oxford london tours

9 Best Day Tours to Oxford from London in 2024 (ranked!)

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People from all over the world know London, but how many have heard of the beautiful city of Oxford in the south of England?

If you’re staying in London and want to tour the gorgeous city of Oxford, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re going to explore the nine best day tours that depart from London – led by guides who are experts in their field.

These tour guides will take you to beauty spots, interesting sights, and cultural landmarks. 

Our favorite tour is the Downton Abbey and Oxford Tour from London including Highclere Castle because of the range of activities available.

With over 400 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars – you’re guaranteed a high-quality tour.

Discover more about the tour, and eight other fantastic day trips to Oxford from London, by reading on.

Let’s dive in and remember to book in advance to avoid missing out.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Oxford day trip from London is this Downtown Abbey and Oxford day tour.

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Easy Guide: Best Oxford Day Trips from London

1. downton abbey and oxford tour from london including highclere castle.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 470+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• A free copy of Lady Carnarvon’s autobiography
• Walking tour of Oxford
• A professional guide
• Air-conditioned bus travel

This tour is perfect for fans of the hit TV series Downton Abbey and is one of the best Oxford tours from London.

It’s a full-day tour of the main sets in the show, including Highclere Castle and Matthew Crawley’s mother’s house.

Explore the grounds and walk through rooms that have starred in many of your favorite scenes.

You’ll feel like English royalty in no time!

Even if you’ve not seen the series, this is a perfect chance to see some quintessential English stately homes.

Everyone on the tour gets a free copy of Lady Carnarvon’s autobiography.

If you don’t know who she is, you will by the end of the tour.

She’s the real-life owner of Highclere Castle.

Outside of the Downton Abbey experience, you’ll tour the magical city of Oxford – taking in the remarkable architecture of the university buildings.

2. Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 1,600+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert guide
• Optional entry to Warwick Castle
• Photo opportunities in the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon
• Optional entry to Shakespeare’s birthplace

Looking to visit three beautiful English locations in a single day?

This tour allows you to do exactly that – a one day tour of Oxford from London plus other sites!

While there’s plenty to do in London, it can sometimes be wise to get out of the hustle-and-bustle of the capital for a day and go somewhere quieter.

Breaking up your London trip is easy with this three-part trip that includes Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Warwick Castle .

In Oxford, you’ll walk the university campus and see where the likes of Albert Einstein and Bill Clinton studied.

During another part of the day, you’ll tour the grounds of Warwick Castle with your expert guide. 

Arriving in Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll notice that things start to get very Shakespearean.

That’s because this is where the Bard was born and raised.

You can see how the beautiful buildings, calming river, and rural countryside created such an immensely imaginative individual who would go on to write the best plays of all time.

At 10 hours and 30 minutes in total, don’t forget to pack some lunch with you.

3. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London : best Oxford day tour from London

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1,700+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Tick Stonehenge off your bucket list
• High-quality coach with Wi-Fi and USB charging
• Optional interior visits to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge

England is unique for its rich history and architectural wonders.

The Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London is a fantastic pick if you want to tick Stonehenge off your bucket list, but also want to sample the culinary delights of Oxford.

In Oxford, you’ll explore winding roads full of pubs, restaurants, and university buildings and admire the historic architecture from different time periods.

At Windsor Castle, you’ll learn about royalty and English traditions.

Arriving at Stonehenge, you’ll step back in time 4,000 years to experience life as our ancient ancestors did. 

The day is designed to be relaxing, which involves not having to think too much.

Fortunately, there’s an expert guide traveling with you who is available to answer questions and provide information about the incredible British landmarks you’ll see.

If you’re traveling with those who prefer shopping to historic sites, this tour has you covered.

Oxford is a buzzing town with lots of opportunities to shop.

4. Small Group Cotswolds Villages, Stratford and Oxford Day Tour from London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 140+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Round-trip transportation from London
• Walking tours in Stratford and Oxford
• Free bottled water
• Optional entry to the house where Shakespeare was born

The Small Group Cotswolds Villages, Stratford and Oxford Day Tour from London is one of the best options for small groups looking for a quiet excursion to beautiful English towns and cities and an Oxford day tour from London

If you’re into the Cotswolds for the peace and quiet, but also want the roaring bustle of Oxford city, this tour is for you. 

You’ll spend almost equal parts of the day in Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford – which is great because both deserve ample time for exploring and taking pictures for your Instagram page.

You’ll be provided with free bottled water onboard the luxury Mercedes minibus, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities for a glass of wine in Oxford’s fascinating streets.

This trip is perfect for small groups of friends or small families who want to get the most out of their visit to England.

5. Bath & Oxford Day Trip from London – Self-Guided Audio Tours

✔️  BOOK NOW

• Access to a self-guided audio tour
• Audio tour presented by local historians
• Ability to listen to audio offline 
• Opportunity to take photos for Instagram

This tour has a twist.

Unlike the others on our list, this one doesn’t have a tour guide.

Instead, you purchase an audio tour and explore Bath and Oxford at your own pace. 

The advantage of this kind of experience is that there’s no pressure to stick to a particular timeframe.

You can stay at landmarks you love for as long as you like without being rushed to the next sight. 

Walk through the charming cities of Oxford and Bath with information from your audio guide.

The guides on the audio are local historians and so you can trust that you’re hearing accurate facts.

On the tour, you’ll visit Bath Abbey, Exeter and Jesus Colleges, the Bodleian Library, and filming locations from the Netflix series Bridgerton.

You’ll also visit the Roman baths that gave the city of Bath its name.

6. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London : bus tour to Oxford from London

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 400+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Small group tour with no more than 16 people
• Transport in a Mercedes mini-coach
• Sights including the Bridge of Sighs and Christchurch Cathedral
• Luggage allowance

A large coach full of people isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time.

Fortunately, the Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London offers an option for smaller traveling parties.

With no more than 15 additional people joining you on the trip, you’ll have lots of opportunities to get to know your fellow travelers and make friends.

You’ll marvel at the Bridge of Sighs (not the Italian one), watching the river punters mimic their Venician counterparts. 

The best part of this trip is that there is a generous luggage allowance, meaning you can treat yourself to some souvenirs from the many quaint shops that line the streets of Oxford.

Still not sure?

Don’t just take our word for it.

408 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars prove this is a journey that lives up to the hype. 

7. Oxford by Rail Overnight Tour from London with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 days | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Return train tickets from London to Oxford
• Overnight stay in an Oxford hotel
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus in the city

Oxford has such a wealth of interesting cultural experiences, restaurants, and shops that a day probably isn’t enough.

Enter – the Oxford by Rail Overnight Tour from London with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus . 

The only tour promising two days of adventure, you’ll get to dance the night away in the city’s clubs and bars without having to rush to the train station.

With this experience, you’ll get a return train ticket from London to Oxford, as well as hotel accommodation in the center of the city.

Breakfast is included and you’ll also have access to the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus – perfect for getting around the city and finding the best local attractions.

Everything’s covered with this booking – train journeys, hotel accommodation, breakfast, and bus travel around the city.

This’ll save you lots of time organizing each individual element.

8. Oxford and Cambridge Universities Day Tour from London

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Walking tour of Cambridge
• Personal audio headset with interesting facts and information
• Coach travel with Wi-Fi and USB charging

What do Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, A.A. Milne, and Thandiwe Newton all have in common?

They all studied at the University of Cambridge.

Okay, that was a tricky one.

How about Rishi Sunak, Robert Peel, Harold Wilson, Margaret Thatcher, and Tony Blair?

Well done if you said they’re all British Prime Ministers, but did you know they were all taught at the University of Oxford?

In fact, an incredible 30 British Prime Ministers were educated there.

On this tour , you’ll explore the campuses that have generated more influential politicians, actors, authors, and scientists than anywhere else in the world. 

You’ll be taken to Oxford and Cambridge in style in a high-end coach with Wi-Fi access and USB charging.

The Wi-Fi will come in handy when you want to show off your snaps of the amazing architecture in both cities.

9. Private Shopping Transfer from London to Oxford Bicester Village

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 10 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Explore the shopping opportunities at Oxford Bicester Village
• Chauffeur-driven luxury car
• Air-conditioned transport
• Trunk space for shopping bags

Most trips from London to Oxford focus on the history and architecture.

But surely there must be a trip for the shoppers among you?

There is – the Private Shopping Transfer from London to Oxford Bicester Village. 

You’ll be picked up from your location in London in a luxury air-conditioned car with your very own chauffeur.

Driving to Oxford, you’ll see the parts of London often missed by tourists. 

You can explore the shopping opportunities at Oxford Bicester Village at your own pace.

There are dozens of designer outlets here full of bargains.

To break up the shopping, why not visit one of the restaurants onsite and sample some delicious food?

With plenty of trunk space, you can literally shop until you drop.

Don’t forget your passport to claim your tax return and avoid any issues at the airport.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

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• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 7 Best Stonehenge Tours from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 5 Best Tours of York, England
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• 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system.

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

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Day Tours to Oxford From London

Day tours to oxford from london  ultimate guide.

With cheap and frequent services running between London and Oxford 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a lot of first-time visitors in London head to Oxford for a quick day trip to explore the famed literary city.

