Ashmolean Museum

Embark on a day trip from London and discover the charms of the English countryside. Explore the university city of Oxford and 2 storybook towns of the Cotswolds, Burford and Bibury. Head northwest out of London, passing through the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The picturesque countryside here has inspired the television shows Midsomer Murders and Vicar of Dibley. Your first stop is Oxford, and take time to explore the precincts of the many colleges, climb to the vantage points to admire the skyline, or see the art and antiquities collections in the Ashmolean Museum. Continue to Burford, the "Gateway to the Cotswolds," and immerse yourself in the charm of this small market town with enormous character and depth. Wander along the main street, lined with picturesque shops and cafes where you can try a traditional English afternoon tea (not included). Then, make the short journey to Bibury, described by William Morris as the prettiest village in England, and Henry Ford wanted to dismantle it and ship it back to the USA. Enjoy time here to stroll to the famous and fairytale-like Arlington Row. After a full day exploring the city of Oxford and the villages of the Cotswolds, relax aboard a comfortable return journey to London.

You will begin in central Oxford, with a brief and engaging introduction which will lay the foundation for the vast periods of history to be covered! Then the tour will enter a college renowned for having the most beautiful lawns in Oxford along with an iconic dispute with its neighbour - resulting in a supposed theft of the College tortoise (Oxford Annual Tortoise Race explanation included!). Then the group will visit the Sheldonian Theatre, where students experience the most iconic ceremony at Oxford University. You can hear from your student guide how the experience was for them. Next you will enter a historic museum -complete with a chalkboard used by Einstein in Oxford - and visit the Weston Library, a great example of a hybrid historic and modern interior. This tour will then cover sites that none of our other tours do! Including Oriel College, Merton College and iconic literary giants from Oxford's history. You can get a photo under the Bridge of Sighs before gazing up at the first round library in England, where your Oxford student guide will give you rare insights into the labyrinth of underground tunnels students. Not to be forgotten, All Souls College. With entrance exams as complex as they are bizarre, this site will highlight how exclusive a College can be and how influential its members are. Heading down to the southern part of Oxford, we visit a hidden door depicting the most famous characters in C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. Before entering the largest College at Oxford, Home to Oscar Wilde and C. S. Lewis, and its own deer park. Explore the iconic grounds which have been home to Oxford’s most influential writers, complete with medieval cloisters. The tour will head over to the home of Tolkien, to discuss not only its literary importance, but it’s multi million pound kitchen, funded by the current Emperor of Japan! The tour will then go to Christ Church meadows - a stunning expanse of land incredibly rare in a medieval city. Here you will learn about its close connection to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland - along with its decision to be held to a different time zone than the rest of Oxford. Finally, the tour will enter one of the most lavish, and famous Colleges of all those at Oxford University; Christ Church. Famed for its literally links, and scenes used in the filming of Harry Potter; it is such an iconic site that many mistake it for representing the entire University. Wonder through the dining hall which inspired that used in Hogwarts, and see where some of the greatest philosophers, writers and royalty have studied. The guide will provide a comprehensive overview of its history, before you enter accompanied with a multimedia guide, to explore the College at your own pace. Please note - the structure on the day may differ.

Your journey begins as you head out of Bristol and enter a dream. North Wessex Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a treasure to its country. As you drive through a landscape of grasslands and valleys, all you need to do is enjoy and take it all in. Your first stop is Oxford, where you have time to explore the precincts of the many colleges, climb to the vantage points to admire the skyline, or see the art and antiquities collections in the Ashmolean Museum. Spires rocket towards the sky as you wander elegant halls straight out of Harry Potter. Next you stop in Burford, the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’... some argue it's better than stepping into Narnia through some wardrobe. Trust us. This small market town overflows with character and depth. The main street is lined with all those quaint properties that you’ve dreamt of owning. You have time here to take in the local charm and hospitality; and if you’re hungry, you can try a traditional English ‘Afternoon Tea’. Then, you make the short journey to Bibury. You might need a moment to take it all in. This place was described by William Morris as the prettiest village in England, and Henry Ford wanted to dismantle it and ship it back to the USA. You have time here to stroll to the famous and fairytale-like Arlington Row. If you wander the length of the Coln River, make sure and wave to the trout swimming alongside you. After a full day exploring the city of Oxford and the villages of the Cotswolds, you embark on the comfortable return journey to Bristol. This route may be reversed on some occasions.

