Private Walking Tour of Oxford: Explore History and Colleges
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the rich history and unique architecture of Oxford on a personalized walking tour led by an experienced, independent, local guide (we're new here on Viator). This tour provides insights into the Oxford University system, the colleges, and fascinating stories of notable figures who shaped the city. Tailor your experience by choosing a theme such as literature, history, or music to enhance your visit. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour, allowing you to explore hidden corners and learn about the vibrant student life at Oxford today. A visit to one or more colleges is highly recommended for a complete experience.
- Private tour tailored to your interests and schedule
- Flexible duration, typically 2 hours, with options to extend
- Explore themes like literature, history, and architecture
- Entry to one or more colleges can be arranged. We will arrange this with you in advance. This is an extra cost.
- Prices include the Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Broad Street
"your guide will meet you here and will give you an introduction to the city and university"
New College
Your tour will include a visit to at least one of the Oxford Colleges. Learn about the Colleges and the University. Learn about what life is like for students and tutors at Oxofrd University, and about colourful people who lived and worked at the Colleges. The entry fee is included in the cost of the tour. Colleges which we often visit include New College, Magdalen College, Trinity College, Jesus College, Exeter College, Balliol College, Merton College, Corpus Christi College, All Souls College and St John's College. A visit to Christ Church College can usually be arranged but requires a week's notice.
Options
Private tour in Italian
Private Tour in French
Private tour in English
What‘s Included
Price includes Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp: Get the most from your visit!
Your Personal Guide
All taxes and fees
Please note: the colleges are usually closed between 21 Dec - 3 January and over Easter.
Colleges may be closed on graduation days.
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience!
StefanoMrz,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the Oxford tour with Renata from Contrada last Sunday as a gift for two Italian friends who came to visit me and my girlfriend for the weekend. It was their first time in the United Kingdom, while we had already been to Oxford twice before, but only with this tour can we say we truly experienced it. Renata, besides being extremely professional and well-prepared, tirelessly guided us in discovering the city and its history, with a contagious love for Oxford. The many anecdotes and interesting stories really helped us understand the soul of the city and how it has formed and evolved throughout history to become what it is today. Tour in Italian for our friends who couldn't speak a word of English 😂 Highly recommended :)
Oxford city and colleges private tour
660chantal,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic private 2-hour tour guided by Eve-Marie, who was incredibly knowledgeable about every corner of the city. The tour was highly interactive and thoughtfully adjusted to our interests, which made the experience even more enjoyable and personal. We highly recommend Contrada Tours and would absolutely book another tour with them in the future.
Super recommended with Tim!
2013federicaf,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited Oxford with reference to Tolkien. Tim was enough a prepared guide who involved us with his sweetness and passion. Super recommended
Best Oxford Tour — Especially for Tolkien Fans
800daniellem,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour company is an absolute MUST — especially if you love Tolkien even a little (or a lot, like me!). I booked directly through their website and arranged a private walking tour for my husband and father-in-law so we could fully customize our time in Oxford, and it exceeded every expectation. I’m a gigantic Tolkien nerd, so I wanted a meaningful blend of Tolkien history and the essential Oxford highlights, and Tim delivered beautifully. He was beyond delightful — incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and clearly so passionate about Oxford, its universities, and Tolkien’s time there. Hearing these stories while standing in the very places that inspired Middle-earth was honestly magical. I was slightly nervous about doing a walking tour in December, but even in the cold it was absolutely worth it. The beauty of Oxford in winter, combined with Tim’s storytelling and local insight, made the experience feel intimate and special — like stepping into history (and a little bit of fantasy). Seeing Oxford through the eyes of a local who truly loves it, and who understands how deeply Tolkien fans connect to this place, made this one of the highlights of our trip. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough — an unforgettable experience for Tolkien lovers and Oxford first-timers alike.
Very good tour
MP S,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was super interesting. Tim was a flexible tour guide and gave us a lot of extra information and had a very nice surprise for us
Passionate Oxford
giusic2020,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was magical because Tim told us so many interesting anecdotes. Tim is very helpful and cheerful and above all passionate about his work and Oxford.
Wisdom and enthusiasm
379ChrisWhite,Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a delightful time we spent with Tim whose warm and friendly personality was evident throughout our tour. This combination along with his knowledge of Oxford and its wider historical context and his evident enjoyment of Oxford’s unique architecture made it a special afternoon. It passed all too quickly. Highly recommended.
Great tour
peterhW4429DQ,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with Tim, particularly of Christchurch. Seemingly encyclopedic knowledge, good humour, very responsive to participants' contributions. Thoroughly recommended.
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Operated by Contrada Tours - walking tours of Oxford