Luckily Oxford’s main attractions like Christ Church University and the Radcliffe Camera are within walking distance to each other, and you could easily spend a few hours wandering around Oxford’s central area and still see all that there is to see.

However, it’s the actual “travel” part of getting to and from Oxford that can be tricky, or even chaotic during peak travel times. That’s why many visitors choose to go with a tour company so the hassle of getting to and from Oxford is figured out for you.

If you’re hoping to do a quick day trip to Oxford while you’re in London, here are the many different tours and tour companies to choose from.

From  London to Oxford with International Friends

International Friends have tours that include everything from overnight trips to Paris to a quick day trip to Downtown Abbey, so naturally, they’re going to have a tour from London to Oxford that’s worth checking out.

Their  Oxford Day Trip tour includes entry into Christ Church University, an Oxford walking tour with an expert guide, and return travel between Oxford’s city centre and London’s Paddington train station. The tour starts at 8:45 a.m. from Paddington and finishes sometime between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in London. Tickets for this tour cost £49 for adults, however, there are no discounted tickets available for seniors, students, children or families.

If you’re hoping to see the Cotswold villages along with Oxford, they also have a  Cotswolds Villages and English Country Pub Lunch tour , but it’s only available on Saturdays during the spring, summer and early autumn months. Tickets for this tour cost £119 for adults and £99 for children (between the ages of three and 15).

From  London to Oxford with Golden Tours

As always, Golden Tours has a wealth of different options in terms of all the places you can see in a one-day tour from London. From visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle, to making short stops in Stratford and Cambridge, you could easily customize your own tailor-made day tour to go to all the places you want to see around England.

For the ultimate literary experience, if you want to see Cambridge along with Oxford, they offer a great deal on a London-Cambridge-Oxford tour that costs £86, and even special tours during the holidays as well.

But if you’re just looking for a simple tour from London to Oxford, they have a  Day Trip to Oxford by Rail with Open Top Bus  tour which includes open return train tickets to Oxford, a ticket for Oxford’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour, as well as free time to explore Oxford on your own.

Customers must head to Paddington Station to check in with a Golden Tours representative at the Information Desk at 8:50 a.m., and then catch a train to Oxford at promptly 9:21 a.m. Customers are free to choose what time they’ll return, as trains return to London every ten to 15 minutes until 10 p.m. Tickets for this tour cost £58.65 for adults, and £54.40 for children (between the ages of three and 16).

From  London to Oxford with Anderson Tours

Anderson Tours may not be as well known as other tour companies based out of London, but they offer a ton of great deals on tours from London to places like Cardiff, Bruges, Loch Ness, the Isle of Wight, Edinburgh and much more.

Anderson Tours offer two different tours from London to Oxford, however, both include additional trips to places like Cambridge, Stratford and the Cotswold villages.

Their  Oxford and Cambridge Tour  includes a guided walking tour of both cities as well as additional time to explore them at your own pace, and cost £57 for adults, and £51 for children.

They also have an  Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds Villages Tour for those hoping to explore more of the English countryside, which includes a guided walking tour of Oxford, entry into Shakespeare’s birthplace, and a quick visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Customers are picked up from various locations in central London like King’s Cross, London Bridge and Victoria between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., and tickets cost £55 for adults and £50 for children.

From  London to Oxford with Evan Evans Tours

Evan Evans may not have tours directly from London to Oxford, but they do have a ton of great combo tours to Oxford that are worth checking out if you want to see more than one city while you’re in London.

There’s an  Oxford and Cambridge tour  which lasts for ten hours and includes a guided walking tour of Oxford as well as a visit to Christ Church College, the Bridge of Sighs, and King’s College Chapel. The tour also includes a walking tour around Cambridge, and there are a ton of different pick-up points for the tour scattered all around central London. Tickets for this tour cost:

• £90 for adults
• £80 for children
• £85 for seniors and students
• £330 for families (consisting of two adults and two children)

If you’re interested in checking out other cities or monuments as well as Oxford, they have great deals on combo tours to Warwick Castle, Stratford and the Cotswolds (£87), Windsor Castle and Stonehenge (£87), and even a private viewing of Stonehenge’s inner circle at sunrise or sunset along with a visit to Oxford and Windsor Castle (£125).

From  London to Oxford with The English Bus

The English Bus is another reputable tour company operating out of London, however, they only have one tour to Oxford which also includes visits to Stratford and the Cotswold villages.

If this is your cup of tea, however, then the  Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds Villages tour  may be right down your alley, although be forewarned that the tours only usually run twice a week, which means tickets can be hard to come by.

The tour departs at 8:45 a.m. from The London Eye, and takes you to Stratford-Upon-Avon, and through the scenic English countryside surrounding the villages of the Cotswolds before being dropped off in central London around 8:30 p.m. Tickets for this tour cost £79, however, no discounted tickets for seniors, students or family bookings are available.

Free Tours in Your Language

Oxford and Cambridge Guided Day Tour from London

• Live commentary on board
• Professional guide
• Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Earl's Court Station (Stop C), London SW5 9TB, UK Please meet the coach on Warwick Road at 8:30am. If you are taking the tube follow the exit signs to Warwick Road and if you put the postcode - SW5 9TB - into google maps it will drop the pin on the exact point.
• London Bridge, London EC4R 9HA, UK Bus Stop S, Tooley St, London SE1 9SP
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Please note: the itinerary is intended as a guide and some details may be subject to change.
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• University of Oxford

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Earl's Court Station (Stop C) London SW5 9TB, UK Please meet the coach on Warwick Road at 8:30am. If you are taking the tube follow the exit signs to Warwick Road and if you put the postcode - SW5 9TB - into google maps it will drop the pin on the exact point. See address & details
• 1 University of Oxford Stop: 2 hours See details
• 2 University of Cambridge Stop: 2 hours See details
• You'll end at London Bridge London EC4R 9HA, UK Bus Stop S, Tooley St, London SE1 9SP See address & details

• 183katherynp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see Stonehenge! The tour was great fun! Kirsten, our guide, was knowledgeable and friendly. Our day was well-organized, and everything ran smoothly. Read more Written April 7, 2024
• sharanya315 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience Great experience with this tour. Anderson tours was very communicative and on schedule with right from picking us up to drop off. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• 866elvirap 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Appalling service! A terrble experience and appalling service! The bus came late (though other coaches and local buses managed to be on time somehow). Then, on the way back, we had to wait in the pouring rain for the coach again while coaches by other companies waited parked in the parking lot nearby! I called the office to check what had happened; the guy was supposed to call me back but didn’t bother! Outrageous! The coach came just a few minutes before our departure and we were given a lame excuse the driver needed to tank up! (Mind you the tour was in the late morning). Read more Written April 1, 2024
• DaltonGaudin87 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles You’ve got to see Stonehenge at least once in your life! Our guide Mikhael was knowledgeable and funny. We had a blast seeing Avebury and Stonehenge. Unfortunately the long barrows were flooded (and had been for months) so please inquire directly with the tour operator if that’s high up on your list. Otherwise it was a great time and the bus was comfortable, Read more Written April 1, 2024
• Jill W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Canterbury and Cliffs of Dover Our family of four really enjoyed our tour to Canterbury and the Cliffs of Dover. The tour bus was comfortable, the driver, Jerome did a great job, and our tour guide, Eva was very knowledgeable and pleasant. We would recommend this tour to others visiting England. Read more Written March 31, 2024
• KevinJ1609 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Everything As Promised Overall, we got to see everything that was promised. By the time that we got to Dover Castle, the lines for the WWII Dynamo tunnels were already and hours wait. Give that, we really didn’t need two hours for the balance of the complex especially given the limited time allowed at the cliffs. Basically, we had time to walk out to where they start, snap a few photographs and walk back to the bus. Didn’t really feel like we got to experience them, just saw an introduction to them. Canterbury was a nice surprise even though the bus parking situation was altered. The cathedral is impressive and the town offers nice places to eat and shop (if you’re in to that). As usual, people were late getting back to bus but that’s not the tour operators fault. All-in-all, the tour delivered what was promised. Just feel the Easter holiday preparations made us alter the normal schedule a bit. Read more Written March 31, 2024
• Jessica C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great history tour with local flavor (er flavour) Loved it! Felt like walking in the steps of history. Brendan was an excellent guide. Just nerdy enough that you felt like you got a history lesson from someone who loved the topic. Plenty of dad jokes along the way. Super safe driver. Read more Written March 29, 2024
• santiagooV8041XG 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Horrible Experience I booked my trip 6 weeks in advance, I was asked to change my tour day due to lack of tourist for the day I had chosen. I agree to the new day they gave me. When my family and I showed up on the instructed address not one was there to pick us up. Their customer service never replied back to my emails. It’s been 5 days and I still haven’t received a response from them. I’m Extremely Disappointed, it’s just sad because I had used them before for a trip to Rome and I had also recommended them to my friends that just travel to Europe last month. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• AnnieNYHC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles great guide, easy drive. Our guide was wonderful, very sweet, made nice commentary during the drive. The driver, while a very good safe driver, could hold back on his commentary, as he made an inappropriate comment to my husband as I was simply asking if he was coming, and I was called bossy by said driver to my husband once I stepped away. the guide in training and my husband thankfully came to my defense immediately but still it was uncalled for. He had also made inappropriate jokes to the guide, and while she handled them like a champ, they should have not been made (using his age/experience is not an excuse either). Read more Written March 27, 2024
• S3624OJalicel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Michel is great! Sacred sites are great to see on this tour. Michel was a great guide! He was clear about expectations, gave lots of interesting historical context for the towns we went through on the way which I appreciated and also provided a mystical experience at one of the sacred sites! I won’t give it away for future travelers :). I would highly recommend him as a guide, and a great driver as well. Will say the buses are cramped for tall people. Very happy with our experience! Read more Written March 25, 2024
• Y9639PPlauras 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend! The trip was fantastic! As someone who is anxious with transportation, I have to say the bus was clean, comfortable and the driver was amazing! Very comfortable journey. Our tour guide was fantastic at giving us historical facts, clear meet up times/places, and overall very helpful. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• 691leilahm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A brilliant day out - Highly Recommended I had an amazing trip from start to finish! The office staff were super kind and helpful, even holding back a couple of minutes for me when I was running late. Our tour guide Sophie was fantastic, sharing fascinating facts about the areas we passed on our way to Stonehenge. We felt well informed, safe, and entertained all day long. Brendan, our coach driver, was brilliant and hilarious too! Stonehenge was absolutely mind-blowing. I highly recommend visiting if you haven't been before. We had just the right amount of time to explore the entire site and grab a quick refreshment before heading to Bath. Speaking of Bath, it's such a beautiful place with lovely people. I booked to go inside the Roman Baths with Anderson Tours, and it was a fantastic glimpse into British-Roman history. I also had plenty of time to savor the famous Sally Lunns Bun, visit the Abbey, and wander around this charming city. One of the highlights of my day was meeting Paul, the pigeon man, who made my day even better. And the street performances in Bath were top-notch! There was such a great variety that it was hard to tear myself away. Overall, Anderson Tours provided an outstanding day filled with history and fun. Thank you for an unforgettable experience! Read more Written March 24, 2024
• barbbrulee 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Too short for this reader of information If you like to read everything, book a longer tour. We had to hurry through half of it to get back to the bus. We had technical difficulties with the microphone but still I formative. I like to hear about the area we are traveling through and the ride back can be quiet for those who would like to nap. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• mirusc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trip to Cardiff One day tour excellent. Bus driver very courteous of his passengers. Tour guide Steven was great. Trip to Cardiff informative and entertaining. Read more Written March 23, 2024
• Smac39 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pleasant Windsor Trip Exactly as described. It’s a bus ride to a self guided tour of Windsor Castle, which is exactly what I wanted. Nice coach and guide. Read more Written March 19, 2024

More to explore in London

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Oxford and Cambridge Guided Day Tour from London provided by Anderson Tours

Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages 1 day tour

A relaxed day out exploring Oxford and the quintessential villages of the Cotswolds.

Tour Highlights

Oxford University - Take in the stunning spire-studded skyline of the English speaking world’s oldest University.

Great Hall of Christ Church College - It’s the only college in the world that’s also a cathedral. What’s more is it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Traditional Cotswold Villages - These picturesque villages will fill up your camera’s memory in seconds.

Bibury - This town arguably boasts the most charming village views in all of England.

Your journey

The Cotswolds are like stepping into a landscape painting. Vivid green colours, lush waterways and the most delightful cottages. And Oxford needs no introduction. The city of students, spires and sumptuous cathedrals is as inspirational as it is fascinating. Join this tour and experience two of England’s most deservedly-famous locations.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Entry fees to visitor attractions

You head northwest out of London, passing through the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The picturesque countryside here has inspired the television shows Midsomer Murders and Vicar of Dibley.

Your first stop is Oxford, where you have time to explore the precincts of the many colleges, climb to the vantage points to admire the skyline, or see the art and antiquities collections in the Ashmolean Museum.

You stop in Burford, the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. This is a small market town with enormous character and depth. The main street is lined with all those quaint properties that you’ve dreamt of owning. You have time here to take in the local charm and hospitality; and if you’re hungry, you can try a traditional English ‘Afternoon Tea’.

Then, you make the short journey to Bibury. This place was described by William Morris as the prettiest village in England, and Henry Ford wanted to dismantle it and ship it back to the USA. You have time here to stroll to the famous and fairytale-like Arlington Row.

After a full day exploring the city of Oxford and the villages of the Cotswolds, you embark on the comfortable return journey to London.

This route may be reversed on some occasions.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Oxford, Stratford and Warwick Castle Oxford, Cotswolds & Country pub lunch small group WB Studio and Oxford Oxford & Cambridge Universities

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The City of Oxford tours from London

A wide range of tours from london every day of the year.

The city of Oxford is about 60 miles (95 km) from Central London, a good 90 minutes non-stop from London in a tour bus.

The famous university city of Oxford is a large city, but the central area where all the colleges and attractions are, are in a compact area right in the centre of the city.

Much of this part of Oxford is either pedestrianised or has narrow lanes and alleys where vehicles, let alone tour buses do not venture.

Because of this a visit to Oxford on a tour bus inevitably involves a walking tour. This normally means a visit inside a college, the most popular being Christ Church.

Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford

Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's Birthplace & Oxford

Oxford, Cotswolds & Country pub lunch

Warner Bros. Studio & Oxford

Oxford & Cambridge Universities

Private Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford

2-day: Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge & Oxford

2-day private: Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds & Oxford (from Southampton or London)

Oxford tours from London

There are many day tours from London that spend time in Oxford, but none that spend all day here. A typical tour bus visit will last 90-120 minutes and involve a walking tour of the city with focus on the university colleges. A few may enter and visit Christ Church.

If Oxford is a city you want to explore in-depth, best just to take the train from London's Paddington Station or the Oxford Tube bus service that starts at London Victoria.

Below are summaries of the most popular itineraries for tours that visit Oxford from London, none combine Oxford with Blenheim Palace just outside Oxford.

Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour

Next you'll journey on to the mysterious World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. Travel back 5,000 years to prehistoric Britain to the most famous Neolithic monument in the world.

At the end of the day you'll head to Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Oxford to see the famous colleges, with their ivy-clad stone walls protecting beautiful chapels, halls and libraries. 

This tour is flexible and you can choose whether to add on entrances to Stonehenge or Stonehenge & Windsor Castle.

Visit to Windsor with optional entrance tickets to Windsor Castle

Option for entrance tickets to Stonehenge

Walking tour of Oxford

Return transport by luxury air conditioned coach

Professional guide

WINDSOR CASTLE, STONEHENGE & OXFORD TOUR FROM LONDON

Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford tour from London

Adult with Windsor Castle & Stonehenge entrances from £116

Adult Stonehenge entrance only from £92

Adult with no entrances from £79

• Visit to Windsor • Visit Stonehenge • Walking tour of Oxford • Pick up from Central London • Expert guide

Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford and Oxford

Magnificent warwick castle, shakespeare's stratford and much-loved oxford day tour from london.

The Warwick Castle, Stratford & Oxford Tour day tour takes you north west of London towards a very scenic area of England known as the Cotswolds.

Warwick, Stratford , and Oxford offer varied experiences, Warwick Castle a fine Norman Castle with plenty of medieval events all day, Stratford, the home of Shakespeare and Oxford one of the most famous university towns in the world.

As you travel between Stratford and Oxford you will get a taster of what the Cotswolds is all about.

This tour is flexible and you can choose whether to add on entrances to either Warwick Castle or Shakespeare's Birthplace, or whether to explore the historic town of Warwick and the market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon as free time.

• Visit to Warwick with optional entrance tickets to Warwick Castle
• Visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon with optional entrance to Shakespeare's Birthplace
• Guided walking tour of Oxford
• Drive through Cotswolds
• Luxury air conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi and services of a professional guide

WARWICK CASTLE, SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE & OXFORD TOUR

Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford & Oxford guided day tour from London

Adult with entrances from £102

Adult no entrances from £74

• Coach tour to three stunning towns: Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon & Oxford • Panoramic tour of the Cotswolds • Professional guide • Luxury air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

Small Group Oxford, Cotswolds & country pub lunch

On this tour you will be travelling with no more than 16 other people - guaranteed! Purpose-built minibuses have large windows, good air circulation and clear PA systems so that your professional guide can escort you comfortably through the wonderful countryside.

There are no minimum numbers required to operate this tour.

Visit two of England’s must-see destinations in one day on this small-group tour to Oxford and the Cotswolds . Take in the pretty countryside scenery of Cotswold villages including Burford, Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold and stroll among the secluded cloisters, dreaming spires, and historic colleges of Oxford, and admire the Divinity School’s impressive medieval architecture. Travel in a small group with your guide for a more personal experience, and reach parts of the pretty countryside the larger coaches can’t pass.

