The Oxford: City and University of Oxford Audio Guide offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of this renowned university city. Covering 90 minutes, the self-guided tour delves into Oxford’s rich history, stunning architecture, and famous filming locations. With insights into the university’s traditions, ceremonies, and notable alumni, the audio guide provides an immersive experience that allows travelers to uncover the enduring legacy of one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this audio tour promises to enhance your understanding and appreciation of Oxford’s captivating past.
Key Points
- The self-guided audio tour provides a comprehensive 90-minute walking experience covering Oxford’s rich history, architecture, and famous university colleges.
- The tour starts at Carfax Tower and explores the city center, 39 university colleges, and filming locations for popular TV shows.
- The audio guide is available in English and can be downloaded prior to the visit, offering lifetime access for revisiting the tour.
- Visitors can utilize the convenient park and ride facilities to explore Oxford at their own pace and budget for any college or landmark entry fees.
- The tour offers an immersive experience with detailed insights into Oxford’s heritage as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the world.
Tour Overview
Oxford: City and University of Oxford Audio Guide
Tour Overview
The 90-minute guided walking tour of Oxford allows visitors to discover the history and architecture of the famous university city, while learning about its traditions, ceremonies, and notable alumni.
The tour highlights why Oxford’s time is 5 minutes behind the rest of the country and follows in the footsteps of Harry Potter at Christ Church.
Visitors will also explore filming locations for TV series like Morse, Endeavour, and Midsomer Murders.
The tour starts at Carfax Tower, covers the historical city center and majority of the 39 colleges, and ends at Magdalen Street near the Martyrs’ Memorial.
Guests can download the audio guide beforehand and use park and ride facilities for parking.
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Notable Highlights
Visitors can discover why Oxford’s time is five minutes behind the rest of the country and explore filming locations for popular TV series like Morse, Endeavour, and Midsomer Murders during the tour.
They’ll also follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter at Christ Church, one of the university’s most iconic colleges.
The tour covers the historical city center and the majority of Oxford’s 39 colleges, allowing guests to learn about the traditions, ceremonies, and notable alumni that have shaped this famous institution over the centuries.
With an audio guide available in English, travelers can download the tour before their visit and explore at their own pace, starting at the Carfax Tower.
Tour Route
The tour begins at the Carfax Tower, a historic landmark located in the heart of Oxford’s city center. From there, the walking tour takes visitors through the historical city center and the majority of the university’s 39 colleges. The route follows in the footsteps of notable alumni and explores filming locations for popular TV series like Morse, Endeavour, and Midsomer Murders.
Tour Route Highlights | ||
---|---|---|
Carfax Tower | Historical City Center | 39 University Colleges |
TV Show Filming Locations | Harry Potter Locations | Martyrs’ Memorial |
The tour culminates at Magdalen Street, near the Martyrs’ Memorial, providing a rundown of Oxford’s rich history and architecture.
Key Information
The audio guide is available in English and can be downloaded prior to the visit. Visitors are encouraged to start the tour at the Carfax Tower, as it’s the designated starting point.
Plus, it’s recommended to utilize park and ride facilities for convenient parking during the tour. The audio guide provides lifetime access, allowing participants to revisit the tour at any time.
This self-guided experience covers the historical city center and the majority of Oxford’s 39 colleges. Travelers can expect to learn about the university’s traditions, ceremonies, and notable alumni throughout the 90-minute walking tour.
With the audio guide, visitors can explore the filming locations for popular TV series like Morse, Endeavour, and Midsomer Murders.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyInclusions and Exclusions
The Oxford audio guide includes lifetime access to the self-guided tour, allowing users to revisit the experience at their convenience.
However, it excludes entrance fees, transportation, food, and drink. This means visitors will need to budget for any entry costs to the colleges and landmarks they wish to explore during the tour. Plus, travelers will need to factor in their own transportation, whether that’s public transit, rideshares, or parking.
While the audio guide provides valuable information, meals and refreshments aren’t included, so participants should plan accordingly.
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Parking and Transportation
Visitors to Oxford have a few options when it comes to getting around and parking during their self-guided audio tour. The city recommends using the park and ride facilities, as these provide convenient and cost-effective access to the historical center.
Park and Ride Locations | Frequency | Cost |
---|---|---|
Thornhill | Every 10 minutes | £4.00 |
Oxford Parkway | Every 10 minutes | £4.00 |
Water Eaton | Every 12 minutes | £4.00 |
Redbridge | Every 10 minutes | £4.00 |
These park and ride services operate from early morning to late evening, making it easy for visitors to explore Oxford at their own pace without the hassle of finding and paying for parking in the city center.
About the Audio Guide
The self-guided audio tour provides visitors with a rich, immersive way to explore the city’s history and landmarks at their own pace.
With the download, you’ll have lifetime access to the guide, allowing you to revisit the tour anytime.
The audio commentary is in English, offering detailed insights into Oxford’s famous colleges, traditions, and notable alumni.
Simply start the tour at the Carfax Tower, and let the guide lead the way as you stroll through the historical city center.
The audio tour complements the walking experience, enriching your understanding of this prestigious university town.
Exploring Oxford’s History
Oxford’s history dates back centuries, with the university itself founded in 1167 and tracing its roots to even earlier times.
As one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the world, the city boasts an architectural legacy that reflects its storied past.
From the towering spires of its famous colleges to the bustling streets lined with historic pubs and shops, Oxford’s very fabric exudes a sense of timeless academia and tradition.
The city’s rich history is evident in its historic buildings, many of which have served as backdrops for iconic films and TV shows.
Exploring Oxford’s winding lanes and grand university halls offers a glimpse into the city’s illustrious past and its enduring influence on education, culture, and scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors can take photos during the tour. The guided walking tour allows participants to capture the historic architecture and landmarks of Oxford at their own discretion throughout the 90-minute experience.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is suitable for children. It includes highlights like exploring Harry Potter filming locations and learning about Oxford’s unique history and architecture, which would engage younger visitors. However, the 90-minute walking distance may be tiring for some children.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Mobility Impaired Visitors?
The tour is moderately accessible for mobility-impaired visitors. The city center has some uneven surfaces, but the majority of the route can be navigated with care. Audio guide download and park-and-ride facilities offer convenience for those with mobility challenges.
Can I Join the Tour Midway Through?
Yes, visitors can join the tour midway through. The self-guided audio tour allows flexibility, so participants can start and stop the tour at any point along the route. This provides convenience for those unable to complete the full 90-minute walk.
Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?
Yes, group rates are available for the Oxford walking tour. Discounts may be offered for students, seniors, or families. Customers should inquire about special rates when booking the tour.
Recap
The Oxford: City and University of Oxford Audio Guide offers an immersive way to explore this renowned university city.
The self-guided tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Oxford’s rich history, architecture, and filming locations, allowing travelers to discover the traditions and notable alumni at their own pace.
With insights into the city’s enduring legacy as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning, the audio guide enhances visitors’ understanding of Oxford’s iconic status.
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