Choose a currency
Private tour in Oxford Jess W
Literary Oxford
5.0
(1) review
-
2 hours
1
Tour date
-
2 hours
1
Jess W.
5.0
Guide rating
39
Reviews
Tours delivered
6 hrs
Avg. response time
I will help you make the most of your time in Oxford! I'm an award-winning Green Badge Oxford tour guide. I've lived here for over 25 years and love sharing my enthusiasm for our stunning city's history, culture and architecture - and unlocking its secrets for visitors. I have a degree in History/English Literature and a Masters in International Relations, and really enjoy bringing to life the social, political and imaginative role that Oxford has played in the history of Britain, and the world. Specialist expertise: - Christ Church college and cathedral: I am one of few accredited guides - Tolkien, CS Lewis, Alice in Wonderland and Literary Oxford - Highlight tours of the Botanic Gardens and Ashmolean Museum - Medieval Oxford and the English Civil War - Art, stained glass and the Pre-Raphaelites - 'Rebellious Oxford' and women's history, taking in riots, suffragettes and change-makers - Harry Potter filming locations, for children and adults! - Morse/Lewis/Endeavour - Discovery of Witches - Ghost tours over the winter months So take a look at my published tours, and if you don't see what you're looking for, please contact me for a customised tour. I am: - An award-winning Green Badge tour guide. - Associate of the Institute of Tourist Guiding. - Member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides and the British Guild of Tour Guides. - Accredited to guide in Christ Church. - One of the official walking tour guides employed by both Oxford University and the Museum of Oxford. Officially, I can only guide in the city of Oxford.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jess W.
Explore the city through its books, writers and characters
Overview of your Oxford tour
‘I envy you going to Oxford. It is the most flower-like time of one’s life. One sees the shadow of things in silver mirrors.’ - Oscar Wilde Oxford has been home to numerous great writers through the ages. But what is it about the city of dreaming spires that has inspired such creativity and birthed so many beloved stories? On this tour we will dive down the rabbit hole to learn about many of Oxford’s literary inhabitants and some of their most enduring creations. We will also hear excerpts from their writings that give us a deeper understanding of the city of dreaming spires itself. From early links with Chaucer, Shakespeare and Donne, through flawed and fascinating figures like Shelley, Wilde and Auden, we will encounter brilliant literary women, beer-drinking Inklings and outstanding crime fiction writers, as well as being introduced to some of the most exciting authors connected to the city today.
Your Oxford tour itinerary
The tour will include: - the Bodleian Library, home to many literary treasures including an early depiction of Oxford from Chaucer - the largest room selling books in the world - the colleges of Shelley, Wilde, Greene, Golding, CS Lewis and Auden - Tolkien's rooms - subsequently occupied by Philip Pullman - women writers, including Dorothy L Sayers - the story of Jane Austen's less than successful spell at Brasenose - crime writers, down an ancient alley - one of the pubs where the Inklings met
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
We will meet at a central location, close to car parking and public transport links.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
England, England, OX1 3BG, United Kingdom
The steps of the Weston Library on Broad Street.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Tour reference number
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Accessibility
Traveller reviews for this private tour in Oxford
1 reviews
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Oxford best suited for?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
2 hours
1
Tour date
-
2 hours
1
Tour date
Explore more of Oxford
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.