Oxford is a city with many secrets that cannot be unlocked on a bus tour, in your car, or even on your bike. The best way to see all the sights of Oxford is on a walking tour. There are a number of different walking tours in Oxford that you can take part in. Here are our suggestions:
1. Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours
Starting from the Visitor Information Centre, there are a number of public walks which you can take part in. The Official University and City Tour takes you through the heart of the city, but if you want something a bit more off the beaten track, you can choose from a number of themed walking tours including: CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien; Stained Glass; Tudor Oxford, Magic, Murder & Mayhem and Pottering in Harry's Footsteps. Or take an informal tour, suitable for all the family. Prices vary depending on the walk chosen.
Alternatively, you can join Footprints for a 2 hour free walking tour of Oxford. You will discover an in depth history of the university colleges, and the city itself as well as discovering how the Archbishop of Canterbury came to be burned at the stake in Oxford!
The walk is free, but tips are invited if you enjoy the walk. No booking is required.
Footprints also run other, chargeable tours including a pub tour and a Harry Potter tour.
Starting at Trinity College on Broad Street, the Oxford Walking Tours company operate walking tours, literary tours, Tolkein tours and, for those brave enough, ghost tours. Learn about the dark secrets of Oxford during this evening walk, which takes place throughout the Summer, Autumn and Winter. Prices from £9.95 depending on the walk selected.
If you think you know about all the tourist spots, and want something a little different, how about the Hidden Oxford tour? This is a privately arranged tour which can be tailored to suit your interests and answer your questions about Oxford and its history. Contact Helen to create your own personalised tour.
5. Tea and Tours with Mr Darcy
Or for something a little more out of the ordinary, how about of tour of Oxford with Mr Darcy! He will take you on a tour of Oxford which will focus on the Jane Austen connections, and give you some etiquette tips from the Regency era. Mr Darcy must be booked in advance, but he will take you for cream tea during your walk, at a cost of £20 per person.
