Secret Cotswolds: Private Tour of Picture-Perfect Villages
Escape the busy tourist routes and discover the charm of the Cotswolds with a private, tailor-made tour led by a professional local guide. Travelling in the comfort of a private car, you’ll explore postcard-perfect villages, hidden gems, and scenic spots that large tour groups can’t reach.
Create your own itinerary or follow my recommendations, blending famous sights with lesser-known treasures. Enjoy plenty of time to wander honey-stone streets, browse independent shops, or capture stunning landscapes through your lens. As a local photographer, I’ll guide you to the best photo stops.
With a flexible schedule and relaxed pace, you'll experience the Cotswolds through the eyes of someone who lives here. Each tour is crafted around your interests—be it history, scenery, local flavours, or a bit of everything.
* Hotel pick-up and drop-off is available if you're staying in the Cotswolds. Please ask, I'll do my best.
Duration: 5–6 hours
- Likely to sell out
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Private Cotswolds Day Tour: Small-Group Luxury in a Mercedes
✤ Exceptional value: After two guests, just £50 per extra person and £35 per child (under 12).
✤ Just your group in a Mercedes-Benz; no shared coaches, no strangers.
✤ Fully licensed driver and vehicle, with full passenger insurance.
✤ We take the back lanes: less traffic, better views, the real Cotswolds.
✤ Flexible day built around what you want to see.
✤ Optional stops at farm shops, delis, and village bakeries.
✤ Free pickup in the Cotswolds.
Duration: 4–8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Clarkson Farm Inspired Road Trip
Step into the world of Jeremy Clarkson’s hit TV show with this immersive road trip through the Cotswolds. Visit the iconic Diddly Squat Farm Shop, enjoy a pint at Hawkstone Brewery, and relax at The Farmer’s Dog pub—all set against the backdrop of rolling English countryside. Along the way, explore charming villages, sample local produce, and discover the real-life locations that inspired the show. Perfect for fans and countryside explorers alike!
Yes, we can arrange pickup and drop-off in London as part of the trip. This option is available only when booked as a full-day trip.
Duration: 4–8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour
Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle and Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life. Hear the great tales of Empress Matilda, the fate of Mary Blandy and step inside our padded jail cell.
Find gorgeous views atop of St. Georges' Tower and then descend into the atmospheric crypt of St. Georges’ Chapel. Here you can touch the stones where Oxford University was rumoured to begin and stand in the birthplace of Geofrey of Monmouths’ King Arthur. Wander the austere confines of the prisons’ D-Wing and learn about our youngest inmates.
After your guided tour, you can explore the prison cells at your own leisure and dress up like a prisoner in our exhibition space. Head outside and climb the mound, the remains of our motte and bailey castle.
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Skip the line
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Set in over 2,000 acres of beautiful Parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, the exquisite 18th century Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent lake.
Discover over 300 years of history, architecture and artefacts
Stroll around the majestic Formal Gardens and 10 other gardens
Explore the Butterfly House and Stables Exhibition
Duration: 2 min – 30 min
Tours of Oxford private walking tours for the Discerning Traveler
Run by an Oxford MSc Historian, Tours of Oxford, awarded best bespoke European walking tour operator, offers private 5 star TA/Viator/Google rated walking tours of Oxford. All tours are inclusive of entry fees, as applicable.
Centred within the Old University Quarter amid Oxford’s dreaming spires your tour visits all the major sites and landmarks for which Oxford is world famous.
We also explore an Oxford College (or two), its chapels, dining halls and beautiful gardens while you sample a taste of college life.
All our guides are Oxford graduates and published Oxford authors, internationally acclaimed for their fun, informal yet highly informative tours. We do not read from a script and love spontaneity, interaction, opinion and conversation. If you have a particular Oxford interest then do let us know.
If you would like info on trains, parking, etc., then also let us know . Plus we send you 2 Ox Info sheets - dining out and other Oxford attractions not to miss.
Duration: 2 hr 15 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Oxford CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour
Visiting Oxford on foot is the best way to see it, especially if you are a fan of Oxford’s most well known writers, the founder members of The Inklings.
Join this 2-hour CS Lewis and Tolkien Tour and learn more about these writers’ lives and work. Both Oxford University alumni Lewis and Tolkien are respectively known for the Narnia series and The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
During the tour you will be able to see Exeter College, where Tolkien studied and the University Church where Lewis preached in WW2 and hear about the colleges where they taught. Moreover, you’ll walk past the Eagle & Child pub, where The Inklings used to meet every Tuesday, to talk about their work. Discover more about their unique writing styles and their influence.
This is definitely a jump back in time and it will give you a glimpse of how Oxford used to be in the early 20th century, and of course earlier. Being the City of Dreaming Spires, the architecture is still stunning to this day!
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Oxford Walking Tour
Enjoy the mysteries of Oxford's famous detectives, come alive on this 1 hour 45 minute walking tour. Stroll through Oxford's old city and learn about Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Hathaway. You will see The Randolph Hotel, the White Horse pub and Broad Street and many other sites where famous scenes were filmed. Hear fascinating stories by your knowledgeable guide. See various locations used in the UK series and in the novels.
Duration: 1 hr 45 min
- Free cancellation
Harry Potter + Self Guided Christ Church- PRIVATE 9.30am
Fun tour for Muggles of all ages. Guide will cater the tour according to everyone's interests, introducing also Oxford heritage.
See Christ church film site. Find out how does studying at Oxford University compare with studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Find out on this 5 star rated popular walking tour about the making of Harry Potter in Oxford. Your ticket includes up to £27 entry Christ church + £3 Divinity school.
Final hour of the three hour+ tour will be self guided using audio guide. Christ church entry tickets are limited- so please book ahead. If we cannot run the tour, you will be refunded or you may select a rescheduled date.
This tour also visits the Divinity school film site at the Bodleian library- as & when this secondary venue is open. Pre paid entry included included unless Divinity school is closed. On such dates, we will add entry instead to New college.
Please see notice for any closures under What's not Included section.
No tour Sundays!
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45
Enjoy a tour exploring the lives, works and ideas of CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and their circle. This tour is focused for an adult audience. Children may join it but the private tour option is more suitable.
This tour typically lasts 2 hours to 2.5 hours and it includes entry to Magdalen college, where CS Lewis taught. If Magdalen is ever closed, we will inform you & offer refund or reschedule date or proceed with a visit to an alternative such as Exeter college, where Tolkien studied.
This tour introduces both these famous writers and their lives here in Oxford plus offers insights into what life is like as an Oxford academic.
Magdalen entry fee worth £10 per person is included.
NOTICE: any known closures for Magdalen college will be published under the What's Excluded section.
Please note that Magdalen only permits entry to up to 10 persons with guide before we must instead pre book with Magdalen. Thus, if you book at very short notice, you may instead be asked to do private tour.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Harry Potter PRIVATE Tour + Self Guided Christ church Daily 12.45
This tour is suitable for all ages and it focuses on Oxford's literary heritage such as the lives of Lewis Carroll and 'Alice' Liddell who lived at Christ church college. You will also learn lots about the making of Harry Potter in Oxford plus about other Oxford writers such as CS Lewis of Narnia fame & Tolkien of the Lord of The Rings.
Duration: 2 hours. Your ticket includes up to £30 per person entry fees to Christ church plus the Divinity school Harry Potter film sites.
Notice: The final third hour of your tour is self guided audio guide entry to Christ church as private guiding is no longer permitted inside.
We guarantee entry tickets to visit Christ church- buying entry tickets on your own is complicated & they usually sell out.
See 'Additional Info' or 'Voucher Info' for known dates when Divinity school may be closed. On such occasions, we will replace with New college, assuming New college is open. See closures notices below.
Duration: 3 hours – 3 hr 20 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Inspector Morse Oxford PRIVATE GROUP Tours Daily
See Inspector Morse's Oxford as well as Lewis and Endeavour filming locations on this approximately 2-hour private Oxford walking tour, as you explore the making of this famous character and the TV series. Gain insights into not just the detective but also what life is like to study and work at Oxford university, as you see some of the most famous Oxford sights.
Tour includes entry inside either Wadham, St Johns, Exeter or Balliol college- presuming at least one of these colleges is open.
