Discover Jane’s Walking Tours

A Story of Saints and Scholars, Martyrs, Reformers and Religious Radicals

On this tour you will tread in the footsteps of many great figures who have shaped the story of religion in this country and overseas.

In the Middle Ages pilgrims visited the shrine of St Frideswide and religion was at the centre of the teaching of the medieval university. Today you can still see the medieval Divinity School.

Oxford has been a microcosm and a catalyst of religious changes; you will see where Bishop Latimer told his colleague, Ridley, “we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”

Here at different times Jewish people, Lollards, Quakers, Baptists and Catholics faced authorities who condemned their beliefs and attacked their meetings. Thinkers and teachers like Wesley, Newman and C S Lewis have all studied and preached in Oxford. You will see colleges, libraries, memorials and churches reflecting their stories.

From secret agents to Peter Pan, romantic poetry to science fiction - Oxford has inspired a hugely diverse range of literature both old and new, as well as numerous TV producers and movie makers.

Walk down Wordsworth’s Golden Street; seeing the place where Thomas Hardy's 'Jude the Obscure' finally "awoke from his dream” and realised the colleges with their quads, chapels and libraries were not for him.

See the college which expelled Percy Shelley for ’contumaciousness’ and salute the pub where C.S. Lewis, Tolkein and their circle of friends spent many an evening over a congenial pint.

Included on the tour will be a visit to at least one college with interesting literary associations, and a glimpse inside part of the old library, a building which goes back nearly 600 years.

This tour appeals to all lovers of literature - and discover why Oxford is one of Britain’s most enchanting destinations, the city of dreaming spires.

The first mention of Oxnaforda is in 912 and of the Universitas 1214.

Oxford was a small but prosperous Saxon town, a place of Council, surrounded by a defensive wall built on the order of King Alfred nestling on the banks of the River Thames; a site of strategic importance.

Monasteries grew up in its shadow bringing wealth and learning.

The Saxon tower of the North Gate still survives as does the building where the University

‘parliament’ first met and the site of the University’s first library.

See where the scribes, book sellers and parchment makers plied their trade. Whilst their ancient shops no longer survive, great Colleges have arisen in their stead.

In 1066 the Normans arrived, a castle was built, the Jewish people were invited and the Town settled down to become the oldest university in the English speaking world that it is today.

**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 see sites 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..

Private Tour

£160 (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)