Oxford City and University Walking Tour: 90 minutes, expert guide

The University of Oxford's oldest colleges are still standing, and you walk through them.

A 90-minute guided walking tour of Oxford's historic center with a local guide, covering the Bodleian Library, Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, and college quadrangles including New College, founded in 1379. All entrance fees are included. The tour operates in English and suits first-time visitors wanting an overview of the university's history and the city's main sights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Oxford city and university walking tour

• Meet at Trinity College blue gates
• Enter oldest colleges including New College
• See Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre
• View Radcliffe Camera and college quadrangles
• Learn about Oxford's history and traditions

The experience

The tour starts at Trinity College's blue gates and moves through some of Oxford's oldest college grounds, usually including New College, which was founded in 1379 and appeared in the Harry Potter films. Your guide is a local expert who knows the university's history, traditions, and the stories behind the buildings, from royal intrigue to scientific discovery. The walk covers about a mile in total and takes in the grandeur of the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre, the iconic Radcliffe Camera, and the picturesque quadrangles that define the university's character.

All entrance fees to the colleges and sites are included, so you don't arrange tickets separately or wait at gates. The guide handles access and timing, which means the 90 minutes stays on track without gaps for logistics. You'll move at a walking pace through the historic heart of the city, stopping at each landmark long enough to understand what you're looking at and why it matters to Oxford's story.

Two formats are available: join a public walking tour with other visitors, or book a private tour if you prefer to move as your own group. Both run with the same local guide and cover the same route and sites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and the tour involves some stairs and uneven surfaces: a few sections of the older buildings have no wheelchair access, though the majority of the route is navigable. Public transportation is available nearby if you need it to reach the starting point.

What’s included

• Local expert guide.
• all entrance fees to colleges and sites.
• 90-minute walking route through Oxford's central landmarks.

Options for this experience

3 options

Private TourGuide in English · 15 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00Private tour of Oxford: a private tour for your family or group. College entry is optional and not included in the price; entry fees depend on group size. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. Group size: maximum 20 people. If your group is larger, please book a second tour. Get in touch with any questions!

Public walking tour, 11am to 3pmGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 15:00Oxford tour including entry to a historic college: a 90-minute tour of beautiful Oxford, with entry to one of the University's historic colleges included. Public tour: tours depart hourly from 11am to 3pm, from the blue gates of Trinity College on Broad Street. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ghost tour of "Dark Oxford" at 4 pmGuide in English · 16:00Haunted college visit, exploring the sinister side of Oxford's past! Tour a well-known haunted college, then join a twilight ghost walk through the medieval city. Lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Oxford Walking Tours

Is this one for you?Go public to meet other visitors and get a solid overview of Oxford's university and main sights. Choose private to set your own pace and timing around the rest of your day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5).

What colleges and buildings do you actually walk through on this tour?

The tour usually includes New College, founded in 1379, along with the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, and the Radcliffe Camera. You also walk through college quadrangles to see the university's historic architecture up close.

Are entrance fees to the colleges included in the tour price?

Yes, all entrance fees are included, so you don't pay separately at each site or wait in separate queues.

How much walking is involved in the 90 minutes?

The tour covers about a mile in total, moving between the central landmarks at a steady pace with stops to learn about each site.

Can I book this as a private tour instead of joining a public group?

Yes, a private tour option is available, so you can book for your own group instead of joining other visitors.

What should I wear and bring for this walking tour?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and you should dress for the weather since the tour is outdoors. The route includes some stairs and uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear makes a real difference.

Is this tour accessible if I use a wheelchair?

Most of the route is navigable, but some sections of the older college buildings involve stairs and have no wheelchair access due to the age of the structures. There are also uneven surfaces and curbs. If you need assistance, you must provide your own carer.