oxford university tour free

Visiting Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful city of stunning architecture, history and culture. You'll find ancient and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, and plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax. Plus, the city centre is small enough to cover on foot, and only a few minutes walk from the main rail and coach stations.

Things to see and do at Oxford University

Oxford is not a campus university, so it is not all located on one site. It is made up of many different buildings, including academic departments, colleges and halls, located around the centre of Oxford. Many University buildings, such as gardens, libraries and museums, as well as many of the colleges, are open to visitors during the day, although please note that they may have varying opening hours, fees and rules for groups.

You can find more information, including opening times and fees, at the links below:

• Visiting the Colleges
• Visiting Museums, Libraries and Places of Interest
• What's on at the University
• Shopping at the University

To make the most of your visit, bring along a copy of our leaflet, ' Explore the University of Oxford ', which contains a map and information on opening times of colleges, museums and other places of interest. 

Tours of Oxford University

Oxford University does not organise tours but a city walking tour is offered by the Bodleian Libraries in association with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. The tours, all operated by Blue and Green Badge Guides, begin at the beautiful modern Weston Library before heading through the historic and famous streets of the city. Tours take around two hours and can be  booked through the Bodleian Libraries .

A number of independent operators also offer guided tours of Oxford. A range of general and themed tours are available, as are tours by cycle, rickshaw and bus. For a list of tour companies, please visit the  Daily Information  website. 

Please note that all operators are independent of Oxford University. Details are provided here for information only. 

Disabled access

The collegiate University is committed to improving access and is currently continuing to develop its Access guide . As more of our historic buildings are modified the Access guide will become more comprehensive. In the meantime, the Access guide is a helpful first point for information on accessible buildings. Where there are gaps in the information we suggest you contact the places you wish to visit directly.

Information for prospective students

If you're thinking about applying for an undergraduate degree and want to see more of Oxford, our Virtual Open Days are an excellent opportunity to see the University, get to know the city, and meet tutors and students.

Additional information for visitors to the city of Oxford

Experience Oxfordshire  offers advice on walking tours, accommodation, things to do in Oxford, and more.

• History of the University
• Oxford Glossary
• Oxford people

Special offers for alumni

Make sure to bring your Alumni Card with you and see our special offers on the Alumni website

Accommodation in Oxford

• Accommodation at the University and the Colleges
• Visit Oxfordshire - where to stay
• TripAdvisor - hotels near Oxford University

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City of Oxford walking tours

   Daily tours available

  90 – 120 minutes

  Starts at the Weston Library steps

  Available in English

  Book tickets in advance

We offer three Oxford walking tours: the City of Oxford walking tour, the Literary Oxford walking tour and the family walking tour .

For upcoming closures, please check our Plan your visit page.

City of Oxford walking tour

  From £20 per person

Discover the vibrant history of the oldest university in the English-speaking world on the only official University of Oxford walking tour. Learn how Oxford grew from a small market town to become the city of dreaming spires.

Starting and ending at the Weston Library, you will see beyond the remarkable spaces of the Bodleian Library in this walking tour; taking in the historic streets of Oxford and following in the footsteps of famous authors, scientists, politicians and film stars.

Developed by the Bodleian Libraries, in partnership with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides, our popular city of Oxford walking tour will take you on an entertaining journey that will reveal the secrets of this historic city.

As part of the tour you will see inside the oldest teaching room in the University: the Divinity School; as well as the exterior of the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera and the streets surrounding the central Bodleian site.

All our walking tours are conducted by accredited, qualified guides.

Literary Oxford walking tour

   Please check availability

Oxford has been described as ‘a city steeped in storytelling’, its ‘dreaming spires’ home to countless writers over the years. The Literary Oxford tour explores this city of books, uncovering some well-known authors and some not so well-known.

There are fascinating stories to be told. From English classics to modern writers, Oxford has fired the imagination and produced extraordinary characters, real and fictional.

Walking tour information

• Tours start on the steps of the Weston Library.
• After the walking tour, you will have access to the Divinity School.
• Our City Walking Tour and Literary Oxford tour include walking around Oxford city centre. If you or someone in your party has accessibility requirements, please contact the Tours team prior to your visit on [email protected] .
• Dogs are not allowed on our walking tours. Visitors with assistance dogs, please contact the Tours team prior to your visit on [email protected] .

In the shop

Bodleian Library Souvenir Guidebook £6.00

Face Coverings £6.00

The University of Oxford: A Brief History £12.99

What else to do on your visit

Contact the tours team.

  +44 (0)1865 287400   [email protected]

Our office hours are Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm

Related links

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• History of the Bodleian

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• 2 Hour Free Oxford Walking Tour

Oxford University & City Tour with Alumni Guide

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Lady’s Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oxford

Today I want to share my self-guided walking tour of Oxford, England with you. This university city to the west of London is an exciting place to discover. With its historic colleges, pretty green spaces, exciting shopping streets, and beautiful river, there’s a lot to see on an Oxford walk. My self-guided route and map will show you the highlights of the city.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oxford

From the eye-catching architecture of the Radcliffe Camera to the riverfront scenery on Christ Church Meadow, Oxford is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK .

Home to the oldest English-speaking university in the world, the city is one of the most important centers of learning in Britain.

But it’s not just about the colleges. Whether you’re passionate about heritage buildings or punting on rivers, shopping at covered markets or being inspired by museums, Oxford has something for everyone.

If you’re here on an Oxford day trip or an Oxford and Cotswolds day tour , you’ll be able to discover a lot in this part of Oxfordshire.

I’ve visited Oxford many times. Each trip has revealed more of the city’s best highlights and secret spaces. Friends who studied at Oxford have often acted as my tour guides, and they’ve shown me spots visitors tend to miss.

I’ve also attended a graduation and a wedding in Oxford , and I’ve gone punting in Oxford and taken tours of Oxford with locals. All my experiences have imparted me with a love of this place.

I hope my walk helps you enjoy discovering Oxford as much as I have. It’s one of my favorite university cities in the UK . If you want more ideas, you can find lots of additional routes and maps in the book Oxford City Walks . You can get it on Amazon here .

Oxford Walk

My self-guided walking tour of Oxford starts on Broad Walk at Christ Church college. It’s centrally located, so it’s easy to get to from the train and coach stations, bus stops, and on foot from other parts of the city.

From Broad Walk you can take in the historic buildings of Christ Church, including the famous Christ Church Cathedral. You can also walk around Christ Church Meadow and soak up the peaceful riverfront surroundings.

When you’re done, continue your free walking tour of Oxford by heading onto St Aldate’s.

Here you’ll find fun places like Alice’s Shop, a store that pays homage to Alice in Wonderland’s Oxford connections (the author, Lewis Carroll, was a Tutor in Mathematics at Christ Church).

You can pop into Alice’s Shop if you want to, or continue your Oxford walk by turning right on St Aldate’s and heading north. You’ll pass by Christ Church’s Tom Tower on your right and the medieval St Aldate’s Church on your left.

Soon you’ll reach the Museum of Oxford and Oxford Town Hall, after which you’ll arrive at the intersection of St Aldate’s and the High Street.

If you look to your left, you’ll see the 12th-century Carfax Tower. You can go over and climb to the top for views across the city if you want to.

If not, continue your self-guided walking tour of Oxford by turning right on the High Street. Cross the street where it’s safe and head down one of the passageways leading to the Covered Market.

This 18th-century indoor marketplace is bursting with shops selling everything from clothing to food and flowers.

When you’re done exploring the market, head back out onto the High Street and turn left. You’ll pass beautiful historic buildings and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin before turning left onto Catte Street.

This passage will lead you to the iconic Radcliffe Camera. An 18th-century library, it’s one of the most famous buildings in the city .

You can walk around Radcliffe Square to see the library and the buildings of Brasenose College and All Souls College, then continue your Oxford walking tour by popping into the historic quad of the Bodleian Library.

The Bodleian is another Oxford landmark. It’s the main research library of the University of Oxford. Not only is it one of the oldest libraries in Europe, but also the second-largest library in Britain.

When you’re done taking in the quad, continue your walk by heading north on Catte Street. You’ll soon see two famous sights: the Sheldonian Theatre on your left and Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs on your right.

The former is a ceremonial and concert hall, and the latter is a stunning arch that connects two Hertford College buildings over New College Lane.

From here your self-guided walking tour of Oxford continues with a left turn on Broad Street. You’ll pass the Clarendon Building and get a better view of the Sheldonian Theatre as you make your way down towards Trinity College and Balliol College.

When Broad Street meets Magdalen Street, turn right and walk up to Beaumont Street. Turn left there and take in the facade of the Ashmolean Museum.

This is one of the most famous museums in Oxford, and it has an impressive collection of art and archaeological treasures. You can go inside and look around if you want to (entry is free).

If not, continue your walking tour of Oxford by heading west down Beaumont Street until you reach St John Street. Turn right there and walk up to Wellington Square.

When you get there, walk around it to the northeast corner and take the passageway through to Little Clarendon Street.

Here you’ll find yourself in Jericho, a local part of Oxford that most visitors miss. It’s known for its colorful houses, so keep your eyes out for pastel facades.

Turn left on Little Clarendon Street and follow it to Walton Street. Along the way you’ll pass lots of shops and cafes.

When you reach Walton Street, you’ll see the Last Bookshop on your left. If you’re a book lover, this independent bookstore is worth a detour.

If you’re not, turn right on Walton Street and continue your Oxford walk past local shops and the Oxford University Press until you reach Observatory Street.

Turn right on Observatory Street and take in the long row of colorful houses as you walk towards Woodstock Road. When you get there, turn left, then take your first right on Bevington Road. It’s full of pretty brick and stone houses.

Walk along Bevington Road until you reach Banbury Road. Turn right there, then left on Parks Road. This will take you into University Parks, a big green space.

You can stroll along West Walk until you reach South Walk, where you can turn right to exit the park.

When you reach Parks Road, turn left and take in the eye-catching architecture as you make your way south. Soon you’ll reach the impressive facade of the building that holds the Pitt-Rivers Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

The former is a unique museum that houses 500,000 objects, photographs, and manuscripts from all over the world. The latter is home to an extensive collection focused on Earth, science, and nature. You can visit one or both if you want to (entry is free).

If not, continue walking down Parks Road past Trinity College and Wadham College. When you reach the intersection with Broad Street and Holywell Street, keep straight as Parks Road becomes Catte Street. You’ll recognize this area from earlier in your walk.

Walk down Catte Street to New College Lane and turn left. Pass under the Bridge of Sighs and follow New College Lane as it twists and turns. Eventually you’ll pass under an arch and find yourself on Queen’s Lane.

This narrow passage will take you past Queen’s College in Oxford before leading you back to the High Street. Once on the High Street, turn right and continue your self-guided walking tour of Oxford by taking in the beautiful historic buildings around you.

When you reach Magpie Lane, take a left and walk down the narrow alley to get to Merton Street.

When you get there, turn right and follow it as it curves around and becomes Oriel Square. You’ll see some of the stunning buildings of Oriel College as you go.

When you reach Bear Lane, turn left and follow the narrow street it as it becomes Blue Boar Street. Blue Boar Street will take you to St Aldate’s, where you can turn left to get back to Broad Walk at Christ Church college.

When you reach Broad Walk, you’ll be back where you started. Your self-guided walking tour of Oxford ends here.

Walking Tour Details and Map

Map of the first half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/cFZc97FAKTznpd3c6

Map of the second half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/RUWzLxLWJrWvVsFH7

Further afield: Blenheim Palace, The Cotswolds

I hope my self-guided walking tour of Oxford has made you want to get out and discover this amazing place and its world-class university. Oxford is one of the best cities in England and there are a lot of great sights to see here. Happy walking!

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4 Comments on Lady’s Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oxford

So nicely explained, we followed it to the T and enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for this.

You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

Clear and accurate ! The maps were very helpful.

Thanks, Anne! I’m really glad to hear you found the walk easy to follow.

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• Our Most Popular Tour!

Oxford University & City Walking Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Info Language: This tour is in English

See Oxford University & The Dreaming Spires

The best way to tour Oxford is on foot with your friendly and knowledgeable guide. See the most famous buildings in Oxford University and explore hidden alleyways connecting them. Visit Radcliffe Square, Bodleian Libraries, and some of the oldest colleges from the outside. Hear the key stories about this beautiful city’s often troubled past and be enchanted by its fabulous architecture and gardens.

