to do in Oxford? By filling our Book Now Form via this website you will be deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions below.

EXPLORE LANDMARKS OF OXFORD

Call Us – Oxford University Walking Tour, the easiest way to explore the iconic Oxford landmarks and explore all the world famous sites and hidden gems of historic Oxford University and City. Book Now

Learn about the unknown traditions and historic events which influenced the formation Oxford University. Our guides will enlighten you with detailed history of Oxford University and City. Our Oxford Walking tours includes a visit inside School of Divinity and famous St Mary’s the Virgin with Gothic style of architecture.

Walk the halls of one of the most historic and world famous Oxford University on a 2 hour premium walking tour of Oxford University, City & The Bodleian Library. Go inside the amazing oldest and famous colleges with insights of student life and their experience in Oxford University.

See all the famous landmarks in the heart of the University like Bridge of Sighs, Radcliffe Camera, University Church of St Mary, Christ Church and Trinity College. Learn about famous students of Oxford University, hear anecdotes and experience secret traditions.

Tour Highlights -

Discover famous Oxford University landmarks like Bridge of Sighs, Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church College, Trinity College, University Church of St Mary.

Explore magnificent Bodleian Library, Old School Quads, School of Divinity, Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford University Printing Press, The New Bodleian Library.

Blackwells bookshop, The Emperor’s Heads, 1000 years old city wall, Oxford Martyrs, Museum of History of Science, All Souls College, Exeter College, Jesus College, Brasenose College, New College, Balliol College, Duke Humphrey’s Library, Harry Potter filming locations and much more!

Who can join this tour and what you can expect?

• Everyone can join this tour. Tour duration is usually between 90 minutes to 2 hour Premium Walking Tour of Oxford is designed to take you behind the high walls and closed doors of world famous Oxford University.
• This Premium Walking Tour of Oxford University departs everyday at 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm. Tour starting point - Please meet your guide outside No.1 Ship Street Restaurant, Oxford OX1 3DA, next to St. Michael Church on Ship Street (Postcode is OX1 3EY) and join Oxford University Walking Tours.
• Using University Graduates as guides, the walking tour unfolds the drama behind the ancient university in a interesting and enjoyable way.
• With small intimate groups, the guides give special attention to everyone while answering all the questions and concentrate on the diverse history of Oxford University. Book a Premium Private Walking Tour of Oxford University from £130 for 1 to 19 visitors. Entry fee is not included inside the paid sites of Oxford University. Visitors will be to required to buy there entry fee.

Please note that entry to all Oxford University buildings are subject to availability and our tour guides can only take visitors inside Oxford University buildings where visitors are allowed. We cannot take visitors inside the rooms where students live or study. Explore Oxford’s unique history while going inside oldest colleges and also discover equally about history of Oxford City. Learn about famous Oxford graduates who are now world leaders and their less known experiences in University of Oxford. Also discover academic traditions and ancient ceremonies at Oxford. Above all visit all the Magical sites of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and the Hobbit in Oxford. And also the famous “finishing story of a stand-off” between an intelligent professor and a naughty student. Join our excellent free tour to uncover the inspiring historic stories of Oxford University, Old Bodleian Library and Oxford City while visiting the oldest colleges which were established between 1249 and 1264. Go behind the huge gates and high stone walls to see where University of Oxford students live. Our tour guide will help you discover the distinctive collegiate structure, unknown secrets of famous alumni and weird traditions of the University of Oxford.Tour price - There is no fixed price of this donation based tour, you can donate what you like at the end of the tour according to your happiness, our suggested donations that visitors can pay is as low as £5 per person or £10 per person or £20 per person according to your happiness at the end of the tour or during the tour or before the tour starts. However, when our donation based tour is fully booked then we can offer visitors a fixed price tour for £6 per person with other visitors. Visitors will be required to pay before the tour starts for the fixed price tour or during the tour when our tour guide will ask you to pay or we will ask for donations at the end of the donations based tour. If our donation based tour is fully booked then visitors can always go by themselves to see Oxford University. Our tour price is very low when compared with £20 to £25 per person charged by some other people. What is the meaning of Free on our website? Free means that visitors are free to pay as they like and visitors are free to choose whether or not to leave a donation. Free also means that we are going to share historic information about Oxford during the tour for free and for the same tour other tour operators charge £20 to £25 per person. Free also means that we will take visitors inside the historical sites of Oxford University. Free also means that visitors are free to take pictures during the tour. Free also means that our tour guide will share free information with visitors about all the sites of Oxford University which can be visited by visitors after our tour. Free also means that our tour guide will help visitors to locate Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford for free unlike other tour operators who charge £35 per person. We offer a free tour to visitors and we do not charge anything before the tour starts and we do not prosecute any visitors for not donating anything. Thank you for booking our tour. We have different types of tour. Our most popular tour is our free tour. Tour Price – Free. This is a completely 15 minutes free tour and we do not ask visitor to donate anything for this free tour. Pay As You Like Tour duration – 90 minutes. Tour timings – 11 am, 2 pm and 3.45 pm everyday. Discover Oxford University in 90 minutes. Please click here for more information on free tour.

