Oxford is one of England’s most captivating towns, renowned for its world-famous university, stunning architecture, and literary connections. It’s a place where history, academia, and film collide in the best way. Whether you’re a history buff, a Potterhead, or just looking to soak up the scenery, Oxford offers a range of tours that deliver authentic experiences. We especially love how some tours combine insider knowledge with iconic filming locations — like the Oxford Harry Potter Insights Divinity School Group Tour — giving you a magical peek behind the scenes. Others, like the City and University Tour including college entry, let you step inside historic colleges with passionate guides.
If you’re short on time, a guided walking tour provides a rundown of Oxford’s most famous sights in just two hours. For those wanting a more leisurely view of the city from the water, the Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise offers a relaxing way to see the city’s riverside landmarks.
1. Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide
This 2-hour tour stands out for its lively storytelling with a former student guide who brings Oxford’s history to life. You’ll see key landmarks like the Bodleian Library and Trinity College, while also learning about what life is like as an Oxford student. The highlight for many is visiting a Harry Potter filming location, adding a bit of magic to the academic tour. With a rating of 4.7/5 from over 3,700 reviews, it’s clear this tour delights visitors, who praise guides like Arron for making history engaging and fun. The price of around $40 makes it a solid value, especially for those wanting a deep yet approachable insight into Oxford’s university.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a lively, insider-guided walk that covers both the city and the university’s iconic sites, this tour is perfect. It’s well-suited for first-timers who want a rundown in a short time.
2. Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford
For fans of detective dramas, this 105-minute tour scores a 4.9/5 from 650 reviews. Led by a guide who’s passionate about the Inspector Morse universe, you’ll visit the TV filming sites and learn how Oxford’s colleges served as backdrops for the shows. The tour also touches on the pubs Morse enjoyed, giving you a taste of local lore. Guests rave about the guide’s knowledge and engaging style, with many saying it’s the highlight of their visit. At just over $32, this tour offers a unique blend of literature, TV, and city sights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for TV fans and those interested in Oxford’s literary connections. It’s a small-group experience that feels personal and informative.
3. Oxford: City and University Tour, including college entry
Offering a 1.5-hour deep dive, this tour scores 4.4/5 from nearly 1,800 reviews. Your expert guide will take you through the dreamy spires and historic colleges, including entry into one college—a real treat for architecture lovers. You’ll also find locations linked to Harry Potter, Morse, and Brideshead Revisited, satisfying fans of film and literature alike. The guide’s commentary is lively, and the small group size ensures a personalized experience. The price—about $34—feels reasonable given the access and insights provided.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded overview that includes college visits and film locations, this tour is a strong, mid-length option.
4. Oxford: Harry Potter Insights Divinity School Group Tour
Rated 4.7/5 by 771 happy Potter fans, this 105-minute tour immerses visitors in the Harry Potter universe within Oxford. Your enthusiastic guide will take you through the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library, showcasing the filming location that inspired Hogwarts’ infirmary. The tour also explores the colleges that J.K. Rowling used as inspiration and compares student life at Hogwarts with Oxford. The guide’s passion makes the experience particularly memorable. At around $34, it’s an affordable way for Potterheads to connect with the films’ real-life settings.
Bottom Line: Ideal for Harry Potter fans seeking immersive film location insights paired with some university history, all in a compact tour.
5. Oxford: Harry Potter Walking Tour Including New College
This 1.5-hour tour scores 4.6/5 from nearly 1,000 reviews. Led by a student guide, you’ll visit New College, which inspired scenes in the books and movies, and see the Bodleian Library’s hall where Harry’s infirmary scenes were shot. The guide shares behind-the-scenes stories and insider info about the film adaptations. Priced at about $40, this tour offers a rich mix of film, literature, and university history.
Bottom Line: A must for fans wanting a lively, student-led exploration of Oxford’s Harry Potter connections and iconic sites.
6. Oxford: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise
Rated 4.6/5 with 884 reviews, this 45-minute eco-friendly cruise offers a different perspective on Oxford. You’ll glide past Folly Bridge, Christ Church, and Meadows, with live commentary from your knowledgeable skipper. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the river scenery, with options to order drinks from The Folly Restaurant to enjoy onboard. The cruise is a relaxing complement to land-based tours, offering a serene break while soaking in the sights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a gentle, scenic experience along Oxford’s waterways, especially in good weather.
7. From Oxford: Cotswolds Towns and Villages Small Group Tour
This 7-hour tour scores 4.9/5 from 332 reviews and is ideal for those wanting to explore beyond Oxford. You’ll visit Bourton-on-the-Water, Minster Lovell Hall, and Lower Slaughter, plus see scenic villages far from tourist crowds. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the small-group size guarantees a personal experience. The tour includes stops for guided walks, sightseeing, and free time, providing a well-balanced day in the Cotswolds.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting to see picturesque villages and historic sites in a relaxed, small-group setting.
