Private Oxford Tours
‘I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful.’ W B Yeats in a letter written in 1888
Oxford is the home of England’s oldest university. We will walk in the footsteps of the famous, hearing about Harry Potter, Lewis Carroll and ‘Alice in Wonderland’, C S Lewis and JRR Tolkien, Mr Bean, as well as Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the world wide web, and many international politicians.
Parts of Oxford have pedestrian access only, so we will take a walking tour. If you are unable to walk far, we will see as much as possible from the car. On a typical visit to Oxford we would visit one of the University colleges, as well as exploring the city. Depending on your pace, after lunch in a typical pub we can explore further afield.
PRICES
All tours are by car, for up to 6 people, with your own private driver-guide. Tour prices range between £640-£880. It may possible to visit single destinations by more economical public transport.
Just Oxford
The choice is yours – a short trip to Oxford, or spend all day in this beautiful city.
Visit one of the University colleges, follow the Harry Potter trail, have lunch in one of Tolkein’s favourite pubs, see the “Narnia” window in C S Lewis’s church, go punting on the river, visit the Ashmolean Museum – it’s easy to spend a day in Oxford.
Oxford & Stratford upon Avon
Stratford upon Avon, a pretty country town, was the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Here we will visit the church where he is buried, and also Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
When we drive between Oxford and Stratford we will cross the Cotswolds, an area famous for its pretty villages.
Oxford & Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is perfect for all the family, with ramparts to climb, knights in armour, dungeons & torture instruments, a ghost, state rooms and beautiful gardens. There is a regular programme of demonstrations and activities, including birds of prey, knights jousting, archery and medieval weapon demonstrations.
Oxford & Blenheim Palace
One of the most stunning private houses in England, Blenheim Palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and is the home of the Duke of Marlborough. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and is one of the finest examples of the work of 18th century landscape designer “Capability” Brown.
Oxford & the Cotswolds
Spend some time exploring the charming villages of the Cotswolds – and maybe stop for afternoon tea. We’ll see thatched cottages, pretty gardens, antique and craft shops, and sheep grazing contentedly in the countryside. Quintessential England.
Oxford & Windsor Castle
An official residence of the Her Majesty the Queen, Windsor Castle is steeped in history and filled with beautiful works of art. As well as the magnificent State Apartments, you will see Queen Mary’s Dolls House.
Oxford & Hidcote Manor garden
Hidcote Manor is among the most famous 20th century gardens in England. It’s designer, Lawrence Johnston, created ‘garden rooms’, each with its own character and peak season. My favourite!
Oxford & Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor was built in the 19th century by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his remarkable collections of art works. Those collections are still evolving today, and Waddesdon also plays host to contemporary exhibitions. It is one of the most opulent houses in England,
Oxford & Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle, home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, is best known to the world as “Downton Abbey”. It stands in a landscape designed in the 18th century by “Capability” Brown, and there are also lovely flower gardens. The Egyptian Exhibition tells the story of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who worked with archaeologist Howard Carter to discover the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Highclere Castle is only open on specific dates – check with me or the castle’s website.