OXFORD, COTSWOLDS & COUNTRY PUB LUNCH, SMALL GROUP DAY TOUR FROM LONDON

Oxford, Cotswolds & country pub lunch day tour from London

Flexi adult from £174 • Best rate adult from £156.60 • Flexi child (3-15 years) from £154 • Best rate child from £138.60

• Explore Oxford with expert guide • Admission Divinity School Oxford • Visit the villages of Burford, Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold • Enjoy lunch in Cotswolds village (included) • Small group max 16 ppl • Professional guide

Walking Tour Oxford plus Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

This is a great combination for Harry Potter fans: the chance to not only visit the superb studio featuring dozens of top film sets from the Harry Potter films, but also a visit to Oxford, known for being a top Harry Potter film location .

In Oxford you'll see famous colleges including Christ Church , and enjoy an informative walking tour with free time for you to explore this fabulous city yourself.

Below you have a choice of the regular tour (daily during summer months, several times a week rest of year), or a small group tour leaving 3 days a week during the low season and every day during the high season.

Travel by executive coach with friendly tour manager from London

Available every Saturday through to Wednesday. Small group tour available every Thursday.

Entrance tickets for 4 hours inside the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

Guided walking tour in Oxford

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON - THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER PLUS OXFORD DAY TOUR

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter PLUS Oxford in one day from London

Flexi adult from £159 • Best rate adult from £143.10 • Flexi child (3-15 years) from £155 • Best rate child from £139.50

• Daily tours • Guided walking tour of Oxford • Entrance tickets for 4 hours in Studio • 2 pick up locations in London • Return transportation by executive coach with friendly tour manager

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON - THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER PLUS OXFORD DAY TOUR - SMALL GROUP

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter PLUS Oxford in one day from London - SMALL GROUP

Flexi adult from £184 • Best rate adult from £165.60 • Flexi child (3-15 years) from £179 • Best rate child from £161.10

• Maximum 18 people per tour • Guided walking tour of Oxford • Entrance tickets for 4 hours in Studio • 2 pick up locations in London • Return transportation by executive coach with friendly tour manager

Oxford & Cambridge Tour

Explore the oldest, most prestigious universities in the UK and arguably the most famous universities in the world! With both destinations you'll enjoy an informative walking tour with your guide before having time to explore the cities' architecture and hidden streets for yourself.

The first stop of your day tour will be the city of Cambridge. Marvel at beautiful and unique architecture as you walk in the footsteps and learn all about the town and university history as well as its many famous alumni including Alan Turing, Oliver Cromwell and Charles Darwin.

Head to Oxford, also known as the “City of Dreaming Spires”, home to the oldest university in the English speaking world, and enjoy another walking tour in this beautiful city and don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the many famous filming locations featured in movies including Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, Mamma Mia and more!

Enjoy Walking Tours of the cities of Cambridge and Oxford

Expert tour guide

Personal audio headset for the guide's live commentary

Travel by luxury air conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITIES

Full day tour of Oxford and Cambridge Universities from London

Adult from £97

Private Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford

Discover centuries of royal history on this private day tour. Enjoy the ultimate in comfort and luxury transportation with entry included to Windsor and Stonehenge, with a walking tour of Oxford with your expert guide.

Private tours allow you to be collected and dropped off from your choice of destination in London. You can choose from driver-guide or for a supplement, a separate guide.

WINDSOR, STONEHENGE & OXFORD PRIVATE COACH TOUR

• 11-hr tour • Entry to Windsor Castle & Stonehenge • Walking tour of Oxford • Pick-up and drop-off from your chosen location • Driver/guide or separate guide

Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford (2-day)

Two days of world wonders, Romans, and royals.

This tour whisks you away from the modernity of London to the ancient Stonehenge and through England’s defining eras.

You will explore Windsor Castle, a thousand-year-old fort that’s seen dramatic sieges and gregarious royal weddings.

Next venture to Bath, where both the pagans and Romans washed in ‘mythical’ hot springs.

Enjoy a scenic drive through tiny Cotswolds villages before finishing your 2-day visit to the University town of Oxford with its internationally famous university colleges.

Visit World Heritage Site Stonehenge

Visit to the beautiful town of Windsor with option to enter Windsor Castle

Visit  Bath , England’s premier city of architecture, Georgian living and Roman leisure with option to enter the Roman Baths

Visit  Oxford , home of famous colleges and stunning architecture

Drive through spectacular Cotswolds countryside

The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Transport by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach

Option to add on overnight en-suite accommodation with breakfast (B&B or 3-star hotel)

2-DAY TOUR OF WINDSOR, STONEHENGE, BATH AND OXFORD

2-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford Tour from London

• Professional guide/driver • Small group tour (max 16 people) • Option to add on accommodation • Transportation by 16-seat Mercedes mini coach

Private Stonehenge, Cotswolds, Bath and Oxford

Enjoy top destinations at a leisurely pace with meet and greet from Southampton port or your hotel or London if you prefer.

Visit the legendary Stonehenge and the Roman Baths at Bath both with entry included.

Spend overnight in your choice of accommodation in one of the Cotswolds towns or villages.

On day 2 you'll visit more stunning Cotswold villages, soaking up the atmosphere by the River Windrush.

Then you'll complete your 2-day tour at the magnificent university city of Oxford .

Being a private tour, this tour allow you to go at a pace you want to see it at compared with a typical coach tour.

The driver-guide is there to tell stories, give insights and answer your questions.

You'll be dropped back to where you need to be - London, Heathrow or Southampton.

The price below is the typical price guide for hiring a car for two days and is based on two people sharing.

Stonehenge - entrance tickets included

Entrance to the Roman Baths in Bath

Tour of Bath and time for lunch

Visit 4 beautiful Cotswolds villages

Overnight stay in Burford (book own accommodation)

Visit Oxford for lunch and guided walking tour

The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Pick up from Heathrow Airport, London or Southampton

Drop off at Heathrow Airport, London or Southampton

STONEHENGE, BATH, COTSWOLDS & OXFORD PRIVATE 2-DAY TOUR FROM SOUTHAMPTON/LONDON

Private Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds & Oxford 2-day tour from Southampton or London

Adult from £650pp (based on 2 people sharing)

• Visit each site by private car from Southampton or London • Tickets Stonehenge • Tickets Roman Baths in Bath • Professional guide/driver • Hotel/port pickup & drop off

MOST POPULAR TOURS FROM LONDON 2024

Visiting stonehenge and/or windsor and/or bath, visiting cotswolds and/or oxford and/or stratford and/or warwick, visiting canterbury, leeds castle & dover, special theme tours, day tours by train to liverpool, paris & scotland, 2 to 12 day tours covering great britain, ireland, paris & amsterdam.

12 Things To Do On A Day Trip To Oxford From London! By Train or Bus!

Categories England , London , U.K

Oxford is a great city to spend the day in and due to the short journey time, it’s very possible to do a day trip to Oxford from London getting there by Bus or by Train.

There are so many things to do in Oxford in one day so in this list I have included things to see in Oxford like famous historical buildings that are must-visits in Oxford, especially if you are visiting for the first time!

But, I have also given you a few  different and unique Oxford Day Trip things to do that you can’t miss and that will make you feel like a local in Oxford!

Day Trip To Oxford From London

How to get to Oxford from London.

London to oxford by train., london to oxford by bus..

It’s possible to get a bus from London to Oxford too. It takes slightly longer at about 2 hours but it will more often than not be cheaper than the train with prices starting from £5.00 each way through The Train Line too .

I would definitely check both train and bus options though as the bus may actually be more expensive if you are looking to go within the next few days!

Oxford Day Tours From London.

If you’re short on time, you want to visit more than just Oxford in one day, or you want things organised for you, a  day tour from London to Oxford is a good idea:

This tour combines Oxford and the Harry Potter Studio!

This tour combines Oxford with the nearby Cotswolds from London ,

This tour visits Oxford and Cambridge in one day from London.

Oxford Day Trip Things To Do!

1. visit oxford castle first.

Oxford Castle is well located right next to Oxford Train Station, therefore if you want to visit, it’s a good idea to go when you get off the train to save you time because you only have one day in Oxford.

Oxford Castle is number one on my list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip to Oxford from London because if you start off here, you’ll get to witness some of Oxford’s oldest (and scariest) history!

2. Brunch at The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

After getting to Oxford by bus or train if you’re like me you’ll be very hungry, especially if you did visit Oxford Castle first, and it will be the perfect time for brunch or lunch, and The Handle Bar Cafe is a great place to head to.

Oxford train station is right in the centre of the city which is another reason why it’s easy to do a day trip to Oxford from London!

The Handle Bar Cafe is a 10-minute walk into the centre . It’s very deceiving as the downstairs entry is a bike shop, however upstairs is a beautifully decorated, light, quaint but modern cafe with a bike theme.

Their menu is amazing for brunch and lunch options. I had the Vegan Avocado on Toast but I did get food envy over the pancakes.

This is a great way to start your oxford day trip and get planning your route around Oxford.

3. Snap the Colourful Houses on Holywell Street

For one of the unique things to do in Oxford on your day trip from London, head Holywell Street which has a beautiful row of pastel-coloured terrace buildings.

It’s also home to many more beautiful houses and what I loved perhaps more, is that this street was so quiet compared to the busy main streets on a Saturday afternoon. Definitely visit Holywell Street if you need some colour and calm!

4. Visit the Famous Colleges and Universities

Oxford is known for its beautiful buildings and especially those of its colleges and universities!

