Oxford Historic Architecture Walking Tour

Our guides, Oxford alumni or students, blend personal experiences with a passion for the city's history and architecture. The tour is conducted in English and takes place outdoors. Indoor access isn’t included unless booked in advance. For entry to specific colleges, such as New College, request this option ahead of time.
Our 90-minute tour covers highlights like Balliol College, Trinity College, Sheldonian Theatre, Bridge of Sighs, Old Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Square, All Souls College, St Mary’s Church, Merton College, Christ Church College Meadows and South Wall.

Take a fascinating walk through Oxford, where history comes alive. Visit the meadows where Lewis Carroll first imagined Alice in Wonderland and admire stunning Gothic and Baroque architectures.

Meeting Point

11-12 Broad St

11-12 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AP, UK

Meet at the red post box at 11-12 Broad street (very near the Oxford Campus Stores). Your guide will be wearing an item of royal blue clothing, a jacket, cap, beanie, or polo shirt.

What's included:

• Exceptional access to interiors (when accessible)
• Oxford University Student or Graduate Guide
• Enter New College (when you book this ticket option)
• Receive insights into the Oxbridge Application Process
• Receive Insights into Student life
• Learn about famous history and alumni

Not included:

• Gratuities
• Indoor access to structures unless booked in advance

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Theo's Café

12 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK

Meet your Alumni Guide outside 12 Broad Street, by the red post box. They will be wearing a blue hat with the Alumni Tours logo on (or other item of Alumni Tours uniform), and will check you in for your tour.

10 minutes

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