Unique things to do in Oxfordshire

Bookings for 2-5 people achieve a 10% discount. Bookings for 6-8 people achieve a 20% discount. Come and experience this magnificent full-day, driving and walking tour of the famous Cotswolds with a friendly local guide, in-vehicle refreshments and plenty of incredible photo opportunities along the way. The Cotswolds is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB) known for its stunning countryside, historic castles, grand manor houses, lively market towns and quaint villages with honey-coloured stone cottages. By booking this tour, you will escape the hassles and time-constraints of accompanying a larger group, gain local insights and be able to fully immerse yourself in the experience. During this tour, you will: • Be driven in a luxury vehicle with refreshments. • Visit quintessential English countryside locations. • Learn about the history of the places we visit. • Have some free time to explore, or relax. • Stop for photographs in various places along the way. • Eat and drink in a Cotswold pub or restaurant (Optional- not included in tour price). I will collect you from (and return you to) Kemble train station. Tours run from 10am - 5pm approx. Private groups can be collected from accommodation anywhere in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire or Wiltshire.

*** Save 25% when booking for 2 guests. *** Enjoy a 35% discount for groups of 3 or 4 guests. *** Get 20% off early-bird bookings when you book two or more weeks in advance. *** I can also host larger groups of up to 8 people. Please ask me if your group is more than 4 people. Experience the picturesque Cotswolds, an area of idyllic English countryside known for its green landscapes, charming villages, and honey-coloured stone cottages, on a guided driving tour without worrying about missing the must-see places. Skip the hassles of a DIY or large-group trip and relax on a luxury tour of must-visit towns and villages. See the historical homes of Stow-on-the-Wold and marvel at the honey-stoned Broadway and other precious villages like Chipping Campden, Bibury and Snowshill. Highlights: - Spend at least 6 hours exploring the best of the Cotswolds! - Discover iconic villages, historic towns, and stunning countryside! - Enjoy free time to explore each location at your own pace! - Travel in a luxury car along the country roads! - Learn about local history and photography from your guide! NOTES: - I can pick you up from your chosen accommodation in the Cotswolds. Please ask me! - London pick-up and return are possible for an additional £250 fee. - If you would like to participate on a date that is not available, please send a request. I will do my best to accommodate.

You will meet our lovely alpacas (Frodo, Gandulf, Chewy, Twiglet, Eyeore, Pippin, Whisky and Gimli). We will explain the characteristics of these lovely animals and teach you how to handle them. You will walk the alpacas around our 16th century Manor Estate. The walk is more of a gentle stroll as we make many stops to appreciate the beautiful gardens. We have mediaeval stocks, a Tudor barn and 5 acres of amazing gardens, a lake and a large orchard.

We will pick you up in our Chrysler Grand Voyagers, which carry masks and sanatiser. Pick up points are Moreton-in-Marsh train station, (perfect if you come up from London for the day on the direct train and you could always call in at Oxford on your return), The Lygons Arms in Broadway, The Plaisterers Arms in Winchcombe or The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham - with our guide and driver and take you on guided tour of the Cotswold villages and towns. The tour will last approx 4.5 hours. During the tour informative talks and information on each village/town we visit. Other things to note We can pick up from your chosen accommodation in the Costwolds

Join me on one of the most beautiful trails in Berkshire and Oxfordshire and create memories you cannot forget through public footpaths and forest trails including small roads alongside the river and small bridges -- visiting organic vegetable farms market, equestrian places and other local animals such as lamas, cows, sheep, fox, rabbits, wild birds..-- an old church from Norman times and a drink in a traditional English pub and the beautiful Thames River with miles of narrowboats and boat clubs.. --We will have amazing views all along for the perfect photographic memories.