Our primary guide, Tom, averages a 5 star review from 50% of all his clients who book this tour, as Tom has an incredible knowledge and passion for the subject.
Duration: 1 hr 45 min – 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Oxford City & University Walking PRIVATE GROUPS Tour
Oxford & England's history will be brought alive on this private guided walking tour of the city and university traditions. Storytelling about student life, college traditions, Henry VIII, Bloody Mary, CS Lewis, Tolkien & even Harry Potter!
You may request any special interests for the tour eg sciences or arts or writers in Oxford etc. We generally always include entrance into at least one Harry Potter film site on this tour too (where and when possible).
Requests for a tour in your foreign language must be received at least 48 hours notice & are therefore also subject to whether a bilingual guide happens to be available or not. Requests for a tour in a foreign language also have a marginal additional cost to book.
Includes entry fees inside one or more colleges or the Divinity school at the Bodleian.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Ominous Oxford - Oxford's Best Ghost Walk!!
What do you get if you take 1500 years of history, add lashings of ancient buildings, and mix in some of the world’s most colourful characters? A city that’s ‘alive’ with ghosts – that’s what! Meet the victims of horrific punishments, visit one of the most haunted roads in England, and hear the chilling tales of phantom Fellows and spooky Scholars that haunt the city.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Harry Potter Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits (Oxford)
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! From the gates of Trinity College, embark on an enchanting Harry Potter experience with your witch or wizard guide.
Receive your wands, and be sorted into Hogwarts Houses, before a visit to Oxford's own Flourish & Blotts!
Enter the Bodleian Library Divinity School, where Harry was visited by Dumbledore in The Philosopher’s Stone.
Wander through the medieval corridors of New College (founded in 1379), following the footsteps of Hogwarts students in the films.
See the oldest dining hall in Oxford, where students have been eating meals in gowns for nearly 650 years.
Marvel at the ancient tree where Draco Malfoy tried to curse Harry Potter—but ended up transfigured into a ferret!
Gaze at the windows of the Restricted Section of Hogwarts, where real-life books were also chained to the shelves.
Dance where Professor McGonagall taught Ron Weasley how to waltz in The Goblet of Fire.
Test your knowledge in our Harry Potter quiz along the way!
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Ghost Tour of Oxford
Join us for an unforgettable evening as our costumed guide—cloaked in mystery and centuries of secrets—leads you through Oxford’s haunted heart. Beneath the dreaming spires and cobbled lanes lies a darker tale: ghostly whispers in ancient college halls, eerie echoes from long-forgotten trials, and spirits said to walk the night still.
This isn’t your average history tour. With dramatic flair and spine-tingling storytelling, our in-character guide brings the city's spectral past to life. You'll laugh, shiver, and maybe even glance over your shoulder as you uncover the secrets they never told you in the textbooks.
Whether you're a curious visitor, a brave local, or just love a good ghost story, The Oxford Ghost Tour promises thrills, chills, and a dash of theatrical fun. Dare to walk with us… if you’re not afraid of what lingers in the dark.
Duration: 1 hr 15 min
- Free cancellation
Oxford University Tour by Alumni™ & Punt + optional New College
This tour offers something few others do: the chance to experience Oxford both on foot and from the water, all in one visit. Enjoy a full Oxford experience by combining our 90-minute student- or graduate-led college walking tour with a 30-minute chauffeured punting tour—a perfect way to take in the city’s history and beauty.
The tour is outdoors. If selected when booking, AFTER THE WALKING TOUR ENDS, your experience can be enriched with a self-guided visit to New College, one of the university’s most historic and picturesque colleges.
Then, without needing to plan a separate activity, you’ll step into a traditional punt and be taken along Oxford’s quieter, greener side. As you glide past the Botanic Gardens, Christ Church Meadows, and the banks where Lewis Carroll once walked, you’ll see a view of the city that most walking tours simply don’t reach.
It’s a well-balanced way to enjoy both Oxford’s rich academic tradition and its peaceful riverside setting—all in a single experience.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Bath Christmas Tour from Stratford-on-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh
The only Christmas Cotswolds tour to include Tetbury, Castle Combe and Bath from Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh! Available on select dates between mid-November and mid-December during Bath's Christmas Market.
