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Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

5 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 5 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Oxford, England
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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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Overview

Oxford’s historical streets are full of interesting and unusual pubs, some of which have been providing refreshment for over 700 years. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll visit a few of the oldest and quirkiest pubs the city has to offer. Starting at the Head of the River pub near Folly Bridge, you’ll wind through cobbled lanes and hidden passages to discover ten of Paul Coyne favourite pubs, each with a story to tell. The audio guide will lead you through the ancient streets where students and townspeople have all enjoyed an ’Education in Intoxication’. You’ll see where a Tuesday afternoon pub brawl took 600 years to be finally reconciled, and learn which pub had a camel. You'll also see a few historical landmarks like Hertford Bridge, Carfax Tower, and Radcliffe Square. By the end of the tour, in front of the Grapes on George Street, you’ll have learnt the differences between an alehouse, a tavern, and an inn.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Caudwells Castle
5 Folly Bridge, Oxford OX1 4LB, UK

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

End point

Oxford OX1 2AR
UK

This tour end outside The Grapes Pub on George Street.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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The Head of the River, Oxford (pass by)

The start of the Oxford Historic Pub Tour, with a lovely riverside garden. Learn about the Oxford University eights races & how the pub got it's name.
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The Bear Inn, Oxford (pass by)

Discover if The Bear is truly the oldest pub in Oxford dating from 1262. Learn more about The Bear's collection of over 4,500 snipped neckties.
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Carfax Tower (pass by)

Learn about the St. Scholastica Day riot which started with a pub brawl at the Swindlestock Tavern.
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The Crown (pass by)

William Shakespeare was a frequent visitor to the The Crown Inn and it's alleged that he became very friendly with the landlord's wife.
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Turf Tavern (pass by)

A hidden gem of Oxford that can be difficult to find, but our clear audio directions will lead you right there. The Turf has many stories of celebrity drinking exploits.
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King's Arms, Oxford (pass by)

Learn about the Kings Arms' reputation of having the "highest IQ per square foot of any pub in the world". A very atmospheric pub with back rooms and a real log fire in the winter.
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Oxford Covered Market (pass by)

Trading since 1774 the Covered Market has modernised in recent years with many craft ale bars and shops. Well worth a visit to soak up the historic atmosphere and perhaps have a craft ale & some food.
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White Horse (pass by)

Probably the smallest pub in Oxford and has appeared in Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse series many times.
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Bridge of Sighs (pass by)

Hertford Bridge links two parts of Hertford college in Oxford. It's commonly known as 'The Bridge of Sighs' and is a great place for picturesque photos when touring Oxford.
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The Grapes (pass by)

The last pub on the Oxford Historic Pub Tour, a time to reflect on the ten pubs you will have visited. A Victorian pub in style with over 40 keg & 8 cask ales to enjoy.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Oxford’s Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour?

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.

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Activity code: C-110804P986

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Reviews

5.00
5 reviews

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

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation
  • Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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