We all know Bath is beautiful, but you don't need to fret that you're leaving it behind this morning. Why? Because where you're headed is just as stunning, with rich history and incredible architecture. After passing through North Wessex Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you arrive in Oxford. She's an old lass, founded in the 9th century. But its her age that makes her beautiful. She's got a lot of memories worn into her roads and buildings. Did you know that she was largely protected during World War II? Hitler wanted to make Oxford the capital of England after defeating it. If that doesn't tell you how striking this city is, we don't know what will. Here you have time to explore the precincts of the many colleges, climb to the vantage points to admire the skyline, or see the art and antiquities collections in the Ashmolean Museum. Next you stop in Burford, the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. This is a proud little market town. The main street is lined with all those quaint properties that you’ve dreamt of owning. You have time here to take in the local charm and hospitality; and if you’re hungry, you can try a traditional English ‘Afternoon Tea’. Then, you make the short journey to Bibury. This place was described by William Morris as the prettiest village in England, and Henry Ford wanted to dismantle it and ship it back to the USA. You have time here to stroll to the famous and fairytale-like Arlington Row. After a full day exploring the city of Oxford and the villages of the Cotswolds, you embark on the comfortable return journey to Bath. This route may be reversed on some occasions.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the charming city of Oxford! The Tourific Oxford Highlights Walking Tour lets you in on the city's secrets and stories as you traverse its historic streets and iconic colleges. This self-guided walk is perfect for those who are in Oxford for a day and want to cover the highlights while choosing where to linger and explore more. Crafted with inputs from Oxford students and narrated by cutting-edge artificial intelligence, the tour covers approximately 3.5 kilometers and takes about 1.5 hours to complete, though you might find yourself captivated for up to 5 hours if you choose to enter and explore the sites. Start the tour at Christ Church College, walk the cobbled streets to discover Radcliffe Camera, the Sheldonian theatre, the Ashmolean Museum and more before you end at a historic pub. Learn about traditions in the colleges, the inspirations for famous authors and pause to shop or eat at the famous covered market. You can download the Tourific app and tour to your mobile device (following instructions sent to you after booking) and access it when offline. Take advantage of an easy-to-follow map to guide you seamlessly from one location to the next. Need to take a break or explore a particular stop? You can simply pause your tour and resume when you’re ready. We're confident you'll love our tour! Not satisfied? Write to us and will offer you a full refund So what are you waiting for? Book this self-guided tour today!

Discover all the key haunted places in and around Oxford on a nighttime walking tour loosely based on the book 'Haunted Oxford' by local author Rob Walters, just one of the experienced and talented Guides. Experience the best way to 'see' Oxford’s ghosts on a route that takes you around the heart of central Oxford and its University. Meet your guide and get whisked away into the night, starting on the corner of Turl Street and Broad Street, which was once the city ditch and site of terrible murders and religious persecution. Learn about the history of Oxford and hear many splendidly spooky stories dating back to Danish Viking times. Walk past Oxford University, Radcliffe Square, and peer into the Old Schools Quadrangle - of Harry Potter fame. Admire the gorgeous and imposing architecture of Oxford and feel the history in the walls, which are well preserved and represent every period of architecture from Medieval through Classical to modern.  Look up at the Bridge of Sighs, so-called as it is reminiscent of the one at Venice which led prisoners to their doom. Wind down the ancient walled lane to New College, built in the late 1300s, and see its dark gates against the gloom.

Meet your guide outside Oxford's famous Ashmolean Museum with its fine collections of art and artefacts and start your walking tour. Pass by the Martyr's Memorial, dedicated to the Oxford Martyrs, and sop in Broad Street, close to where the old city wall used to be. From here you begin to expand your knowledge about the history of the University.  Get a chance to visit a typical college of the university with its quaint quadrangles and see how the students live and work. Continue your tour and pass by the Sheldonian Theatre, the University's ceremonial hall and then head to the quaint Bridge of Sighs.  Enjoy some time for a photo in front of the bridge and before visiting the Old Schools Quadrangle of the Bodleian Library, where Harry Potter was filmed.  Stop at charming Radcliffe Square with its cobblestones and the splendid Radcliffe Camera. See several colleges in this area before the tour continues to Christ Church Meadows. Marvel at the location of Christ Church College, where Alice in Wonderland was inspired and Harry Potter was filmed.  Walk back towards the Carfax Crossroads, the very centre of the city and have a chance to window-shop as you walk through Oxford's Victorian Covered Market. Your tour finishes in the Cornmarket, giving you an opportunity to enjoy lunch in one of Oxford's pubs, cafes or restaurants or to explore the shops in the Covered Market or the modern Westgate Centre.