Merton College is in the centre of Oxford which makes it easy to visit on a day trip to Oxford from London, it’s one of the oldest college’s in Oxford and is only £3.00 to enter!

Christ Church College is where you should head if you are a Harry Potter fan as it was used as a filming location!

Magdalen College is another beautiful building and college right in the centre of Oxford. It’s right near the river too which makes it a great place to go punting from. Keep reading for more information on that!

5. Check out a View of Oxford from the University Church of St Mary’s

I love visiting a viewpoint in a new city for a viewpoint in Oxford, going up the spire of the University Church of St Mary’s seems like the best way to see Oxford.

It’s right in the centre, opposite the very iconic and beautiful Radcliffe Camera (my next point) and best of all its pretty inexpensive at £4.00 , which is great considering Oxford is a popular city for tourists!

• More Day Trip from London Ideas:
• 25 Day Trip From London By Train Ideas!
• 10 Things To Do in Brighton on a Day Trip from London!
• 10 Things To Do in Bath on a Day Trip from London!
• Visiting the Seven Sisters Cliffs on a Day Trip from London!
• Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover on a Day Trip from London!
• A Day Trip to Stonehenge & Bath from London!

6. Marvel at the Radcliffe Camera

Ok, this is a famous historic building in Oxford, not a hidden gem, but it has to be on my list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip, you can’t go on a day trip to Oxford from London and not see it!

I think the Radcliffe Camera is the most iconic building in Oxford and it’s not hard to see why as it’s really beautiful! It’s part of the University and was built in 1737–49 to house the Radcliffe Science Library.

It’s not possible to go inside but the outside makes up for it I think!

7. Explore the Historic Covered Markets

Oxford is all about the big beautiful buildings so I was surprised to come across the historic covered market full of indie shops and small alleys. It’s another nice break from the busy main streets and tourist attractions of Oxford.

For more ways to see Oxford, have a look at these walking tours, bus tours and boat tours which you can book online in advance so your day is planned out for you!

8. Drink on the Rooftop of The Varsity Club like a Local!

The Varsity Club is right next to the covered market so if you go to one, you should go to both!

It’s a buzzing bar and beautifully decorated but the real selling point, in my opinion, is the rooftop! Whether you’re in need of an alcoholic drink or not I would try to get up there for some kind of drink during your day trip to Oxford from London!

I went on a Saturday in Spring and the streets were busy however we got a table on the rooftop within 10 minutes at lunchtime and I would say it’s because The Varsity Club is more popular with locals rather than tourists so it’s perfect for your day in Oxford and one of the best things to do in Oxford on a day trip!

Once you get to Oxford, if you want a guide to show you around so you can learn more about the city, these would be really great tours to go on:

9. Afternoon Tea at Vaults and Garden Cafe

This is Oxford’s most unusual Cafe as it’s based inside the University’s Old Congregation House from 1320 amongst gravestones, and right opposite the Radcliffe Camera! Vaults and Garden Cafe offer’s breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea using local and fresh products.

We had the afternoon tea which was really yummy and they were able to accommodate me with vegan alternatives. You do have to pre-book the afternoon tea but you can just turn up for breakfast or lunch. If the sun is shining try to sit outside too!

If you’d rather have Afternoon Tea on a Sightseeing River Cruise, you can book that here!

10. See an Alternative side of Oxford on Cowley Road

Cowley Roadmile-longe long street which runs South-East from Oxford’s Magdalene Bridge.

It’s gone from being a very poor area of the city to a very bohemian area of Oxford thanks to its young, international influence, and many international bars and restaurants.

I didn’t get to visit when I was there but I would try to if I was you as it sounds very interesting and it’s home to a lot of history, but in different ways than the rest of the city. It seems like the perfect place for dinner before heading back home and to London.

11. Get Green in the Botanical Gardens

The University of Oxford Botanical Gardens is the oldest Botanical Garden in England and it’s located right in the city centre so if you’re over the architecture and need some greenery then head here.

It costs £4.50 to enter and there are free tours available too. All of the plants are named so you know what you’re looking at. I didn’t go but after reading this post on the gardens I wish I had so add this to your Oxford day trip things to do.

12. Punting, because you’re in Oxford!

I couldn’t leave punting off of the list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip could I!

We didn’t go punting on my day trip to Oxford from London and I wouldn’t think it’s much fun if you’re on your own but if you’re in a group and it’s not too much of a wait for the boats (we saw some big queues) then its worth going as it is very English and very Oxford!

FAQ About Day Trips to Oxford from London

How do i spend a day in oxford.

There are so many things to do in Oxford for one day including visiting Oxford castle, visiting famous collages and universities, going punting on the river, visiting the markets and shops in Oxford and enjoying the good cafes and restaurants.

What is the best way to get from London to Oxford?

The best way to get from London to Oxford is via train as there is a quick and easy train route and Oxford train station is in the centre of the city. There is also a bus that runs from London to Oxford, or you can drive.

How much does it cost to travel from London to Oxford?

The bus from London to Oxford starts at £5.00 each way and train tickets start at £13.00 off peak.

Is Oxford worth visiting?

Yes! Oxford is one of the most famous cities in the UK so whether you live in the UK or you are visiting from abroad it is worth visiting this beautiful and charming city to see the famous sights and things to do in Oxford.

Is Oxford worth visiting for one day?

Yes! Oxford is a vert walkable city therefore it is possible to see a lot of Oxford in just one day. If you arrive to Oxford by train the train station is in the centre so it is easy to walk from the train station around the rest of the city and back again in one day.

I hope you’ve found this list useful and it gives you some ideas on what to do in Oxford!

To book your train ticket to Oxford check out The Train Line here.

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Tilly Jaye Horseman

Friday 15th of February 2019

Found your post on Pinterest when looking for things to do in Oxford - I'm going tomorrow. Not been to Oxford since 2011 so looking forward to it! Think I may head to the Handle Bar Cafe for breakfast - sounds like a great place to start. And would love to go up the church tower for the views! Fingers crossed the weather will be clear enough to make it worthwhile!

TheWanderingQuinn

Saturday 16th of February 2019

Hello Tilly, so glad you found my post, thank you for letting me know! That sounds like the perfect way to start the day! They do a great brunch! And I hope the weather does clear for you!! Enjoy it :)

Margie Miklas

Sunday 9th of September 2018

Love your posts, Ellie. So glad I came across your blog I'm hoping to visit the UK and Oxford soon

Ah thank you so much Margie. I’m so glad you came across my blog and I hope you get to the U.K. soon! :) If you have any other questions just let me know :)

Wednesday 20th of June 2018

I've never been to Oxford before but would love to visit. The coloured houses and stunning architecture are a big draw for me!

The Perfect Oxford Day Trip from London

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you’ve spent time in the city before, an Oxford day trip from London is definitely a must-do! While the well-known and prestigious University of Oxford might intrigue you to visit, there’s so much more to explore in the city. 

Oxford is located only about 90km west of the heart of London and is easily accessible. The city is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in the UK. It is also a major city for innovation, arts, technology and science.

People visit from far and near, so to experience all the city has to offer here is the perfect Oxford itinerary for you.

Table of Contents

How to Get From London to Oxford

Getting to Oxford from London can be done through various modes of transportation and once there you can navigate the city with ease on foot.

London to Oxford by Organised Tour

Of course, you don’t have to explore Oxford all on your own, there are some organised Oxford tours that can lead the way if you’re in the need of some guidance. As an added bonus, all your transportation needs will be taken care of as well.

For instance, this guided tour of Oxford and Cotswolds Villages for your day trip. You’ll be able to see all that the English charm these areas have to offer, including Bibury, the Great Hall at Christ Church College and, of course, Oxford University. A similar tour is also available on Viator.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland , you might like this full-day tour. While you’ll get information about these books and movies, you’ll also learn the history surrounding the dreamy English Countryside.

Other options include this full-day tour that visits Oxford, Stonehedge and Windsor ( also available here on Viator) or this full-day tour that combines a trip to Oxford with a Harry Potter Studio Tour.

London to Oxford by Train

Travelling for your day trip from London to Oxford by train is probably the most convenient way to get there. You can catch a train from Paddington Station in West London, with trains usually passing every 30 minutes or if you’re visiting on a Sunday you can expect to get a train every 60 minutes.

The journey will last roughly an hour and from the station, you’re only a 10-minute walk away from the city centre. It is recommended that you purchase a ticket beforehand to save money. You can buy tickets and view schedules here.

The Oxford train station is located about a fifteen-minute walk from central Oxford. Make sure that you get off here rather than at the further out Oxford Parkway station.

London to Oxford by Bus

If you prefer getting to your day trip to Oxford from London by bus, your travel time will be a bit longer amounting to an hour and forty minutes. However, the bus frequency is better with only 10 to 15 minutes in between buses.

Buses leave from Victoria Coach Station and the main Oxford bus station is Gloucester Green, which is located in the centre of the city making is very convenient to get sightseeing. You can buy tickets and view schedules here.

Alternatively, you can also use the Oxford Tube that you can get at certain stations like Victoria, Notting Hill Gate, Marble Arch and Shepherd’s Bush.

