Oxford Food & Drink Tasting & Sightseeing Guided Tour

Discover Oxford’s Food Scene and Historic Sights in Just 2.5 Hours

The Oxford Food & Drink Tasting & Sightseeing Guided Tour offers an engaging way to explore this historic city. For $134.70 per person, you get a 2.5-hour guided experience that combines local food sampling with insights into Oxford’s rich history. The tour begins at 15 Broad Street, a central location near the Oxfam shop, and takes you through some of Oxford’s most renowned markets and landmarks. The tour is ideal for those who want a balanced mix of culinary delights and sightseeing, with an emphasis on local specialties and university highlights.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on local food stalls and market shops, such as the Oxford Cheese Company and the international food market. The small group size of 2 to 4 people ensures a personalized experience and allows for more interaction with the knowledgeable guide. Since it’s a private group, it’s suitable for couples, friends, or small families seeking an authentic taste of Oxford’s cuisine and history in a manageable, friendly setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Guided tour lasting 2.5 hours starting from 15 Broad St in Oxford.
• Sample at least 4 different foods or drinks from popular local stalls and shops.
• Visit the historic Covered Market, the oldest covered market in England, dating back to 1774.
• Explore Oxford’s university with a chance to enter college grounds and the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School.
• Learn about Oxford’s cosmopolitan population and the city’s culinary diversity.
• Catered for dietary needs, with clear instructions to inform guides about allergies or intolerances.

Starting Point at 15 Broad Street and Easy Access

This tour kicks off outside 15 Broad Street, next to the Oxfam shop. The guide is easy to spot, wearing a red lanyard, and the meeting point is straightforward to find. The experience wraps up back at the same spot, making logistics simple and convenient for travelers. The duration of 2.5 hours fits well into a day of sightseeing, leaving ample time for other activities.

Since the tour is wheelchair accessible and operates as a private group, accessibility and comfort are not overlooked. This makes it a great option for small groups seeking a relaxed, focused exploration of Oxford without feeling rushed.

Sample Food and Drink at Oxford’s Market Stalls

During the tour, participants sample 4 to 5 tapas-style plates or tasting samples. These come from a variety of local market stalls and specialty shops, providing a diverse culinary experience. For example, the Oxford Cheese Company may be included, offering local cheeses, while the Italian gelato stall promises a sweet treat.

The tour emphasizes local food specialties but also introduces international flavors through its ethnic food stalls. The international food market is a highlight, showcasing Oxford’s cosmopolitan food scene. Visitors should feel free to indicate dietary restrictions to the guide, who can accommodate special needs during the tasting.

Inside Oxford’s Historic Covered Market

One of the tour’s standout features is a visit to the Covered Market, in operation since 1774. This historic market is the oldest covered market in England and offers a charming glimpse into Oxford’s commercial history. Visitors get inside access, observing local vendors offering a range of gourmet foods and local products.

The market’s unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a memorable stop. It’s a place where history meets cuisine, and the variety of stalls provides plenty of options for tasting and shopping.

More Great Tours Nearby

Entering Oxford University and Historic School Buildings

The tour includes an entry into a university college and/or the Divinity School of the Bodleian Library. These prestigious sites are part of Oxford’s famed university and are not always open to the public. When accessible, visitors get a glimpse into academic history and architectural grandeur.

It’s worth noting that during graduation dates or Christmas period (roughly December 21 to January 2), college entry may be unavailable. The scheduled graduation dates for 2024 include specific Saturdays: January 20, February 24, March 2, May 11, and May 18.

The Guide’s Knowledge and Tour Pacing

The guides are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach, providing informative commentary about Oxford’s history, university traditions, and culinary scene. Reviewers appreciate the personalized attention, which enhances the overall experience.

The pace of the tour is well-managed, blending walking, tasting, and learning without feeling rushed. The small group size allows for more interaction, questions, and a relaxed environment.

Flexibility and Special Dietary Needs

The tour can cater to dietary restrictions, with instructions to communicate allergies or intolerances before or during the experience. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the tasting components comfortably.

As a private group, the experience offers customization and a more intimate feel, making it suitable for couples, small groups, or families who want a tailored and relaxed sightseeing and foodie experience.

Visiting Oxford’s Food Markets and Specialty Shops

The international food market is a key highlight, offering a wide range of global cuisines alongside local produce. The Oxford Cheese Company provides a chance to taste local cheeses, while the gelato shop adds a sweet Italian touch.

Participants get inside access to market stalls and specialty shops, making the experience more personal and engaging. These stops allow for sampling and purchasing some of Oxford’s best gourmet foods.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Availability

The tour is available for booking with flexible cancellation, allowing full refunds if canceled up to 2 days in advance. It operates with live English-speaking guides and is suitable for travelers seeking an easy, informative, and tasty exploration of Oxford.

Check availability for starting times, as the duration and schedule can vary. The experience is ideal for those wanting an authentic taste of Oxford’s culinary diversity combined with its historic college architecture.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits food lovers who want to sample local and international dishes while discovering Oxford’s historic streets and markets. It’s perfect for small groups seeking a personalized and informative outing, especially those interested in university history and local food.

Since it’s designed to be accessible and cater to dietary needs, it offers comfort and flexibility for a wide range of travelers.

Oxford Food & Drink Tasting & Sightseeing Guided Tour: Final Thoughts

The Oxford Food & Drink Tasting & Sightseeing Guided Tour provides a well-rounded taste of Oxford’s culinary and historic offerings in just 2.5 hours. Its strengths lie in the knowledgeable guides, small group size, and access to historic sites and markets that are often off-limits to visitors.

While the price point reflects the quality and exclusivity, the customization and focus on local specialties make it a worthwhile choice for foodies and history buffs alike. It offers a blend of tasting, sightseeing, and cultural learning that captures Oxford’s unique charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, the tour can accommodate special dietary needs. It is recommended to inform the guide before or upon arrival about allergies or intolerances.

What are the main stops during this tour?
The tour includes visits to Oxford’s best food market stalls, local specialty shops, and historic sites like the Covered Market and potentially university colleges or the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School.

How long does the tour last, and where does it start?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and begins at 15 Broad Street. It concludes back at the same location, making it easy to plan other activities around.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 2 days in advance. The tour operates as a private experience with a live English guide.

What makes this tour different from other Oxford sightseeing options?
This experience uniquely combines food tasting with historic and university sightseeing in a small, private group, emphasizing local and international cuisines and insider access to markets and select sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby