Oxford of Morse, Lewis and Endeavour

Oxford, the historic university city, has become a beloved destination for fans of the iconic television detectives Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour. Strolling through its charming streets, visitors can easily imagine the intricate crime investigations unfolding against the backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks, from the grand Randolph Hotel to the atmospheric Turf Tavern. With its sweeping vistas, hallowed academic grounds, and vibrant cultural offerings, Oxford provides the perfect setting for these captivating television series, inviting viewers to enjoy the city’s rich history. As you explore the city, you’ll uncover the secrets that have drawn generations of sleuths to its winding streets.

Key Points

• The Randolph Hotel, an iconic Oxford landmark, has served as a backdrop for numerous episodes of the TV shows Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour.

• Broad Street, with its historic architecture and filming locations, offers a glimpse into the world of the TV detectives.

• The Holywell Music Room, the oldest custom-built music venue in Europe, has been featured in the shows, providing a serene setting amidst the lively city.

• The Turf Tavern, a beloved Oxford institution, has graced the background of countless Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour episodes, offering a timeless atmosphere.

• Radcliffe Square and Merton Street showcase the academic grandeur and serene ambiance of Oxford, which have been integral to the TV detectives’ stories.

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The Randolph Hotel

The tour begins outside the main entrance of the Randolph Hotel, a historic Oxford landmark that has served as a backdrop for many Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour episodes.

This iconic hotel has a rich history, dating back to 1864, and its grand Victorian architecture has made it an instantly recognizable location for fans of the shows.

During the tour, you will learn about the hotel’s role in the TV series, exploring the areas where scenes were filmed and uncovering the connections between the hotel and the famous detectives.

The Randolph Hotel’s central location, opposite the Ashmolean Museum, also makes it an ideal starting point for the walking tour, setting the stage for the journey through Oxford’s Morse-inspired sights.

Exploring Broad Street

From the Randolph Hotel, the walking tour next leads participants down the historic Broad Street, a bustling thoroughfare that has served as a filming location for numerous Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour episodes.

Broad Street’s charming Georgian architecture and lively atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for exploring the world of these iconic TV detectives. Along this stretch, fans can spot the Hertford College, which appeared in multiple episodes, and the Sheldonian Theatre, an iconic Oxford landmark.

The group will also pass the Eagle and Child pub, a favorite haunt of authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, adding an extra layer of literary significance to the tour. Throughout Broad Street, the guide will share behind-the-scenes stories and insights that bring the television series to life.

The Holywell Music Room

Amidst the lively atmosphere of Broad Street, the walking tour next leads participants to the serene Holywell Music Room, an iconic Oxford landmark that has graced the background of several Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour episodes.

Constructed in 1748, this Georgian concert hall is considered the oldest custom-built music venue in Europe. Visitors can marvel at its ornate architecture and imagine the classical performances that have echoed within its walls over the centuries.

The Holywell Music Room holds a special place in the history of the TV shows, as it has provided the setting for various scenes, including a pivotal moment in the Inspector Morse episode ‘The Way Through the Woods.’

Sipping at the Turf Tavern

Leaving the serene Holywell Music Room behind, the walking tour now leads participants to the lively Turf Tavern, a beloved Oxford institution that has graced the background of countless Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour episodes.

Located down a charming alley off Broad Street, the Turf Tavern’s timeless atmosphere and delightful pints have made it a favorite haunt for Oxford dons, students, and travelers alike.

Tour-goers will enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of this historic pub, where they can nearly envision the famous detectives sipping pints and pondering their next move.

From the cozy fireplace to the atmospheric outdoor seating, the Turf Tavern provides an authentic taste of Oxford’s rich literary and TV heritage.

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Radcliffe Square Strolling

The walking tour now leads participants to the grand Radcliffe Square, the historic heart of Oxford University. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the Radcliffe Camera, an iconic domed library building, and explore the tranquil quadrangles and courtyards that have witnessed countless scholarly pursuits over the centuries.

As the group wanders through this picturesque setting, they’ll likely imagine the TV detectives from Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour solving crimes amidst the timeless charm of Oxford. The square’s rich history, dating back to the 13th century, provides a captivating backdrop for the tour, inviting visitors to:

1. Appreciate the fusion of academic grandeur and serene ambiance.
2. Ponder the intellectual legacies that have shaped Oxford’s legacy.
3. Imagine the detective stories that may have unfolded in these hallowed halls.

Merton Street Memories

From Radcliffe Square, the walking tour now leads participants down the historic Merton Street, where they’ll discover the secrets of this hallowed academic ground.

Along this picturesque lane, the group will spot the iconic settings of several Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour episodes.

They’ll pass by the grand façade of Merton College, one of Oxford’s oldest and most prestigious colleges, which served as the backdrop for many scenes. The tour guide will share fascinating insights about the college’s history and its connection to the beloved TV detectives.

Participants will also get a glimpse of the serene Merton College Chapel, whose timeless beauty has graced numerous episodes over the years.

Browsing the Covered Market

After exploring the historic Merton Street, the walking tour now leads participants to the bustling Oxford Covered Market, where they can browse an array of local shops and stalls.

The market offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant heart of the city, with its rich history and diverse offerings.

As visitors wander through the stalls, they can discover:

1. Artisanal products, from handcrafted jewelry to locally-sourced food items.
2. Charming independent shops showcasing the creative talents of Oxford’s residents.
3. A glimpse into the daily life of the city, as locals and travelers mingle amidst the lively atmosphere.

The Covered Market serves as a captivating finale to the walking tour, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of Oxford.

Returning to the Randolph

With the Covered Market tour complete, participants now retrace their steps back to the starting point at the iconic Randolph Hotel.

This grand Victorian-era hotel, which has long served as a meeting point for the city’s elite, marks the end of the captivating journey through the filming locations of the renowned Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour television series.

Along the way, the guide provides additional anecdotes and insights, bringing the series’ rich history to life.

As the group arrives back at the Randolph, they can’t help but reflect on the fascinating connections between these beloved TV detectives and the timeless beauty of Oxford’s streets and landmarks.

It’s a fitting conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening experience.

Recap

Oxford’s timeless allure has captivated fans of Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour, who can retrace the steps of these iconic detectives.

From the opulent Randolph Hotel to the atmospheric Turf Tavern, the city’s historic landmarks and vibrant culture provide the perfect backdrop for these beloved television series.

Whether strolling through Radcliffe Square or exploring the academic grounds of Merton College, visitors can enjoy Oxford’s rich history and uncover the secrets that have enthralled viewers for decades.

You can check if your dates are available here: