Oxford is rightly on the must-see list of great world cities, its university in the hearts and minds of young and old from all over the world. Its limestone buildings, topped by battlements, spires, towers and pinnacles, set around green lawns, are soaked in history, and brightening them are the brilliant students, from 140 countries.
The old city, Town and 'Gown', is perched on a hill between two rivers Its buildings collectively form a treasury of English architecture, from Saxon, Norman, Gothic, Classical, Gothic Revival, Modern, although It contains few architectural masterpieces, no soaring medieval cathedral, no proud municipal buildings, no dominating castle, no park. Furthermore the medieval colleges that make up the university regard themselves with some justification as primarily academic institutions, not tourist attractions, and are not always welcoming. Even if you get admittance you may not know which door to push.
It is therefore possible to visit Oxford and leave disappointed. Unless, that is, you have an experienced guide, and are prepared to walk. Only walking tours can take you into college chapels and halls, crowded taverns, narrow alleys, cobbled squares.
Before enquiring to me, please note that I only take private tours, in clear standard English. I do not guide large groups of young children, and I do not accompany coaches. If you are a small group, you may find it more economical to join one of the public tours, but from me you get close attention to your enquiry, you can start and finish where you want, go where you choose, move at your own pace, sit down when you want, ask questions on subjects that interest you, and the smaller the group the more chance there is of getting into colleges.
There is no upper limit to the group size I can book. At some point, I ask colleagues in the Guild of Guides to assist me. What that point is, varies. The free-entry colleges bring down each year the number they will accept in one group, from 16 or fewer. The larger colleges that make an entry charge within reason do not set a limit. This is a frequent subject for calculation when arranging a group visit.
The following are the central sites you might wish to visit (2011):
Colleges and university
Free-entry, usually afternoons (if open):
Corpus Christi, Exeter, Harris Manchester, Hertford, Keble, Lincoln, Mansfield, Pembroke, St Edmund Hall, St Johns, St Peters, The Queens, Radcliffe Square, Wadham
Charging:
Balliol, Brasenose, Christ Church (free for Evensong), Jesus, Magdalen, Merton, New College, Oriel, Sheldonian Theatre, Trinity
Usually closed:
All Souls, University, Worcester
Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library and Oxford Castle arrange their own tours for a fee.
All the towers make an entry charge: Carfax, St Mary the Virgin, St Michael at the North Gate, Sheldonian.
The university museums and the Town Museum are free-entry but do not want external guided tours.
Book a Tour
- Email:
billkleonard@gmail.com - Tel:
01865 701601 - Mobile:
07724 854882
About Bill Leonard
Following a business career
I qualified as a
Registered Guide (Blue Badge) in 1992. Since then
I have taken thousands of people of all ages,
nationalities and cultures around Oxford and have
learnt to adjust to their interests, recognising what
does or doesn't interest them.
Whether the presentation required is scholarly or superficial, I try to introduce lightness and humour, and not use two words where one will do. I speak with a strong standard-English voice.
