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Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights

4 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 4 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Oxford, England
Book online or call us

from $246.73 per group (up to 15)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights Image 1
See a Hall where students dine in manorial style
Visit the architecture inside a college and learn about college life
College Dining Hall
Monumental architecture by famous architects
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
French
Instant confirmation

Overview

Oxford History Tours offer real history for genuine history lovers. Experience Oxford's rich history on a 90-minute walking tour led by an Institute of Tourist Guiding professional and Guild of Guides member. Explore the city's origins from Anglo-Saxon times, the evolution of the university, its stunning architecture, libraries, and the student life of today.

Stroll through Oxford's iconic sites, including:

Radcliffe Camera
Divinity School
Bridge of Sighs
Bodleian Library
Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre
Medieval Colleges around every corner

Discover stories of patrons, artists, politicians, saints, scholars, rebels, and martyrs who shaped over 1,000 years of Oxford's history. This tour also includes practical tips to enhance your stay in Oxford.

The route passes famous film, television locations and literary legend.

What's Included

  • Advice to explore Oxford 's colleges and museums and where to eat and shop.
  • Guided tour led by an experienced, licensed guide

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    Please let us know if you would like to be collected from a particular meeting point. Where you so not have a preference this tour starts from the Martyrs Memorial on St Giles, OX1 3AE

    OR
    Meeting point

    13 Magdalen Street
    Oxford OX1 3AE, UK

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    Golden Cross
    Oxford OX1 3EU, UK

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    Martyrs' Memorial

    Important Victorian monument to the Protestant martyrs of the 16th century.
    Read more

    3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    St Michael at the North Gate

    This Anglo Saxon Tower was part of the Medieval city gate and is probably the surviving oldest building in Oxford today. Many stories over the centuries
    Read more

    4 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Exeter College

    Exeter's chapel was inspired by the Oxford Movement and modelled on Paris' St Chapelle. Graduates include Philip Pullman, JR Tolkien and Alan Bennett.
    Read more

    4 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Lincoln College

    Lincoln College's original face onto Turn Street tells a story about the University's origins and its relationship with the city. Lincoln College recently got it first Priminister Rushi Sunak, and was also home to the ~Methodist Wesley Brothers
    Read more

    3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

    The University Church was the University's first building. It is listed in the Doomsday Book. Ot is possible to climb its magnificent spire. Today we will admire its famous stained glass and learn how it inspired CS Lewis.
    Read more

    7 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Bridge of Sighs

    Oxford's iconic bridge belonging to Hertford College. Although it looks like an old Venetian Bridge, it was built in the twentieth century! It is also next to the house of Edmund Halley who had the comet named after him.
    Read more

    3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Sheldonian Theatre

    We will admire this 17th century home to the ceremonies of Oxford University. It is believed to be the first building by Christopher Wren. The architect of St Paul's Cathedral in London was also Astronomer of Photography at Oxford University.
    Read more

    6 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Bodleian Library

    Today the Bodlein Library has over 13 million books. We will admire the 17th century buildings and learn about the origins go the library and how it still works today.
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Radcliffe Camera

    Oxford's first science Library. Learn about one of Oxford's most eccentric and generous benefactors, the Royal Physician sir John Radcliffe
    Read more

    5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Balliol College

    We will step inside Oxford's second oldest college and see its internal quadrangle, the Capel with its glorious stained glass, as well as its dining hall with portraits that tell its interesting foundation story. Here we'll learn more about when women undergraduates started to have access to the University and its colleges.
    Read more

    15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Show 9 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Wheelchair accessible only with prior notice
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-402859P3

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    4 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    4
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
    Oxford Tours
    Attractions
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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Advice to explore Oxford 's colleges and museums and where to eat and shop.
    • Guided tour led by an experienced, licensed guide.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights is as follows:

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Wheelchair accessible only with prior notice
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Oxford: 2 hour Historical, literary and architectural highlights will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024
    Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
    A:

    Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

    Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

    If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

    Oct 2026

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Advice to explore Oxford 's colleges and museums and where to eat and shop.
    • Guided tour led by an experienced, licensed guide

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Wheelchair accessible only with prior notice
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name