Sheldonian Theatre Tours

Experience one of the world’s greatest university cities on this hop-on hop-off Oxford bus tour. With a 24- or 48-hour pass, design a personalized itinerary with several possible stops including the University of Oxford buildings (some featured in the 'Harry Potter' films), Oxford Castle, and Bodleian Library, one of the world’s oldest public libraries. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and fun onboard commentary as you savor this elegant city.

Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Morse, star of the British TV detective drama that was filmed on the streets of Oxford. With a guide, you’ll see the eminent university city through the eyes of Morse and his sidekick Lewis, visiting filming sites such as pubs and even one of the university colleges. Along the way you’ll learn all about the cast and crew who were involved in the much-loved productions of Inspector Morse, the Lewis spin-off series, and the Endeavour prequel—all filmed in the city.

Explore the university city of Oxford with your own private guide, and discover the history behind its standout sights such as the Bodleian Library, Bridge of Sighs, and the Sheldonian Theatre. With your guide, you’ll also see some of the famous university colleges, and learn about the institution’s history from its humble roots to its worldwide prestige today.

**IN-PERSON TOURS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE** Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have ceased in-person tours until further notice. Check out our online tour instead! This is a walking tour run by students from the University of Oxford. Unlike traditional walking tours - this one is discussion-based and encourages participants to discuss historical structures which have an uncomfortable legacy in the modern environment. The tour is designed to be intellectually stimulating and an important step towards breaking down barriers within the city and university of Oxford. Topics covered include imperialism, inequality, slavery, gender history, violence, and memorialisation.

This fantastic combination tour allows you to see the highlights of Oxford from the land and the water on the same day. You’ll save hours shortlisting the city’s top sites by having a guide to show you around instead. The guided walking tour takes you past top city sites including Oxford University, Harry Potter filming locations, and Christ Church Meadow. A highlight of the tour is a boat trip, where you can choose to row yourself or have a chauffeur to punt for you.

See a different side to popular Oxford during this comprehensive walking tour which provides a great introduction to the city itself, while also emphasizing the city’s Christian legacy and history, something few travelers get to explore in depth. Listen to stories from your guide about the Oxford Martyrs, Queen Mary Tudor, and even Harry Potter, as you pass by significant buildings.

100% of your booking fee will be donated to two Oxfordshire-based charities, supporting vulnerable individuals facing homelessness and addiction in the city. The city of Oxford is commonly considered as being divided into two groups: the Town (local residents) and the Gown (students of the University). While I am certainly a ‘townie’, both my girlfriend and sister are studying doctorates at the University of Oxford. This gives me a unique perspective on both sides of the community and the city, and I will share it with you in a tour so entertaining and memorable that you will wish you lived here, or your money back! We’ll cover as much as we can in 90 minutes. If you wish to continue the tour, I’m happy to discuss extending it where possible. Please note that entry fees are not included, though they are not necessary for a fantastic tour.

Explore the university city of Oxford on a tour that showcases its highlights in just a couple of hours. The waking tour introduces you to many of Oxford's famous colleges and university buildings as you stroll around the city with a guide. Get recommendations for things to do and see in the city in your own time, and hear insider tips for Oxford's many restaurants. The experience includes a visit inside one college and either the Divinity School or the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin.

Calling all fans of the world’s favorite wizard, this Oxford walking tour takes you to recognizable locations of the Harry Potter films. During this family-friendly tour, explore the grand buildings of Oxford University, including New College and Divinity School—both featured as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Learn of other literary legends that attended Oxford University and admire the Bodleian Library, home to more than 11 million books. This small-group tour is limited to 15 Harry Potter fans to maintain an intimate atmosphere. If you prefer, choose the private tour of New College with just your party and guide. 

Oxford is home to one of the world’s most famous and prestigious colleges, and this private 2-hour walking tour unveils all the secrets of the university city. Marvel at landmarks including the Bodleian Library and Christchurch, peek inside Oxford University buildings like New College or the Divinity School; and follow in the footsteps of British legends such as J.R.R Tolkien, CS Lewis, King Henry VIII, and Harry Potter.

See two of the three Hogwarts filming locations in Oxford (access permitting) on this private Harry Potter tour. With a guide, you'll visit New College and the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library. Ponder how studying at Oxford University compares to being a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and learn a bit about Oxford's history as your guide tailors the tour to the interests of everyone in your group.

Discover Oxford’s diverse foodie scene with a private introduction to one of England’s most cosmopolitan cities. This 2.5-hour tapas tasting tour will introduce you to some of the city’s best cuisine, stopping at street food stalls, artisan shops, and markets, where you can sample an array of regional delicacies and international foods.

Calling all fans of the iconic British TV programme, Inspector Morse, this 2-hour tour visit famous filming locations around Oxford. With a private guide, you’ll visit recognizable settings inside the Bodleian Library, Exeter College, and the Divinity School, all within the prestigious Oxford University campus. The tour concludes at a historic pub regularly featured in the Inspector Morse shows.