Highlights:
- Take a Cotswolds day trip to historic Tetbury, beautiful Castle Combe and amazing Bath with us!
- Discover royal Tetbury, home to none other than the King of England!
- Explore unspoilt Castle Combe, known as the "prettiest village in England"
- Generous free time to discover the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, with extra Christmas sparkle as it plays host to one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in England!
Tour includes pick-up from central Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, enabling an easy connection by train London, Reading, Oxford, Worcester or Birmingham. Travel in style in our comfy Mercedes minibus, in small groups of up to 16 people.
Duration: 9 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Oxford to Heathrow Airport private transfers
12 years ago , Airport Pickups London was founded with the goal of providing safe, reliable, and affordable journeys for its guests. Airport Pickups London remains firmly committed to this goal and will do everything within its power to make this happen.
Airport Pickups London is the leading provider of Heathrow Airport transfers and shuttle services. Our standards of reliability and comfort are second to none. What’s more, we pride ourselves on offering the very best service and value for money.
The vast majority of our cars are new and prestige models. Your comfort and safety are paramount to us. We want you to start or end your holiday or business trip on a high – that means top-notch cars are used for all our Heathrow chauffeur service.
Our drivers are fully licensed, highly experienced, polite, and courteous at all times. They know exactly where they are going and you can be certain your London airport pickup or drop-off is in capable hands.
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Odd Oxford the History Tour that's FUN
Hear the whole story of Oxford. From Vikings, Saxons and Normans to the modern University, the ‘Ox-ford’ has been at the centre of English history for over a thousand years.. And learn about what 800 years of dreadful Dons and sickening Students have got up to since, in the company of one of our expertly entertaining guides. If you want a long talk about different types of arches we are not for you - if you want to learn by laughing we are!
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Private Walking Tour of Oxford: Explore History and Colleges
Discover the rich history and unique architecture of Oxford on a personalized walking tour led by an experienced, independent, local guide. This tour provides insights into the Oxford University system, the colleges, and fascinating stories of notable figures who shaped the city. Tailor your experience by choosing a theme such as literature, history, or music to enhance your visit. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour, allowing you to explore hidden corners and learn about the vibrant student life at Oxford today. A visit to one or more colleges is highly recommended for a complete experience.
- Private tour tailored to your interests and schedule (see example itinerary)
- Flexible duration, typically 2 hours, with options to extend
- Explore themes like literature, history, and architecture
- Entry to one or more colleges can be arranged. We will arrange this with you in advance. This is an extra cost.
- Prices include the Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Oxford Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
The audio guide serves as a handy mobile companion for a self-guided tour in Oxford. This tour is specifically designed for those looking to explore the city in a short span of time (1.5-2 hours). Simply follow the route on the app's map, which takes you from Oxford Castle to University Park, passing by colleges and other notable landmarks. You're guaranteed to see: Carfax Tower, Tom Tower, Alice's Shop, Christ Church College, St. Mary's University Church, Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, The favourite pubs and a bench of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Once you've downloaded the tour, the app runs offline. The audio guide can always be heard clearly through your headphones. Enjoy captivating stories and legends at your own pace, without the need to keep up with a tour group. Feel free to pause for a break in a café, or explore a scenic alleyway before resuming your tour. If you only have a few hours to explore Oxford, make the most of it with the audio guide.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Celebrate the festive season at Blenheim Palace with a magical Christmas experience featuring the enchanting story of Cinderella inside the Palace, a spectacular illuminated trail, a covered ice rink, festive shopping and seasonal food and drink.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Relaxing Cruise from Oxford to Iffley Lock and Return
Take a leisurely 40-minute boat trip from Oxford to Iffley Lock, where nature thrives in scenic surroundings. This daily journey, available hourly from 11:00 to 17:00, offers a chance to soak in stunning landscapes and observe abundant wildlife. Ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind on the water, this trip highlights the beauty of the Oxford canals in a relaxed setting.
- 40-minute return boat trip from Oxford to Iffley Lock
- Daily departures every hour from 11:00 to 17:00
- Experience scenic landscapes and spot local wildlife
- Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike
Duration: 40 min
- Free cancellation