London to Oxford by Car

If you wish to travel by car, your journey will take longer than by train or bus with the estimated time to be over two hours. You’re also going to have to account for parking while in Oxford – it’s better to find a car park to leave your car for the day and explore on foot.

One benefit of having a car when you visit Oxford is that you can make a few stops along the way. For instance, you have the flexibility to explore places like Windsor Castle or other attractions in this area of England .

If you’re thinking of renting a car for the trip you can browse options here.

Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

You’ll start your London to Oxford day trip adventures in the city centre on High Street near the Carfax Tower, where you’ll be minutes away from most of the main sights. Here you’ll take in the city’s extraordinary beauty.

If you’ve travelled to Oxford independently and want to learn more about the history of the city and university, you can book a walking tour here on GetYourGuide or book it here on Viator.

Carfax Tower and Oxford Covered Market

The Carfax Tower is all that remains of the official Oxford church, St Martin’s Church, which dated back to 1122. The tower is the highest building in the city since others are prohibited from building anything higher than the Carfax Tower. So after you climb up 99 steps, you’ll be sure to have the most breathtaking view of the city. 

Near the tower you’ll see the Oxford Town Hall which hosts various events, you can admire the building from the outside then you’ll follow Cornmarket Street to Golden Cross and continue walking until you reach the Covered Market.

Here you’ll find so many delicious food, treats, clothes and more. The market itself is a beautiful sight to see and no matter how the weather is you’ll manage to stay dry while exploring the market.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Once you’re done at the market, you’ll go back to High Street heading east towards the University Church of St Mary the Virgin to continue your Oxford day trip from London.

The stunning church marks the beginning of the University of Oxford and has continued to thrive for more than seven hundred years. Next, you’ll continue passed the church on St Mary’s Passage until you reach Radcliffe Camera.

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera is both an impressive landmark and library, with its history dating back to 1737. The landmark is actually England’s first known circular library and is now part of the Bodleian Library on the university grounds, as a reading room.

You might be wondering where the “camera” comes from but the meaning of the word used is the Latin word for “room.” Close by, you can also view the Bridge of Sighs, which is a great way to experience the beauty of Oxford’s unique architecture.

After taking a look around, you’ll walk towards the University of Oxford.

University of Oxford

The famous University of Oxford is the world’s second-oldest university but the very first in regards to the English-speaking world, with its first teachings dating to 1096. As prestigious as it is, people from all over the world apply in hopes of joining one of its 39 colleges.

Although the colleges are not all in one place, which is why Oxford is such an interesting university city with the different colleges spread all throughout the city centre. The section of the university close to Radcliffe Camera is closest to resembling the main campus, which is a great stop in the Oxford day trip itinerary and is known as the Science Area.

As you walk south on Broad street, passing Clarendon Building, you’ll come across Sheldonian Theatre. The building that was built from 1664 to 1668 is not only used for lectures and university-related ceremonies but also for music concerts.

Next to the theatre, you’ll find the History of Science Museum also known as the Old Ashmolean which is the oldest museum in the UK and the oldest purpose-built museum in the world.

Some iconic and historical items you’ll see here include the blackboard Albert Einstein used while lecturing at Oxford and about 18,000 other objects that represent the history of science.

Blackwell’s

Just across the street from the museum, you’ll find the original Blackwell’s book shop which was founded in 1879. Now with 18 shops and owned by Waterstones, Blackwell is a chain that can be found all over the UK.

If you’re in need of a new book, music, art or just want to explore, you can roam the 144-year-old bookshop until you discover what you’re looking for.

University Parks

If you continue north on Parks Road, there is another charming part belonging to the university which is the University Parks. The massive grounds include many beautiful gardens like the Botanic Garden which is the UK’s oldest botanic garden and is located on High Street.

Additionally, the grounds are also home to the Wytham Woods which are used for research at the university, along with the Harcourt Arboretum, Bagley Wood and Christ Church Meadow.

You will end this part of your journey in the stunning Botanic Garden and once you’re done exploring you’ll continue to your last stop.

Christ Church

From the garden, you’ll back to the starting point on High Street near Carfax Tower and down A420 to end your London to Oxford day trip at the Christ Church. The church, or college, is often referred to as “The House” and the University of Oxford’s constituent college, as well as part of the Christ Church Cathedral.

King Henry VIII founded Christ Church in 1546 and today it’s both one of the wealthiest and largest colleges at Oxford.  Here you can visit the cloisters that were seen in many scenes of the Harry Potter movies. Visiting Christ Church is certainly one of the best things to do in Oxford and an unmissable stop when visiting the city.

Now that you’ve completed your one day in Oxford you can return to London with fond memories. However, if you still haven’t had enough and have more time to spend in Oxford, then continue to learn what else there is to do in the area.

Have more time?

If you’ve enjoyed your day trip to Oxford and have decided to stay longer, there are plenty of activities to fill up an extra day or two. Whether you prefer exploring outdoors or indoors, the city filled with history and beauty will have what you need.

Explore Oxford on the River

After exploring the city on foot on your first Oxford day trip from London, you can enjoy the sights and experience a different side of Oxford from the river with a river cruise.

There are many options you’ll have like an afternoon tea, picnic, evening cruise with a 3-course meal or even just a simple sightseeing cruise . Whatever you decide on, it’ll be a grand time!

Blenheim Palace

Just about 16km northwest of the city centre you’ll find the magnificent Blenheim Palace and its impressive gardens. The palace’s construction was completed in 1722, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

You can walk through the same rooms and grounds Sir Winston Churchill once walked through or get lost in the Marlborough Maze. The palace has activities for people of all ages.

Port Meadow

Travellers who want to see more of the city can leisurely walk around Port Meadow located right beside the Thames river. On a warm day, visitors can take a swim right where the Thames and Castle Mill Stream meet.

Ghost Trail and Museums

If you visit the prison and want to experience other spooky parts of Oxford, you can join one of the many ghost tours to discover all the city’s paranormal stories. If you would prefer to stay away from anything scary, the city has many fascinating museums for you to explore.

For example, at the unique Story Museum, you’ll jump into an enchanting storybook and can let your imagination run wild. The museum is perfect for families and visitors who are young at heart.

Oxford Castle and Prison

In the centre of the city, you can tour the ancient medieval castle and its prison. Visitors will learn about its significant history over the last 1000 years since the castle was built. Today, on its grounds you’ll also find a boutique hotel, apartments, bars, restaurants and even an education centre.

An additional day or two to your Oxford itinerary can help give you a better overview of the area and you can leave having seen all there is to see in the beautiful old city. No matter if you plan to see Oxford in one day or two or more, the city is definitely worth the visit.

Are you planning an Oxford day trip? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Paola Drexler

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

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• Evan Evans Tours
• Day Tours From London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford

On this fascinating day tour from London, we take you to Windsor Castle before heading to Stonehenge and Oxford. Discover the charming city of Windsor and Windsor Castle, the longest-occupied castle by any British Monarch, Stonehenge, a marvel constructed over 5,000 years ago and Oxford, home to the world-famous university.

Throughout the tour, our expert guide will give you insights into the history and significance of each destination. Travel comfortably aboard our coaches and absorb the beauty of the English countryside between stops. Book your seat now, immerse yourself in history and ancient mysteries, and bask in the intellectual aura of Oxford on an enchanting journey.

Victoria Coach Station

Our team will be waiting to greet you by our Welcome Desk at Victoria Coach Station and will direct you to the correct departure gate.

Victoria Coach Station is a 10-15 minute walk from London Victoria Station and Victoria Underground Station, and our Welcome Desk is located in front of Gates 1 and 2 .

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for boarding.

Days of operations: except 24-26 December

English: Apr-Mar: Daily Spanish: Apr-Mar: Tue, Thurs & Sun Japanese: Apr-Mar: Monday

The tours, including entry to Windsor Castle, are not available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout 2023.

Steeped in centuries of history, Windsor has long been revered as the quintessential home of kings and queens, with its cobbled streets echoing the footsteps of royalty. Windsor's cobbled streets have charming shops, cosy cafes, and lively pubs. Take a leisurely stroll along the Thames Promenade to enjoy this enchanting city.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle globally, with roots tracing back to its founding by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Hosting a regal lineage of 40 monarchs, this historic fortress emulates British history and grandeur. On select mornings, start your day with a display of typical British pomp and pageantry at the Changing of the Guard ceremony, an opportunity not to miss! 

Venture into the grandeur of the State Apartments , which are unparalleled in England. These rooms, utilised by His Majesty The King and the Royal Family today, boast walls adorned with masterpieces from history's most renowned artists and showcase priceless treasures from across the globe.

Guests choosing the option to enter the Castle will also see St George's Chapel , the scene of some of the most famous royal weddings of recent times. These include TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank. Within the Chapel are the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, George VI, Henry VIII and Charles I.

Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is perhaps one of the most famous Neolithic monuments in the world. Plenty of mystery and intrigue surrounds this ancient site , and its construction and origin have divided opinion and stirred controversy over the many years since its discovery.

As you navigate through the site, our guide will shed light on the profound mysteries surrounding these colossal stones. 

