Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question? Discuss your visit.

  • Classic Oxford is an ideal introduction to Oxford’s best-known landmarks and stories. Oxford In Depth explores the city in greater detail, including lesser-known places and more historical context. The Oxford Experience is a completely bespoke tour planned around your group’s interests. If you are unsure, tell us what interests you and we will recommend the most suitable option.

  • Use the Book a Tour button to open the online booking calendar, choose your tour, date and time, and complete the booking details. For a bespoke itinerary, a larger group or a question before booking, use the Contact page or email enquiries@oxfordhistoricaltours.com. A booking is confirmed when you receive a confirmation; sending an enquiry alone does not reserve a tour.

  • The published private-tour prices cover a group of up to eight people. Please contact us if you have a larger party so that we can discuss what may be possible.

  • Tours meet at Carfax in central Oxford, unless otherwise arranged. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your booked start time and check your confirmation for any agreed alternative meeting arrangements. If you are delayed, contact enquiries@oxfordhistoricaltours.com as soon as possible.

  • Oxford In Depth and The Oxford Experience can include a college visit or time in the Ashmolean Museum, depending on availability, opening arrangements and your interests. College access can change at short notice because the colleges are working academic institutions.

  • Admission charges are not included unless specifically agreed. If your tour includes a paid college, museum or other attraction, the cost will be explained beforehand and passed on to you. Any tickets purchased with your agreement may be non-refundable.

  • Yes. Our standard tours are private experiences arranged exclusively for your group, allowing the pace and content to be adapted to you.

  • Prices are per private group of up to eight people: Classic Oxford is £99, Oxford In Depth is £199, and The Oxford Experience starts from £395.

  • Classic Oxford lasts 60 minutes. Oxford In Depth lasts approximately 120 minutes. The Oxford Experience is a bespoke half-day of up to four hours. Times may vary slightly according to the group, route and venue availability.

  • Yes. Every tour can be adapted to some extent. The Oxford Experience offers the greatest degree of personalisation and is planned around your group’s particular interests.

  • Cancellations received at least 48 hours before the tour are eligible for a full refund. Between 24 and 48 hours before the tour, up to 50% of the tour price may be retained. Cancellations received less than 24 hours before the tour, and no-shows, are not normally refundable. Charges will not exceed what is reasonable in light of the actual loss. Any non-refundable third-party costs disclosed before booking may also be deducted.

    One change requested at least 48 hours before the start time will normally be made without an administration charge, subject to availability. Later or further changes may be treated as cancellation and rebooking. To cancel or request a change, email enquiries@oxfordhistoricaltours.com with your booking name, date and time. Please see the Booking Terms for full details.

  • We understand that Oxford’s traffic and transport can be unpredictable. Please contact us as soon as you know that you may be delayed. We will accommodate late arrivals wherever possible, but may need to adapt or shorten the itinerary, particularly when another engagement follows. Additional time cannot always be guaranteed.

  • Oxford is often wet and windy, so please check the forecast and bring suitable clothing and an umbrella. Tours can usually be adapted to the conditions. If a severe-weather warning makes it unsafe or impractical to proceed, we will contact you and offer either an alternative date or a full refund.

  • Yes. Tours can be adapted for families and young people from approximately eight years old. Please include the children’s ages when enquiring so that the content and pace can be planned appropriately.

  • We want our tours to be as welcoming and accessible as possible. Oxford’s historic streets and buildings can present challenges, including cobbles, uneven surfaces and steps, but routes can often be adapted. Please tell us about any mobility, sensory or other access requirements when enquiring. We will discuss the available options honestly and plan the most suitable route we can.

  • Assistance dogs are welcome. If you would like to bring a pet dog, please ask when enquiring. Dogs may be able to join an outdoor walking tour, but some colleges, museums and indoor venues do not admit them.

  • Yes. Tours are available for school trips, summer schools, international student groups and other educational organisations.

  • Tours can generally be provided for students aged eight and above. The content, language, pace and level of detail can be adapted to suit the group.

  • One guide can lead a group of up to 25 people. Larger parties may be divided into separately timed groups, subject to the itinerary and available time. Additional guides are not currently provided.

  • Yes. Your guide is DBS checked and has completed safeguarding training. Teachers and group leaders must remain with their students and retain responsibility for the group throughout the tour.

  • The tours are not formally curriculum-linked. However, the content can be adapted to the group’s age, interests, existing knowledge and learning needs, with appropriate preparation undertaken before the visit.

  • We can provide information about the proposed itinerary, meeting point, duration and likely walking conditions to support your organisation’s planning and risk-assessment process. Please tell us about any particular requirements when enquiring.