Private tour in Oxford Stephen R

Oxford Experience - City Highlights Walking Tour

5.0

(17) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Stephen R.

5.0

Guide rating

41

Reviews

Tours delivered

58 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi from Oxford… or the city of the dreaming spires, as it is sometimes called. I'm originally from Dublin, Ireland and have also lived in America, Canada and other parts of England before settling in Oxford to raise a family. Perhaps I love it so much here because I'm a bit of a dreamer too, and work as a scriptwriter when I'm not doing tours. I enjoy film, literature, getting into the countryside, playing tennis and spending time with my three children. They keep me fit! When I'm not writing or running a tour, I volunteer for a local Oxford mental health charity. I took up Tour Guiding in Oxford two years ago while on a full-time Master's Degree here. I thought it would be a nice way to supplement my tuition fees and work on my storytelling… but being a tour guide has become so much more than that. This is an inspiring part of the world and on my tours, I get to convey to you a sense of its unique history and culture. So many famous men and women have passed through the hallowed halls of Oxford University. We get to walk in their footsteps. I am drawn to the famous Oxonians of the arts - literary greats, poets, playwrights, filmmakers. Many of my customers comment on how visiting Oxford is like being on the set of a movie. The city and university are all quite localized, on foot, two wheels or four, it's all good, I'll have you feeling like a local within a day. I enjoy learning more about where you come from, just as much as I enjoy telling you about Oxford. You'll experience a place steeped in history, and I'll be able to tell you a good story or two along the way. Then there's the lesser-known facts, monuments and legends that await us, just off the tourist route. I can adjust any tour to give you that unique experience. We will all be locals at the end of the day. I can't wait to show you around. Royal College of Arts Master's Degree. First Aider. Mental Health First Aider. Full DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check clearance. Full UK Driver's Licence. No restrictions

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Stephen R.

Overview of your Oxford tour

A half-day tour covering all of Oxford's wonderful highlights, with access inside at least one of its famous colleges, the Bodleian Library Quad and the Divinity School. This city can take your breath away, but I'm never short of breath with the stories I'm enthusiastic about telling along our journey. The sense of history and learning is all around us, I'll give you authentic knowledge and share lesser-known local stories. I'm an experienced tour guide and always like to inject the fun as well as the facts! We will cover all the University City's wonderful highlights, and whom better to do so with than someone who has actually gained a masters degree here. My tour route is unique, takes us off the trodden path and delves into living history. Let's stroll through it together!

Recent Reviews

James M.United States
November 2025

Stephen was a delight! He was prompt, friendly, kind, and most importantly, knowledgeable about this city, its history, and the institutions we visited. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire him again and highly recommend.

David L.Canada
September 2025

Excellent tour with Stephen. We hit all the highlights and some places that would be unknown to the average tourist. Stephen is friendly, knowledgable and enthusiastic. Highly recommended.

Harvey M.United States
August 2025

Stephen was a great guide. He answered a bunch of questions and handled a big group of 5. We enjoyed our time. Stephen was an expert about Oxford and its history. This extended to both the city and the college

David E.United States
August 2025

Stephen is the best possible guide. Stephen headed us away from city center where we’re staying, down a side street for a walk along the Oxford Canal. It was a great and unexpected start and truly calming after the crowds and chaos of London. We went up and over a little bridge and into Jericho which led into the beginning of the colleges and remaining points of interest. Stephen offered concise insights into the history of each location with a relaxed, informal delivery. We enjoyed lively, friendly conversation and laughter during our walk. I can say without hesitation Stephen is an excellent guide, flexible in planning, and offers a brilliant tour.

David S.United States
July 2025

Oxford was a very pleasant surprise and our visit was enhanced by Stephen's local knowledge based on his prior experience as a student at the University.

Ian S.Canada
June 2025

Insightful and enjoyable

Your Oxford tour itinerary

Dependent on starting point, highlights can include: -The Oxford University Press -The Radcliffe Observatory -St Giles -The Eagle and Child Pub -St Johns College -The Oxford Martyrs Memorial -The Ashmolean Museum ************* -The Sheldonian Theatre -Bridge of Sighs -The Bodleian Library -Divinity School -Radcliffe Square -New College -The Natural History Museum ************** -Balliol College -The Oxford Canal -The vibrant community of Jericho *************** - Christ Church Medow - Christ Church College - The College boat houses. This tour can always be customized to best meet your preferences.

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

On foot.

What's included
Other: Tourist map.
Private Guide
Tickets: Colleges, Divinity School, Museums
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

Flexible. Can be at your city centre hotel. If coming via train, I'll meet you at the station. Otherwise, outside the Oxford University Press in Jericho is good start point.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1086128
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Oxford best suited for?

This private tour in Oxford is perfect for those who want to explore the historic University city with a knowledgeable guide. It's ideal for travellers interested in history, architecture, and local stories, as well as those who enjoy walking tours. With Stephen R., who has a master's degree from Oxford, you'll gain authentic insights and enjoy a fun, informative experience.

Can this private tour in Oxford be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

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

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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