Oxford Full-Day Tours: Your Top 5 Choices & Tips

Oxford, a city practically bubbling over with history and gorgeous architecture, calls to people from everywhere. Figuring out the very best way to soak up all its charm might feel a bit much, too it’s almost like you need a map to figure out what tours are even good. Well, that is where this helpful guide comes in! It’s here so that you get pointed in the right direction. I mean, this review of the top five full-day Oxford tours helps, really, it points you to those unique experiences, each promising its very own flavor of Oxford’s character.

1. The “Harry Potter” Film Locations Tour: Spotting Magic

Okay, for fans of the wizarding kind, this “Harry Potter” film locations tour definitely gives an enchanting peek into the bits of Oxford that helped to make the movies so very magical. It isn’t just about spotting the places they filmed, though, is that it is a look into the history, very, very interesting history of the buildings used as backdrops for Hogwarts. Think about walking where Harry, Ron, and Hermione did! Very cool, right? You’ll stroll through college courtyards which turned into Hogwarts classrooms, all while your guide spills movie trivia and real Oxford stories.

This tour isn’t only for serious Potter-heads, in that it is also enjoyable for people interested in beautiful buildings and film stuff. You’ll see bits of New College and Christ Church College, places which are architectural wonders all by themselves. Seeing them in light of the “Harry Potter” films just gives a completely different feel to everything.

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For the full, more thorough overview: Read our full review: Harry Potter Oxford Tour Full Review and Details

2. “Inspector Morse,” “Lewis,” and “Endeavour” Filming Locations Tour: Solving Mysteries

If detective stories grab your attention, so the “Inspector Morse,” “Lewis,” and “Endeavour” tour lets you step onto the sets of some super-loved British television dramas. Now, you’ll travel through the slightly shady lanes and historic spots featured in these mystery series, maybe even getting a behind-the-scenes look at Oxford locations. The guide will most likely share some stories about filming, and info about characters.

These places aren’t chosen by random chance! They add to the atmosphere that fans find compelling. For example, places like the Randolph Hotel and certain college grounds frequently turn up, now reminding folks of investigations, tense standoffs, and deep stories.

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For a really complete description: Read our full review: Inspector Morse Oxford Tour Full Review and Details

3. Oxford University and City Tour: See the famous sites

Okay, so, the Oxford University and City Tour tends to be ideal if you’re just hoping to see the university and soak up what Oxford has to give. That gives a wide look at the famous colleges, squares, and hidden lanes, giving guests bits of Oxford’s amazing academic past and architectural fame.

Going with a guide actually makes the past come to life. They’ll fill your head with details about famous people, historical events and maybe even Oxford lingo, too. From seeing the Bodleian Library to exploring the Radcliffe Camera, the amount of must-see sights are a lot.

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For everything that you’d expect to know: Read our full review: Oxford University City Tour Full Review and Details

4. Cotswolds Day Tour: A Nearby Escape

Really, for people needing a break from all the city stuff, the Cotswolds Day Tour will whisk you off into the supremely scenic bits of rural England. It might seem like leaving Oxford, still it brings a refreshing change of pace, highlighting villages, meadows and places that seem stuck back in old-world times. Now, you might get lost in places like Bourton-on-the-Water or Bibury.

Think winding roadways taking you to old villages, complete with honey-colored buildings, quaint stores and perfect gardens. The tour probably throws in some local spots. You can get tasty local treats.

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5. Blenheim Palace Tour: Visiting Churchill’s Home

With the Blenheim Palace Tour, that gives a peek into the really opulent Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and also a UNESCO Heritage site. Okay, the tour touches on the palace’s awesome architecture, rich history and the sprawling gardens.

While there, you can spend the hours seeing luxurious rooms loaded with artworks, beautiful tapestries and classic furniture. It might seem interesting to stroll around the large park, crafted by Capability Brown, that gives amazing views and formal gardens, too. Churchill fans could get a little interested visiting the place where he was born and grew up, seeing memories of his life.

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