Oxford and Cotswold Private Tour Entry to Oxford University

Enjoy the timeless charm and rich academic heritage of Oxford and the Cotswolds with this comprehensive private tour. From world-renowned colleges to picturesque villages, this journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the region’s architectural gems and historical significance. Indulge in the personalized experience as you explore the distinct highlights of Balliol, All Souls, Trinity, and Oriel Colleges, followed by a visit to the iconic Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera. As the tour unfolds, you’ll soon find yourself captivated by the serene beauty of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Burford, where the Cotswold’s rural charm awaits.

Key Points

• The private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Oxford University, including visits to renowned colleges like Balliol, All Souls, Trinity, and Oriel.
• Guests can experience the rich academic heritage and iconic architecture of Oxford University, such as the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera.
• The tour also includes visits to charming Cotswold villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Burford, allowing guests to immerse in the region’s rural charm.
• The tour is designed to be accessible for guests, including those in wheelchairs, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.
• The tour includes pick-up and drop-off service, providing a hassle-free and convenient way to explore Oxford University and the Cotswolds.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Private Tour Overview

This private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Oxford University and the picturesque Cotswold villages, providing a personalized experience over the course of 9 hours.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless experience for guests. Whether you’re in a wheelchair or not, the tour is designed to be accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the rich history and stunning scenery.

During the Oxford University portion, you’ll visit iconic colleges, libraries, and sites from literary classics.

The Cotswold villages tour allows you to learn about the charming, quintessential English countryside, with stops in Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Burford.

Oxford University Highlights

The walking tour of Oxford University takes visitors through a captivating history, showcasing the institution’s renowned colleges, libraries, and literary landmarks.

Guests will explore Balliol College, recognized for its distinguished alumni, and All Souls College, renowned for its ornate Gothic architecture.

Trinity College, where Oscar Wilde once studied, and Oriel College, home to the famous ‘Kilkenny cats’ statues, offer glimpses into the university’s storied past.

At the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, visitors can marvel at its impressive architecture and learn about its vast collection of rare books and manuscripts.

The tour also includes a visit to the Radcliffe Camera, an iconic example of Palladian architecture, and the University Church of St. Mary’s, which has featured in the beloved Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Balliol and All Souls Colleges

As visitors explore the renowned Oxford University, they’ll encounter Balliol College, a prestigious institution known for its distinguished alumni, and All Souls College, whose ornate Gothic architecture captivates the eye. Balliol boasts a long history, having been founded in 1263, and is home to renowned scholars, including former British Prime Ministers. In contrast, All Souls College, established in 1438, is renowned for its stunning 15th-century chapel and library. Both colleges offer a glimpse into Oxford’s rich academic heritage and the traditions that have shaped the university over centuries.

College	Founded	Notable Alumni/Features
Balliol	1263	Former British Prime Ministers, distinguished scholars
All Souls	1438	15th-century chapel, ornate Gothic architecture

Trinity and Oriel Colleges

Visitors to Oxford University also encounter Trinity College, founded in 1555 and known for its majestic 16th-century quadrangles and Gothic-style architecture. Students at Trinity are often seen exploring the college’s expansive gardens and libraries, which house an impressive collection of ancient manuscripts and texts.

Nearby, Oriel College dates back to 1326 and boasts an impressive medieval chapel and picturesque grounds, having produced numerous distinguished alumni over the centuries. Oriel’s striking spires and ornate facades have made it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers alike.

Both colleges offer a glimpse into Oxford’s rich academic heritage and continue to shape the experiences of modern-day scholars.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera

Beyond the striking college facades, visitors to Oxford encounter two of the university’s most iconic landmarks – the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera.

The Bodleian, founded in 1602, houses an immense collection of over 12 million printed items spanning centuries of scholarship, from medieval manuscripts to modern monographs. Its striking neo-Gothic architecture and famed Divinity School lecture hall have made it a must-see for travelers and literary enthusiasts alike.

Just steps away, the Radcliffe Camera is a stunning circular library building, considered a masterpiece of Palladian architecture. Students and researchers flock to its reading rooms, drawn by the unique atmosphere of contemplation and academic rigor that pervades this historic institution.

Cotswold Village Exploration

After exploring the iconic landmarks of Oxford University, the private tour then whisks guests away to the picture-perfect Cotswold villages, where they can enjoy the region’s timeless rural charm. The self-guided tour takes visitors through the charming villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Burford, each with its own unique character and history.

Village	Highlight	History
Bourton-on-the-Water	Quaint cottages and bridges over the River Windrush	Dates back to the Iron Age and was occupied by the Romans
Bibury	Renowned for its quaint Cotswold stone cottages and the serene River Coln	Known for its quintessential English countryside setting
Burford	The ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ with Cotswold stone cottages, Georgian townhouses, and a medieval church	Boasts a rich history and charming architecture

Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury

Nestled along the banks of the River Windrush, the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water captivates visitors with its charming Cotswold stone cottages and quaint bridges that arch over the gently flowing stream.

Nearby, the equally enchanting village of Bibury boasts a quintessential English countryside setting, renowned for its iconic Cotswold stone cottages lining the tranquil River Coln.

Bourton-on-the-Water’s history dates back to the Iron Age and Roman occupation, while Bibury is known for its picturesque scenery and serene atmosphere.

Wandering through these postcard-perfect villages, visitors can enjoy the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich heritage.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The tour is priced at $575.80 per person, and travelers can book now and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those with changing plans.

This pricing structure makes it easy for visitors to secure their spot on the tour without an upfront payment.

The generous cancellation policy is also a welcome feature, as it allows travelers to adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended if needed. Clients can discuss options with the tour provider to customize the length of the tour to accommodate their preferences and requirements.

Do You Provide Any Meals or Snacks During the Tour?

The tour does not include any meals or snacks. However, there are opportunities for guests to purchase food and refreshments during the self-guided portions of the Cotswold villages tour. Guests are responsible for their own dining arrangements.

Is the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service Customizable?

The pick-up and drop-off service is customizable. Customers can request pick-up and drop-off locations that suit their needs, and the tour provider will accommodate these requests as part of the private tour package.

Can I Request Specific Sites to Visit Within Oxford?

Yes, guests can request to visit specific sites within Oxford during the private tour. The tour is customizable, allowing guests to tailor the Oxford University portion to their interests and preferences.

What Is the Process for Booking Group Tours?

To book a group tour, customers can contact the tour operator directly. They’ll need to provide the number of people in the group, preferred tour date, and any special requests. The operator will then provide pricing and availability for the requested group tour.

Recap

This private tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Oxford University’s renowned colleges and the picturesque Cotswold villages.

Visitors will experience the academic heritage and architectural wonders of Balliol, All Souls, Trinity, and Oriel Colleges, as well as the iconic Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera.

The tour culminates in a visit to the charming Cotswold villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Burford, showcasing the region’s timeless rural charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: