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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 20 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

Graced by some of the most beautiful architecture in the UK, home to the world’s second-oldest university, and famous for its fictional inhabitants from Sebastian Flyte to Inspector Morse, few British cities are as imprinted on the general consciousness as Oxford.

There is evidence of teaching in the city from the 11th century; a millennia later the university still dominates, with 38 colleges dotted through the streets. Alongside the colleges’ dreaming spires, the city is famous for the diversity of its architecture, which spans every period since the arrival of the Saxons.

But beneath the layers of history, there is a real town going about its business, with excellent restaurants,  a wonderful covered market and world-class museums and galleries.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Along The University Regatta Course

Oxford

Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Along The University Regatta Course
Enjoy a fascinating journey along the River Thames accompanied with a local knowledgeable guide. Cruise down the university regatta course, pass ancient Folly Bridge, Christchurch College and meadows, and the university rowing houses on this 50-minute sightseeing tour of historic Oxford.

Price: £16

Min age: 0

Rating 4.69 / 5 [436 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford

Oxford

90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford
Oxford zealously guards its architectural heritage which boasts the possibly finest collection of historical buildings in the United Kingdom and around the world. Our Classic Oxford Walking Tour takes visitors on a relaxing 90 - 120 minute meander through 1000 years of architectural and social history. Not only do we see some of the most iconic civic and university buildings in Oxford and discuss their origins, the architects and purpose of their construction while providing a rich vein of social history of the town and university. Among the sights you will see are Christ Church, the 11th-century University Church of St Mary the Virgin where the University began, the world-famous Radcliffe Camera, Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs, the Bodleian Library, the oldest academic library in the English speaking world, and much more. Where possible we will escort our clients inside university and college buildings. (Customised private tours, can be arranged).

Price: £20

Min age: 1

Rating 4.77 / 5 [62 ratings]

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Oxford Official University & City Tour

Oxford

Oxford Official University & City Tour
An Oxford Official Walking Tour is the best way to explore the "City of dreaming spires". Led by one of our knowledgeable guides this award-winning University & City Tour is 2hours. You'll be able to walk by Oxford’s most popular sights, including its colleges*, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bridge of Sighs and many more! This University & City Tour is the best way to learn about the traditions and secrets of Oxford, the University and its colleges. Be led down hidden lanes and alleyways, and let years of history unfold before you. Your guide will lead you past Oxford’s famous movie locations, including Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and the Morse, Lewis & Endeavour TV series. You'll hear stories of the great academics and scientists who've studied here in our beautiful heritage city. *Many Oxford University colleges remain closed therefore you will often only be able to see them from outside. The 1pm Tour includes a college visit (subject to availability)

Price: £22

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [565 ratings]

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Small and Exclusive Oxford Highlights Tour

Oxford

Small and Exclusive Oxford Highlights Tour
*SMALL GROUP TOUR - NUMBER RESTRICTED - *QUALIFIED GUIDES* The tour capacity is approx half the size of other group tours in Oxford and guides are fully qualified - members of The Institute of Tourist Guiding and The Oxford Guild of Tour guides. We are delighted to offer this 'Oxford Highlights' tour to experience the very best of Oxford. Meet at Christ Church memorial gardens for this comprehensive walking tour of the university and see many of the famous colleges and university buildings.  Subject to availability, we will visit inside a college (we cannot guarantee this). Find out how Oxford works and why it is here. Learn about the many famous people who have studied here. This tour represents outstanding value for money as we keep our groups small in size - this allows you to ask questions and interact and for the guide to tune into particular interests. NOTE; 4 pax required to be able to operate this tour and we reserve the right to cancel.

Price: £25

Min age: 4

Rating 4.96 / 5 [50 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oxford City and University Walking SMALL GROUP Tour

Oxford

Oxford City and University Walking SMALL GROUP Tour
This is a small group tour with typically under 5 persons on any tour- that said, Saturdays and vacation periods may see slightly larger groups. Our competitors run tours with much larger numbers than we do, so one advantage of booking our tour, is a more personalised service. This tour will include entry into at least one or more colleges but please note any graduation dates mentioned below as on such dates, few or no colleges might be open (it's impossible to confirm before the day either what may be open or not on such dates). See Oxford and England's history will be brought alive on this unique small-group guided walking tour of the city and university traditions. See inside colleges with any chargeable entrance fees included in your tour. The 90 to 120-minute long tour will feature storytelling about student life, college traditions, Henry VIII, Bloody Mary, CS Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien and even Harry Potter! We are a mix of local students, alumni or long term bilingual residents.