Review sent by Sharon (London) on 11th March,2017 – The Historic Oxford Walking Tours

Scholars Walk Oxford Walking Tours have many sites which can be very modern and sometimes hundreds of years old. The most important thing that we liked about our guide was that our guide was University graduate and very friendly. Our guide Allan took us inside many beautiful colleges and commentary was also very interesting due to facts about the colleges and unusual traditions.There is no other better way of learning about the Oxford’s history then joining Scholars Walk Tours. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Sometimes too much history becomes a little boring but our guide was managing the group of different ages very well. Scholars Walk Tours guide helped many members of our group to realise how Oxford University works? Our knowledgeable guide also discussed about the rivalry between the colleges and local gossip with many unknown Oxford University secrets.

There was lots of information about J.R.R. Tolkein, C.S.Lewis and Harry Potter. Our guide took us to Tolkein’s college in Oxford University and we also visited Harry Potter filming location. This tour is a must for everyone who will visit Oxford.

Review posted by Adrian (USA) on 5th March, 2017

Great Experience with Oxford Walking Tours guide who was knowledgeable about local Oxford history and also charmingly funny. Our guide introduced us with excellent Oxford student experience, urban legends and university culture. We also learned about British history of Oxford, especially during the English civil war and time flew very quickly.We visited many interesting sights like The Old Bodleian Library with lots of details about student life in Oxford University and student traditions.

With Scholars Walk Tours, we enjoyed many great sights with historic tales of Oxford students and our guide was excellent with people in our group. Our guide gave all the answers and we were all very happy. We took lots of picture with the statue of the Third Earl of Pembroke and also visited School of Astronomy.

When we visited the Old Schools then we felt like students of Oxford University and we experienced how students felt hundred of years ago. We also saw School of Medicine and historic School of Rhetoric. All the text on the top of these schools were written in Latin with faces of old students next to entrance.

Welcome to Premium Oxford Walking Tours

Premium free oxford walking tours, premium private walking tours, magical harry potter tour oxford.

Free Magical Walking Tour of Oxford Harry Potter fans and Muggels are welcome to walk on the footsteps of Harry Potter. Visit the Harry Potter sites in Oxford. Our Magical tour of Oxford also includes visiting The School of Divinity and beautiful dining hall in a historic college.

Sightseeing Of Oxford

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If you want to discover the history of Oxford, the best way is to go for a walking tour around Oxford thus populating your mind with famous people and long lasting old traditions.

Images Of Oxford Walking Tours

Deep dive: The history of Jewish Americans in Virginia

By UVA Library | May 7, 2024

May marks the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, a commemoration established by both the Federal Government and the state of Virginia . This year, UVA Library’s Rose Oliveira-Abbey and Carla Arton delved into the rich local history of Jewish Americans in Virginia, a legacy dating back to 1585. While Jewish communities have been established throughout the state, our resources primarily highlight the vibrant narratives from Northern Virginia, Richmond, Charlottesville, and Southeast Virginia. This exploration is presented through three distinct reader experiences: to discover in print, online, or in person.

Throughout these narratives, recurring themes emerge, including the values of charity and justice ( tzedakah ), community service ( tikkun olam , or repairing the world), a dedication to education and historical preservation, experiences of antisemitism and immigration, the challenges of assimilation, and the enduring efforts to build and sustain community and culture. Central to this local history is the acknowledgment that these achievements owe much to foundational principles of Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom and the protection afforded by the United States’ First Amendment . For those interested in a broader perspective, scroll to the bottom for a list of documentaries that illuminate the wider Jewish American experience.

Discover In Print

Charlottesville, “ saving monticello: the levy family’s epic quest to rescue the house that jefferson built ” by mark leepson (uva press, 2003).

The author follows the efforts of the Levy family across generations to preserve Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, which was on a path to being lost to time. This story reflects Jewish American values and themes around service and national pride, education and historical preservation, and struggles with assimilation and antisemitism.

