Booking Wolf
Oxford University and City Extended Tour Including Christ Church and Bodleian Library - 3 Hours
cultural

Oxford University and City Extended Tour Including Christ Church and Bodleian Library - 3 Hours

by Footprints Tours Limited

3 hours
Cambridge
£71.99£79.99 on ViatorSave 10%/person
From
£71.99£79.99 on ViatorSave 10%per person

Choose from 2 available options

3 hours
Starting time
Friday 11 September 2026
Language
English
Free cancellation until 10 Sept 2026.
£143.98£159.98Save 10%
2 adults × £71.99
All taxes and fees included

How do you want to book?

Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.

Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.£159.98
3 hours
£143.98£159.98Save 10%
2 adults × £71.99
All taxes and fees included

Overview

This extended walking tour in Oxford lasts about three hours and is designed for visitors interested in the university's colleges and central city landmarks. The tour includes guaranteed entry into Christ Church College, one of Oxford's largest and most famous colleges, known for its connections to royalty, Harry Potter filming locations, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The guide begins with an in-depth overview of Christ Church's exterior, after which visitors explore the college grounds on their own using a multimedia audio guide provided by Christ Church. The itinerary also covers several other Oxford University colleges, including some of the oldest and most historically significant ones. Participants visit colleges dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, such as the college attended by J.R.R. Tolkien and another with a Deer Park, home to writers like C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde. The tour includes stops at unique buildings like a Brutalist library containing over 5 million books and the first purpose-built medieval lecture room used in Harry Potter films. The Bodleian Library is also part of the visit, with access to its renowned collections and historic interiors. Other stops include religious sites important to Oxford's history, the Sheldonian Theatre built by Sir Christopher Wren, and several iconic city landmarks known for their architecture and academic importance. Entrance fees and all taxes are included. During the busy summer months, access to the Divinity School may be restricted; if so, an alternative college visit will be arranged. The tour departs from central Oxford, with an optional pickup available from a London location.

Highlights

Includes entry to Christ Church College with audio guide
Visit multiple historic Oxford University colleges
Access parts of the Bodleian Library and Divinity School
Tour includes Sheldonian Theatre and key city landmarks
About three hours duration on foot in Oxford city center
Optional pickup from London available

What's included

Entrance fees for all included sites
All taxes and fees

Itinerary

1

College believed to be Oxford's oldest

This college is considered the oldest at Oxford University, with a history dating back many centuries.

5 min

2

College dating from 1555

Known for its beauty, this college was established in 1555 and is a notable site within Oxford.

10 min

3

College founded in 1314 attended by Tolkien

This college was founded in 1314 and is recognized as the place where J.R.R. Tolkien studied.

5 min

4

College since 1282 with progressive history

Established in 1282, this college is known for its progressive reputation and offers a chance to contrast Oxford's traditional image.

5 min

5

Christ Church College with Deer Park

Founded in 1458, Christ Church is the largest of Oxford's colleges, featuring extensive grounds including its own Deer Park. It was home to authors C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde.

20 min

6

College built in 1427 with historic rivalry

This college, constructed in 1427, has a long-standing rivalry with a neighboring college and is part of the tour's route.

7

College housing Einstein's chalkboard

This college is famous for preserving Albert Einstein's chalkboard with markings from his lectures at Oxford.

5 min

8

Brutalist architecture library with 5 million books

A library known for its Brutalist architectural style contrasting typical Oxford designs, housing over 5 million books including significant historical works, featuring a modern interior after renovation.

5 min

9

Important religious site in Oxford

This site is often overlooked but is a key religious location in Oxford, linked to historical conflicts between Protestants and Catholics.

5 min

10

Sheldonian Theatre finished in 1669

Completed in 1669 by Sir Christopher Wren, the Sheldonian Theatre hosts major university ceremonies.

5 min

11

College dating to 1379

Though sometimes mistaken as new, this college dates back to 1379 and influenced the design of other colleges.

5 min

12

Bodleian Library built in 1602

One of England's most important libraries, founded in 1602, containing over 12 million books including documents from ancient Egypt.

10 min

13

Most photographed Oxford site

This location is the most photographed spot in Oxford and is included in the walking tour.

5 min

14

Iconic Oxford landmark often seen on postcards

A well-known Oxford site commonly featured on postcards, serving a different function than many expect.

5 min

15

Exclusive academic institution

The tour visits one of the world’s most exclusive academic institutions, associated with figures like Lawrence of Arabia.

5 min

16

University epicentre with detailed grotesques

This site is central to Oxford University’s history and architecture, noted for its detailed grotesque sculptures.

5 min

17

College founded in 1264 with notable food reputation

Dating to 1264, this college is known for its academic focus and is reputed to provide exceptional food for students.

5 min

18

Site linked to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

A unique location in Oxford's center with a strong connection to the story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

5 min

19

Christ Church College visit with audio guide

Christ Church is nearly 500 years old and has an extensive collection of buildings with links to Harry Potter and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The guide gives a full external overview of the College and its grounds before guests enter with a multimedia audio guide to explore the large grounds independently. About one hour is recommended for this visit, after which the experience ends.

60 min

20

Medieval Divinity School lecture room

The tour includes the first purpose-built lecture room in Europe, a medieval building used in Harry Potter films. Access may be limited June to August; if unavailable, an alternative college visit is offered.

5 min

Meeting point

For London Collection / Return tour option only. We meet outside the tube station on the corner of Gloucester Rd and Courtfield Rd - look out for a white and green umbrella. Tour departs at 8am.

End point

For London Collection / Return tour option only. We meet outside the tube station on the corner of Gloucester Rd and Courtfield Rd - look out for a white and green umbrella. Tour departs at 8am (Mon-Sat) and 9:30am (Sun).

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info

1–15 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Wheelchair accessible
Pushchair and stroller friendly
Reachable by public transport
Infants travel on an adult's lap
Wheelchair-accessible transport
Wheelchair-accessible surfaces throughout
A moderate level of fitness is needed
Oxford University operates as a working institution; some sites may close without notice. Alternatives will be provided and refunds offered if needed.
At Christ Church, guests receive a detailed external introduction from the guide before using a Christ Church multimedia headset for independent exploration.
During peak season (June–August), access to the Divinity School is often limited due to closures and demand; if closed, another college entrance will be substituted.
If the pickup option is selected, the meeting point is Gloucester Road Tube Station in London; otherwise, the meeting point is 15 Broad Street, Oxford.
Total
£143.98Save 10% vs Viator