Magpie
4.9(463 reviews)

Oxford University & City Tour with Christ Church

From£79.99
3 hours
Lancaster, United Kingdom

About this activity

Join a guided tour of Oxford University and Christ Church College, exploring the city's rich history and architecture in a 3-hour walking tour.

Highlights

  • Explore Oxford's historic colleges
  • Visit the iconic Christ Church College
  • Stroll through the picturesque city center
  • Discover Oxford's rich academic heritage
  • Learn about the city's architectural landmarks

Full description

Step into the heart of academia with a guided 3-hour walking tour of Oxford University and Christ Church College. Wander through the hallowed halls where literary giants and scientists once roamed. Marvel at the stunning architecture of Christ Church College, a filming location for the Harry Potter series. Meander through Oxford's charming city center, soaking in the blend of medieval and modern structures. This tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city's rich academic heritage and architectural beauty, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Oxford University
  • Visit to Christ Church College
  • Exploration of Oxford's historic city center
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Argued to be the oldest College at Oxford University

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

One of the most beautiful Colleges at Oxford University dating back to 1555

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
3

Founded in 1314, notable for where Tolkien attended as a student

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

With a history dating back to 1282, this College is known as one of the most progressive at Oxford. A good chance to tackle the rather slowing moving image of Oxford.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Established in 1458 this is the largest College at Oxford. With incredible grounds, it even boasts it own Deer Park. Home to C.S Lewis and Oscar Wilde.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Pass by: Built in 1427, it has a historic rivalry with its neighbours

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Famous for housing Albert Einstein's chalkboard with his markings preserved from the series of lectures he provided at Oxford.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

A dramatic example of Brutalist architecture, contrasting the typically Victorian Neo-Gothic style, that Oxford is famous for. Responsible for housing over 5 million books - including some of the most important in the history of the human race, with a stunningly modern interior following an extensive renovation.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

Often overlooked, but arguably the most important religious site in Oxford. Belies the dark conflict in England between Protestants and Catholics which lead to many gruesome deaths

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10

Finished in 1669 by Sir Christopher Wren. This plays host to the most import ceremonies at Oxford University.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11

Often mistaken as "new" dating back to 1379, an important model for how all

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12

One of the most important libraries in England built in 1602, responsible for over 12 million books with documents dating back to the Pharaohs.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
13

The most photographed site at Oxford

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14

The most iconic site in Oxford (what you normally see on the postcards). Certainly worth the hype, but is used for a far different function from what most people think.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15

The most exclusive academic institution in the world, home to Laurence of Arabia and some of the best traditions at Oxford University

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16

The epicentre of Oxford University, belying its religious foundations. Also houses some of the most detailed grotesques in Oxford.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
17

With a reputation as being the most academically inclined College, along with a starting date of 1264 - it's a crucial part of any tour in Oxford. Renowned for having exceptional food for its students!

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
18

A unique space in the centre of Oxford, with a strong link to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
19

Christ Church is one of the most celebrated Colleges at Oxford. Nearly 500 years old it has a seriously impressive collection of buildings along with a strong Harry Potter and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland connection. The guide will provide a comprehensive external overview of the College and its grounds before you enter with a multimedia audio guide, so you can explore the vast grounds at your own pace. We recommend an hour for this - following the completion of this, the experience will have ended.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
20

The first purpose built lecture room, and one of the greatest examples of Medieval Architecture in Europe. No wonder it was used in the filming of Harry Potter and other Hollywood films! Explore this famous ceremonial building, with those who have attended the ceremonies! During peak season (June–August), access to the Divinity School is extremely limited due to frequent closures and high demand, and may not be included in the tour. While some companies may claim otherwise, we prefer to be honest upfront rather than risk disappointment on the day. If this is closed on the day, we will substitute it with entrance to another University College.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow the guide's instructions.
  • The tour involves walking; ensure you are comfortable with this level of activity.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the walk.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • As Oxford University is a working institution, some sites may close without notice. In such rare cases, we’ll show you the best available alternatives, inform you of any major changes in advance, and offer a refund if needed.
  • At Christ Church, your guide will provide an in-depth external overview before you enter independently with a multimedia headset created by the Christ Church team.
  • During peak season (June–August), access to the Divinity School is extremely limited due to frequent closures and high demand, and may not be included in the tour. While some companies may claim otherwise, we prefer to be honest upfront rather than risk disappointment on the day. We will substitute this site with another College entrance, if not available on your day.
  • If you select Pickup option (the more expensive one) the meeting point will be the London address (Gloucester Road Tube Station), otherwise its the Oxford one (15 Broad Street, Oxford)

Traveler reviews

4.9
463 reviews
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Oxford Highlights

Rahit was knowledgeable, humorous and fun. We really enjoyed this high level tour of Oxford and finding hidden gems.

490nikigMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Living The Life of an Oxford Student

George's humor and personal experience while describing student life in general from the perspective of tradition and History was engaging. And he brought Oxford history to the present illuminating it's role in current primarily social issues. Not all what you might have guessed.

LongBeach23May 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Will Rocks

Will was an amazing tour guide! We learned so much from him and he had some great jokes. Thanks for the great tour! Totally worth it (:

maddiesS1877EQMay 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Highly recommend!

Our tour guide, a recent Oxford pHD grad, provided insightful background history of Oxford in addition to particulars of the buildings. We learned a lot and saw all our"must see" places! Highly recommend this tour!

Rebecca CMay 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR

The Kind of Tour You Hope For

We toured Oxford today with our guide, Will, and he was fantastic. He was funny, extremely knowledgeable, and made the whole experience feel personal. The tour felt less like a history lecture and more like a genuinely enjoyable conversation through Oxford. Highly recommend booking with Will if you want an engaging and memorable tour.

R7545JJchriswMay 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

As Oxford University is a working institution, some sites may close without notice. In such rare cases, we’ll show you the best available alternatives, inform you of any major changes in advance, and offer a refund if needed. At Christ Church, your guide will provide an in-depth external overview before you enter independently with a multimedia headset created by the Christ Church team. During peak season (June–August), access to the Divinity School is extremely limited due to frequent closures and high demand, and may not be included in the tour. While some companies may claim otherwise, we prefer to be honest upfront rather than risk disappointment on the day. We will substitute this site with another College entrance, if not available on your day. If you select Pickup option (the more expensive one) the meeting point will be the London address (Gloucester Road Tube Station), otherwise its the Oxford one (15 Broad Street, Oxford)
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