“ America’s First Jewish Professor: James Joseph Sylvester at the University of Virginia ” by Lewis S. Feuer (American Jewish Archives, 1984)

This journal article, held in Special Collections (or scanned here ), tries to set the record straight about the first secular Jewish professor appointed in the United States in 1841. A British mathematician, Sylvester was invited to teach at UVA and experienced a mixture of excitement and disapproval over his appointment. His tenure was short-lived at only four months, when an altercation with a troublesome student prompted him to resign. He went on to teach at other great institutions, ending up as the Savilian Chair of Geometry at Oxford University. Incidentally, UVA didn’t hire another Jewish faculty member for another 80 years, when they hired two during the 1920s.

“ A Brief History of the Jewish Community in Charlottesville and Albemarle ” (Special publication, 1982)

This is short centennial publication by Congregation Beth Israel, celebrating the Jewish community’s establishment and history in Charlottesville.

“ The Center: From Generation to Generation ” (Dementi Milestone Publishing, 2017)

This publication from the Carol and Marcus Weinstein Jewish Community Center in Richmond, Virginia, celebrates their first 70 years. It highlights various building and programming expansions and each generation’s impact on the local community through their dedication to responsibility, inclusion (they were the only non-segregated health facility in Richmond), education and excellence. They’ve grown to provide a year-round preschool with inclusion services for 40% of students; summer camps; health and fitness classes; a theater & arts program; and multiple charity opportunities, such as the donations to the local food pantry.

“ Richmond’s Jewry, 1769-1976: Shabbat in Shockoe ” by Myron Berman (UVA Press, 1979)

An historical publication by the University of Virginia Press and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond in 1979 on the Jewish communities of Richmond, Virginia, between 1769 and 1976.

Northern Virginia

“ jewish communities of northern virginia ” by susan dilles and shawn dilles (arcadia publishing, 2022).

Published as part of the “Images of America” series, this book follows 175 years of Jewish communities forming and fluctuating in Northern Virginia, starting in the 1850s. It discusses daily life; faith-based practices and synagogues; the various industries that Jews worked in, including contributions to the federal government; waves of immigration; and how the some of the families resettled further into Virginia over time.

“ The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother ” by James McBride (Riverhead Books, 1996)

This powerful memoir tells the story of James McBride and his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan, born Rachel Shilsky. The narrative bounces between two viewpoints: one of James, who tells the story of his childhood, growing up as one of twelve siblings in a mixed-race family in New York City. The other is of Ruth, whose past she only reluctantly shares with her son as an adult. She talks about her life as a Jewish immigrant in Suffolk, Virginia, where her family settled in the 1930s. She describes The antisemitism she faced, and the suffocating household presided over by her father, an itinerant Orthodox Rabbi, who was abusive and racist. It traces her move to New York, falling in love with Andrew McBride, a Black man, and the schism that created in her family. The book is a meditation on race, identity, love, and what family means.

“ Chapters on the Jews of Virginia - Chapters on the Jews of Virginia, 1658-1900 ” by Louis Ginsberg (1969)

Published in 1969 by Cavalier Press in Richmond, this book gives a wide history of the various Jewish communities within Virginia, covering from 1668 to 1900. 

Discover Online

Encyclopedia of southern jewish communities – virginia.

Created by Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL), this website has an interactive of Jewish communities in the South. The interactive map allows you to explore different communities throughout Virginia, providing historical overviews, stories of Jewish life, and the state of the Jewish communities today. A fantastic way to learn about the many communities located all around the state.

Virginia Chronicle – Library of Virginia

An excellent primary source database offered by the Library of Virginia of historical newspapers from across the state and nation.

Jewish South – 1893-1899

A weekly newspaper published in from 1893 to 1899, it was “a journal devoted to the interests of Judaism,” that covered Richmond also neighboring counties. It reported on local news in congregations, lodges, and societies as well as published sermons, essays, and articles explaining, discussing or commenting on the lessons and doctrines of Judaism. It is a fascinating peek into Jewish life in Virginia at the end of the 19th century.

Virginia-Carolina Jewish Messenger – 1933-1938

The tagline reads “The only Anglo-Jewish newspaper published in Virginia and the Carolinas.” While it ceased publication in 1938, it provides an interesting glimpse into both local Jewish life in the South as well as documenting the rise and impact of Nazism and an increase in Zionism as a result.

