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Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Oxford, England

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 1 more
French

Overview

Oxford History Tours offer real history for genuine history lovers. Experience Oxford's rich history on a 90-minute walking tour led by an Institute of Tourist Guiding professional and Guild of Guides member. Explore the city's origins from Anglo-Saxon times, the evolution of the university, its stunning architecture, libraries, and the student life of today.

Stroll through Oxford's iconic sites, including:

Radcliffe Camera
Divinity School
Bridge of Sighs
Bodleian Library
Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre
Medieval Colleges around every corner

Discover stories of patrons, artists, politicians, saints, scholars, rebels, and martyrs who shaped over 1,000 years of Oxford's history. This tour also includes practical tips to enhance your stay in Oxford.

The route passes famous film, television locations and literary legend.

What's Included

  • Advice to explore Oxford 's colleges and museums and where to eat and shop.
  • Guided tour led by an experienced, licensed guide

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    Please let us know if you would like to be collected from a particular meeting point. Where you so not have a preference this tour starts from the Martyrs Memorial on St Giles, OX1 3AE

    OR
    Meeting point

    13 Magdalen Street
    Oxford OX1 3AE, UK

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    Golden Cross
    Oxford OX1 3EU, UK

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Martyrs' Memorial

    Important Victorian monument to the Protestant martyrs of the 16th century.
    Read more

    3 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    St Michael at the North Gate

    This Anglo Saxon Tower was part of the Medieval city gate and is probably the surviving oldest building in Oxford today. Many stories over the centuries
    Read more

    4 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Exeter College

    Exeter's chapel was inspired by the Oxford Movement and modelled on Paris' St Chapelle. Graduates include Philip Pullman, JR Tolkien and Alan Bennett.
    Read more

    4 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Lincoln College

    Lincoln College's original face onto Turn Street tells a story about the University's origins and its relationship with the city. Lincoln College recently got it first Priminister Rushi Sunak, and was also home to the ~Methodist Wesley Brothers
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    3 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

    The University Church was the University's first building. It is listed in the Doomsday Book. Ot is possible to climb its magnificent spire. Today we will admire its famous stained glass and learn how it inspired CS Lewis.
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    7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Bridge of Sighs

    Oxford's iconic bridge belonging to Hertford College. Although it looks like an old Venetian Bridge, it was built in the twentieth century! It is also next to the house of Edmund Halley who had the comet named after him.
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    3 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Sheldonian Theatre

    We will admire this 17th century home to the ceremonies of Oxford University. It is believed to be the first building by Christopher Wren. The architect of St Paul's Cathedral in London was also Astronomer of Photography at Oxford University.
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    6 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Bodleian Library

    Today the Bodlein Library has over 13 million books. We will admire the 17th century buildings and learn about the origins go the library and how it still works today.
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Radcliffe Camera

    Oxford's first science Library. Learn about one of Oxford's most eccentric and generous benefactors, the Royal Physician sir John Radcliffe
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Balliol College

    We will step inside Oxford's second oldest college and see its internal quadrangle, the Capel with its glorious stained glass, as well as its dining hall with portraits that tell its interesting foundation story. Here we'll learn more about when women undergraduates started to have access to the University and its colleges.
    Read more

    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Show 9 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Wheelchair accessible only with prior notice
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Operated by a business

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (6)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-402859P3

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    3 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
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    On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Advice to explore Oxford 's colleges and museums and where to eat and shop.
    • Guided tour led by an experienced, licensed guide

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Wheelchair accessible only with prior notice
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Operated by a business

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    Free Cancellation

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    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

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