At a glance:

• Take a walk around the perimeter of the Stone Circle, an essential part of any visit
• Step inside reconstructed Neolithic houses to see how people lived 4,500 years ago
• Watch a display of ancient domestic skills, including flint knapping, rope making and grinding grain
• Visit the 360-degree audio-visual display at the visitor centre and see what it feels like to stand in the middle of the Stone Circle
• Visit the world-class exhibition centre, where over 250 objects and treasures are on display, including jewellery, pottery and even ancient human remains

Conclude your day with a visit to Oxford , also known as 'The City of Dreaming Spires,' renowned for its prestigious university and remarkable architecture, making it a captivating destination steeped in history. Oxford University , dating back to the 11th century, proudly holds the title of the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Oxford's timeless beauty has not only inspired generations but has also served as the enchanting backdrop for numerous movies and TV series , including the beloved Harry Potter films . Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and charm with a guided walking tour led by our expert guide. Wander through cobbled streets, where architectural marvels from various periods in English history come to life – from early Saxon to the resplendent Gothic Revival.

London Victoria Train Station

Your Tour will finish outside London Victoria Train Station, centrally located and easily accessible by national rail and underground, it is serviced by the Victoria, District and Circle Lines and is in Travel Zone 1.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tour Starts: 8:00 am, Victoria Coach Station (boarding commences at 7:30 am)
• Tour Finishes: approx. 7:30 pm, Victoria Train Station
• Important: the lift from Windsor Castle Coach Park to the upper level is out of order until May 2024 due to refurbishment. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us ahead of your tour. 
• Entrance to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge is only included in this tour if the option including these entrances is selected at the time of the booking
• Windsor Castle is closed to visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout 2024
• St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle is closed to visitors on Sundays. On rare occasions, the State Apartments may be closed
• We encourage guests with e-tickets to bring these on their smart devices
• Guests are provided with personal audio headsets so distancing can be maintained when listening to commentary
• Our coaches are operating at normal capacity
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols
• English: Apr-Mar: Daily
• Spanish: Apr-Mar: Tue, Thurs & Sun
• Japanese: Apr-Mar: Monday
• The tours, including entry to Windsor Castle, are unavailable on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout 2024.

PACKAGE OPTIONS​​

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford (including all entries):

• Windsor Castle and Stonehenge entries
• Walking Tour of Oxford

Expert Guide

Superior coach with free wi-fi and usb charging on board.

• Personal Audio Headset

Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford (Stonehenge entry only):

• Stonehenge entry

Walking tour of Oxford

• Personal Audio Headset 
• See the beautiful historic town of Royal Windsor
• Visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the British monarchy (if option including all entrances is selected)
• See St George's Chapel where Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest (if option including all entrances is selected)
• Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map (if option selected)
• Explore the beautiful city of Oxford with an Expert Guide
• See the exteriors of the world-famous Colleges of Oxford University

What's Included

Windsor castle and stonehenge entries (if option chosen), personal audio headset, what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off, windsor castle & stonehenge entries (unless option chosen).

Stonehenge, a world Heritage Site and the best known prehistoric monument in Europe, has over one million visitors per year. In order to reduce the site’s impact on the environment the visitor facilities use innovative technology in recycling and to reduce freshwater use.

• No Cancellation Fees
• No Change Fees
• No Booking Fees
• Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the day of departure
• Our team, including our guides and drivers have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures, Please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms see Our Flexible Promise to You

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Don't know where to start, best places to visit in london, tours and things to do in london, best day trips from london.

Visiting Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful city of stunning architecture, history and culture. You'll find ancient and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, and plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax. Plus, the city centre is small enough to cover on foot, and only a few minutes walk from the main rail and coach stations.

Things to see and do at Oxford University

Oxford is not a campus university, so it is not all located on one site. It is made up of many different buildings, including academic departments, colleges and halls, located around the centre of Oxford. Many University buildings, such as gardens, libraries and museums, as well as many of the colleges, are open to visitors during the day, although please note that they may have varying opening hours, fees and rules for groups.

You can find more information, including opening times and fees, at the links below:

• Visiting the Colleges
• Visiting Museums, Libraries and Places of Interest
• What's on at the University
• Shopping at the University

To make the most of your visit, bring along a copy of our leaflet, ' Explore the University of Oxford ', which contains a map and information on opening times of colleges, museums and other places of interest. 

Tours of Oxford University

Oxford University does not organise tours but a city walking tour is offered by the Bodleian Libraries in association with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. The tours, all operated by Blue and Green Badge Guides, begin at the beautiful modern Weston Library before heading through the historic and famous streets of the city. Tours take around two hours and can be  booked through the Bodleian Libraries .

A number of independent operators also offer guided tours of Oxford. A range of general and themed tours are available, as are tours by cycle, rickshaw and bus. For a list of tour companies, please visit the  Daily Information  website. 

Please note that all operators are independent of Oxford University. Details are provided here for information only. 

Disabled access

The collegiate University is committed to improving access and is currently continuing to develop its Access guide . As more of our historic buildings are modified the Access guide will become more comprehensive. In the meantime, the Access guide is a helpful first point for information on accessible buildings. Where there are gaps in the information we suggest you contact the places you wish to visit directly.

Information for prospective students

If you're thinking about applying for an undergraduate degree and want to see more of Oxford, our Virtual Open Days are an excellent opportunity to see the University, get to know the city, and meet tutors and students.

Additional information for visitors to the city of Oxford

Experience Oxfordshire  offers advice on walking tours, accommodation, things to do in Oxford, and more.

• History of the University
• Oxford Glossary
• Oxford people

Special offers for alumni

Make sure to bring your Alumni Card with you and see our special offers on the Alumni website

Accommodation in Oxford

• Accommodation at the University and the Colleges
• Visit Oxfordshire - where to stay
• TripAdvisor - hotels near Oxford University

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Oxford Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Oxford. We've got 103 adventures going to Oxford, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 36 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

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103 oxford tour packages with 710 reviews.

• Christmas & New Year

2-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Oxford Small-Group Tour from London

It was good,especially having a driver -guide with a good sense of humour.Though I did not realize I had to book the attractions in advance.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Heart of England Express (Hotel) - 2 days

Heart of England Express - 2 days

• In-depth Cultural

2 Day Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford & the Cotswolds Small-Group Tour from Bristol

Cycle the Cotswolds: Oxford to Bath

• Walking Adventure

London Calling: A City Break Getaway

Heart of England

This tour was excellent. Derek was a very entertaining tour guide & our driver had a great sense of humour. I highly recommend travelling with Tour Rad.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Exploring the United Kingdom and Dublin

Great Tour of Ireland end London ( 9 days )

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days)

Hotel accommodation for three sharing could have been better. Coverage of actual visit to places of interest could have been better. We spent more time on the road than the visit to the places.

Christmas in London

Britain & Ireland Discovery (Classic, 22 Days)

We just returned from our trip around the British Isles and we loved it but to give credit to Greg who made the tour extra special. I cannot imagine a tour guide as good as Greg. From his use of music to set the mood and the veritable treasure trove of facts. I really enjoyed our stops in the pubs. And for someone with physical issues I really appreciated the luggage delivered to our hotel rooms. At the start and end of the day Greg addressed all the tour group if any questions arose.Then when several members of the tour started coughing he was Jonny on the spot with sprays and disinfectants. The tour could have been improved by skipping Inverness as it had our least favorite room and while my wife and I think most meals lacked flavour the kitchen at the hotel took the cake for poorest food. Also the floor in our room and the dining hall could have used a good vacuum. I must give a shout out to Lee our driver who was the epitome of smooth!

Wonders of Britain and Ireland (12 Days)

Emma was amazing. Most of the accommodation was excellent especially Apex. Most places were great dealing with my dietary requirements.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

10-Day United Kingdom and Ireland

Jose the tourist guide was excellent, the hotels except for the last one were very good, the landscape and scenery was amazing, very recommended

Castles and Kilts (10 Days)

What people love about oxford tours.

Was a fantastic trip. Our guide was the best. Our trip was Sept 10/11 with an overnight stay in Bath.

This tour was excellent. Derek was a very entertaining tour guide & our driver had a great sense of humour. I highly recommend travelling with Tour Rad.

Excellent service and planning to maximize our time to see everything

• to Europe (2)
• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

International Versions

• Deutsch: Oxford Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Oxford
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Oxford
• Nederlands: Oxford Rondreizen

• Tours from London - Out of London Tours >

Shakespeare's Stratford, Oxford & Warwick Castle Tour

Discover Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, the university town of Oxford & the medieval Warwick Castle on our day tour from London. Experience the incredible history, heritage and culture of England with a professional guide. We’ll explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare, walk the streets of the world-famous university town, and visit the most impressive medieval fortress in Europe.

• Depart London at 8:30 am. Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers
• Visit the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon and explore the house where William Shakespeare lived.
• Visit Warwick Castle, one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in Europe and explore the castle, ramparts, towers and gardens.
• Drive through the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty with green rolling hills, ancient villages and idyllic thatched roof cottages
• Visit Oxford, the oldest university town in the English speaking world. Discover the narrow cobbled streets and medieval  architecture on a walking tour
• Return to London, arriving at approximately 7 pm
• The tour spends approximately 90-120 minutes at each of the stops for the tour.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Birth place of William Shakespeare

Welcome to Stratford-upon-Avon, or famously known as “William Shakespeare’s birthplace”. This ancient market town is where one of the world’s greatest playwrights was born and raised, in the heart of the English Countryside and next to the flowing waters of the River Avon.