Learn more about the university and what student life is like today – Hear about some of its most famous characters, real life and fictional, who worked or studied here!

This award-winning 2-hour tour of Oxford offers an excellent opportunity to explore the city and see its famous “Dreaming Spires”.

Group Sizes

Group sizes are limited to 20 people for your safety and comfort.

College Visits

Our 10.30am and 11.30am tours will aim to include a college visit where possible.

Our 1pm and 2pm tours will include a visit to a college such as Wadham College (subject to availability) with its quadrangles, Chapel and Dining Hall.

All colleges reserve the right to close on the day for University Business.

Meeting Point

All Oxford Official Walking Tours meet at the Cool Britannia gift shop entrance on the corner of Turl Street and Broad Street ( Broad Street Numbers 23-25, OX1 3DH ). What3Words///Visit.Blues.Text

Your Guide will be holding an Oxford Official Walking Tours paddleboard.

Now that the City of Oxford is getting busy again, please allow extra journey time for traffic, parking and comfort breaks before your tour.

(Best advice is to use facilities en route to Oxford). For city council parking please see this link .

Book this as a Private Tour

For details on how to book this as a private, tailor-made tour on this or a combination of themes, for yourself or family and friends:

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Join the Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour Tour for a fun look at all the Oxford locations for these popular TV detective series.

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Meet the ghosts of Oxford on this evening ghost tour! Hear the spookiest, most well-known tales from around the city and learn about its most famous spirits.

• Hour Glass 1 or 2 hours

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Explore Oxford’s points of interest and history with your own private guide, perfect for school groups and families and friends. We’ll personalise your tour to meet your interests.

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Budget travel , United Kingdom

32 free things to do in oxford on a budget.

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

The beautiful city of Oxford is a tourist favourite due to its iconic buildings, history and charming feel. However, it can be expensive which is why I’m sharing this ultimate guide to the free things to do in Oxford.

As someone who has spent a lot of time here the last few years, I know it’s not all about the tourist sights. Due to the popularity of Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford , I’ve seen colleges like Christ Church triple their entrance fees in just a couple of years making it tricky to explore Oxford on a budget.

OXFORD ESSENTIALS Oxford & Cotswolds Pocket Lonely Planet guidebook Accommodation: Booking.com Activities: GetYourGuide Must read: my UK budget travel guide Getting there: Trainline / Busbud

Many Oxford locals miserably declare that Oxford is the most expensive place to live in the UK since housing prices almost match London’s but residents don’t receive London weighting when it comes to salaries. This won’t affect you much when visiting but you can give waiting staff a tip if you want to help out!

Check out my Oxford day trip guide and my weekend in Oxford guide.

While it can be an expensive city to live, there are plenty of free things to do in Oxford for visitors. It’s a city full of museums and parks, plus some of the Oxford colleges are free to go inside. Let’s get stuck into travelling on a budget …

Free galleries and museums in Oxford

Museums in the UK are great when you’re at a lose end without a huge budget. They’re also great for rainy days, something that’s usually pretty hard to avoid in England. These Oxford museums are free…

1. Pitt Rivers Museum

You could stay busy all day in Oxford without leaving the Pitt Rivers Museum. Housed in one of the biggest and most impressive buildings in Oxford on Parks Road, it’s stocked to the brim with artefacts from different time periods and civilisations around the world. Including masks from Mexico and pottery from Pakistan, it’s all here. Visit from 10am – 4.30pm every day apart from Monday. Entrance is free but you can leave a donation.

2. Museum of Natural History

This museum is actually in the same building as Pitt Rivers so you can kill two birds with one stone. Speaking of dead birds, the Museum of Natural History is home to the only tissue remains of a dodo in the world, as well as a giant dinosaur skeleton which is the first thing you’ll see when you walk in. With lots of interactive and colourful exhibits, it’s a great free museum in Oxford to bring kids.

3. The Ashmolean

My personal favourite museum is the Ashmolean . As another top free thing to do in Oxford, you can while away a few hours without spending any money (unless you indulge in afternoon tea and cocktails at the cafe. Tempting!). The Ashmolean has been open since 1638 and does a great job of telling stories from various period of time such as ancient Egypt and Rome. There are lots of exhibits focussing on female, POC and LGBT+ voices and stories. The exterior of the Ashmolean is amazing so you’ll want to snap a few photos from the outside.

4. Museum of Oxford

This museum located on St Aldates has, for many years, been the place to go for all things Oxford. While other Oxford museums focus on art or archaeology from different countries around the world, this museum shares stories of Oxford throughout the ages including the history of the University. Rather than being stuffy, there are lots of interactive exhibitions and room reconstructions you can go inside.

5. Museum of History of Science

Anyone with an interest in science will want to check out this free museum in Oxford. The Museum of History of Science is home to 20,000 items, although only are a fifth are on display. Real science fans can make requests to view items of specific interest to them. Otherwise, you can pop in to browse items including a blackboard used to Albert Einstein. It’s open from midday to 5pm, every day apart from Mondays.

6. Modern Art Oxford

If you’re more into art than artifacts, another free thing to do in Oxford is visit the Modern Art Museum at 30 Pembroke Street. This space displays the work of modern artists around the world. You’ll find a cafe and shop, as well as the occasional live performance. Since the exhibits change often, visit the website to check what’s on.

Free things to do in Oxford – outdoor activities

7. free walking tour.

While there are a couple of companies offering free walking tours, I would definitely recommend going local while exploring Oxford on a budget. Footprint Tours are an Oxford-based company offering 2-hour free walking tours around the city highlights. You’ll get to see Harry Potter filming locations like Christ Church and the Bodleian Library, as well as historical locations visited by and C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Tours depart from 5 Broadstreet seven days a week up to five times a day. for more details and booking a free space, head to Footprints Tours .

8. Port Meadow

Port Meadow is the largest green space in Oxford running alongside the River Thames. Not only can you swim in the river and have picnics in the summer, but the meadow is home to wild ponies. Last time I visited, a group of five friendly horses traipsed through a group of people sunbathing, sending them scattering. Even on an overcast day, you can take a long leisurely walk around Port Meadow. You can walk there from central Oxford, passing through Jericho . Otherwise, you can catch a bus from the city centre or park outside.

9. University Parks

For a free activity in Oxford closer to the city centre than Port Meadow, you can walk and relax in University Parks. Locals and students call these uni parks or simply just the parks. Like most things in Oxford, they’re owned by the University but they’re free for the public to enter. You can walk, picnic, spot wildlife, admire the large collection of plants and trees and even witness a game of Quidditch if you’re lucky. Check the University Parks website for events including charity runs and circuses.

10. Thames river walk

I recently spent an idyllic afternoon walking the Thames river path which is one of the nicest walks in Oxfordshire . Most of the tourists won’t know about this place but that shouldn’t put you off, in fact that should be an incentive! If you want to escape the crowds, this is one of the best free things to do in Oxford. Option one: Start at the Head of The River pub and locate the river path which passes along the edge of Christ Church Meadows. Walk on the other side of the river past Boathouse Island where you can watch Oxford students practise rowing and stop for a drink at Isis Farmhouse (if you have the budget). You can loop back around Christ Church Meadows to reenter Oxford via the Cowley Road. Option two: Take the river walk the opposite direction. Find The Folly Restaurant (the other side of Abingdon Road from the Head of the River Pub) and follow the river path towards Port Meadow, passing through Osney.

Hungry while there? Check out my guide to the top Cowley Road Oxford restaurants .

11. Wander Ifley Village

This charming village on the outskirts of Oxford is a pretty place to wander for a change of scene. To get there from the option #1 riverwalk mentioned above, continue past Christ Church Meadows, Aston’s Eyot and Donington, ending in Iffley. This should take about 40 minutes in total if starting from the Head of The River pub, but longer if you stop to relax and take photos. There’s not lots to do in Ifley but it’s worth wandering the charming Cotswolds houses, leafy streets and stopping at a traditional English pub.

Read next: best walks in Oxfordshire

12. Get a skyline view at South Park

Yet another gorgeous green space in Oxford is South Park measuring 50 acres. While you can you walk and picnic here, the highlight is the skyline view of Oxford’s dreaming spires. This would be a lovely place to finish a day in Oxford for sunset and a spot of photography. You can reach South Park on foot in 30 minutes from Oxford City centre.

13. Watch the punters

At £20 per person, punting in Oxford isn’t ideal for those visiting Oxford on a budget. If it’s not within your budget, head to Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and set up camp by the riverside. Here you can amuse yourself by watching punters attempt to push themselves along the river, sometimes bickering and occasionally falling out of the boat. What could be better entertainment than that?

Free things to do in Oxford – colleges

There are 38 colleges in Oxford but most have some kind of entrance fee if you’re not a student or staff. If you’re visiting Oxford on a budget and want to see these mysterious worlds for yourself, the good news is that there are free Oxford colleges to enter. These include…

14. All Souls College

All Souls is for researchers rather than undergraduate students making it a bit different from other Oxford colleges. In terms of visiting, it’s one of the grandest and most impressive colleges to wander around and better yet, it’s free. Locate All Souls in Radcliffe Square across from the Radcliffe Camera, marked by its distinctive wrought iron gates.

Read next: A complete guide to visiting Oxford colleges

16. Exeter College

Nestled along pretty Turl Street is Exeter College, one of the oldest in Oxford dating back to 1314. It has a sizeable quad with ancient buildings set around a green square. Entrance is free and the doorway can be found across from Missing Bean, one of the best coffee shops in Oxford . J.R.R. Tolkien and Philip Pullman are both alumni.

16. Corpus Christ College

This small but atmospheric Oxford college is free to visit and doesn’t take long to wander around. They’re known as one of the only colleges to still participate in the annual tortoise racing festival in May. You can find the entrance on Merton Street.

17. Keble College

Keeble looks different to the other Oxford colleges with their golden stone. Keble is built with red brick and is spread across large, open ground. It has less of a cosy feel than some of the others but is visually just as striking.

There are more free colleges but not all are as impressive as these. Check details on the University website . Other free ones include:

• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Lincoln College
• The Queen’s College
• Somerville College
• St Catherine’s College
• St Edmund Hall
• Mansfield College
• Nuffield College
• St Hugh’s College
• St John’s College
• Wadham College.

Free things to do in Oxford – sights

If you’re visiting Oxford on a budget but don’t want to miss the highlights, I would suggest the following free activities in Oxford:

18. University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Along the High Street, you will find University Church of St Mary the Virgin, dating back to the year 1280. While it costs a few pounds to climb the church tower and look out over Oxford, you can enter the impressive church for free.

19. Wander under the Bridge of Sighs

Even if you’re stacked with cash, you can’t pay to go inside the Bridge of Sighs because it’s strictly for staff and students. This charming enclosed bridge connecting two Oxford colleges is suspended above the street. Wander underneath and take some iconic Oxford photos of the Sheldonian Theatre on the other side.

20. Spot the Sheldonian heads

If you’re walking down Broad Street, you will see the Sheldonian Theatre but you might accidentally miss the quirky Sheldonian Heads . Around the outside of the building are 13 pillars, each mounted with busts featuring expressive faces. No one really knows who they were but they’re not the Twelve Apostles who many foreign tourists mistake them for.

There have now been a few sets of heads as the old ones have crumbled and been replaced. What became of the original ones is a mystery and experts in Oxford are apparently still searching the surrounding countryside for their remains.

21. Radcliffe Square

Many of the big names when it comes to Oxford sightseeing can be found scattered around Radcliffe Square. The Radcliffe Camera is an iconic sight, closeby to All Soul’s College and St Mary’s Church. Take some time to wander the cobbled square and people-watch.

22. Evensong at Christ Church

During the university term, the Christ Church Cathedral Choir sing for ‘evensong’, an Anglican Church tradition. For a free activity in Oxford, visit Christ Church Cathedral for a service. Check the Christ Church website for more details.

Free Oxford things to do – hidden gems

23. blackwell’s bookshop.

Literary fans will enjoy this free thing to do in Oxford. Blackwell’s are the largest educational publisher in the UK so where else would their flagship store be than Oxford? The higgedly-piggedly blue bookshop on Broad Street is inside an old building dating back centuries.

24. The Norrington Room

As well as browsing, you can head down to the Norrington Room , one of the largest rooms of books in the world. From the looks of the tiny high street store, you’d have no idea it was there. Covering topics from psychology to sociology and education, it holds over 150,000 books which take up over two miles of shelves! Blackwell’s Bookshop has been open since the 1870s. With so many books joining the collection, there was nowhere to store them but underground.

25. Colourful houses of Holywell Street

This street is a bit of a hidden gem in Oxford and always much quieter than the High Street. Bloggers and photographers need to visit because there are so many adorable buildings with flower-laden bikes resting outside, as well as a collection of pastel-painted houses that I believe are lived in by Oxford students. Local tip – if you love Japanese food, Edamame restaurant on Holywell Street serves some of the best Asian food in Oxford .

26. Find St Helen’s Passage

Most people frequenting St Helen’s Passage are on the way to the Turf Taven, one of Oxford’s oldest and most iconic pubs. Whether or not you’re heading there, I would recommend finding this cute alleyway which you’ll literally have to squeeze to get down. It reminds me of something from Harry Potter. Find it underneath the Bridge of Sighs.

27. Lion street art on St Catherine Street

During your time in Oxford, you may choose to explore the Cowley Road, a hipster and multi-cultural part of town with lots of cool bars and Cowley Road restaurants from Caribbean to Lebanese. A free thing to do is find the street art including this awesome lion mural on Catherine Street.

28. Find the Narnia doorway

This decadent doorway shows a gold figure who appears part fawn. Since C.S Lewis lived on St Mary’s Passage whilst lecturing at Oxford, it’s thought this location may have inspired his Narnia novels, representing the doorway to a magical world. Who knows if it was his inspiration but it seems likely enough!

Free things to do in Oxford – markets

For a fun free activity in Oxford that will include some free samples if you’re lucky, explore the city’s markets. These include:

29. The Covered Market

This is one of my favourite places in Oxford. Even though there are lots of cafes where you can spend money, you can also browse the market for free. You’ll find stands of fresh produce, independent boutiques and colourful florists. It’s a lovely place to get lost in the winding alleys.

Related read: a complete guide to Oxford’s Covered Market

30. Gloucester Green Market

This vibrant open-air market takes place at Gloucester Green on Thursdays and Saturdays. As well as every cuisine from Polish to Venezuelan, you can browse antiques, arts and crafts without feeling pressure to buy.

Read next: the best markets in Oxford

31. North Parade Market

North Parade is a colourful and charming part of Oxford located off the Banbury Road, a 30-minute walk from Central Oxford. With Instagrammable pink pub, The Rose and Crown, decked out with flowery window baskets at all times, you could wander this area as a further free activity in Oxford. If you can time your visit around 2nd or 4th Saturday of the month, visit for the North Parade Farmers Market . The street comes alive with produce, coffee and takeaway food.

32. East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market

Head to East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market held every Saturday between 10am and 1pm. Head to 3 Collins St (just off Cowley Road) to browse ethically-produced organic food and produce. I had the best falafel of my life here!

Thanks for reading!

From free museums in Oxford to green spaces, markets and other attractions, you won’t get bored when visiting Oxford without much money.

Get the best prices on UK travel:  Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  Use Omio to compare trains and buses in one search. It’s so handy. For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. The guides are knowledgeable and you can’t beat the prices. I also check Viator as they often have fun and unique offerings. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Check out my other Oxford guides:

• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• How to spend a day in Oxford
• The best Oxford restaurants
• Where to eat outside in Oxford this summer
• A complete Oxford coffee and cafe guides
• Guide to visiting Jericho, Oxford’s coolest neighbourhood
• The best food in Oxford’s Jericho neighbourhood
• 12 pubs in Oxford with gardens
• The best Asian food in Oxford
• 20 Instagram spots in Oxford
• The best walks in Oxfordshire

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked this guide to Oxford on a budget? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Oxford Free Walking Tours

And other paid tours to consider.

Whenever I'm offering one of our many free London walking tours, there's always a chance that I will be asked about whether or not Free Tours By Foot offers a tour in Oxford.

That's why I wrote this post to provide details of the best walking tours available in Oxford, including free, self-guided options, as well as Harry Potter Tours.

No matter how you choose to experience this city, there are several options, including multiple free walking tours of Oxford.

• City + University Tours
• Harry Potter
• Tours From London
• Self-Guided Tour
• Things to Do in Oxford
• Other Day Trips From London

Disclosure: We think you should consider our free tour , but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text .

OXFORD CITY TOURS

In this section, we will go over all of the walking tours that cover general information about the city of Oxford and its historic landmarks, including both free and paid options.

In our exploration of Oxford tours, you'll come across the renowned University of Oxford with its historic university church of St Mary.

These Oxford city tour uncovers tales from legendary alumni, showcasing filming locations like Harry Potter sites.

As tourists walk through, they are often captivated by these unique spots and the deep-rooted traditions of the university college.

GPS-Led Audio Tour

We are happy to provide you with an excellent guided tour that you could take any time you wish. 

This tour starts from the main train station, so it's perfect for day-trippers coming to Oxford by train.

The app is free to download and the tour costs just £2.

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Here's a sample.

Oxford University & City Walking Tour

Footprints Tours offers 2 tours, a small-group tour for £16.99/person as well as a pay-what-you-wish tour.

This 2-hour guided tour from Footprints covers a variety of different locations in the city, including Oxford University, the Bodleian Library, Trinity College, the Radcliffe Camera, Brasenose College, the School of Divinity, and even a Harry Potter filming site.

The cost of the tour duration includes entrance fees and taxes, so you won’t have to worry about paying anything extra for admission to certain locations.

• £24.99/Adults | £16.99/Children
• Duration: 2 hours
• Availability: Daily at 11:00 am & 14:00 pm (2 pm)
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

With a 4 ½ out of 5-star rating ( read reviews here ), many guests have reported that this was an enjoyable and informative tour.

Free Walking Tour of Oxford

Also offered by Footprints, this 2-hour outing covers a variety of important landmarks such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church, as well as notable Harry Potter filming locations.

While on this tour, you’ll see where figures such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once walked.

• Ticket Price: pay-what-you-wish at the end
• Availability: Mon-Fri at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 14:00 (2 pm)
• Weekend Availability: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 14:00 (2 pm), 15:30 (3:30 pm)
• Learn more or book this tour .

Most people feel their free tours are very high quality, praising their tour companies' guides for providing an interesting look at Oxford.

Oxford Highlights & University Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a shorter alternative, this 1 ½ hour walking tour covers many of the same locations and subjects as other services, and it’s a bit less expensive as well.

Much like the other Oxford mile of walking tours, admission to colleges and libraries are included for free.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walking tours of oxford (@walkingtoursofoxford)

In addition to visiting historic landmarks, you’ll also see filming locations from both the Harry Potter movies and the TV series Brideshead Revisited.

• £19.95/Adults | £18.95/Students & Seniors
• Duration: 1 ½ hours
• Availability: Daily at 12:00 pm, 14:00 (2 pm), and 16:00 (4 pm)

Much like their competition, Oxford Walking Tours also has a 4 ½ out of 5-star rating ( read reviews here ).

Most guests found their guide to be informative and knowledgeable, but some reviewers feel they could have been more thorough.

Self-Guided Oxford Tour

Visitors who want to explore the city at their own pace may want to consider taking a self-guided Oxford tour instead.

Below , we offer a guide that has 23 different stops to see and plenty of useful information about each notable location.

HARRY POTTER OXFORD TOURS

There were a lot of Harry Potter scenes shot in and around Oxford, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that some companies offer entire walking tour of Oxford covering these filming locations.

This section will provide details about the best Harry Potter walking tours available in Oxford, how much they cost and what you can expect to see.

You also have a free, self-guided tour option .

And do note that we also offer both a pay-what-you-want guided walking tour and a free  self-guided tour covering Harry Potter filming locations in London.

Oxford Harry Potter Film Locations Tour

Over the course of 1 ½ - 2 hours, you’ll join a professional guide for a walk around Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) to see Harry Potter filming locations.

In addition to the tour itself, you’ll also enjoy admission to at least 2 of the sites where these movies were filmed.

You’ll also receive a detailed map of all the major attractions in the area, making it easy to see everything that isn’t covered on this tour as well.

• £39.99/Adults | £29.99/Children
• Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• Availability: Daily at 14:30 (2:30 pm)

Visit Oxford Tours has an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Most guests report that their tour expert guide provides a lot of interesting information about both Harry Potter and the history of Oxford in general.

Harry Potter & Alice in Wonderland Tour

In addition to visiting Harry Potter filming locations, this tour also covers the history behind Alice in Wonderland.

Due to its subject matter, this tour includes admission to Christ Church, the Divinity School, and the Bodleian Library.

Guests will also receive a map of Oxford detailing all of the most notable sites and attractions in the area.

• £75/Adults | £50/Youth & Children
• Duration: 2 - 3 hours
• Availability: Daily at 1 pm

Despite the fact that this is one of the more expensive Harry Potter tours in Oxford, it currently has a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Guests report that the tour guides from Visit Oxford Tours are knowledgeable and their outing can sometimes be even longer than advertised!

OXFORD TOURS FROM LONDON

In addition to all the walking tours you can take in Oxford, there are also day trips from London which include a tour of the area.

This section will provide information about Oxford day trips with tours, as well as other methods for visiting Oxford from London.

Full-Day Oxford Tour From London

Offered by Sandemans, this service includes train tickets to and from Oxford as well as a tour of the city which will reveal all of the major sites.

While taking the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see sites such as Trinity College, Christ Church College, Radcliffe Square, Chapels, and more.

Your tour guide will also cover subjects such as the great minds that got their start at Oxford University and the pub once frequented by the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

This tour will depart from Paddington Station on Platform 1.

• £40/Adults | £37/Students | £27/Children
• Duration: 1 day [9:15 am - 17:15 (5:15 pm)]
• Availability: Tue, Fri & Sat at 9:15 am
• Not currently available.

This service currently has a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars, and most guests indicate this is a great deal considering everything included.

Many customers suggest that their tour guide is informative and fun to be around, providing a lot of interesting information about Oxford.

Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Trip

If you’re specifically interested in visiting Oxford to see some of the Harry Potter filming locations, this day trip is definitely worth considering.

In addition to a trip to the Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour , this outing also includes an excursion to Oxford with a full guided tour of the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Warner Bros. Studio Tour (@wbtourlondon)

Travel by executive coach is included with this day trip. The outing departs outside of either Gloucester Road tube station or Great Portland Street tube station.

This is an excellent outing for any fan of the wizarding world, as it includes several notable sites from the films and tales from behind-the-scenes!

• Off-Peak: £149/Adults | £145/Children
• Peak: £169/Adults | £165/Children
• Duration: 1 day [7:30 am - 19:30 (7:30 pm)]
• Availability: Sat-Wed at 7:30 am
• Tickets sell out fast – buy them well ahead of time

This day trip from International Friends has an overall score of 4 ½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Guests report that they had plenty of time to explore the studio and learned a lot of enlightening information about Oxford.

The Most Affordable Oxford Day Trip

Trying to save some money? You can always just purchase train tickets to Oxford and explore the area at your own pace using our self-guided tour .

Alternatively, you can also take the pay-what-you-wish guided tour from Footprints!

Regardless of which option you choose, all you really have to pay for is transportation to and from the city.

You should expect it to take about 1 ½ hours to reach Oxford from London, and set aside the same amount of time to get back.

The easiest way to get here is to take either a coach or a train. Both options range from £5-£15 for a ticket there and back.

Since you’ll be saving so much money, you might want to think about purchasing tickets for some of the more popular attractions in Oxford.

For more details, make sure to read our post about how to get to Oxford from London .

SELF-GUIDED OXFORD TOUR

For those who want to explore Oxford on foot and would like to tread the streets on their own, we’ve put together a self-guided tour of the city that will cover over 20 of the most significant sites in the city.

This is an interactive map. Click on it and you can scroll around.

TOUR START: Carfax Tower

TOUR FINISH: Oxford Castle

The app is free to download and the tour costs just £2. 

(A) Carfax Tower  

Start your tour at the Carfax Tower, the last remaining part of the 12th century St. Martin’s Church. Standing at 74 feet (23m), no building in Oxford may be built higher than this tower.

It’s a good idea to go inside and climb up the 99 steps to the top which gives you an unparalleled view of the city you’re about to explore.

For those traveling on a budget, don’t worry, as entry is under £5.00 for both children and adults!

Walk up CORNMARKET STREET and after a few minutes, you will come to St. Michael at the North Gate on your RIGHT-HAND side.

(B) St. Michael at the North Gate

This is the oldest building in all of Oxford, dating back to the 11th century. The tower here dates from 1040 and is part of the original church, which can be visited.

Inside, the cell where the Oxford Martyrs were held is still available to see. The marriage certificate of William Morris and Jane Burden, who were married here in 1859, is also on display inside.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judy Martin (@judy.martin46)

Continue down CORNMARKET STREET which turns into MAGDALEN STREET. Ahead on the RIGHT-HAND SIDE will be the Martyr’s Memorial.

(C) Martyrs’ Memorial 

The Memorial here is a Victorian creation, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, commemorating the Oxford Martyrs who were put to death nearby in the 16th century.

Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, and Hugh Latimer were burned at the stake for their Anglican religious beliefs in 1555 and this memorial is dedicated to their memory.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Max King (@snacksblingmaxking)

Across the street from the Martyrs Memorial sits the grand entrance to the Ashmolean Museum.

(D) Ashmolean Museum 

The world’s first University museum, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, was established in 1683 within the historic cloisters of the University, adjacent to its famed lecture halls. It has been thrilling visitors ever since.

There is much to see inside and highlights include drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, paintings by Turner, a Stradivari violin, and works by Picasso and van Dyk.

You can also see Oliver Cromwell’s death mask, the lantern Guy Fawkes carried during the Gunpowder Plot, and works of art and architecture dating back literally thousands of years!

The Museum takes a good chunk of time to visit so it’s up to you to decide whether a visit to the museum will fit into your walking tour or if you’d prefer to carry directly on.

MAGDALEN STREET here turns into ST GILES. Follow ST GILES past the Museum and eventually on the LEFT-HAND SIDE will appear The Eagle & Child.

(E) The Eagle and Child 

The pub was the meeting point of The Inklings (a writing group that included Hugo Dyson, Charles Williams, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien).

The Inklings originally held their meetings on Thursday evenings at Lewis’s college dormitories but then changed to meeting at lunchtime on Mondays and Tuesdays at The Eagle and Child.

It is one of the best-loved pubs in Oxford because of its history and literary connections.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Eagle and Child (@the_eagle_and_child)

Turn back down ST. GILES STREET. Take the fork on the LEFT for MAGDALEN STREET EASY which will take you past Balliol College on the LEFT-HAND SIDE. Then turn LEFT onto BROAD STREET which takes you past Trinity College on the LEFT before taking you to Blackwell’s Book Shop.

(F) Balliol/Trinity College 

Balliol College, founded in 1263, counts three prime ministers, five Noel laureates and two Indian cricket captains as alumni.

Trinity College, founded in 1555, counts three prime ministers, a King of Belgium, numerous politicians and explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trinity College, Oxford (@trinitycollegeox)

(G) Blackwells 

Blackwells boasts the largest single room devoted to book sales in Europe: the Norrington Room.

With 10,000 sq. ft. and over 3 miles of shelving, Blackwell’s is an Oxford institution and has been selling books to Oxford students and literati such as J. R. R. Tolkien since its construction on New Year’s Day in 1879.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blackwell's Bookshop Oxford (@blackwelloxford)

With Blackwell’s on your LEFT, the building on your RIGHT is The Sheldonian Theatre.

(H) Sheldonian Theatre 

Designed by noted architect Christopher Wren, the Sheldonian Theatre was built in 1668 with the sole intention of hosting graduation ceremonies.

Today, the theatre is used for music recitals, conferences, ceremonies, and performances.

The top of the building houses a viewing gallery set into an eight-sided cupola, which is open to visitors.

With the Sheldonian Theatre on your RIGHT, continue up BROAD STREET for a few minutes until you come to the Clarendon Building on your RIGHT.

(I) Clarendon Building 

Designed by Christopher Wren’s pupil, Nicholas Hawksmoor, The Clarendon Building was completed in 1715. Originally it was home to the Oxford University Press and was funded by Edward Hyde, the 1st Earl of Clarendon.

Today it is part of the Bodleian, the main research library of Oxford University.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Victoria Liu (@victorialliv)

Continue up BROAD STREET until it ends then turn RIGHT onto CATTLE STREET. Take the first LEFT onto NEW COLLEGE LANE until you get to the bridge spanning the road.

(J) Bridge of Sighs 

Technically named Hertford Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs gained this nickname due to its similarity to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice.

Far more recently constructed than much of Oxford, the Bridge of Sighs was completed in 1914 and designed by architect Sir Thomas Jackson in order to connect two sections of Hertford College.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carlos Ismael Casagrande (@carlos_ismael)

Just after the Bridge of Sighs, take the first LEFT onto the small ST. HELEN’S PASSAGE. Follow the path along as it curves and it will lead you to The Turf Tavern.

(K) The Turf Tavern  

Known mostly as “The Turf”, The Turf Tavern is a popular historic haunt in Oxford.

With a foundation going back to the 13th century and the bar area from the 17th, the pub is bordered on one side by the remaining section of the old city wall, as the pub was strategically built just outside the city wall in order to host illegal activities such as gambling!

The Turf has also hosted two events in popular culture. 

It was here that Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke set a Guinness World Record for consuming a yard-long glass of ale in 11 seconds.

Also, rumour has it that it was at The Turf that American President Bill Clinton (who was attending Oxford) infamously smoked marijuana but “did not inhale.”

Come back out onto St. Helen’s Passage back to New College Lane and turn LEFT. The path will take you past New College as it turns into Queen’s Lane.

Follow Queen’s Lane, passing St. Edmund’s Hall on the LEFT before taking a RIGHT onto the High Street, taking you past Queens College on the RIGHT.

Walk until you get to St. Mary the Virgin on your RIGHT.

(L) New College

Founded in 1379, New College counts Virginia Woolf, Hugh Grant, and Dennis Potter as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New College Oxford (@newcollegeoxford)

(M) St. Edmund Hall 

Founded in 1278 and containing the last surviving medieval hall at the University of Oxford, St. Edmund Hall counts two MPs; Lionel Barber, editor of the Financial Times; Journalist Samir Ahmed; and Olympic fencer Allan Jay as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LinaG (@linafromoxford)

(N) University Church of St. Mary the Virgin  

Built in the 13th century, but with foundations going back to 1086, St. Mary is said to be the first church of Oxford University.

