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The City of Dreaming Spires: Oxford Private Day Trip from London
London, United Kingdom
8 hours
Art & Culture
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Walking Tours
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Romantic
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History
Date
Today
What You Will Do
Discover the beautiful, world-famous university city of Oxford dubbed the City of Dreaming Spires by the poet Matthew Arnold, on this private day trip from London where you can fully explore the city that gave us the Inklings: Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and C.S Lewis, Narnia, Middle Earth and Alice in Wonderland!
On your private Oxford day trip you will:
- See historic Oxford Castle and prison, and learn how King Charles I and the Royalists took over Oxford during the English Civil War;
- Visit Oxford University, one of the world’s best-known universities and explore the array of 37 colleges, including New College, Christchurch, Merton, Brasenose, Exeter, Oriel and Pembroke;
- Stroll down Cornmarket Street, explore the covered market and Carfax Tower;
- Marvel at the Radcliffe Camera, and take photos at the iconic Bridge of Sighs, the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre;
- Learn about some of the illustrious professors and former students of Oxford, hear about daily life as a student here and the formal ceremonies such as matriculation and graduation.
- Pop into some of the popular pubs for a cheeky pint, such as the Turf Tavern (where Bill Clinton didn’t inhale) or the Eagle and Child, where the Inklings met;
- See how it came to be the university town that inspired Lewis Carroll's Wonderland, Tolkien's Middle Earth, and Lewis's Narnia and is one of the most popular filming locations for TV series like Morse and Lewis, and iconic movies like Harry Potter.
On arriving in Oxford, your guide will spend the morning showing you around Oxford Castle and medieval prison, followed by an in-depth tour of one of the 37 colleges.
You’ll then be able to take a lunch break at one of the many delicious eateries or street food vendors at the Covered Market and enjoy a fully guided tour of the city afterwards.
You will learn about the town-gown riots of the medieval period as you pop into Blackwells - the student bookshop, and learn all about life as a student or don at Oxford.
You will also stop by the iconic Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs and the Bodleian Library and hear about Matriculation at the Sheldonian Theatre, and wander into the nooks and crannies that would inspire the famous entrances to Narnia.
See colleges like All Souls and Magdalene, Oriel and Jesus and enjoy some peaceful green space as you wander along with the River Isis, through Christchurch Meadow and the Botanical Garden.
After a day spent absorbing the magic of Oxford, you’ll then enjoy a peaceful transfer back to London.
What's Included?
- A friendly, professional English-speaking driver guide for your own private group
- London Black Cab throughout the tour
- Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off from Central London
- Entrance to one of Oxford's historic colleges
What's Not Included?
- Food and drink
- Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 30 days before tour start. 30% cancellation fee applies if cancelled between 30 and 4 days before tour start. Non refundable if cancelled within 4 days of tour start.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Hotel Pick up is available from any Central London Hotel within a 5km radius from Embankment Place. If your hotel information is not provided, your guide will meet you at the Taxi Rank in Embankment Place, outside Embankment Tube Station (at the Villiers Street entrance and not the Embankment entrance).
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Oxford
Oxford, known as the "City of Dreaming Spires", is located 56 miles (90km) away from the city of London and is home to the world's most famous university.
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Additional Information
This activity is operated by Travel Curious
- Weather notes: Force Majeure Disclaimer: In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, natural disasters, riots, strikes, etc. and the tour cannot operate as published, we will endeavour to reschedule your tour date/time or we will provide a full refund.
- Know before you go: - Your guide will be happy to customise the itinerary on the day for you if you wish to spend more or less time at attractions/areas stated on your tour itinerary - Oxford Colleges are educational institutions, and visiting hours are subject to change based on college events. We will endeavour to be sure you visit at least one historic college; however, we cannot guarantee in advance which college it will be. - Hotel pick-up is available upon request from Central London. If we do not receive your hotel information or if the hotel is outside of the pick-up radius, your guide will meet you at a recommended meeting point (the address can be found in the booking confirmation email).
- Accesibility: All Black Cabs are wheelchair accessible and foldable wheelchairs (under 10kg) can be stored in the vehicle. Please note the person must be able to get into and out of the vehicle without the assistance of the driver or tour guide and a member of the group must be able to lift the wheelchair in and out of the vehicle without the assistance of the driver or tour guide. Additionally, on some occasions, slight amendments to the route may need to be made to make this fully accessible. If your wheelchair is over 10kg or cannot be folded to be easily stored in a vehicle, please be in touch, so we can arrange a custom booking for you.
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