8. Oxford: Official University and City Walking Tour
With a 4.7/5 rating from over 500 reviews, this 2-hour tour offers a comprehensive city exploration. Hosted by the city’s tourism board, it covers secret alleyways, famous pubs, and highlights from Oxford University like Christ Church and New College. The guide’s engaging explanations make the city’s secrets accessible, while the outside views of Harry Potter locations add a special touch. The price of approximately $38 provides excellent value for a detailed tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time visitors who want a balanced overview of Oxford’s hidden corners and major sights.
9. Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket
Rated 4.6/5 from 532 reviews, this ticket gives access to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ticket covers the palace, gardens, and parkland, with options to explore more or upgrade for special exhibitions. The palace’s over 2000 acres of landscaped grounds make it a full-day experience. While the ticket price is around $55, many visitors find it worthwhile for the chance to see such a grand estate.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those interested in British history and architecture, especially if you enjoy combining palace visits with outdoor walks.
10. Oxford: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
This flexible 1-2 day tour scores 4.5/5 from 606 reviews. Riding an open-top double-decker, you’ll see Oxford Castle, Queen’s College, and more, with hop-on, hop-off convenience. It’s perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace, and the panoramic views make it easy to identify sites. The ticket, costing about $26, is a good value for quick access to key sights and optional entry to Carfax Tower.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who prefer a flexible, scenic overview with the option to explore further on foot.
11. Oxford: University Walking Tour with Christ Church Visit
Rated 4.6/5 from 366 reviews, this 3-hour tour offers inside access to Christ Church and other colleges. Led by a passionate guide, visitors enjoy fast-track entry and an authentic, student-led perspective. The guide shares unique insights into student life and the university’s history, making it ideal for those wanting a deep dive into Oxford’s academic side.
Bottom Line: Excellent for visitors interested in in-depth college visits and exclusive access beyond typical tours.
12. Oxford: Sightseeing River Cruise with Afternoon Tea
Rated 4.7/5 by 267 reviews, this 1.5-hour cruise combines scenic views with a delightful afternoon tea. You’ll glide past Rose Island, Boat Houses, and Folly Bridge, with the chance to enjoy finger sandwiches and scones onboard. Families and couples alike find this a relaxing way to see Oxford from the river while indulging in traditional tea service.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a leisurely, elegant experience on the water, especially in nice weather and with a love of afternoon tea.
13. Oxford: Christ Church Harry Potter Film Locations Tour
Rated 4.6/5 from 302 reviews, this 3-hour tour takes you inside Christ Church College, with guided access to the film locations that inspired Hogwarts. The guide combines film facts, university history, and insider stories, making it popular among Harry Potter fans. Entry to the Divinity School or New College is also included, adding to the value.
Bottom Line: For Potter fans wanting inside access to Christ Church and detailed filming insights, this is a top choice.
14. Oxford Castle and Prison: Guided Tour
With a 4.7/5 rating, this 1-hour tour offers a deep look into Oxford’s medieval and modern history. You’ll climb St. George’s Tower, explore the crypt, and see the motte-and-bailey castle remains. The guides are well-informed and engaging, making the visit both educational and fun.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history lovers interested in a focused exploration of Oxford’s castle and prison history.
15. Oxford: Inspector Morse Lewis Endeavour Small Group Tour
Rated 4.7/5, this 2-hour tour takes you through film locations and college interiors featured in the TV series. Led by knowledgeable guides like Tom or Jim, you’ll visit famous pubs and see Morse-related sites. Reviews highlight its engaging storytelling and personalized experience, at about $54 per person.
Bottom Line: Best for fans wanting a behind-the-scenes look at the filming locations and local pubs associated with Morse and Endeavour.
16. London: Small Group Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds Day Tour
This full-day 11.5-hour tour scores 4.9/5 with excellent reviews. It includes visits to Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Cotswolds villages, combining guided walks with scenic drives. Led by a knowledgeable guide, it’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day outside London with enough free time to explore each destination.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers on a tight schedule wanting a full, curated experience of the English countryside and historic towns.
How to Choose
When selecting the best tour in Oxford, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. If you want a quick, rundown, the Oxford: University and City Walking Tour is a reliable pick. Harry Potter fans should look at Tour #4 or Tour #13 for immersive film locations. For a relaxed experience, the River Cruise offers peaceful river views, while the Cotswolds Day Tour is perfect if you want to combine Oxford with other iconic English sights.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours during peak seasons or if you want inside access to colleges. Think about whether you prefer walking, driving, or a more casual river cruise, and pick accordingly.
Oxford’s range of tours ensures there’s something for all. From short city walks to full-day excursions, each offers a chance to learn about this historic university town. Whether you’re exploring Harry Potter filming sites, learning about Oxford’s literary past, or simply enjoying the scenic river views, a good tour will make your visit memorable. Consider your priorities and choose a tour that aligns with your interests and schedule—then book early to secure your spot.