Visit Balliol College

More About Balliol College

Balliol College dates back to the University’s first century. Its founder fell foul of a Bishop and after a public beating was given a penance to fund the teaching of Latin to poor clergy. Back then all law was in Latin and worship too could only be conducted in the language of Rome.

Balliol College developed a formidable academic reputation in the 19th century when one of its masters spearheaded the liberal campaign to make admission to Oxford academically competitive. Its architecture dates from the 15th century to modern times.

Visit Balliol College

  • A visit to Balliol College can be incorporporated into the Classic University and City Tour.

    Balliol College usually allows visitors access to Hall, Chapel, the Master’s Garden and front and back Quads.

    **Duration:** 1.5 hours

    Discover the astonishing history and beauty of Oxford on a walking tour which explores iconic landmarks and tells the story of over Oxford’s 1000 years of tradition and innovation.

    You will se sties which tell the tale of Oxford's Anglo Saxon beginnings, the ever changing University, patrons, town and gown and the lives of the scholars, scoundrels and literary giants who made Oxford home.

    Stops include the Divinity School, Bodleian Library’s Old Schools ‘Quad’, Sir Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian theatre, the CS Lewis stop and University church and much more.

    The highlights tour will leave you with a lasting memory of Oxford’s history, its role in the art, architecture, social upheavals and discoveries which have shaped the course of history.

    This tour includes a visit inside one of Oxford's oldest colleges to see where students studied, worshipped, slept and dined and still do today..

    Send your enquiry specifying that you would like Balliol Col

    age to be included in your tour

    180 (up to 4 participants)

    Extras:

    Additional participants over 2: @ £10

    Discussion in the pub (40 minutes): £60 (refreshment not included)

    Discussion over a Cream Tea (40 minutes): £90 (refreshment not included)

    Bodleian Library Tour (40 minutes): £80 (plus £10/person)

  • Link to college enquiry form

TOURS BALLIOL REFRECDTORY 2022.jpeg
Balliol's 'new' Polychromatic Chapel by the same architect of Keble College William Butterfield
Balliol's Hall with portraits including John Wycliffe, Benjamin Jowett, Dame Stephanie Shirley.
Lectern representing St John the Evangelist

  • "The tour was well thought out and Sophie was an engaging guide with a mine of interesting information, much of it new to me even as someone who's lived in Oxford for the past 30 years. Definitely recommended."

    J Willams, Oxford

  • "Sophie offered us a tailor-made tour that perfectly met our expectations."

    Steve, Munich, Germany

  • "Wonderful tour about Oxford, very knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed every minute of it."

    Maria, USA

  • "Sophie is a congenial host with vast knowledge of the colleges and general Oxford area. Good communication and instruction for meet up. Would highly recommend her tour!"

    Andrew, New York, USA

  • "Fascinating tour by a wonderful guide!"

    Michael, USA

  • "Sophie is so knowledgeable! Oxford is a city of history, and she knows it so well. Her recommendation for our dinner after the tour was perfect! She also took care of me beforehand in suggesting other things to do before her tour. She’s the best. A pro’s pro!"

    Kori, USA

  • "My history tour with Sophie was informative and entertaining. The horror was made funny and the ridiculous serious. I was surprised by how much I didn't know and went away with new insights into, not only the university's history and traditions, but the history of England generally. I also got some good ideas for the rest of my stay in Oxford. Thank you!"

    James, UK

  • "This tour was a lovely introduction to Oxford University. As a recent transplant from the US, it was a great way to get my bearings of the area, visit a college, and learn about some fascinating local history. Whether we were gazing at gargoyles or admiring beautiful stained glass, Sophie was a true delight – very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and well-articulated. I highly recommend this experience!"

    Megan, USA

  • "Fascinating, thoughtfully constructed tour of Oxford University encompassing a thousand years of history. I've lived in Oxford for thirty years, yet in this tour learned new and intriguing nuggets about the city, discovered hidden gems in ancient stone buildings that I've been strolling past all these years."

    Maria, Oxford, UK

  • "Sophie is a superb, experienced and enriching guide. We are a retired US professional couple. We've hired individual local guides throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and Sophie tops our list! She spent hours with us in advance, curating our day in Oxford, then filled our tour with history, architecture, art, education, culture…and fun. The day was perfectly paced and suited to our needs. It was a graduation day, so like the happy students, we too tossed our hats in celebration. Brava Sophie!"

    K & A Krupsky, Chicago, USA