This is a fun Oxford City Walking Tour where you will see Oxford's best sights, including the world-famous Oxford University, learn a little history & hear some fun stories all hosted by a lifelong Oxonian. You will love our City of Dreaming Spires as we follow a route around some of the UK’s most historic streets with its dazzling architecture & prestigious University. In this small group tour, you will see Oxford’s amazing historic buildings including University colleges, museums, libraries & monuments, plus a visit to a vibrant indoor market where you can get an award-winning Gelato or delicious hot chocolate. I’ll tell you about some of Oxford University’s crazy traditions, stories about some of Oxford’s most famous authors & you will see the Harry Potter film locations. We walk off the beaten track along passageways, medieval streets & peer through historic doors that make this experience so unique. By the end, you may be ready for a drink & a bite to eat at a magical hidden gem of a place. So book Airbnb’s top Oxford Walking tour & join me on a stroll through our historic city for an experience you won’t forget. If you prefer an even more personalised walking tour with your friends, family or work colleagues, then I provide this option too, by booking a private tour. If there’s not a suitable tour date on my calendar, PLEASE ask & I'll be happy to assist!

We will start with a whirlwind overview of Oxford as the central player in 1,000 years of British history, and giving guests an understanding of how the sprawling institution operates before embarking on the tour. Navigating down the windy alleyways we will get an insiders take on the little known viewing angles that bring across the drama of the world famous architecture in this city. With striking spires and imposing buildings, we will cover how these influenced Tolkien, C S Lewis, along with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. We will enter one of the oldest Colleges at Oxford, renowned for its beautiful gardens, before heading into one of the most famous Library's in the world - responsible for over 13 million books. Capping this off we will cover a Harry Potter film site, along with why the most powerful religious figure England has ever seen, was burnt alive in the centre of Oxford, on what is now such a nondescript part of road you could easily miss it. Please note: Colleges and the Library can shut without notice and currently they are available as of August 2021. If this changes on the day we will of course incorporate them - if we are not able to offer any access, we will offer up the option of a full refund.

From the Martyrs' Memorial, we meander through the heart of Oxford, passing a number of historic buildings and university colleges, including the 1000 year-old Saxon Tower, the oldest building in Oxford and the finest example of Saxon architecture in England, Carfax, the magnificent Town Hall, Christ Church College and its beautiful Meadow, over ‘Dead Man’s Walk’ into medieval Merton Street where we cut through Logic Lane, past University College, the first of the 39 colleges that make up the University, into the Radcliffe Square, (one of the most sought after landmarks in the UK), view the magnificent Gothic architecture of University Church of St Mary the Virgin, meeting place of the university's first governing body, the Schools Quadrangle, heart of the world-renowned Bodleian Library and seat of the 15th century Divinity School. We pass the Sheldonian Theatre, Christopher Wren’s first major architectural project, the first purpose-built public museum in the Western world and into Broad Street. Our guides are well versed in the history of Oxford and the University from the founding of the city over 1000 years ago to the beginnings of the University in the 13th century, through the industrial revolution to the present day. Where possible we will escort our guests into university and college buildings. Private tours available on request - minimum four (4) persons.

Tolkien once described the Inklings club as “An undetermined and unelected circle of friends who gather around C S lewis, our habit was to read aloud compositions of various kinds ....and lengths !" One cannot underestimate how the loud encouragement this circle of friends gave one another helped produce some of the most important and popular books of the 20th century. Not only Fantasy classics such as The Chronicles Of Narnia and The Lord Of The Rings but also important religious works such as Lewis’s “Mere Christianity” a book which has sold over two hundred million copies. At a relaxed pace, we will explore many sites and stories associated with this eclectic group, concentrating not only on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien but also some of the other Inklings such as Owen Barfield and a man who was a great influence on Lewis, Charles Williams. Whilst taking in Oxford's stunning architecture we shall wander the grounds of a beautiful medieval College associated with the Inklings and visit The University Church of Saint Marys {Where Lewis gave talks} - any entrance fees are included in the price We shall also walk by many of their regular haunts such as The Eagle And Child pub & Eastgate Hotel. I shall also regale great stories of which I have collected over many years Other things to note Comfortable foot wear is highly recommended, roads in Oxford are uneven in places.

At a leisurely pace with small groups of no more than ten, we shall explore sites and entertaining stories associated with famous authors and poets who have studied or taught at Oxford such as Lewis Carroll, Graham Greene, Oscar Wilde, William Golding, C.S Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien, as well as writers with Oxford connections separate to the University such as Kenneth Grahame, Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy and William Shakespeare. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you wish during our walk through Oxford’s grand literary history. Other things to note Some of Oxford's cobblestoned streets can be a bit uneven and it is always a good idea to keep a look out for cyclists when crossing the roads in Oxford.

Oxford’s city centre is a concentration of all you want to know. Within a relatively small area there are hundreds of years of history which we will be experiencing by walking for a couple of hours. We will tour the famous sights and learn about the culture, reasons and history behind what we see. We will hear about the famous Oxford personalities, who shaped the world and learn about their world. We will also discover more hidden places, the ones tourists (and many locals) don’t know about. I will point out the locations of world famous films and the stunning hidden architecture. This is a tour for very small groups as I want you to feel comfortable and able to ask questions. If there is any particular requirement, just ask and I will do my utter best to accommodate you. Most of the times, it would be your own private tour. We will meet outside the Randolph Hotel, on Beaumont Street, opposite the Ashmolean Museum and start our adventure from there. Other things to note My tours are suitable for families and children under 2 come for free. We will be passing many shops during our walk where you can buy drinks and snacks if needed. This tour is wheelchair and child friendly. As the group size is very small you will almost certainly enjoy a fully private tour.

This is a tour for everyone, but especially designed for families, with a spotting list for younger children. I offer a unique 75 minute chronological trip through Oxford's colourful history, from the Saxon origins of the town to the present day. If children are on the tour I'll admit that I am a time traveller! We will see some of Oxford's best-known landmarks and hear about the people and events that made the city and the university world-famous - as well as some of the scrapes I got into when visiting them! Other things to note During off season I'm happy to adapt timing of tours (eg morning tour instead), please do enquire! Travel around Oxford can get a bit congested so please don't hesitate to text or call me if you have any problems and I will do my best to adapt when possible. There are cobbled streets on the tour.

NOTICE: This tour starts at 12.45 and not at 12.30 but the airbnb scheduling system has no option to state 12.45! The Divinity school film site is closed on some dates but on any such dates, we simply swap it for entry to New college film site with extra £5 entry to pay. This tour goes into great detail about the making of Harry Potter in Oxford, including film site/s visits. It also highlights JK Rowling's ideas plus it mentions Oxford history plus Oxford's many other famous literary connections. Covid Closures Revised Itinerary: Currently, only the Divinity school film site at the Bodleian library is open. Its £3 per person entry fee is included in your ticket. There is a larger film site called New college but it's not open every day & so it's not included in the tour- unless you request your guide to take you there but that will then mean an additional £10 per person paid in cash only to extend the tour to include New college too. The tours run in English. However, together with my bilingual colleagues, we can also offer private group tours only in foreign languages with adequate advance notice. If -after you book- we learn of closures affecting the tour, I will email you but please can you also share your phone number and email address after booking, so that I can update you of any such notices.

We’ll trace Oxford's growth from its Anglo Saxon beginnings through its enchanted, sometimes horrifying history. Through seeing treasures and legends of Oxford University and its colleges you will learn about the English civil war, religious upheavals of the Reformation, and scientific revolutions. You will also learn about college life and how the University works today. The walk and talk through Oxford’s architectural and artistic highlights includes a visit inside a medieval college. Guests say that my tours satiates curiosity yet leaves a satisfying appetite to learn more about Oxford's extraordinary and colourful legacies. You will glimpse insights that will surprise and fascinate you and create memories for life.. The walk and talk includes architecture, decorated glass, sculptures and the backstory of university buildings including: Bodleian Library Divinity School St Mary's University Church Sheldonian Theatre Stops along the way include Merton College, Oriel College, All Souls College, Anglo Saxon vestiges and interesting things to do in Oxford today.

Bookings for 2-5 people achieve a 10% discount. Bookings for 6-8 people achieve a 20% discount. Come and experience this magnificent full-day, driving and walking tour of the famous Cotswolds with a friendly local guide, in-vehicle refreshments and plenty of incredible photo opportunities along the way. The Cotswolds is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB) known for its stunning countryside, historic castles, grand manor houses, lively market towns and quaint villages with honey-coloured stone cottages. By booking this tour, you will escape the hassles and time-constraints of accompanying a larger group, gain local insights and be able to fully immerse yourself in the experience. During this tour, you will: • Be driven in a luxury vehicle with refreshments. • Visit quintessential English countryside locations. • Learn about the history of the places we visit. • Have some free time to explore, or relax. • Stop for photographs in various places along the way. • Eat and drink in a Cotswold pub or restaurant (Optional- not included in tour price). I will collect you from (and return you to) Kemble train station. Tours run from 10am - 5pm approx. Private groups can be collected from accommodation anywhere in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire or Wiltshire.

Oxford is a beautiful historic city with an outstanding collection of world famous buildings! You will learn different techniques on how to get the most out of your camera. I will share great photography tips with you that will make your holiday images stand out so you can have beautiful memories of the places you visit. You can be beginner, intermediate or pro, everyone is welcome to join! Please bring your camera (or smartphone), a comfortable pair of shoes and your positive attitude! :)

In just an hour walk through pivotal moments of human history: from petty and outlandish rivalries to architectural masterpieces with confusing names. See the lamp-post which inspired Narnia and the architecture which has inspired His Dark Materials. Visit the meadows where C.S. Lewis first recounted the story of Alice in Wonderland. Marvel at some of the world’s greatest examples of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Inspiring, baffling, and downright outrageous: Oxford is a city full of stories waiting to be told. Oxford is nothing without its students, and it’s the students who make our walking tours so special. All our tour guides are either graduates of or current students at the University of Oxford who combine their personal experiences of the city with their deep passion for its history, architecture, and stories to provide a one-of-a-kind tour. Combining a deep passion for the city’s history and architecture with the knowledge you hear all about what the students really get up to – from BOPS to secret societies and which all-night library permits outside snacks. Which college is the poshest one, and which is the oldest? Which one has traditions designed only to mock the traditions of other colleges? As well as hearing it all from the horse’s mouth, you get to see inside colleges, with highlights including the beautiful Jesus college gardens. This is the real Oxford.

Acompañenme en este tour en español de Oxford. Descubriremos la historia entrelazada de la ciudad y la universidad. Este tour incluira una introduccion mas alla de los colegios con sus capillas y comedores, sino tambien los majestuosos edificios de la universidad para descubrir una historia mucho mas rica y diversa. Recorreremos los caminos al norte de las calles "High" y al sur de la "Broad", breve historia de cuatro de los colegios mas antiguos y la catedral de la ciudad, y veremos por fuera las fantasticas bibliotecas de la universidad. El recorrido es semi-circular, ya que comienza en uno de los sitios mas reconocidos de la ciudad (Carfax Tower) y finaliza cerca del famoso colegio Christ Church.

First we will make our homemade mixed berry jam & clotted cream, a seasonal pudding and then start baking! You will get a chance to bake a rich and delicious chocolate fudge cake, Victoria sponge and different variations of sweet & savoury scones (traditional ones and seasonal/unique ones). We will be using only organic ingredients but most importantly, we will have so much fun! There will be many treats made so you will take the extra ones with you as well as a mini jar of jam and AN ANTIQUE PIECE OF CROCKERY AS A SOUVENIR! Once back home, you will be able to practice what you have learnt. I will email you written recipes and lots of tips! Please message me for alternative dates and times. Other things to note Guests ages 2 and up can attend with their parents. Please message me for alternative dates and times. PLEASE ADVISE IN ADVANCE IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD ALLERGY OR RESTRICTION. www.thedoughhouse.co.uk

Let's make your visit to Oxford truly immortalised with show-stopping portraits around the city centre! We will start with an informal chat with some coffee or tea in a local independent shop (drinks on me!) to decide on the specifics of the photoshoot, for example if there is a place that you would like to have your portrait taken. I will provide a suggested plan and locations for the pictures but we can modify it on the spot or beforehand. This informal meeting is very important to establish a connection between the photographer and the models, yes, this means you; so that i can guide you through poses and positioning as we do the photoshoot. After the short coffee we will start walking on foot to the locations and take some breath-taking portraits!!! As we walk around I can give you a few nerdy facts about the historic city centre. Popular Photoshoot Themes for the portraits are: Graduation, Birthday, Couples, Family Holiday Everyone has different levels of confidence in front of the lens, so I am always careful not to pressure people to do more than they feel comfortable with. I am providing all the necessary equipment for the photoshoot and if we have time at the end of our walk I can show you the pictures on my laptop. The approximate time for the photoshoot is 1.5h and after it is done I will send you the pictures we took via wetransfer as soon as possible!