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Private tour in Oxford Jess W

Welcome to Oxford: 2hr tour

4.9

(17) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Jess W.

5.0

Guide rating

40

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 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.

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

Mary M.United States
3 weeks ago

Overall the tour was wonderful. Jess is informative and has an almost theatrical tone keeping travelers engaged. The only feedback is please save a little room for a few questions. I know tour guides like Jess need to give a plethora amount of information in a certain time period. However it almost comes across as a spiel. She seemed a little irritated when I tried to ask a few questions. I realize if everyone in the group asked questions they would not finish in the time allotted, but again it would have been nice if she once asked, "Any questions." She could have answered them when we were walking to the next stop. Then it would have appeared she cared instead of feeling like we were just another tour she had to get through in 2 hours. Thank you!

Sarah R.United States
May 2026

We had a wonderful time seeing Oxford with Jess!

Dale N.United States
May 2026

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
May 2026

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
April 2026

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
November 2025

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

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
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.9

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

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

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