Discover Oxford’s University in a Private, Customizable Tour

The Oxford: Solo Traveller Private Tour offers a unique way to explore England’s most iconic university. Priced at $134.70 per person and lasting 1.5 hours, this personalized experience is ideal for those wanting a flexible, in-depth look at Oxford’s colleges and historic sites. The tour starts at 15 Broad Street, right outside the Oxford Tourist Info Centre, and is designed specifically for solo travelers seeking an engaging, private guide.

What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility in themes and focus. Whether you’re interested in the university’s history, its famous alumni, or even the Harry Potter movie sites, the guide customizes the experience to match your interests. The private setting ensures a more relaxed pace and personal attention, making it a favorite for those who prefer a tailored approach.

However, this tour does not include entry to the Bodleian Library itself—only the Divinity School film site at the Bodleian is included for up to £3. It also excludes visits inside Christ Church, which requires separate tickets and booking. This focus on flexibility and value makes the tour ideal for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace.

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Key Points

Private, customizable tour lasting 1.5 hours at $134.70 per person
Focus on Oxford’s history, famous alumni, or Harry Potter sites
Includes entry to inside one college or the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library (up to £3)
Tour departs from outside Oxford Tourist Info Centre, 15 Broad Street
No inside Bodleian Library visits or Christ Church entry included
Ideal for solo travelers seeking a personalized experience

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Starting Point at Oxford Tourist Information

The tour begins outside the Oxford Tourist Info Centre at 15 Broad Street, where guides wear red lanyards and stand by a red sign and red bike. This accessible meeting point makes it easy to find your guide, who will lead you through the university’s highlights. The tour ends back at the same location, making it convenient for those exploring Oxford later.

The duration is 1.5 hours, so it fits well into a day’s itinerary. This short but comprehensive timeframe allows for a focused exploration of key sites, with the guide adjusting the itinerary based on your interests. The private nature of the tour means you won’t feel rushed, and the guide can spend more time on what excites you most.

Exploring Oxford’s University Landmarks and Colleges

During the tour, you’ll walk past some of Oxford’s most famous colleges, such as Balliol, Exeter, St Johns, Wadham, Oriel, or All Souls College. Each of these institutions carries its own stories and traditions, which the guide shares as you pass by.

A major highlight is the inside visit to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library, a renowned filming location for the Harry Potter series. The guide shows you the interior of the medieval Divinity School, giving you a glimpse into the enchanting filming setting that many fans recognize.

This tour can be tailored to focus on Harry Potter insights, providing background on the filming locations used in the movies, or on the history and traditions of Oxford University. The guide’s flexibility ensures that your interests shape the experience.

Inside the Harry Potter Film Site at the Bodleian Library

The Divinity School at the Bodleian Library is a key attraction, with entry included for up to £3. Visitors can step inside the historic, vaulted hall where some Harry Potter scenes were shot, making it a must-see for fans.

While the Bodleian Library’s interior is not included in the tour, the Divinity School is accessible for a modest fee, which the guide helps arrange. Keep in mind that tickets for the Bodleian Library’s own tours are limited and sell out up to three weeks in advance, especially for children over 11.

The Harry Potter-themed aspect of the tour offers a fun connection to the films, with the guide sharing behind-the-scenes stories and filming trivia. This adds a layer of entertainment for fans or those curious about the movies’ filming locations.

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What Sets This Tour Apart: Flexibility and Value for Solo Travelers

This experience’s main strength is its customizable focus. Unlike standard group tours, this private experience caters entirely to your interests, whether they lean toward historical sites, famous alumni, or Harry Potter locations.

The value for money is notable, especially since transportation and entry fees are kept minimal. The entry fee to the inside of a college or the Divinity School is capped at £3, and the tour does not include expensive venue tickets like Christ Church, which costs around £22.

On top of that, booking flexibility is an advantage, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, ensuring travelers have control over their plans.

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Accessibility and Practical Tips for Visitors

The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors with mobility needs. To make the most of the experience, comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended, as much of the tour involves walking between sites. Bringing water ensures hydration, especially if exploring during warmer weather.

Guides are based in English, and the entire experience is tailored for private groups—perfect for those who prefer an intimate, personalized tour. In rare cases when the tour cannot proceed, travelers are notified by phone or email and offered options to reschedule or receive a full or partial refund.

Additional Considerations: What’s Not Included

Potential visitors should note that the interior of Bodleian Library requires a separate ticket obtained directly from the library, as the tour only includes the Divinity School. The Christ Church site, often associated with Harry Potter, is also not part of this tour and requires an additional ticket, usually £22, and booking well in advance.

This makes the tour an excellent option for those seeking a focused, flexible introduction to Oxford, without the expense or hassle of visiting multiple large venues. It’s especially suited for independent travelers who want a personalized experience without the need for a large group.

The Ideal Audience for This Tour

This private, flexible tour appeals most to solo travelers or those visiting Oxford alone who seek an intimate, tailored exploration of the university. It’s perfect for history buffs, film fans, or anyone wanting to learn about Oxford at their own pace.

Those interested in Harry Potter filming locations will find added enjoyment, especially with the inside visit to the Divinity School. However, visitors needing inside access to places like Bodleian Library or Christ Church should plan for additional tickets and separate tours.

Final Thoughts on the Oxford Solo Traveller Private Tour

This tour offers a personalized, flexible way to experience Oxford’s university landmarks. The 1.5-hour duration strikes a good balance between depth and convenience, especially for solo travelers looking for a value-for-money option.

The focus on key sites like Oriel, Wadham, and the Divinity School provides a well-rounded glimpse into Oxford’s academic and film history. The private guide ensures an engaging, custom experience, and the easy meeting point simplifies logistics.

While it does not include inside access to Bodleian Library or Christ Church, the included Divinity School visit and the ability to tailor the tour make this a smart choice for those wanting a personalized introduction to Oxford’s university and Harry Potter filming locations.

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Oxford: Solo Traveller Private Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the focus of the tour?
Yes, the guide can adjust the tour to emphasize university history, alumni, or Harry Potter sites based on your interests.

Is the Bodleian Library interior included?
No, only the Divinity School at the Bodleian is included for an entry fee up to £3. The main Bodleian Library tour requires separate tickets.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a day’s schedule.

What is the starting point for the tour?
It begins at 15 Broad Street, outside the Oxford Tourist Info Centre, where guides wear red lanyards and stand by a red sign and red bike.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended for the walk.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour good for Harry Potter fans?
Absolutely, especially with the inside visit to the Divinity School, a key filming site.

Are tickets for Christ Church or Bodleian inside tours sold separately?
Yes, tickets for inside Bodleian Library or Christ Church are sold separately and often sell out weeks ahead.

What if the tour cannot operate on my scheduled day?
You will be notified and offered options to cancel for a full refund, reschedule, or switch to a public tour.

Is this tour suitable for groups?
No, it’s designed exclusively for private groups or solo travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.