Price: £30

Min age: 0

Rating 4.69 / 5 [95 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oxford Bike Tour with Student Guide

Oxford

Oxford Bike Tour with Student Guide
Explore the city of dreaming spires on two wheels on this 2-hour Oxford bike tour. Follow a guide through Oxford and take in top sites of interest like Magdalen College, the Oxford University Press building, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and Port Meadow. Reach hidden corners of the city with ease and hear of famous names including J. R. R Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, and Tony Blair who lived and worked here.

Price: £30

Min age: 12

Rating 4.84 / 5 [19 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-3 Hour Cycle Tour of Oxford

Oxford

2-3 Hour Cycle Tour of Oxford
Oxford is a beautiful city packed full of fascinating and historic architecture, spacious countryside, relaxing rivers and canals and has been (and continues to be) where many inspirational people have called home. You will be offered a unique guided cycle tour of Oxford, where you can see and experience so much more of Oxford and what it has to offer. You'll be able to see a lot more on bike, both within the city and its surrounds.

Price: £35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [209 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

Oxford

Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford
This wonderful river cruise in Oxford includes a sumptuous traditional afternoon tea served aboard the boat. The 1.5-hour cruise takes in the highlights of the beautiful River Thames, such as Christ Church Meadows and the University College Boat Houses, as it flows through this historic university city.

Price: £49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [347 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oxford Bike and Walking Tour

Oxford

Oxford Bike and Walking Tour
This 3-hour complete Oxford experience gives you a chance to cover over 1000 years of Oxford history and see the best parts of the city on foot and by bicycle. See this historic city combining the biking and walking experience into one intimate insight into the most beautiful and exclusive sites that Oxford has to offer.

Price: £50

Min age: 12

Rating 4.65 / 5 [26 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise

Oxford

Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise
This Oxford picnic cruise combines Oxford sightseeing with a leisurely picnic and relaxed experience of river life. Your small group cruise through the city past famous landmarks including Christchurch College and Meadows, the University boathouses and regatta course, the Head of the River and Folly Bridge . From the river you take in a side of Oxford's heritage rarely seen by visitors to the city. Complimented by a delicious picnic hamper.

Price: £59

Min age: 0

Rating 4.81 / 5 [199 ratings]

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Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London

London

Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London
Discover over a thousand years of history at one of England’s most beautiful medieval castles before visiting the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Finally, head off to explore the historic city of Oxford on a walking tour of the city with your expert guide.

Price: £79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.27 / 5 [1878 ratings]

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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London
Windsor has been the home of Kings and Queens for centuries. Wander its cobbled streets and see the largest occupied castle in the world - home of the English and British monarchy for almost 1,000 years and today one of the official residences of His Majesty The King. Stonehenge is a must-see icon of England and, with a history spanning 4,500 years, has many different meanings to people today. Stonehenge is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration. Plus, discover the beautiful English city of Oxford, home to the world-famous university and incredible architecture dating back to Saxon times. - See the beautiful historic town of Royal Windsor - Visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the British monarchy (if option selected) - Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map (if option selected) - Explore the beautiful city of Oxford with an expert guide - See the exteriors of the world-famous Colleges of Oxford University

Price: £79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.32 / 5 [2194 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London
Windsor has been the home of Kings and Queens for centuries. Wander its cobbled streets and see the largest occupied castle in the world - home of the English and British monarchy for almost 1,000 years and today one of the official residences of His Majesty The King. Stonehenge is a must-see icon of England and, with a history spanning 4,500 years, has many different meanings to people today. Stonehenge is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration. Plus, discover the beautiful English city of Oxford, home to the world-famous university and incredible architecture dating back to Saxon times. - See the beautiful historic town of Royal Windsor - Visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the British monarchy (if option selected) - Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map (if option selected) - Explore the beautiful city of Oxford with an expert guide - See the exteriors of the world-famous Colleges of Oxford University

Price: £79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.55 / 5 [1025 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Cotswolds Villages and Oxford Full Day Tour from London

London

Cotswolds Villages and Oxford Full Day Tour from London
Explore top UK destinations including Oxford, and the Cotswolds on this adventurous 11-hour tour from London. Delve deep into the rolling hills of the Cotswolds with a guide and stop to explore a charming English village. Spend an hour in Bourton-On-The -Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. Then, stroll through the medieval streets of Oxford and perhaps take in attractions like the Ashmolean Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, and Christchurch College. Tour includes guide and round-trip travel from London.