Explore more of Oxford’s University buildings, riverside parks, and picturesque countryside on this small-group half-day bike tour. Admire city landmarks such as the Bodleian Library and Christchurch; cycle along the scenic River Thames Path; and visit local villages such as Iffley, Binsey, and Old Marston.

COVID19 NOTICE: Currently all university colleges are still closed to the public but you will see & hear lots about the colleges on the tour route. The best way to see Oxford is on a bicycle on this private bicycle tour along the River Thames Path. In fact, bikes are the locals' favourite way to get around the city as the compact Oxford is not very car-friendly. Default start time is 12.00 but you may request any start time from 12.00 until 14.30 start time. The tour lasts for 3-4 hours, including a guided tour plus bike set up time and a refreshments stop. The route covers both the city's sights and stories with a college entrance fee and a relaxing cycle along the River Thames to Iffley or Binsey Village.

Fall in love with Oxford by joining a relaxing 20 minute Thames river cruise to Iffley village. Then walk or take the cruise back again Thames path. We'll see the Norman chapel & medieval homes in Iffley village. Special focus on Alice in Wonderland heritage and the Oxford rowing tradition. This tour includes about 1 mile walk at start of tour past famous university sights introduced briefly by the guide. After the cruise ends, we have one hour in Iffley village and then a 3 mile walk along the scenic Thames river path back to Oxford city. For anyone who has mobility walking issues, please let us know when booking as alternatively we could just replace the walk back from Iffley with either a return trip on the river cruise or a taxi back to the city.

Join our local historians Katie and Josh, as they take you for a walk through the charming literary town of Oxford. We'll explore its most iconic architectural, historical, & literary spots, and learn the ancient tale that is rooted in its history. We create immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. Download the app & your Oxford tour to explore the city independently and safely!

Building upon the success of our 2-hour tour, this extended 3-hour version now includes entry into one of the oldest colleges at Oxford University. It also incorporates visiting the world-famous Bodleian Library, one of the best examples of Medieval architecture in Europe, and a Harry Potter film site. As always, this is done uniquely with our Oxford University student guides.

See Oxford in one day with this small group, sight-packed, full-day tour with an authentic Oxford student to give you the inside scoop, along with the little known facts and locations off the beaten path! See inside the oldest Colleges in Oxford, including the largest in Oxford - complete with its own deer park. Break for a pub lunch, before entering the most historic part of England's most iconic library, which makes a regular appearance in Hollywood films. For entrance into a famous Harry Potter college, upgrade to include a ticket for Christ Church.

Designed to see the best of Oxford in a safe environment with the smallest group sizing we have ever done. With this specialised tour we take important measure to protect your health, and those around you. All our Oxford University student guides wear medical masks. In addition to this, group sizing is inline with Social Distancing Rules (currently 5 people per group). Furthermore, all guides must submit their temperature before providing the tour. This tour has all the most famous sites in Oxford, with our unique guides providing a fun and entertaining insight into one of the most important cities in the world. See the world-famous sites such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church – both of which were Harry Potter film sites! Get the inside story on Oxford ceremonies, student life, college rivalries and much, much more!

Are you an early bird? Do you like to explore new places early in the morning, before the mob have had their breakfast? Well, this is the tour for you. For this private tour, we'll meet at 07:30 and have the city entirely to ourselves. The city of Oxford is commonly considered as being divided into two groups: the Town (local residents) and the Gown (students of the University). While I am certainly a ‘townie’, both my girlfriend and sister are studying doctorates at the University of Oxford. This gives me a unique perspective on both sides of the community and the city, and I will share it with you in a tour so entertaining and memorable that you will wish you lived here - or your money back! We’ll cover as much as we can in 90 minutes. If you wish to continue the tour, I’m happy to discuss extending it where possible. Please note that entry fees are not included, though they are not necessary for a fantastic tour.

A fun and different way to see Oxford! Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones. Spot things other people take for granted! You’ll learn interesting facts and stories. Everything is outdoors and you can do social distancing.

Explore the hidden corners of Oxford and its world-famous university in a small private group or as an individual with an experienced professional Blue or Green Badge Tourist Guide. We can tailor your tour to your individual requirements and we offer a variety of themes including Harry Potter Film Locations, Alice in Wonderland, C S Lewis and Tolkien, His Dark Materials and Morse, Lewis and Endeavour. We offer tours in a variety of languages including French, Spanish, German and Italian.

Day 1: See the city of Oxford's most well known & less known best sights as locals do on 2 wheels. Includes visit inside colleges. Day 2: Make use of an electric bike to enjoy an adventurous ride of approx 40km, taking in scenic views & picturesque villages in the Cotswolds Tour officially starts from March 30th but if you have a request for earlier dates, please ask viator to contact us!