Oxford: Historic Pubs and Taverns Guided Walking Tour

Exploring Oxford’s historic pubs and taverns offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s lively past. Priced at $20.67 per person and lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, this guided walking tour takes you from the iconic Carfax Tower to the renowned Turf Tavern. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour showcases Oxford’s oldest pubs, some dating back over 500 years, and shares stories about famous patrons including J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

This tour is perfect for those who appreciate history, architecture, and local legends. The inclusion of a sightseeing app with self-guided routes adds flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace afterward. While it doesn’t include entry to attractions or food and drinks, it provides rich context to the city’s drinking culture and architecture, making it ideal for curious visitors ready to learn about Oxford’s tavern history.

Key Points

• Price: $20.67 per person, with most bookings made 23 days in advance
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Start Point: Carfax Tower at Queen Street, Oxford
• Includes: Live commentary and a sightseeing app with self-guided routes
• Highlights: Visits to The Turf Tavern, The Bear Inn, The Lamb and Flag, and other historic pubs
• Focus: Historic pubs, famous patrons, and local stories

Meeting at Carfax Tower, Oxford’s Highest Point

The tour begins at Carfax Tower, a prominent structure also known as St Martin’s Tower. As the highest point in Oxford, it features six bells rung on special occasions. This tower is all that remains of the early 20th-century demolition of the old St Martin’s Church. Meeting here offers an immediate sense of the city’s layered history, and the guide wears a distinctive dark blue ‘Vox City’ uniform, making it easy to spot.

From this central location, the tour quickly sets the tone of Oxford’s rich past and its iconic architecture, leading you into the streets for more exploration.

Walking Along Oxford’s High Street and Medieval Alleyways

The tour guides you along Oxford’s lively High Street, lined with shops, cafes, and pubs. A key highlight here is discovering a pub dating back over 500 years, tucked away down a medieval alley. This hidden spot offers a glimpse into medieval Oxford, with its narrow passageways and timber-framed buildings.

Strolling through this area reveals the blend of history and modern life, with local shops and cafes creating a vibrant backdrop for the historic pubs visited during the tour.

Visiting The Turf Tavern and Its Storied Past

The Turf Tavern is a major highlight of this tour. Over 600 years old, it was originally just outside the city walls and associated with illegal activities in earlier times. Today, it’s a well-loved pub frequented by students, locals, and travelers alike.

Notably, the Turf Tavern is a favorite alumni haunt, and visitors can spot a section of the old city wall running alongside it. Its reputation as a famous Oxford landmark is enhanced by its appearance in the 1984 movie ‘Oxford Blues’. The pub’s historical charm and authentic atmosphere make it a must-see during this walk.

Exploring The Bear Inn, A Historic Drinking Spot

Just a short walk from the main streets, The Bear Inn is renowned for its timber framing and a collection of over 4,500 ties, which decorate its interior. This pub has served generations of students and locals, making it a true Oxford institution.

The guide shares stories of notable patrons and regulars, emphasizing the pub’s role in the city’s social life through centuries. The ambiance is lively yet cozy, perfect for appreciating Oxford’s pub culture.

The Lamb and Flag and Its Literary Connections

The Lamb and Flag is another key stop. Known for its historic significance, this pub has welcomed many famous figures over the years, including writers C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, both members of the Inklings literary group.

Fans of Oxford’s literary scene will appreciate the stories about these writers, and the pub’s timber interior adds to its authentic charm. The pub’s history as a gathering place for creatives makes it a noteworthy part of the tour.

Discovering Oxford’s Museums and Old Buildings

Beyond pubs, the tour passes by several Oxford landmarks. The Oxford University Museum offers collections highlighting local history and culture, while the Oldest Building, St Michael at the North Gate, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural heritage.

The Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is another highlight, used for concerts, lectures, and ceremonies. The Clarendon Building, part of the Bodleian Library, reflects Oxford’s scholarly history and was once home to the Oxford University Press.

The Memorial to Oxford Martyrs

A poignant stop on the tour is the Memorial to the Oxford Martyrs, who were burned at the stake in 1555 for heresy. This site underscores the city’s religious and political history, and the guide shares the stories behind these tragic events.

It’s a moment that connects the city’s past conflicts with the enduring legacy of Oxford’s religious history.

Visiting the Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Sheldonian Theatre is a striking neoclassical building used for ceremonies and concerts. The Bodleian’s Clarendon Building adds to the scholarly atmosphere, showcasing Oxford’s academic heritage.

While the tour itself doesn’t include entry into these buildings, knowing their locations and significance enriches your understanding of Oxford’s cultural landscape.

The Self-Guided Portion and Flexibility

After the guided tour, guests receive a sightseeing app that includes self-guided walking routes. This feature allows individuals to explore at their own pace, visiting additional landmarks or revisiting favorite spots. The app supports multiple languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Mandarin, making it accessible for international visitors.

This flexible component enhances the experience for those who want to deepen their exploration or take a leisurely stroll through Oxford’s historic neighborhoods.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour departs from Carfax Tower at 4:00 pm, with a most travelers booking about 23 days in advance. It’s a mobile ticket experience, requiring download of a QR code to access the sightseeing app. The tour ends at the Turf Tavern on Bath Place.

Participants should arrive 5 minutes early and note that the tour is suitable for most travelers, but it does not include entry to attractions or food and drinks. The group size is limited to a maximum of 100 people, ensuring a manageable experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This Oxford pub tour excels thanks to its focus on historic taverns with centuries of stories, led by knowledgeable guides who share local rumours and insights. The stops at famous pubs, like the Turf Tavern and The Lamb and Flag, are complemented by historical landmarks and stories of notable patrons.

The inclusion of a self-guided sightseeing app adds a modern touch, allowing guests to extend their exploration independently. Its affordable price point and moderate duration make it an appealing option for visitors wanting a focused, engaging overview of Oxford’s drinking and cultural history.

Oxford: Historic Pubs and Taverns – A Unique Way to Experience the City

This tour offers a rich, accessible look into Oxford’s pub culture and historic architecture, ideal for those interested in local legends, famous writers, and medieval streets. Its well-curated stops, combined with live commentary and the self-guided app, make it a comprehensive yet flexible experience.

While it doesn’t include entry to museums or attractions, the storytelling and historic venues provide an authentic taste of Oxford’s past. It’s most suitable for history lovers, pub enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to learn about the city’s lesser-known gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Carfax Tower and ends at the Turf Tavern.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate; however, it involves walking and exploring historic streets.

Are drinks or food included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes live commentary, a sightseeing app with self-guided routes, and visits to key historic pubs and landmarks.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.