Top Oxford Private Sightseeing Tours

Explore the world of ‘The Inklings’—the mid-20th-century writers’ group that included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien—on this private Oxford walk. Rather than researching locations yourself, let a guide show you where the writers worked and relaxed. Visit Exeter College where Tolkien studied; and see Lewis’ Magdalen College and other sights while learning history and literary tales you’d otherwise miss. A choice of departure times gives you flexibility.

Enjoy the iconic Oxford experience of punting on the River Cherwell, without having to do all the hard work, with this private tour led by an Oxford University student. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of key landmarks, colleges, and literary inspirations, as you glide along the River Cherwell, with your student guide directing the punt.

Feast your eyes and fill your camera roll with postcard-perfect English countryside on this private tour of the Cotswolds’ most adorable villages. There’s no need to stress about left-side driving or worry about parking, which can be challenging, especially in high season. Simply meet your private driver/guide at the pickup point of your choice and soak up delights such as Bourton on the Water, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Get the inside scoop on Oxford's storied history on this private walking tour. Through your dedicated guide's informative narration, learn about the evolution of the university and all the achievements that have taken place there. Enjoy a flexible itinerary, personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions, since this is a private tour for just you and your party.

Make unforgettable memories in the heart of Oxford on this river cruise followed by a 3-course meal. Step aboard your and cruise out onto the Thames River. Sip chilled Prosecco as you wind your way along the tranquil waterway, and gaze out over Christchurch Meadows and the university boathouses. Afterward, alight at the mooring outside The Folly restaurant and enjoy a delicious 3-course a la carte meal in the restaurant’s romantic surroundings. 

This is the essential tour for Harry Potter fans. Spend a day discovering the sites of Oxford associated with the Harry Potter movies. See Christ Church College which inspired the Great Hall of Hogwarts, and learn behind-the-scenes secrets about the Harry Potter actors, and J. K. Rowling.

Fans of fantasy books won’t want to miss this 1.5-hour tour of Christ Church College, the setting and inspiration behind novels such as Alice and Wonderland and Harry Potter. By booking your ticket in advance, you’ll avoid the long lines outside of the prestigious Oxford University building, home to the Bodleian Library and adjoining Divinity School. Visit recognizable filming sites and learn about Lewis Carroll’s time at England’s oldest university.

Follow in the footsteps of famous former residents like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—and discover many of Oxford’s top landmarks in just a couple hours—on this introductory walking tour. Meet your group in central Oxford, and set off on foot. You’ll see key attractions like the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre, will explore the university area, and you will see many of the elegant colleges from the outside. As you go, your guide will share insider stories about Oxford’s history.

Spend a day in the Cotswolds with this guided day trip from the city of Oxford. A region of postcard-perfect English villages, green hills, and manor houses, the Cotswolds has been designated as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. See its highlights with a guide, and discover villages such as Asthall, Swinbrook, and Bourton-on-the-Water -- places that inspired writers and artists with their idyllic appeal. Through the day, you'll enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace.

If you’re interested in Oxford’s rich history, look no further than this walking tour for a comprehensive overview of the historic city. In a small group limited to 15, visit Bodleian Library—home to 'Harry Potter' filming locations—and one other college, and learn about Oxford University alumni such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Plus, receive an ILoveOxford map showing all of the main sites.

Discover the Harry Potter movie locations of Oxford on this walking tour. Visit the famous Bodleian Library to see the hall used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary in many movies, and view other locations in one or two of Oxford’s oldest colleges. As you walk, enjoy a fun Harry Potter quiz, and learn about Oxford University and other famous children’s books written in the city. Entrance fees to the Bodleian and select colleges are included.

Explore Oxford University’s famous regatta course on this 50-minute Thames River sightseeing cruise in Oxford. Hop aboard your sightseeing vessel in the heart of Oxford and cruise out onto the famous waterway. Listen as your guide sheds light on the city’s rich history, and discover local landmarks such as Folly Bridge, Christchurch College, the Oxford University boathouses and the Meadows. Share the waters with rowing eights, punts, university boats and cruisers, and watch the banks for sightings of native river wildlife.

See more of the picturesque Cotswolds on a trip that leaves from Moreton-in-Marsh. Showcasing the must-see villages that can be tricky to find on your own, the excursion visits Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Camden along with some lesser-known hamlets that many Cotswolds tourists miss. You have ample free time to explore, along with commentary and tips for places to eat or see through the day.

Walk the halls of one of the world’s oldest and most famous universities on this walking tour of Oxford University. Get a glimpse of student life as you peek inside the famous Bodleian Library and see landmarks like the University Church of St. Mary, Radcliffe Camera, and Trinity College. Learn about the prestigious university’s famous alumni, hear fascinating stories and anecdotes about its history, and see on-campus locations used in the Harry Potter films.

Explore Oxford as you wish with your own guide on this private walking tour. Meet your guide in the heart of the history-steeped city and hear about its famous past and university as you explore the cobbled streets and squares. Use the flexible itinerary to tailor your sightseeing around your interests, visiting highlights such as the Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and other landmarks as you please. Entrance fees at own expense.

Are you looking for a way to see Oxford’s literary gems without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • See the spots that inspired Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien and the filming locations for Harry Potter and HBO’s His Dark Materials • Hear from producers Jeremy Allen and Graeme Fry, the presenters and producers of the Oxford Lives podcast • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Experience Blenheim Palace through the eyes of a historian, as well as the eyes of an explorer.  With maximum four people in your group, you’ll enjoy a personalized 90-minute tour with your private guide.  Afterwards, explore the palace and its grounds at your own pace, pausing where and when you like. At the end of the day, easy to use public transportation takes you back to Oxford.

Explore the Cotswolds without having to drive on this full-day private tour from your chosen north Cotswolds location, such as Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon. With a private car and driver-guide, simply soak in the scenery as you follow an itinerary tailored to you. Visit manor houses, explore towns and villages such as Stow-in-the-Wold and Minster Lovell; and stop to shop and eat at your leisure—all without transport or parking issues.

Calling all fans of the iconic British TV programme, Inspector Morse, this 2-hour tour visit famous filming locations around Oxford. With a private guide, you’ll visit recognizable settings inside the Bodleian Library, Exeter College, and the Divinity School, all within the prestigious Oxford University campus.

Stray from the beaten path and visit Cotswolds’ attractions that aren’t covered by typical tours on a day trip that transports you in a luxury Mercedes vehicle. Taking a private tour means that you’ll receive undivided attention from your guide and enjoy the flexibility to tailor your itinerary according to your preferences.

There's more than open days to learning about studying at Oxford. Prospective students can get to know the different colleges and the application process on this private tour followed by a Q&A session with an Oxford or Cambridge graduate. The typical walking tour includes an overview of around 10 colleges from outside. When colleges are open to the public, you'll get to see inside two (please note: restrictions apply).

Our University of Oxford student/graduate guide will take you on an enthralling journey through time as we recount to you the fascinating story of Oxford and its illustrious university. Enjoy famous student anecdotes and authentic insights into student life from real Oxford University Alumni and current students. You are welcomed to ask questions at each stop on the tour and prospective students may ask about the Oxbridge application process from someone who has been successful. This is the real Oxford University experience from behind closed doors!

Come face to face with famous scenes from the Harry Potter films on this Oxford walking tour. Visit the three major must-see sights: Christ Church, New College and the Divinity School. See the stairs Hogwarts freshmen climb to go to the Great Hall, find the spot where Alastor Moody turns into a ferret, catch a glimpse of the place where Hermione shows Harry his father’s Quidditch trophy, and much more.