Oxford Historic College and Architecture Tour

Walk through Oxford with someone who knows it from the inside. Our guides are Oxford students or graduates who combine personal experience with a deep knowledge of the city’s history and architecture. The 90-minute tour includes landmarks like the Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Square, and the Bridge of Sighs.
The tour is entirely outdoors, focusing on Oxford’s streets, squares, and college exteriors. If selected when booking, AFTER THE WALKING TOUR ENDS, your experience can be enriched with a self-guided visit to New College, one of the university’s most historic and picturesque colleges.

You’ll pass through quiet college lanes and meadows where Lewis Carroll imagined Alice in Wonderland, C. S. Lewis envisioned the gateway to Narnia, and where Tolkien and J. K. Rowling studied, lived, and found inspiration. Along the way, you’ll admire the city’s striking mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Meeting Point

11 Broad St

11 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BJ, UK

Important:
meet the guide OUTSIDE the address, not inside. The location is not part of our business. The meeting point is the RED PILLAR MAILBOX in front of 11 Broad Street.
Your guide wears a royal blue item of clothing with a heraldic shield—this may be a jacket, cap, beanie, scarf, or polo shirt.

What's included:

• Exceptional access to interiors (WHEN ACCESSIBLE)
• Oxford University Student or Graduate Guide
• Learn about the Oxbridge application process from a student
• Learn about Oxford history and anecdotes
• Gain an insight into student life at an elite university
• Enter New College (WHEN YOU BOOK THIS OPTION)

Not included:

• Gratuities
• Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance

What to expect:

Duration: between 1 hour, 30 minutes and 2 hours, 30 minutes

11 Broad St

11 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BJ, UK

Meet the guide OUTSIDE the address, not inside. The location is not part of our business. The meeting point is the RED PILLAR MAILBOX in front of 11 Broad Street.
Your guide wears a royal blue item of clothing with a heraldic shield—this may be a jacket, cap, beanie, scarf, or polo shirt.

Pass by without stopping

Balliol College

Broad Street, , Oxford, OX1 3BJ

Gain an overview of one of the oldest universities in the world while admiring the first of many architecturally grand buildings.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Trinity College

Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH

Take a look into some of the strange traditions that come with an old and prestigious university. From pranks to tortoises, student life certainly isn’t boring here!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Sheldonian Theatre

Broad Street, , Oxford, OX1 3AZ

Learn about the 13 busts visible atop the pillars, and get an insiders’ correction of a common misconception.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Divinity School

University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

Hear about the intricacies of the Oxford graduation ceremony, and, if possible, take a look inside the Divinity School which was famously used in the Harry Potter films.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Bodleian Library

Broad Street, University Of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3BG

A library with a long history, find out about some of the treasures kept among the 12 million books here.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Square, , Oxford, OX1 3BG

A dome that is famous for being one of the Oxford Dreaming Spires, and a Camera which has nothing to do with photography? Contradictions abound here, and your guide will make sure you don’t get lost in them!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

All Souls College

High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AL

All Souls is a very prestigious college which requires an incredibly stringent examination to be completed by all prospective students. Your guide can give you examples of past questions; how do you think you would fare?

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

The High Street, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 4BJ

The University Church is a great location to understand some of the tensions between so called ‘Town and Gown’, and of course is a stunning building to appreciate!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Oriel College

Oriel Square, Oxford, OX1 4EW

A controversial piece of university history, learn why there have been protests against honouring one of the main funders of the College.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Christ Church Meadow

Oxford, OX1 1DP

One of the most famous sites in Oxford, there are many powerful figures associated with this college!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

New College

Holywell St, Oxford OX1 3BN, UK

##IMPORTANT: This option is available only if selected at the time of booking.
Access times for New College – Spring/Summer 2025 (10th March to 14th October):
Open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Last entry at 4:30 pm. All visitors must leave the premises by 5:00 pm.

The self-guided visit to New College takes place at the end of the walking tour. Access involves a short walk to the entrance on Holywell Street.

Please keep these timings in mind when booking this option.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included