Head to the Ashmolean Museum at your chosen timeslot and dive into the complex, tense and often humorous relationship between art, money and society in 'Money Talks'. This major new exhibition at the Ashmolean features more than 100 objects from across the globe, from coins and banknotes to artworks by Andy Warhol, Guerilla Girls, Grayson Perry and Banksy, to the new phenomenon of crypto currency and NFTs. The exhibition offers an insight into the painstaking process and marvellous creativity involved in the production of money across the globe and throughout history. You'll learn about the imagery on our currency, seeing the simple drawings and paintings that were mass produced onto our coins and notes, and discovering the dramatic impact these had on what and who we imagine is valuable. Artists have long explored the balance between power and wealth, and you'll get to see works from artists who use money itself as a medium for political commentary and satire, including Banksy, Guerrilla Girls and Paula Stevens-Hoare. Alongside these artworks is a range of money including Roman, Chinese and Islamic coins, and Art Nouveau banknotes. You'll also get to see one of the most reproduced artworks in the world - the plaster bust of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin made in 1966 which appeared on billions of postage stamps as well as money. Weaving stories and perspectives from across the world with international objects and items from the Ashmolean’s leading collections, and reflections on the place of physical currency in 2024, ‘Money Talks’ explores how the everyday artwork in our pockets acts as a mirror to our society. You'll get to spend as much time as you like exploring the exhibition until the museum closes and, once you're done visiting the special exhibition, feel free to check out the Ashmolean's permanent galleries, with collections ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. There's also an on-site café offering refreshments and a rooftop restaurant offering lunch and afternoon teas. In the museum's shops you can purchase gifts and books inspired by the special exhibition and the museum's collections.

Discover Oxford with a flexible pass that includes three walking tours. See the city, universities and historical pubs with a tour guide. Renowned for being home to the prestigious University of Oxford, the city boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, picturesque scenery, and fascinating cultural attractions. See top landmarks such as the Bridge of Sighs and Carfax Tower. Enjoy the flexibility to join the three tours either on the same day or on different days. Discover the iconic Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in the world. Hear the stories about the University of Oxford and its 38 colleges, marvel at their stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture and learn about the famous alumni who studied there. Afterwards, continue exploring more of Oxford and its incredible history with a sightseeing app. Enjoy self-guided walking tours and curated audio-guided routes, all from the convenience of your smartphone. Our walking tours main sights: Radcliffe Camera Bodleian Library The Tower of the Five Orders Bridge of Sights Hertfort College Clarendon Building University of Oxford The Wenston Library The Old Schools Quad The White Horse Carfax Tower Christ Church The Old Tom St. Aldates Tavern Oxford Town Hall Swindlestock Tavern High Street University Church of St. Mary the Virgin Bodleian Library Alice's Shop The Crown Covered Market St. Micheal at the North Gate Oxford Martyrs Cross The bear Inn The Wheatsheaf St. Aldates Tavern History of Science Museum Sheldonian Theatre Holywell Music Room New College All Souls College Our self-guided route's main sights: St. Margaret's Well Port Meadow Folly Bridge Oxford Castle and Prison Trill Mill Stream Nuffield College Martyrs Memorial Ashmolean Museum Jericho University Parks Rhodes House Headington Shark

Take a private guided tour of the picturesque university city of Oxford. Enjoy a private walking tour of the city and its colleges and museums. Your 3-hour tour begins when your guide meets you at the agreed pick-up point, for example Oxford train station. The tour introduces the most famous colleges and describes college life, student traditions, famous literary, scientific, and political figures, and English history in Oxford. Follow the informative guide around the city as you visit the famous sights and learn about the history of Oxford. Get the most of out of your trip to Oxford on this tour – this tour can be scheduled to suit whatever requests and interests you have. This tour is ideal for small groups, language schools, or business organizations. The tour subject, pace, college entrances will all depend on your preferred circumstances. Take a private walking tour to visit some of Oxfords famed colleges and courtyards. You’ll also admire some of the many churches in this city that’s bursting with examples of magnificent architecture. See the famed Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum.