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.
Haunted Colleges Tour - practical travel guide with honest advice.
A focused one-hour tour of Oxford's university colleges and their reported hauntings, departing from Broad Street. The guide shares stories of phantom bells, spectral students, and poltergeists documented by college residents across multiple centuries. The family-friendly version removes darker elements, making it suitable for younger visitors. Weather affects scheduling, so confirmation is needed closer to your date. Best for university ghost story fans. This is a easy activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: 2-15. You meet at Broad Street. Key highlights: Phantom bells rung without human cause in multiple colleges, Spectral student sightings documented by recent witnesses, Poltergeist activity in college libraries and dining halls.
Price: £12
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy
Group size: 2-15
Minimum age: 6+ (family-friendly version)
Best for: university ghost story fans
Best time: Any season. Evening tours (6pm-7pm) preferred for atmosphere but daytime versions available. Weather-dependent, so book flexibly or check forecast first.
Meeting point: Broad Street
Languages: English
Here is how the experience unfolds:
Start time varies Meet on Broad Street near tour operator's sign - Exact meeting point will be confirmed by operator; typically near college gateways.
First 15 minutes Introduction to college ghost lore and Oxford's supernatural reputation - Guide provides context for why universities attract paranormal narratives.
15-35 minutes Walk past specific colleges with documented hauntings - Stories include phantom bells rung without cause, apparitions in libraries, and unexplained sounds in dormitories.
35-55 minutes Detailed accounts of individual college phantoms and poltergeists - Guide names specific colleges and hauntings reported by current or recent students.
55-60 minutes Final stories and questions from the group - Conclude near original meeting point with opportunity to ask the guide.
The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Broad Street.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £12 |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Group size | 2-15 |
| Minimum age | 6+ (family-friendly version) |
| Meeting point | Broad Street |
| Languages | English |
| Cancellation | Confirm weather status with operator same day; refund or reschedule if cancelled for poor weather |
| Accessibility | Easy walking on flat Broad Street and nearby college precincts. Wheelchair-accessible for most of route; some narrow passages may be difficult. No steep hills. Children under 6 may struggle with pace. |
What is included: Guided 1-hour walking tour of college exteriors, Stories from college residents and institutional records, Access to public Broad Street and college precinct views.
Not included: Entry inside colleges, Food or drinks, Private or bespoke versions. You will need to arrange these yourself.
What to bring: Umbrella or rain jacket (weather-dependent tour), Comfortable walking shoes, Camera for exterior college photos. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.
Best time to go: Any season. Evening tours (6pm-7pm) preferred for atmosphere but daytime versions available. Weather-dependent, so book flexibly or check forecast first..
Tip: Family-friendly version available
Tip: Weather dependent
Accessibility: Easy walking on flat Broad Street and nearby college precincts. Wheelchair-accessible for most of route; some narrow passages may be difficult. No steep hills. Children under 6 may struggle with pace..
Operator: Spooky Oxford
After this activity, these are within easy reach:
This activity is run by Spooky Oxford.
Cancellation policy: Confirm weather status with operator same day; refund or reschedule if cancelled for poor weather.
Accessibility: Easy walking on flat Broad Street and nearby college precincts. Wheelchair-accessible for most of route; some narrow passages may be difficult. No steep hills. Children under 6 may struggle with pace..
Best time to go: Any season. Evening tours (6pm-7pm) preferred for atmosphere but daytime versions available. Weather-dependent, so book flexibly or check forecast first..
The family version removes dark historical details and gore, focusing on stories of phantom bells and playful poltergeists rather than tragic deaths. It's appropriate for ages 6+, though genuinely sensitive children may still find some stories unsettling. Ask the operator about content before booking.
Tours are weather-dependent and may be postponed or cancelled if conditions are severe. The operator will contact you same-day to reschedule or offer a refund. Confirm your email and phone are correct during booking so cancellations reach you promptly.
No. The tour covers exteriors and public viewing points of colleges only. Interiors are not accessed. If you want to see inside colleges, book separate paid entry tours to specific colleges like Christ Church (£15) or check college visiting hours.
The family version removes dark historical details and gore, focusing on stories of phantom bells and playful poltergeists rather than tragic deaths. It's appropriate for ages 6+, though genuinely sensitive children may still find some stories unsettling. Ask the operator about content before booking.
Tours are weather-dependent and may be postponed or cancelled if conditions are severe. The operator will contact you same-day to reschedule or offer a refund. Confirm your email and phone are correct during booking so cancellations reach you promptly.
No. The tour covers exteriors and public viewing points of colleges only. Interiors are not accessed. If you want to see inside colleges, book separate paid entry tours to specific colleges like Christ Church (£15) or check college visiting hours.
Live availability from our partner Viator