Oxford University History and Architecture Tour

Welcome to my speciality tour: an unforgettable 90-minutes in the world’s greatest university – led by Rory, recent graduate of the University of Oxford (BA Philosophy and Theology, 2020-2023).
You’ll discover a thousand years of history and tradition, learn from first-hand experience what it’s like to be an Oxford University Student, and visit some of the most incredible architecture in the world. We’ll even get to go inside a college or a University building (normally Trinity College, or the Divinity School - the oldest teaching building in the whole University)!
I keep my tour groups small and personal – there’ll never be more than 12 people – meaning you’ll be able to ask all the questions you want. I’m always happy to adapt tours to the interests of the group.

Meeting Point

St Michael at the North Gate

Cornmarket St, Oxford OX1 3EY, UK

We'll meet next to the church of St Michael at the Northgate, just off Cornmarket Street. I'll be standing between the church and the shop 'Laird Hatters', holding a small sign.

What's included:

• Experienced tour guide, recently graduated from the University of Oxford
• Insights into student life and what it's like to study at Oxford
• Entry into Divinity School or Trinity College
• Guidence on planning the rest of your trip, and directions to places of interest in Oxford

Not included:

• Entry into other colleges and University buildings

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

St. Michael at the North Gate

Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3EY

One of the oldest buildings remaining in Oxford, and, accordingly, thoroughly steeped in history - the church of St. Michael at the North Gate is an entirely apt start to our tour. Here, I'll explain how Oxford first came to be, and tell the dramatic stories of conflict between City and University.

5 minutes

Balliol College

Broad Street, , Oxford, OX1 3BJ

Balliol is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. Here, I'll explain how the college system works and tell you about some of my experiences of college life.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Trinity College

Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH

Trinity is Balliol's big rival - you'll hear about the devious, and altogether hilarious, ways that the two colleges battle each other. If we're lucky, we might be able to see the first quadrangle, and I'll show you how a college works day-to-day.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sheldonian Theatre

Broad Street, , Oxford, OX1 3AZ

The ceremonial theatre of the University of Oxford. You'll find out about the secretive ceremonies that happen here, the bizarre things that students have to wear to take part, and why your head might hurt at the end of your graduation...

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Blackwell's Bookshop

48-51 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BQ

One of the largest bookshops in England, Blackwell's has a long association with Oxford University. You can browse its six miles of bookshelves after the tour!

Pass by without stopping

Weston Library

Bodleian Library Broad Street, Bodleian Library, Oxford, OX1 3BG

The rare manuscripts archive in Oxford. I'll direct you to any current exhibitions held by the library, so you can see some of its treasures for yourself after the tour.

Pass by without stopping

Clarendon Building

Broad St., Oxford, OX1 3BA

The original location of the University Press, the Clarendon Building is an exquisite example of 18th century neoclassical architecture.

Pass by without stopping

Bridge of Sighs

New College Ln., Oxford, OX1 3BL

One of the most famous sites at the University of Oxford. There will, of course, they'll be plenty of time to take photos!

5 minutes

Bodleian Library

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

The real hub of the Oxford, the Bodleian is the main University library - and where I used to study every day! We'll go inside the Schools Quadrangle, where you can see the entrances to the old lecture rooms, incredible stonework, and the most impressive frontispiece in the whole of England. But there's so much to see here; I can't wait to tell you all about it.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Divinity School

University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

The oldest, and perhaps most beautiful, building in the University of Oxford, and we'll get to go inside! With its stunning vaulted ceiling, fascinating artefacts - and an incredible history to go with it - this is something you really don't want to miss.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Square, , Oxford, OX1 3BG

Perhaps the most iconic building in Oxford, the stunning neoclassical Radcliffe Camera is now the history faculty library for the University. I’ll describe how students use the library today and explain why it’s often considered the perfect place to take a nap! I’m always happy to take photos of you and your group – but you might particularly want them here!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

All Souls College

High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AL

The most prestigious college in Oxford – but that’s because there aren’t any students there! I’ll explain how All Souls continues to be the most exclusive college in the University, and why they still set the hardest exam in the world.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

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

Executions, trials, riots: the University Church has seen it all. See the site of the first ever Oxford University building - and find out how a student argument over the price of wine led to the Lord Mayor not being allowed to wear any shoes...

5 minutes

Saint Mary's Passage

St Mary's Passage, Oxford OX1, UK

C. S. Lewis' inspiration for Narnia - see the lamppost that ended up on the other side of a wardrobe, and discover the familiar faces hiding in plain sight.

5 minutes

University College

High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BH

Home of the poet Percy Shelley - albeit only for a term! University College might think they are the oldest, but find out why no one takes their claim seriously.

Pass by without stopping

Examination Schools

Examination Schools High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BG

The place that all students dread: see where all Oxford students take their exams. If we're there at the right time, we might even see students wearing academic robes and coloured carnations before they go inside.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Merton College

Merton Street, Oxford, OX1 4JD

Merton is known as the most academic college in Oxford, and not without reason. Learn about the mysterious 'Time Ceremony', and find out why you might see a Merton student walking backwards at two o'clock in the morning.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Christ Church

St. Aldates, University Of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 1DP

Prime Ministers, Alice and Wonderland, and a cathedral for a chapel - Christ Church is a strange place. I'll break down how and why Christ Church got its reputation, and find the best spots to see its towers.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Christ Church Meadow

Oxford, OX1 1DP

A beautiful place to end our tour, Christ Church meadow is open to students, visitors, and, most importantly, cows. I'll let you into the secrets of the college boat clubs, and show you the most scenic parts of the meadow. From there, I can direct you to wherever you need to go!

5 minutes