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Discover Oxford University with Recent Graduate
Oxfordshire
Explore Oxford University with a recent graduate. Discover history, tradition, and stunning architecture in an intimate, personalized 90-minute tour.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- St. Michael at the North Gate - The oldest building remaining in Oxford, and, accordingly, thoroughly steeped in history - the church of St. Michael at the North Gate is an entirely apt start to our tour. Here, I’ll explain how Oxford first came to be, and tell the dramatic stories of conflict between City and University.
- Balliol College - Balliol is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. Here, I’ll explain how the college system works and tell you about some of my experiences of college life.
- Trinity College - Trinity is Balliol’s big rival - you’ll hear about the devious, and altogether hilarious, ways that the two colleges battle each other. If we’re lucky, we might be able to see the first quadrangle, and I’ll show you how a college works day-to-day.
- Sheldonian Theatre - The ceremonial theatre of the University of Oxford. You’ll find out about the secretive ceremonies that happen here, the bizarre things that students have to wear to take part, and why your head might hurt at the end of your graduation…
- Blackwell’s Bookshop - One of the largest bookshops in England, Blackwell’s has a long association with Oxford University. You can browse its six miles of bookshelves after the tour!
- Weston Library - The rare manuscripts archive in Oxford. I’ll direct you to any current exhibitions held by the library, so you can see some of its treasures for yourself after the tour.
- Clarendon Building - The original location of the University Press, the Clarendon Building is an exquisite example of 18th century neoclassical architecture.
- Bridge of Sighs - One of the most famous sites at the University of Oxford. There will, of course, they’ll be plenty of time to take photos!
- Bodleian Library - The real hub of the Oxford, the Bodleian is the main University library - and where I used to study every day! We’ll go inside the Schools Quadrangle, where you can see the entrances to the old lecture rooms, incredible stonework, and the most impressive frontispiece in the whole of England. But there’s so much to see here; I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
- The Divinity School - The oldest, and perhaps most beautiful, building in the University of Oxford, and we’ll get to go inside! With its stunning vaulted ceiling, fascinating artefacts - and an incredible history to go with it - this is something you really don’t want to miss.
- Radcliffe Camera - Perhaps the most iconic building in Oxford, the stunning neoclassical Radcliffe Camera is now the history faculty library for the University. I’ll describe how students use the library today and explain why it’s often considered the perfect place to take a nap! I’m always happy to take photos of you and your group – but you might particularly want them here!
- All Souls College - The most prestigious college in Oxford – but that’s because there aren’t any students there! I’ll explain how All Souls continues to be the most exclusive college in the University, and why they still set the hardest exam in the world.
- University Church of St. Mary the Virgin - Executions, trials, riots: the University Church has seen it all. See the site of the first ever Oxford University building - and find out how a student argument over the price of wine led to the Lord Mayer not being allowed to wear any shoes…
- University College - Home of the poet Percy Shelley - albeit only for a term! University College might think they are the oldest, but find out why no one takes their claim seriously.
- Examination Schools - The place that all students dread: see where all Oxford students take their exams. If we’re there at the right time, we might even see students wearing academic robes and coloured carnations before they go inside.
- Merton College - Merton is known as the most academic college in Oxford, and not without reason. Learn about the mysterious ‘Time Ceremony’, and find out why you might see a Merton student walking backwards at two o’clock in the morning.
- Christ Church - Prime Ministers, Alice and Wonderland, and a cathedral for a chapel - Christ Church is a strange place. I’ll break down how and why Christ Church got its reputation, and find the best spots to see its towers.
- Christ Church Meadow - A beautiful place to end our tour, Christ Church meadow is open to students, visitors, and, most importantly, cows. I’ll let you into the secrets of the college boat clubs, and show you the most scenic parts of the meadow. From there, I can direct you to wherever you need to go!
What's Included
- Entry into Divinity School (or alternative)
- Experienced tour guide, recently graduated from the University of Oxford
- Insights into student life and what it’s like to study at Oxford
- Guidance on planning the rest of your trip, and directions to places of interest in Oxford
What's Not Included
- Entry into other colleges and University buildings
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Welcome to my speciality tour: an unforgettable 90-minutes in the world’s greatest university – led by Rory, recent graduate of the University of Oxford (BA Philosophy and Theology, 2020-2023). You’ll discover a thousand years of history and tradition, learn from first-hand experience what it’s like to be an Oxford University Student, and visit some of the most incredible architecture in the world. We’ll even go inside the Divinity School – the oldest and, in my opinion, most beautiful, building in the whole University. I keep my tour groups small and personal – there’ll never be more than 12 people – meaning you’ll be able to ask all the questions you want. I’m always happy to adapt tours to the interests of the group.
- Tour can be made wheelchair accessible on request
- Travellers must be able to walk at a gentle pace for an hour and a half
Location
St Michael at the North Gate
Cornmarket Street
We'll meet next to the church of St Michael at the Northgate, just off Cornmarket Street. I'll be standing between the church and the shop 'Laird Hatters', holding a small sign.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.