London to Oxford Day Tour with Christ Church and Bodleian
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Oxford's historic colleges
- Visit Christ Church Cathedral
- Tour the Bodleian Library
- Discover Harry Potter filming locations
- Enjoy scenic walking tours
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Oxford's historic sites
- Entry to Christ Church College and Cathedral
- Visit to the Bodleian Library
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
One of Oxford’s oldest colleges, its grand medieval façade offers a striking glimpse into centuries of academic tradition. Covered Externally.
Known for its elegant Georgian architecture and spacious green quadrangles, the college presents a serene and timeless scene along Broad Street. Its storied history dates back to the 16th century, adding weight to its graceful exterior. Depending on availability on the day of travel, this site is usually entered if possible - otherwise an alternative College will be used.
With its ornate chapel spire and richly detailed stonework, this college creates a picturesque corner of Turl Street. Founded in 1314, its exterior reflects the enduring legacy of Oxford’s medieval scholarship. Covered externally.
A charming blend of old and new stone buildings, it is most famous for the nearby Bridge of Sighs. Its setting along Catte Street captures the cozy intimacy of Oxford’s historic lanes. Covered externally.
Its soaring tower dominates the skyline, a landmark that has welcomed visitors since the 15th century. Surrounded by lush grounds and riverside walks, the exterior radiates both grandeur and natural beauty.
Seen from Turl Street, its honey-colored walls and traditional college gatehouse offer a perfect snapshot of Oxford’s architectural heritage. Founded in 1427, it is steeped in history. Covered externally.
Housed in the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, its distinctive façade marks a place where centuries of scientific innovation are celebrated. Covered externally.
A bold, modernist contrast to Oxford’s medieval stone, the Weston offers a clean, symmetrical exterior. It houses rare manuscripts and treasures of knowledge, reflecting the city’s enduring academic spirit.
This ornate Gothic monument commemorates the Oxford Martyrs of the Reformation. Its spire-like design and intricate carving make it a moving visual landmark.
Designed by Christopher Wren, its elegant curves and classical detailing stand out on Broad Street. Historically used for university ceremonies, it remains a symbol of Oxford’s grandeur.
The college’s medieval walls, often used in filming, are visible from the street, offering glimpses of a 14th-century institution that played a key role in shaping Oxford’s identity. With your Oxford University student guide, you will hear about day to day College life.
An icon of Oxford’s intellectual heritage, the Bodleian’s exterior is a masterwork of English Gothic architecture, representing centuries of scholarship. Made up of over 20 different buildings, we will cover some of the main locations in central Oxford externally, whilst also entering the Western Library (part of the Bodleian) and Divinity School, the oldest part of the Bodleian Library/
This distinctive covered bridge, arching gracefully over New College Lane, is one of Oxford’s most photographed architectural features and a romantic symbol of the city.
Arguably one of the most iconic sites at Oxford, and part of the Bodleian Library. With its grand dome and circular form, the Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s most recognizable landmarks, embodying the elegance of 18th-century neoclassical design.
Its impressive twin towers and refined façade present an image of exclusivity and prestige, reflecting its unique history as a graduate-only college. Covered externally.
A stunning example of English Gothic, its spire is one of Oxford’s tallest. From the street, the intricate stonework speaks to centuries of religious and academic history.
Founded in the 13th century, Merton’s crenellated walls and medieval architecture make it a living monument to Oxford’s earliest collegiate traditions.
This sweeping green expanse offers tranquil views of the River Thames and the college towers, a pastoral counterpoint to Oxford’s stone streets.
With its Harry Potter filming connection, and wealth of history; this is one of the best Colleges for a visitor to Oxford to enter. See it's imposing Tom Tower designed by Christopher Wren and centuries-old architecture, Christ Church is one of Oxford’s most iconic and historically significant colleges. This tour includes entrance, when you will be given a Christ Church audio headset and able to explore at your own pace.
This is the section of the Bodleian which the tour will enter. One of the most popular sites for filming in Oxford (used in the filming of Harry Potter, in multiple scenes) and even more important as the oldest part of the Bodleian Library.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- The itinerary notes 3hrs and 25minutes of attractions for the physical tour in Oxford. The remaining time will be free time, and transport time.
Traveler reviews
Wonderful day in Oxford with transport from London
I booked an Oxford Harry Potter Tour with a London transport together with my 11 and 13 year-old teens. We received a detailed information e-mail at the booking about the meeting point, name of the driver, and the schedule of the day. Everything went very smoothly according to the schedule. It was easy to recognize our driver when we met. Dougall shared exciting stories from the history at the beginning of the drive and the way back. We received an Oxford map when we arrived, and we looked around before the tour started at noon. The tour with Valentine was just amazing!!! Her style, friendly attitude, great Harry Potter filming reflections and quize made us enjoy the whole walk from the start till the end. Thank you so much for this brilliant day!!!
The best Oxford Tour
I loved this tour! The guide (I think their name was EJ) was amazing; funny, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable, seemed to know everything about Oxford and its history. The driver was also really nice, drove excellently, and even gave us a brief history lesson about Oxford on the way. I would 100% recommend this tour—no question about it!
Great day for the family
Our family of four (including two tween girls) had a very nice time on this tour. Fred was knowledgeable and friendly and ensured everything went smoothly on the trip to and from London. The walking tour was a little more than two hours hitting the most significant highlights. Our guide Eloise was kind, gracious and entertaining as well as being a wealth of information. The time moved quickly and even sprinkles of rain didn’t ruin the day. The only disappointment was that the Great Hall in the cathedral was closed, which was very unfortunate for our Harry Potter loving tweens. Not the fault of the tour operator, though. Would recommend this tour.
Fantastic!
Everything was great! Eloise, the guide, was amazing, as was Fred our driver!
Our tour Guide at Oxford,...
Our tour Guide at Oxford, Sam Day, was incredibly knowledgeable, very witty and a great tour guide. Whoever was responsible for charging the audio units and didn't made for a very challenging tour.