Most
of the major sights in Oxford are in a relatively small compact area
in the centre of the city. Walking is by far the best way to visit
Oxford and really its the only practical way of seeing the sights
in the city centre.
Even the coach tour parties won't attempt anything other than a walking
tour for their customers.
Taking a guide really does add value to your visit to Oxford. As well
as using their wealth of local knowledge, the official guides will
have access to the University colleges at times when they are not
open to the general public.
Walking tours of the city centre, conducted by the Guild of Guides,
depart from the Oxford Information Centre and last between 1.5 and
2 hours.
As well as introductory guided walking tours, specially themed tours
are also available - walk in Harry Potter's footsteps or take in Oxford's
architecture for example.
|
 |
| The
University and City tour is most popular introductory tour taken by
the majority of visitors. The guide will take you through the heart
of the historic city centre, illustrating the story of Oxford and
it university. Describing the architecture and traditions of its most
famous buildings and institutions. |
The
guide will provide a full briefing on the start of the College's and
University life today.
The University and City Tour normally visits inside at least one college
and also covers the other main sights around the city centre including
those covered on our Oxford
City Centre page..
The University and City Tour runs daily with frequencies reflecting
the time of year. There is normally at least two tours with up to
eight tours at peak times.
The tourist office is easily found in Broad Street and is well signposted
all over Oxford city centre.
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Below
are some other tours that are popular. Times and days are only indicative
and liable to change. Check in advance with the Tourist Office for
availability.
Inspector Morse Tour (2 hours)
Follow in the footsteps of the city's celebrated TV detective, created
by Oxford author, Colin Dexter. Visit the scenes of Inspector Morse's
best-known cases, with lots of lively anecdotes along the way. Tours
depart Saturdays at 1.30pm. Please note that this a very popular tour
and advance booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Pub Tour (2 hours)
Learn about the history of Oxford's fascinating pubs and inns through
the convivial atmosphere of an evening pub tour. Visit the hostelries
where the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien, Churchill and C.S. Lewis drank;
be regaled with pub tales and let yourself be introduced to the delight
of English ales. Tours depart Wednesdays at 7pm.
Ghost
Tour (1.5 hours)
Take a walk on the dark side of Oxford's streets and alleyways in
search of the city's ghosts and ghoulish past. Tours depart Fridays
and Saturdays from June to October inclusive 31st October (Halloween)
at 7.45pm. |
| Oxford
City Centre Visitor Map |
 |
|
| Main
Attractions |
Colleges |
| 1-
Tourist Office |
A-
Christ Church |
N-
Exeter
|
| 2-
History of Science Museum |
B-
Pembroke |
O- Lincoln |
| 3-
Blackwells Bookshop |
C-
Corpus Christi |
|
| 4-
Sheldonian Theatre |
D-
Oriel |
|
| 5-
Bodleian Library |
E-
Merton |
|
| 6-
Bridge Of Sighs |
F-
Magdalen |
|
| 7-
Radliffe Camera |
G-
The Queen's |
|
| 8-
St Mary The Virgin |
H-
New College |
|
| 9-
Covered Market |
I-
All Souls |
|
| 10-
Carfax Tower |
J-
Hertford |
|
| 11-
Christ Church Cathedral |
K-
Trinity |
|
| 12-
Examination Schools |
L-
Balliol |
|
| 13-
Botanic Gardens |
M-
Jesus |
|
|
