Private Tour
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This magical walking tour is led by an award-winning Green Badge tour guide. It will introduce you to the extraordinary history and people who've shaped our city of dreaming spires. From Alice in Wonderland to JRR Tolkien, Oxford has inspired many timeless stories. But its real history is just as fascinating, and often just as strange…
As we walk around Oxford's famous buildings and explore its world-renowned university and colleges this glorious city will reveal its secrets to you.
This is a great tour if you only have a short time in Oxford or are visiting for the first time. I can tailor it to your interests so let me know if you are particularly interested in Harry Potter, Tolkien, CS Lewis, Morse, Alice in Wonderland etc. If you want to visit a specific college or the Divinity School you will have to pay an extra entrance fee - we can discuss the options when you book.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
St. Michael At The North Gate
We will visit the oldest building in Oxford: the Saxon tower at St Michael's at the North Gate, and learn about how medieval Oxford developed long before the University emerged.
Broad Street
We will visit picturesque Broad Street, where bishops were burned, medieval colleges were founded and the largest room in the world selling books can be found.
All Fees and Taxes
Entrance to Divinity School (£2.50) and some colleges (£2-£9.50)
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Y5402QEgr,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Jess has a real talent for making Oxford’s history fascinating. I would not hesitate to rebook.
CharlieRobson,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful, fact filled tour with Jess. She is an absolute fount of knowledge and kept the entire group engaged for the whole time we were out. My wife and I had enjoyed one of Jess's tours previously which is why we felt good about booking the rest of the family in for a morning out. The tour was customised for us with this in mind, the best bits of the one we'd done previously and some new things for us too. We never felt rushed and every stop along the way was brought to life with Jess's vast knowledge of the history and impact of the places we were introduced to. She has a delightfully warm personable style and makes everyone feel like they're the only one there. I can't recommend Jess enough.
Inspiration754957,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A stunningly detailed, informative and entertaining tour. Thank you! Really appreciated your attention to the diverse interests of the group, including the youngest participant.

hanks371,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Jess was simply a fund of knowledge about this historic city, and her guidance, insights, and fascinating anecdotes really brought the town to life. She really provided a great depth of information, and was very flexible about our our route, itinerary, and interests. I can thoroughly recommend one of her guided tours.
georgeen2025,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Perfectly timed, two hours was just enough to ask questions and still get to every thing. Jess is well informed and well…. Fun. She asked enough questions to tailor the tour for all. If I were in the UK longer, I’d have taken other tours from Jess. It is a possibility that we’ll be back in autumn and if we can, Jess has put Oxford on our itinerary.
JStrachan2014,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This 'Rebels and Radicals' was an excellent, fascinating and original tour of Oxford sites which Jess conducted with verve and humour. We visited some interesting places around the centre of town associated with rebellious people over the history of the town starting back in the 14 century all the way to the present day. Jess was ready to answer questions and tell more stories if asked! Would highly recommend this for a group for a different, fun and thought provoking perspective on the history of Oxford, for locals and visitors.
Guide650261,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I joined a small group on Jess' brilliant Rebels and Radicals tour. Jess was absolutely fantastic. She told us all sorts of fascinating information about riots, rebellions, uprisings, many inspiring heroes (and at least one villain). I'm now hoping I'll remember her amazing stories to impress my friends! I would whole-heartedly recommend Jess - she's so articulate and well prepared, and I'd love to go on another tour with her. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
chemical girl,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Thanks so much for helping to welcome our students to Oxford. We had a new group of science DPhil students, some had lived in Oxford for years, some were new to the city (and UK). It was such a well thought out tour making sure all students were included. There were lots of new stories I hadn't heard before and it was so well tailored to the interests of their course. I really enjoyed it and learned loads. Jess is BRILLIANT
J5655KOtobiasb,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Absolutely excellent tour. I'd lived in Oxford for 4 years and learnt many new and interesting facts! Really lovely!!!
AlisonR55,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We (13 lucky partners of conference delegates) enjoyed a brilliant walking tour by Jess on a damp and windy morning. For most, English was not the first language, so Jess spoke carefully and clearly and kept us all engaged and entertained. We really couldn’t have asked for better, so would thoroughly recommend her. Her timing was also impressive, returning us on the dot to where we needed to be, having managed to cram in all the Oxford highlights. Well done, Jess and thank you.
Operated by Lady Gargoyle Oxford Tours