To Seek the Peace of the City: Jewish Life in Charlottesville

A fantastic online exhibit from the early 2000s, created in collaboration of the Jewish Arts and Culture Taskforce of the Hillel Jewish Center at the University of Virginia, in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel of Charlottesville and the Albemarle County Historical Society. The website explores Jewish life in Charlottesville from its very first Jewish settlers in Albemarle County in 1757 up to the middle of the 20th century.  It provides a detailed look at the development of Jewish life in Charlottesville, as well as the student and faculty experience at UVA.

Discover In Person

Downtown charlottesville jewish history walking tour – albemarle charlottesville historical society.

The Historical Society will offer two tours this spring (May 9 & June 9) with UVA Professor Emerita Phyllis Leffler, who co-published the UVA online exhibit listed above and was the recent President of the Southern Jewish Historical Society. Walk the Downtown Mall and learn about the local Jewish community and what has been happening since the 2001 exhibit was published.

Virginia Holocaust Museum – Richmond

The VHM highlights stories from the Holocaust and personal stories of survivors who fled to Virginia to escape the Nazis. As part of their permanent exhibits, they feature the “Jewish American Hall of Fame,” highlighting over 50 Jewish Americans and the contributions they made to humanity. They also have an online collection of oral histories , biographies of Survivors in Virginia , and a virtual tour of the museum. 

Congregation Beth Ahabah – Museums & Archives – Richmond

This is the oldest Jewish community in Richmond, and one of the oldest communities in the United States, originally starting in 1789 as a Sephardic orthodox synagogue ( Kahal Kadosh Beth Shalome ) and later combining with an Ashkenazi Reform temple in the late 1800s ( Congregation Beth Ahabah ). It is a beautiful building in downtown Richmond, near Virginia Commonwealth University, with Tiffany Studios stained-glass windows and a museum attached. The museum currently has four exhibits you can visit (see bulleted list below). Congregants of Beth Ahabah have long been part of the wider Richmond community, involved in the women’s voting rights movement, the local school board, and various social services. In 1871, it offered to dismantle its own school program so the city could use its rooms as the location of the first public school in Richmond. 

• “Chai Lights” – 18 stories highlighting the Jewish experience in Richmond.
• “Beyond the Temple Walls: A Commitment to Community” – Highlights the longstanding commitment of the Richmond Jewish Community to service and charity ( tzedakah ) over two centuries, as part of the Jewish obligation to “Repair the World” or carry out Tikkun Olam .
• “Commonwealth and Community: The Jewish Experience in Virginia” - This exhibit pairs with the book of the same title and covers from the first Jew to accompany Sir Walter Raleigh on his expeditions in Virginia, metallurgist Joachim Gans, to the founding of the State of Israel and its impact on Richmond Jews.
• “Count Me In! Richmond’s Jews Respond to WWI” – This exhibit commemorates the 234 Jewish men that served in World War I from Richmond, how they served, and how the Jewish community at home supported the war.

Jewish Museum and Cultural Center – Portsmouth, Virginia – Hampton Roads and Tidewater Communities

Next time you’re in the Tidewater area, check out this museum connected to Chevra Thelim Synagogue, once a thriving orthodox community. It highlights the stories of Jewish immigrants during World War II to the area, and how they lived as refugees and naturalized American citizens. The building and museum are now registered on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is on the Virginia Historic Register.

Documentaries on the Broader Jewish American Experience

Below are some great PBS broadcast documentaries highlighting some of the themes we mentioned above but from a broader national experience. All are freely available through the Shannon Library.

The Jewish Journey: America (2018, PBS)

Follows personal stories of Jewish Americans from early immigrants & settlers, up until the 21st century.

The Jewish Americans (2008, PBS, DVD)

The us and the holocaust (2022, pbs).

• The U.S. And the Holocaust: Episode One, the Golden Door (beginnings-1938)
• The U.S. And the Holocaust: Episode Two, Yearning to Breathe Free (1938-1942)
• The U.S. And the Holocaust: Episode Three, the Homeless, Tempest-tossed (1942 - )

GI Jews (2018, PBS)

GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II tells the story of the 550,000 Jewish Americans who fought in World War II. In their own words, veterans both famous and unknown bring their war experiences to life.

Jews of the Wild West (2022, Electric Yolk Media)

Explores Jewish Americans’ positive impact and contributions in shaping the American Western states. It highlights specific stories, like those of Josephine Marcus, the wife of Wyatt Earp and Levi Strauss, and personal stories of contemporary Jewish Americans to illuminate the history.

Looking for more? Go to The Jewish American Heritage Month website .

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