Sarah R.United States
We had a wonderful time seeing Oxford with Jess!
Choose a currency
Private tour in Oxford Jess W
Welcome to Oxford: 2hr tour
5.0
(16) reviews
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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
Jess W.
5.0
Guide rating
39
Reviews
Tours delivered
8 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.
Walking tour of historic Oxford, including a college and Divinity School
Overview of your Oxford tour
Let me introduce you to the extraordinary history, architecture 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… I will take you on a walk around Oxford's most famous buildings, including the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, Sheldonian Theatre and Bridge of Sighs. We will go inside one of its world-renowned colleges, see the oldest classroom in the world and explore hidden corners, where this glorious city will reveal its secrets to you. A great tour to take if you only have a short time in Oxford, or are visiting for the first time.
Recent Reviews
Dale N.United States
Jess is extremely knowledgeable, upbeat, energetic and witty- perfect mix ! The tour was amazing ! Thank you Jess and we hope to book you again!
Deborah N.United States
Jess was extremely knowledgable, friendly and the pacing was just right. We came away with a sense of what makes Oxford what it is.
Christine M.United States
Jess was amazing. She was so accommodating, including waiting for us when our train was late arriving. She could see we needed breaks during the tour and found places for us to sit from time to time. She also engaged us in our interest in all this matters Morse related sharing quips about the shows and specifics about filmed episodes. It was a great experience and Jess made it very special. She also pointed us to a great lunch pub , taking the time to walk us there so we didn't get lost.
Paul C.United Kingdom
Jess was great. Four of us who had been to Oxford once before but were still fascinated by the history Jess told us as we visited the highlights of the colleges and the town. Thanks Jess
Sharon B.United States
Our tour of Oxford with Jess far exceeded our expectations and was a highlight of our first trip to the UK. She asked about our personal interests before we arrived, and again at the beginning of the tour. Jess spoke about Oxford from many angles, from the very beginning of settlements in Oxford, all the way up to current day. She paused at the best photo opportunities and offered suggestions for things to see on our own time. We spent a couple more hours touring on our own and then left Oxford beaming, having had a great day. I highly recommend adding a tour with Jess to your Oxford itinerary.
Your Oxford tour itinerary
We will start at the Martyrs' Memorial and visit: - the oldest building in Oxford: the Saxon tower at St Michael's at the North Gate - Broad Street, where bishops were burned and medieval colleges founded - The Sheldonian Theatre, Sir Christopher Wren's first masterpiece, where the university still holds its ceremonies - The stunning gothic architecture of the Divinity School (entry included) - The Bodleian Library, home to 14 million books! - The Bridge of Sighs and a secret passageway to an ancient, haunted tavern - The world-famous buildings of Radcliffe Square - Locations where famous TV shows and films were shot, including Harry Potter, Wonka and Morse/Lewis/Endeavour - The atmospheric 250-year-old Covered Market We will visit one of the university's historic colleges to see a traditional quad, dining hall, chapel and gardens (subject to availability on the day).
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
This is a walking tour. We will meet centrally at a place easily accessible by public transport. If you have limited mobility let me know and I will devise a route with opportunities to rest along the way.
What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: - Entrance to Divinity School and New College/Magdalen
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Beaumont Street, England, England, OX1 2PH, United Kingdom
Meet in the courtyard outside the entrance to the Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, opposite the Randolph Hotel. I'll be waiting by the central information boards.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Off The Beaten Path
City Highlights
TV And Movie
Tour reference number
1245112
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
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 have a short time in the city or are visiting for the first time. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Jess W. to gain deeper insights into the city's history and architecture. The tour is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for families and individuals with mobility concerns.
What should I bring or wear?
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
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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
More tours in Oxford by Jess W.
Explore more of Oxford
From Oxford: Undiscovered Cotswolds TourFrom Oxford: Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace Private Tour2.5 -Hour Tour – An Architectural and Historical Journey Through Oxford, with a Touch of Fantasy Featuring J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis2 hour Fantasy literature - CS Lewis, Tolkien and Carroll and their work. Why Oxford?Welcome to Oxford: 2hr tour4 hours Christ Church Hall and Cathedral, Bodleian library with University's architectural and historic highlights Oxford: Town and Gown Private Walking TourBlenheim Palace experence 6 hours - Introduction to University historical and architectural highlights including a visit inside the Bodleian Library and a Medieval University College 'Town versus Gown' : discover Oxford University historyThe best of Oxford: half-day tourOxford Walking Tour: Books, Beasts and Bards3 hours Magdalen, CS Lewis and the Botanic Gardens - JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis with Magdalen CollegeIvory Towers and Dreaming Spires - The University of Oxford History & Science TourCotswolds Day TripHistoric Oxford - the City and University that has shaped British, and world, history.2 hour - Christ Church plus Oxford's Architectural and historical HighlightsOxford University, past and present.3 hours Architectural and Literary and religious History of Oxford, with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien,Oxford Experience - City Highlights Walking TourHarry Potter tour, visiting filming locationsTolkien, Lewis and the Inklings' OxfordLiterary OxfordOxford to Stonehenge - Prehistoric Day TourSouthampton Cruise Port to Stonehenge and Oxford - Full Day Tour2 Hour - Introduction to Oxford's Architectural and Historical Highlights - including Christ ChurchCastles and Grand Stately Homes90 minutes Just Christ Church - Inside the college founded by Thomas Wolsey & King Henry VIII - of Harry Potter fame 5 hours Oxford city and Discover Blenheim Palace Harry Potter, facts versus fiction90 minutes - Introduction to Oxford's Architectural and Historical Highlights - including a Medieval college90 minutes - Historical tour and orientation to the university, colleges and city of Oxford: - Includes includes a look inside a Medieval CollegeExploring Oxford architectureUnique Views of Oxford - Half Day Walking Tour2 hours - Arts and stained glass - including stunning medieval collegeArt-lovers' Oxford tour: half dayCuriouser and Curiouser: Alice in Wonderland tourFull day Oxford & the Cotswolds by Bentley motor car and an evening of Shakespeare at Stratford upon Avon's TheatreThe wonders of Christ Church2 hours - Oxford Women Past and Present
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.