Explore the town and visit Shakespeare’s childhood home to see where he was raised. Inside you will see rare objects and hear stories about the great playwright and his family’s life. Learn how this genius of the English language continues to shape our lives today.

 Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is almost 1,000 years old and has played a major role in shaping the history of Great Britain. For most of this time it was the home of one of the great families of England, the Dukes of Warwick. Arriving at Warwick Castle, you’ll be greeted by a guide dressed in medieval costume who will give an introductory explanation about the medieval fortress.

Warwick Castle offers a range of interactive activities and experiences for visitors. From the Time Tower’s immersive historical journey to the Horrible Histories Maze, there are engaging attractions for all ages. The Castle’s Falconer’s Quest, Princess Tower, and Warwick Warriors activities ensure a memorable and entertaining exploration of history, culture, and adventure. Warwick Castle is also home to the world’s largest working trebuchet.

There are several places to eat serving a wide variety of food, from fish and chips to afternoon teas.

The Cotswolds

Cotswold Countryside

From Warwick Castle, we’ll drive into the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty.  Travel along the winding roads, past the thatched-roof villages and through the pastoral green rolling hills. Our final stop of the day is Oxford.

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin of the building of All Souls College

Oxford is the oldest university town in the English speaking world and between 1642 to 1646, under King Charles 1, was the capital of England. Many famous people have studied here, including Albert Einstein, JRR Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carrol, Hugh Grant and Bill Clinton, Oxford is the home of the Real Alice in Wonderland, and is instantly recognizable from its prominent role in the Harry Potter movies.

Enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow cobbled streets and squares, stopping to admire medieval and Baroque architecture, including the iconic Bodleian Library. You will pass by some of the universities 44 colleges and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, a 13th Century baroque masterpiece that is one of the most impressive sights in the city.

This concludes our Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford & Warwick Castle tour. From here, return to London, passing through some of the scenic English countryside along the way. Arrive back in London at approximately 7 pm.

Tour Details:

Tour departs from  Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SH at 8:30 am. It returns at approximately 7 pm to Bus Stop 1 Bulleid Way.

You must bring the  e-ticket provided to gain entry to this tour.

• Entrance fees to Warwick Castle and Shakespeare’s Birthplace (if selected at checkout)
• A professional guide
• Luxury transportation with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and USB chargers
• All food & drink
• Gratuities (optional)

Cancellations:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

Tour Booking

Led by an experienced tour guide and including luxury transportation from Central London, this is the perfect way to learn more about some of the most important places in England. Discover the charm and beauty of Stratford-upon-Avon , a picturesque medieval English town with ancient Tudor houses.  Explore the birthplace of its most famous resident, William Shakespeare and see the sites most connected to his life. Drive through the stunning Cotswold’s countryside, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and hear tales of the region with a fully licensed guide. Visit the famous university city of Oxford , renowned for its impressive college buildings, ancient spires, and stunning architecture. Discover 1,000 years of history at Warwick Castle.

terms and conditions

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

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Harry Potter Studio & Oxford from London: Magic Behind the Scenes

Roam the streets of oxford, visit hogwarts castle, and hop aboard the hogwarts express.

Want to immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter while you’re in London? Then join this unforgettable tour, where you’ll spend the morning on a guided walk of Oxford. Afterwards, you’ll be taken toWarner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Brave the Forbidden Forest, walk down Diagon Alley and jump aboard the Hogwarts Express. Learn how J.K. Rowling’s legendary books were brought to life, and take plenty of photos to remember your day at Hogwarts!

• Behind the Scenes of Harry Potter​
• Excursion to Oxford
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour
• Hogwarts Castle
• Unveiling the Magic
• Gringotts Wizarding Bank
• Dumbledore Office
• Original Costumes Exhibition

Your friendly tour manager will greet you and the rest of your Harry Potter-obsessed group at your designated meeting point conveniently situated near a major Tube station in the heart of the city. From here, you’ll drive to the city of Oxford where you’ll begin your visit with a guided walking tour of this University City. Wander through the university’s stunning grounds and immerse yourself in history as you admire illustrious buildings where so many literary giants have once roamed.

After some free time to explore on your own, you and your group will be transported to a world of magic and wonder at Warner Bros Studio. For at least four hours, you’ll be guided through Diagon Alley, The Forbidden Forest, the Hogwarts Express, and so much more. Not only will you walk through original film sets, but you’ll also marvel at authentic costumes and props, and learn the behind the scenes secrets that helped bring Harry Potter’s fantastical world to life.

London Day Trip to Oxford University and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter Tour Description

Your 10-hour day trip Includes:

Roundtrip transportation from London by executive coach

Professional tour manager

Admission to Warner Bros Studio - The Making of Harry Potter

Guided walking tour of Oxford

4 hours exploring the magical world of Harry Potter

Begin Your Day Trip Out of London

The day begins in the morning in central London, where your tour manager and your executive coach will be waiting for you. Once on the bus, you’ll meet your excited group of fellow Potterheads and your day trip can start!

Oxford is your first stop of the day, which is about two hours away. Sit back and enjoy the ride, you’ve got a big day ahead!

Tour Oxford’s Legendary University

Now that you’ve arrived in the enchanting city of Oxford, stretch your legs with a one-hour walking tour of the city’s famed university. The University of Oxford is the oldest university in England, and was founded in 1167. Follow your knowledgeable guide past some of the university’s most prominent buildings, lush green quadrangles, and cobblestone squares. You’ll admire some of the most iconic buildings on campus, including the Radcliffe Camera, the Sheldonian Theatre, and the Bodleian Library—which Harry Potter fans will surely recognize. Marvel at the impressive, ivy-clad architecture as you imagine the many literary greats that walked through these same halls.

Visit a Selection of Colleges

The University of Oxford is expansive, and contains 38 independent, autonomous colleges. Your guide will lead you on a captivating tour, showcasing a curated selection of these prestigious colleges while providing fascinating insights. Christ Church, Magdalen, and St. John’s are just a few of the impressive colleges that your guide will point out. After your walking tour, you’ll complete your visit with some free time to explore on your own. Return to your favorite building or wander through the gorgeous cloisters—the choice is yours.

Enter the Magical World of Harry Potter

About one hour away from Oxford, you’ll arrive at Warner Bros Studio, where you’ll finally get to experience the fantastical world of Hogwarts for yourself. For the next four hours, The Making of Harry Potter tour will take you through the iconic film sets of all eight Harry Potter films. As you explore, stare in amazement at original props and costumes of some of your favorite characters.

Discover the Secrets of Movie Magic

As you immerse yourself in Harry Potter’s fantastical universe, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade that make up artists used to create realistic prosthetics and transform cast members into their beloved onscreen personas. Plus, you’ll be treated to all the other behind the scenes secrets and special effects that were used to bring this wonderful world of wizardry to the big screen!

Wander down the Great Hall, Roam Through the Forbidden Forest, and Hop Aboard the Hogwarts Express!

Begin your journey by walking through the Great Hall and onto legendary film sets, including Dumbledore’s office, 4 Privet Drive, the Gryffindor Common Room, and the Weasley kitchen—complete with the magical self washing frying pan!

Feel your favorite movie scenes come to life as you walk down Diagon Alley, visit the Ministry of Magic, brave the Forbidden Forest, and hop aboard the iconic Hogwarts Express for a photo!

Next, saunter through Gringotts Wizarding Bank, one of the newest tour additions. Lined by marble pillars and glistening chandeliers, your jaw will drop as you marvel at the costumes of Goblin bankers before coming upon the Sword of Gryffindor along with heaps of treasure.

Enter Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse

End your magical journey with the Warner Bros Studio’s brand new addition, Professor Sprout’s beloved Greenhouse. An absolute favorite among Potterheads, now you can finally see where Hogwarts students learned about Herbology! Now that you’ve seen where that magic was made, it’s time to depart Hogwarts and head back to London. You and your Harry Potter loving group can spend the drive comparing your favorite, and most surprising, behind the scenes secrets!

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What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

3 total reviews

Way better than Orlando

This tour exceeded all of my expecations. Amazing.

Thanks. Loved seeing locations around London in addition to Studio tour. Only suggestion mention bronze Harry Potter statue in front of theater/casino. There are three or more casinos in that area.

BEST DAY EVER

I must say that I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, I've been obsessed since I was a little kid. Having a day in London fully dedicated to my favorite books was so great. The tour in the city was really cool to see all the filming sites, then the studios was so awesome. The sets were so cool, the miniatures are really interesting. It's so incredible to see how the movies are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

For your safety and comfort during the guided walking tour in Oxford, we strongly advise wearing comfortable footwear that provides stability and traction.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in London.

What happens if it rains?

We run this tour rain or shine.

What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

We provide a complete refund for cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the travel date.

Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?

Kids are welcome! Children aged 5-15 years old are charged at a discounted rate, and children under age 5 are free.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No, hotel pickup is not included in this tour.

Where does this tour end?

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at Gloucester Road Rube Station.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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