Oxford City And University Walking Small Group PUBLIC Tour

Oxford’s historic city center and renowned university colleges are the focal points of this captivating small-group walking tour. History enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to explore iconic Harry Potter filming locations, the prestigious Bodleian Library, and one college campus. While college access may be limited due to current circumstances, the tour nonetheless promises an enriching experience for those eager to uncover the city’s remarkable heritage. With an expert guide leading the way, visitors can expect an immersive journey through Oxford’s storied past – one that just may pique their curiosity to delve deeper into this remarkable destination.

Key Points

Comprehensive guided walking tour of Oxford’s historic city center and renowned university colleges.
Caters to history enthusiasts in a small-group setting of up to 15 people.
Includes visits to the Bodleian Library and one other college, subject to availability.
Recognizes iconic Harry Potter filming locations within the tour.
Provides a complementary ILoveOxford map for self-guided exploration after the tour.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Tour Overview

The guided walking tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Oxford’s historic city center and renowned university colleges, catering to history enthusiasts.

During this small-group experience, limited to 15 people, you will recognize iconic locations used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies.

The tour includes visits to the Bodleian Library and one other college, providing a glimpse into the prestigious Oxford University.

Plus, tour-goers will receive a complimentary ILoveOxford map, enhancing their self-guided exploration.

This walking tour is an ideal way for visitors to enjoy Oxford’s rich history and captivating architecture, making it a must-do activity for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable experience.

What’s Included

The walking tour includes a complementary ILoveOxford map, providing tour-goers with a helpful resource to navigate the city on their own. Plus, the tour typically visits either Balliol, Exeter, or St John’s college, offering participants a glimpse into the prestigious Oxford University.

A guided walking tour of Oxford’s city center and university colleges, allowing visitors to explore the historic landmarks and recognize filming locations used in the Harry Potter movies.

An ideal experience for history enthusiasts, as the tour delves into the rich heritage of Oxford.

A small-group setting, limited to 15 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

Exclusions

While the tour give you a comprehensive Oxford experience, there are a few exclusions to consider. Visitors cannot be guaranteed entry into the colleges due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and graduation schedules, which may limit access during certain times. Plus, the colleges are typically closed from approximately December 21 to January 2, so tour availability may be impacted during the holiday season.

Exclusion	Explanation
College Entry	Not guaranteed due to COVID-19 and graduation dates
Seasonal Closures	Colleges usually closed from Dec 21 to Jan 2
Graduation Schedules	May limit access to colleges at certain times
COVID-19 Restrictions	Ongoing policies can impact college visitation

Meeting and Pickup

The tour’s meeting point is outside the Oxford Tourist Info center, located at 15 Broad Street, OX1 3AS, while the end point is the Bridge of Sighs on New College Ln, Oxford OX1 3BL.

This convenient location makes it easy for participants to find the starting point and ensures a smooth transition at the tour’s conclusion.

The tour’s meeting and pickup logistics offer several benefits:

Centralized location near key landmarks, making it accessible for visitors.
Clear end point that allows participants to continue exploring Oxford on their own.
Efficient transportation, as the meeting and end points are within walking distance of each other.

These thoughtful arrangements ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants throughout the Oxford City and University Walking Small Group PUBLIC Tour.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour booking is typically received promptly unless the reservation was made within 1 day of the planned travel date.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate, with a maximum group size of 20 individuals.

While the tour give you a comprehensive Oxford experience, entry into the colleges can’t be guaranteed due to COVID-19 restrictions and graduation schedules. Visitors should note that the colleges are usually closed from approximately December 21 to January 2.

Despite these potential limitations, the Oxford City and University Walking Small Group PUBLIC Tour offers an engaging and informative way to explore the historic city and its renowned university.

Guided Walking Tour

On this guided walking tour of Oxford, visitors explore the city’s storied history and landmarks, from the iconic Bodleian Library to the Harry Potter filming locations that have captivated audiences worldwide. Led by knowledgeable guides, the small-group tour takes guests through the heart of Oxford, providing a rundown of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Participants will:

Discover the beautiful college grounds and marvel at the architectural wonders that have stood the test of time.
Recognize iconic settings used in the Harry Potter films, transporting them to the magical world of Hogwarts.
Visit the renowned Bodleian Library, a treasure trove of knowledge and one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore Oxford’s captivating past and present.

Bodleian Library Visit

One of the highlights of the Oxford City and University Walking Tour is the visit to the renowned Bodleian Library, a treasure trove of knowledge and one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

Established in the 15th century, the Bodleian boasts an impressive collection of over 12 million items, including rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents.

Visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at the library’s stunning architecture, such as the iconic Radcliffe Camera, and learn about its rich history and the pivotal role it has played in the intellectual life of Oxford.

With knowledgeable guides on hand to share fascinating insights, the Bodleian Library visit is a true highlight of this immersive Oxford experience.

College Visits

Along With the captivating visit to the Bodleian Library, the Oxford City and University Walking Tour also takes guests on a journey through the prestigious colleges that define the academic heart of this historic city.

Participants can expect to visit either Balliol, Exeter, or St John’s college, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich architectural and scholarly traditions of Oxford University. The tour itinerary is subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions and graduation schedules, but the experience promises to be both enlightening and memorable.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

Admire the stunning Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings that have housed generations of scholars.
Learn about the colleges’ long and storied histories, dating back to the 13th century.
Gain a deeper appreciation for the intellectual legacy of Oxford University.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allocated for College Visits?

The tour typically allocates one to two hours for visiting colleges, allowing participants to explore the historic buildings and learn about their rich history and traditions. The exact time spent may vary depending on factors like college accessibility.

What Happens if a College Is Unexpectedly Closed?

If a college is unexpectedly closed, the tour guide will adjust the itinerary and visit alternative locations. Travelers will still get to see the highlights of Oxford, even if a specific college is unavailable.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Visit Specific Colleges?

The tour can be customized to visit specific colleges, though availability is not guaranteed due to closures or other events. The tour provider may be able to accommodate requests, but flexibility is required based on the college’s schedule.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Bodleian Library?

Photography is generally not allowed inside the Bodleian Library due to copyright and preservation concerns. Visitors can take photos of the exterior, but must obtain special permission to photograph the library’s interior spaces.

Are There Any Health or Physical Requirements for the Walking Tour?

The walking tour has no specific health or physical requirements, though participants should be able to walk for the duration of the tour. Most travelers can participate, though those with mobility issues may find the pace challenging.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

Recap

The Oxford City and University Walking Small Group Public Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors to explore the historic city center and renowned university colleges.

Despite limited college entry due to COVID-19 restrictions, the tour provides a rundown of the city’s landmarks, including iconic Harry Potter filming locations and the Bodleian Library.

It’s an ideal choice for history enthusiasts seeking a personalized and informative journey through Oxford’s rich heritage.