Balliol College Tours and Activities

If you’re interested in Oxford’s rich history, look no further than this walking tour for a comprehensive overview of the historic city. In a small group limited to 15, visit Bodleian Library—home to 'Harry Potter' filming locations—and one other college, and learn about Oxford University alumni such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Plus, receive an ILoveOxford map showing all of the main sites.

Visit filming locations from the British television series 'Inspector Morse,' as well as spin-offs 'Lewis' and 'Endeavour,' on this Oxford walking tour. With a guide, learn about the making of the detective show and visit Oxford University colleges to gain insight into what it might be like to be a student here. End with an invitation to solve a murder mystery at one of Morse's favorite pubs. Entrance fees to university locations are included; drinks are not.

Oxford is home to one of the world’s most famous and prestigious colleges, and this private 2-hour walking tour unveils all the secrets of the university city. Marvel at landmarks including the Bodleian Library and Christchurch, peek inside Oxford University buildings like New College or the Divinity School; and follow in the footsteps of British legends such as J.R.R Tolkien, CS Lewis, King Henry VIII, and Harry Potter.

Designed to see the best of Oxford in a safe environment with the smallest group sizing we have ever done. With this specialised tour we take important measure to protect your health, and those around you. All our Oxford University student guides wear medical masks. In addition to this, group sizing is inline with Social Distancing Rules (currently we have the smallest group sizing of any tour company in Oxford). Furthermore, all guides must submit their temperature before providing the tour. This tour has all the most famous sites in Oxford, with our unique guides providing a fun and entertaining insight into one of the most important cities in the world. See the world-famous sites such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church – both of which were Harry Potter film sites! Get the inside story on Oxford ceremonies, student life, college rivalries and much, much more!

100% of your booking fee will be donated to two Oxfordshire-based charities, supporting vulnerable individuals facing homelessness and addiction in the city. The city of Oxford is commonly considered as being divided into two groups: the Town (local residents) and the Gown (students of the University). While I am certainly a ‘townie’, both my girlfriend and sister are studying doctorates at the University of Oxford. This gives me a unique perspective on both sides of the community and the city, and I will share it with you in a tour so entertaining and memorable that you will wish you lived here, or your money back! We’ll cover as much as we can in 90 minutes. If you wish to continue the tour, I’m happy to discuss extending it where possible. Please note that entry fees are not included, though they are not necessary for a fantastic tour.

COVID19 NOTICE: Currently all university colleges are still closed to the public but you will see & hear lots about the colleges on the tour route. The best way to see Oxford is on a bicycle on this private bicycle tour along the River Thames Path. In fact, bikes are the locals' favourite way to get around the city as the compact Oxford is not very car-friendly. Default start time is 12.00 but you may request any start time from 12.00 until 14.30 start time. The tour lasts for 3-4 hours, including a guided tour plus bike set up time and a refreshments stop. The route covers both the city's sights and stories with a college entrance fee and a relaxing cycle along the River Thames to Iffley or Binsey Village.

Fall in love with Oxford by joining a relaxing 20 minute Thames river cruise to Iffley village. Then walk or take the cruise back again Thames path. We'll see the Norman chapel & medieval homes in Iffley village. Special focus on Alice in Wonderland heritage and the Oxford rowing tradition. This tour includes about 1 mile walk at start of tour past famous university sights introduced briefly by the guide. After the cruise ends, we have one hour in Iffley village and then a 3 mile walk along the scenic Thames river path back to Oxford city. For anyone who has mobility walking issues, please let us know when booking as alternatively we could just replace the walk back from Iffley with either a return trip on the river cruise or a taxi back to the city.

A spooky adventure packed with the most chilling and torturous deaths seen anywhere in England. Complete with surprise appearances from a range of vengeful and disgruntled spirits. Bring an open mind, courage and a spare pair of underwear! Venture through the dark alleyways and haunted squares while enjoying mysterious tales of ghosts, horror and sinister happenings. This tour has been designed to bring across the drama of Oxford’s terrifying history with equal attention to making you laugh both nervously and contagiously. Our expertly trained actors will play out before you some of the most barbaric and brutal punishments ever exacted. This tour should not be taken by the faint-hearted as it includes the surprise appearance of multiple wild beasts! Side effects may include sleepless night, potential whiplash and euphoric exultation. Luckily this tour ends next to one of the most historic and famous pubs in Oxford, should you require assistance to regain your spirits.

See Oxford in one day with this small group, sight-packed, full-day tour with an authentic Oxford student to give you the inside scoop, along with the little known facts and locations off the beaten path! See inside the oldest Colleges in Oxford, including the largest in Oxford - complete with its own deer park. Break for a pub lunch, before entering the most historic part of England's most iconic library, which makes a regular appearance in Hollywood films. For entrance into a famous Harry Potter college, upgrade to include a ticket for Christ Church.

Are you an early bird? Do you like to explore new places early in the morning, before the mob have had their breakfast? Well, this is the tour for you. For this private tour, we'll meet at 07:30 and have the city entirely to ourselves. The city of Oxford is commonly considered as being divided into two groups: the Town (local residents) and the Gown (students of the University). While I am certainly a ‘townie’, both my girlfriend and sister are studying doctorates at the University of Oxford. This gives me a unique perspective on both sides of the community and the city, and I will share it with you in a tour so entertaining and memorable that you will wish you lived here - or your money back! We’ll cover as much as we can in 90 minutes. If you wish to continue the tour, I’m happy to discuss extending it where possible. Please note that entry fees are not included, though they are not necessary for a fantastic tour.

Building upon the success of our 2-hour tour, this extended 3-hour version now includes entry into one of the oldest colleges at Oxford University. It also incorporates visiting the world-famous Bodleian Library, one of the best examples of Medieval architecture in Europe, and a Harry Potter film site. As always, this is done uniquely with our Oxford University student guides.