Affiliate links: This page contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we genuinely believe in. Read our full disclosure policy.
Oxford University City - practical travel guide with honest advice.
Explore England's oldest university with guided tours of historic colleges including Christ Church Cathedral and the Bodleian Library. Current Oxford students share insights into university life while showing you filming locations from Harry Potter movies. The tour includes time to browse the 18th-century Covered Market and visit the Ashmolean Museum before returning to Birmingham. Best for education tourists and Harry Potter fans. This is a easy activity lasting 7.5 hours. Group size: max 40. You meet at Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company. Key highlights: Christ Church College Great Hall and cathedral, Bodleian Library with medieval manuscripts, Current student guides sharing university traditions.
Price: £48
Duration: 7.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Group size: max 40
Minimum age: all ages
Best for: education tourists and Harry Potter fans
Best time: Term time (October-December, January-March, April-June) for full college access and student life atmosphere
Meeting point: Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company
Languages: English
Here is how the experience unfolds:
8:30am Depart Birmingham meeting point - Comfortable coach journey through Warwickshire and Oxfordshire countryside takes 90 minutes.
10:30am Oxford walking tour begins - Meet your student guide and explore Carfax Tower and medieval city walls.
11:30am University college visits - Enter Christ Church College including the Great Hall used in Harry Potter films.
1:00pm Bodleian Library tour - Visit one of Europe's oldest libraries including Duke Humfrey's medieval reading room.
2:30pm Free time for shopping and lunch - Browse the historic Covered Market and High Street shops or visit museums.
4:00pm Return journey to Birmingham - Arrive back at Birmingham by 5:30pm with Oxford university insights.
The whole experience takes 7.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £48 |
| Duration | 7.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Group size | max 40 |
| Minimum age | all ages |
| Meeting point | Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company |
| Languages | English |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation 24h before departure |
| Accessibility | Historic buildings have steps and narrow doorways, limited wheelchair access to some colleges |
What is included: Return coach transport, Professional tour guide, Oxford student walking tour, Christ Church College admission, Bodleian Library tour.
Not included: Lunch, Museum admissions, Personal shopping, Additional college fees. You will need to arrange these yourself.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Weather-appropriate clothing, Camera, Lunch money. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.
Best time to go: Term time (October-December, January-March, April-June) for full college access and student life atmosphere.
Tip: Student guide included
Tip: College access depends on term time
Accessibility: Historic buildings have steps and narrow doorways, limited wheelchair access to some colleges.
Operator: Evan Evans Tours | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 020 7950 1777
After this activity, these are within easy reach:
This activity is run by Evan Evans Tours.
Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24h before departure.
Accessibility: Historic buildings have steps and narrow doorways, limited wheelchair access to some colleges.
Best time to go: Term time (October-December, January-March, April-June) for full college access and student life atmosphere.
Yes, the tour includes Christ Church Great Hall which doubled as Hogwarts dining hall, plus exterior shots of other colleges used in films. However, some locations may have restricted access during university exams or special events.
Major attractions like Christ Church Cathedral remain open year-round, though some college courtyards may be inaccessible. The tour adjusts to include alternative colleges and extends time at the Bodleian Library and city centre.
Approximately 2 miles of walking on mostly flat paved surfaces through the historic city centre. The pace is leisurely with regular stops for photos and explanations from your student guide.
Yes, the tour includes Christ Church Great Hall which doubled as Hogwarts dining hall, plus exterior shots of other colleges used in films. However, some locations may have restricted access during university exams or special events.
Major attractions like Christ Church Cathedral remain open year-round, though some college courtyards may be inaccessible. The tour adjusts to include alternative colleges and extends time at the Bodleian Library and city centre.
Approximately 2 miles of walking on mostly flat paved surfaces through the historic city centre. The pace is leisurely with regular stops for photos and explanations from your student guide.
Best for: nature lovers and walking enthusiasts
Best for: countryside lovers and photographers
Best for: history enthusiasts and families
Best for: literature lovers and cultural tourists
Live availability from our partner Viator