Fred was knowledgeable, and friendly, and it was a treat for him to share the history of Merton College and Tolkien with us! Thanks!
Literary Oxford Tour: City of Books, City of Writers
From Tolkien and C.S. Lewis to thoroughly modern contemporary figures
A city of writers
“The two great turning points in my life, were when my father sent me to Oxford, and when society sent me to prison.” - Oscar Wilde
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointGuests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
The Oxford Literary Tour was outstanding! We enjoyed learning from one of Oxford’s own doctoral students and discovering many secrets and little known facts about hidden gardens, college traditions, and literary giants such as Lewis and Tolkien. We walked the path Lewis and Tolkien walked as Tolkien helped Lewis reconsider faith and ultimately become one of the greatest apologists of the modern era. We discovered how each college is a self-contained wonder yet contributes to the whole of the university. The oldest continuously operating book store was wonderful to behold, and the pub where the Inklings met was worth the crowded atmosphere as we sipped a pint of English Ale. It was truly a highlight of an incredible trip to England. We highly recommend this tour and our guide, Fred.
Ben was great! So special to have an actual professor show us around Oxford! We only wish we would have had more time with him!
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.