The Tower can be climbed by the public and the 124 steps to the top reward guests with fine views around Oxford, including a stunning panorama including the famous view of Radcliffe Camera.

While facing St. Mary the Virgin, take the path to the RIGHT of the building, Catte Street. All Soul’s College will be on your RIGHT and take either the first or the second path on your LEFT around the Radcliffe Camera.

(O) All Souls College 

Founded in 1438, All Souls College counts Christopher Wren, T. E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”), and George Nathaniel Curzon as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The University of Oxford (@oxford_uni)

(P) Radcliffe Camera 

One of the most recognizable buildings in Oxford the circular dome and the round structure of Radcliffe Camera is world-famous.

Built in 1749 to house the Radcliffe Science Library, the structure is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library. Funding from the structure was provided by the estate of Dr. John Radcliffe who left a fortune to Oxford University in his will.

Although not open to the public (unless taking a guided tour) the Radcliffe Camera has a place in popular culture. J. R. R. Tolkien claimed that the building resembled Sauron’ Tower.

It is mentioned in  His Dark Materials.  It has been seen in  Inspector Morse  and is also the location of important scenes in Gaudy Night  by Dorothy Sayers and  The Historian  by Elizabeth Kostova.

Go back down Catte Street and turn RIGHT onto High Street before making a LEFT onto Magpie Lane. Then turn LEFT onto Merton Street which takes you past Merton College. Follow on until you return to High Street and make a RIGHT, passing Magdalen College on your LEFT. The Botanic Gardens are located on your RIGHT.

(Q) Merton College 

Founded in 1264, Merton Collee counts J. R. R. Tolkien, T. S. Eliot, the heir to the Japanese Throne, Crown Prince Naruhito, and Kris Kristofferson as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Merton College, Oxford (@mertoncollegeoxford)

(R) Magdalen College

Founded in 1458, Magdalen College counts Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis, Dudley Moore, T. E. Lawrence, Sir John Betjeman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and King Edward VII as alumni.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Magdalen College, Oxford (@magdalenoxford)

(S) Botanical Gardens

Started in 1621, and spanning 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares), this is the oldest botanic gardens in Britain.

The Botanic Gardens were previously dedicated to the study of medicinal plants and today houses examples from over 90% of the higher plant families.

It is believed that the gardens were the inspiration for the gardens where Alice in Wonderland encounters the Queen of Hearts’ servants painting the roses red!

When facing the Botanical Gardens, turn back on yourself RIGHT down High Street then take the first LEFT onto Rose Lane. Rose Lane will split and take a LEFT onto Christ Church Meadow Walk along the park.

Walk until you come to Broad Walk on the RIGHT and take this path. The Broadwalk will dead end on St. Aldate’s and here take a RIGHT.

Walk up, passing Christ Church College on the RIGHT and continue until you reach the Museum of Oxford on your RIGHT.

(T) Christ Church 

Founded in 1522 and soon taken over by King Henry VIII, Christ Church counts Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein, John Locke, and William Penn as alumni.

It’s also worth noting that The Great Hall at the college was used for filming scenes in  Harry Potter !

(U) Museum of Oxford 

The Museum of Oxford displays original treasures and artifacts found in the area from prehistoric times.

A relatively recent organization, the Museum of Oxford was founded in 1975 (although the building here dates back to 1897) and the exhibitions here contain items donated by Oxford Colleges and contains a medieval crypt.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museum of Oxford (@museumofoxford)

Keep the Museum of Oxford on the RIGHT and continue up St. Aldate’s until it turns into High Street. Follow it to the RIGHT and you will come to the Covered Market on your LEFT.

(V) Original Ben’s Cookies/Covered Market 

Officially opened on 1st November 1774, the Covered Market began when it was decided to clear the “untidy, messy and unsavoury stalls” from the main streets of Oxford.

Architect John Gwynn designed the covered market which today is home to dozens of obtruding stalls, including greengrocers, butchers (who sell famous Oxford sausages), flower shops, sandwich stalls, and bakeries.

Notably, it is also home to the original Ben’s Cookies stall, located here since 1984 guests can still buy delicious, fresh-baked world-famous cookies.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Covered Market Oxford (@thecoveredmarketoxford)

Get back onto High Street after visiting the Covered Market. With the Market BEHIND you, turn RIGHT. High Street will turn into Queen Street as you walk straight ahead, passing the Carfax Tower where you began.

Continue straight until Queen Street turns into Bonn Square which turns into New Road. Keep going straight ahead until the Oxford Castle appears on your LEFT.

(W) Oxford Castle 

Dating back 1,000 years and doubling as both a home and a prison, Oxford Castle now has a new life as a hotel.

The original castle was damaged severely in the English Civil War but still operated as a prison until 1996 before being transformed into a historic place to stay.

The ruins of the original tower, such as the base of St George’s Tower, still stands and the crypt is preserved and may be visited.

The grassy motte outside of the Castle dates from the 11th century, as does the crypt, and both are worth a visit.

THE TOUR ENDS HERE

Can the public walk around Oxford University?

Absolutely! Visitors can explore historic colleges, witness the beauty of University Parks, and even join Oxford University walk tours led by university-educated guides.

Is Oxford a walkable city?

Certainly! Oxford's Ship Street, Parks Road, and Jericho areas are perfect examples of walkable regions full of historic charm.

Is one day enough for Oxford?

A day lets you experience landmarks like the Old Bodleian Library and Keble College; having more time will enrich your experience of this famous university city.

RELATED POSTS

• How to Get to Oxford from London
• Things to Do in London

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Tour starting point - Please meet your guide opposite TSE NOODLE Restaurant No.8 Ship Street, Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) and join Premium Oxford University Walking Tours. Please fill our Book Now or Contact Us form. Call us for booking or queries on 07412937003. Tour Timings - 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm Everyday.

We are well organised and already expecting you to join our tour., our guide will come 10 minutes before the tour starts at the tour starting point..

Tour starting point - Please meet your guide opposite TSE NOODLE Restaurant No.8 Ship Street, Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) and join Premium Oxford University Walking Tours.