Ghost Tour of Oxford

Discover Oxford’s Dark Side with a Ghost Tour

At $27.46 per person, the Ghost Tour of Oxford offers an engaging 1-hour 15-minute walk through the city’s shadowy streets, starting at 15-16 Broad St. Perfectly suited for families and history enthusiasts alike, this evening adventure combines ghost stories with major historical sites, all led by a knowledgeable professional guide. The tour is highly recommended, with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews and 90% of participants endorsing it. It occurs most often 6 days in advance and features a mobile ticket for easy access.

While the tour does not include hotel pickup, it provides a guaranteed fun night out that blends entertainment, history, and a touch of spooky fun. Suitable for all ages, it’s an inviting way to explore Oxford after sunset, with stories brought to life through costumes, props, and live entertainment. For those interested in combining history with a bit of thrill, this tour offers a memorable experience that captures Oxford’s mysterious side.

Key Points

• Duration: About 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it easy to fit into an evening schedule
• Price: $27.46 per person, with free cancellation available
• Highlights: Spooky stories, major historic sights, family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and costumes
• Stops include: Martyrs’ Memorial, Balliol College, King’s Arms, Weston Library, All Souls College, Brasenose Lane, University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Magpie Lane, Merton College, New College, and the Bridge of Sighs
• Guide: A professional storyteller who makes the twisted tales engaging and lively
• Group size: Limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience

Starting the Night at Oxford’s Historic Martyrs’ Memorial

The tour begins at Martyrs’ Memorial, where the guide kicks off the experience with an immersive storytelling session. This site, standing as a poignant reminder of Oxford’s complex history, sets the eerie tone for the night. After a brief 5-minute stop, the walk continues to Balliol College, where the guide shares stories that reveal the darker side of academic life and hidden legends.

This first part of the tour emphasizes history intertwined with ghostly tales, immediately engaging participants with local legends. The stops are short, usually around 5 to 10 minutes, allowing for storytelling without feeling rushed. The admission to these sites is generally not included, but the focus remains on the stories and atmosphere.

Exploring Oxford’s Historic and Haunted Landmarks

The tour weaves through Oxford’s iconic sites, including King’s Arms, Weston Library, All Souls College, and Brasenose Lane. At each stop, the guide introduces twisted tales of terror and intrigue, often enhanced by costumes and props to animate the stories. Participants get to see beautiful buildings while hearing about their darker histories.

Particularly notable is the stop at University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, where the guide shares stories of ghostly apparitions and historical mysteries linked to the church’s centuries-old walls. The 10-minute stops here allow for storytelling and photos, making each site feel alive with stories of the supernatural.

The Atmosphere Builds at Oxford’s College Landmarks

Stops at Merton College and New College deepen the experience, with the guide revealing scenes of ghostly encounters and bizarre happenings associated with these revered institutions. These locations, famous for their architecture and academic prestige, gain a haunting new dimension through the tales spun during the walk.

The final stops include Magpie Lane and Bridge of Sighs, both ending the tour on a memorable note. The Bridge of Sighs, in particular, is a fitting finale, as its eerie beauty complements the ghost stories that have filled the air during the walk.

How the Tour Engages and Entertains

This tour excels in interactive storytelling, with live entertainment and costume elements making the stories come to life. The guide—whose praised storytelling skills shine in reviews—uses props and costumes to add theatrical flair, making the spooky tales more engaging for all ages.

The pacing ensures you see all major sites without feeling hurried, while the storytelling brings a lively, sometimes chilling energy to each stop. The small group size (max 30 travelers) fosters an intimate atmosphere, perfect for both families and history buffs.

Logistics and Meeting Details

The tour departs from 15-16 Broad St at 6:00 pm and ends near Oxford Castle & Prison at 44-46 Oxford Castle. The meeting point is easily accessible, and since hotel pickup isn’t included, travelers should plan to arrive promptly at the start time.

The tour is suitable for most people, with confirmation received at booking and most travelers able to participate. The mobile ticket system makes check-in straightforward, and the free cancellation policy allows flexibility if plans change.

The Guide’s Style and Storytelling Approach

The professional guide leads with energy and expertise, blending historical facts with twisted tales of terror. Reviews highlight guides like Rick for their outstanding storytelling skills, which make the experience entertaining and immersive. The use of costumes and props adds a theatrical touch, helping stories resonate and entertain.

Participants can expect a tour that balances history, humor, and spooky surprises, making it enjoyable for both adults and children. The stories are carefully curated to include bizarre happenings and local legends, providing a unique perspective on Oxford.

Benefits of the Oxford Ghost Tour

This tour offers a cost-effective way to see many of Oxford’s historic sites while enjoying a fun, spooky story experience. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy storytelling, history, and a good scare in a family-friendly setting. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for personal interaction with the guide.

The tour’s emphasis on entertainment, combined with educational storytelling, makes it a standout choice for evening activities. It’s a memorable addition to any Oxford itinerary, especially for visitors seeking something different from traditional sightseeing.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is family-friendly, the spooky stories are designed to be entertaining rather than frightening. The short stops mean no extended visits inside buildings, focusing instead on storytelling outside. Since admission to certain sites isn’t included, some travelers might choose to explore these locations separately afterward.

The tour does not include hotel pickup or transportation, so travelers should plan accordingly. It’s best suited for those comfortable walking and standing for the duration of the walk.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This ghost tour is ideal for families, history buffs, and anyone curious about the darker side of Oxford. It’s perfect for those who enjoy storytelling with a theatrical flair, and for visitors who appreciate evening outings that combine learning and entertainment in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Summary of the Oxford Ghost Tour

The Oxford Ghost Tour provides a captivating blend of history and spooky stories, set against the backdrop of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Led by an experienced guide with a flair for storytelling, the tour creates a fun and imaginative experience for all ages. The price point offers good value, especially given the entertainment and educational elements.

While it doesn’t include site admissions or transportation, it makes for an accessible and enjoyable evening activity. The small-group setting ensures a personal and engaging experience. For those seeking a family-friendly supernatural adventure in Oxford, this tour remains a top choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with stories presented in an engaging but non-frightening manner.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 15-16 Broad St at 6:00 pm and ends near Oxford Castle & Prison.

Are site admissions included?
No, the stops primarily focus on storytelling, and admissions are not included for the sites visited.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup; travelers meet at the designated starting point.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour limits groups to 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, intimate experience.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available when canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour stand out?
The use of costumes, props, and live storytelling creates a lively, entertaining atmosphere that brings Oxford’s spooky stories to life.

Can I take this tour if I have mobility issues?
Since the tour is a walking experience primarily outdoors, those with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor walking in the evening.