Price: £79

Min age: 4

Rating 4.43 / 5 [169 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London

London

Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London
The Cotswolds are like stepping into a landscape painting. Vivid green colours, lush waterways and the most delightful cottages. And Oxford needs no introduction. The city of students, spires and sumptuous cathedrals is as inspirational as it is fascinating. Join this 10-hour, guided small-group tour and experience two of England’s most deservedly-famous locations. Transportation between attractions is included. Food and drinks can be purchased along the way.

Price: £90

Min age: 5

Rating 4.60 / 5 [557 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford Day Tour from London

London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford Day Tour from London
Enjoy three of England's most delightful destinations in just one day! Make sure you are in Victoria: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SR for 7:30am as your coach will be leaving at 8:00am sharp! Highlights of the day: • See what’s inside the King’s favourite weekend residence • Marvel at the stunning interiors of Windsor Castle • Get up close with the mystery of Stonehenge • Wander through the cobbled streets of Oxford

Price: £95

Min age: 3

Rating 4.32 / 5 [697 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Tour from London

London

Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Tour from London
Have a whirlwind of a day trip and discover the iconic university city of Oxford, the beautiful town that William Shakespeare once referred to as home and the adventurous Warwick Castle! A fun-filled, fully guided coach tour that will allow you to see the best that England has to offer, all in one day. Traveling on a luxury air-conditioned coach, drive through the picturesque Cotswolds before visiting the actual birthplace of William Shakespeare and exploring the historical market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Enjoy historical grandeur with entry to Warwick Castle, an incredibly interactive medieval experience. Meet and greet experience as they arrive at Warwick Castle by a special medieval host as well as an introduction to the spectacular castle. End the day with a walking tour of the beautiful city of Oxford and a visit to University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

Price: £114

Min age: 3

Rating 4.45 / 5 [301 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Small Group Cotswolds Villages, Stratford and Oxford Day Tour from London

London

Small Group Cotswolds Villages, Stratford and Oxford Day Tour from London
Explore Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cotswolds, and discover the best of England in one day on this small group tour, maximum 16 people, from London. Visit historic Stratford-upon-Avon with a guide and learn of the life of William Shakespeare — widely considered to be England’s most famous poet. Spin through the pretty countryside to characterful Cotswold villages, where life ticks by at a relaxing pace. Then, explore the medieval city of Oxford — home to one of the world’s oldest universities and join your tour guide for a walking tour to learn and see more. Tour includes guide and round-trip luxury mini-coach travel from central London.

Price: £134

Min age: 3

Rating 4.93 / 5 [176 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Oxford Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

Oxford

Private Oxford Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide
An Oxford walking tour tailored to what you want to see, ensuring you make the most of your time in Oxford!

Price: £150

Min age: 0

Rating 4.8 / 5 [110 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Small-Group Day Trip to Oxford,the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon from London

London

Small-Group Day Trip to Oxford,the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon from London
Explore three of England’s most popular destinations on a guided full-day tour from London. You’ll visit Stratford-upon-Avon to see important sites from Shakespeare's life, then discover the charming villages of the Cotswolds region and wrap up the day in the famous university town of Oxford. Enjoy stunning scenery, historic sights and an introduction to the English countryside on this small-group tour. Numbers are limited to 16 people, ensuring a more personalized experience with your guide.

Price: £164

Min age: 0

Rating 4.27 / 5 [113 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

Oxford is a year-round destination, and thus constantly busy with tourists. In the autumn months (September to October), the city has a particular energy, with new and old students flooding into town after the long summer break. It’s at its most beautiful in late spring, before the hordes of international tourists appear in July and August.

Getting there and away

Oxford is a one-hour drive from London Heathrow, just over an hour from London. Trains to Oxford take around an hour from London Paddington, and it’s an easy ten-minute walk into the centre of town. The Oxford Tube is a coach service that runs every hour from several points around London.

Getting around

Like most English towns, Oxford has reasonably good public transport, clogged roads and expensive parking. With relatively flat terrain, pleasing surrounds, and a good network of bike lanes, cycling is the best way to get around town (and even into the surrounding countryside). Bike hire shops are ubiquitous.

The Oxford Sightseeing Bus stops at the train station every ten minutes and is the lazy way to tick off all the sights.

Other guides relevant to this destination

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, United Kingdom (UK)

Silhouettes of cottages on a misty day. Winters morning in the Cotswold village of Ebrington, Gloucestershire

One of England’s most beautiful regions – a patchwork landscape of idyllic countryside, postcard-perfect villages and cosy historic boutique hotels.