Discover Victoria’s Walking Tours

Learn about the revolutionary contributions of Oxford's scientists and doctors to modern science.

Since the award of the first Doctor of Medicine in the 13th century, Oxford has been a place of medical and scientific inquiry, distinguishing itself in the 17th century when a group of scientists made groundbreaking discoveries about the nature of the human body and the natural world.

You will see where William Harvey, Robert Hooke, Robert Boyle, Thomas Willis and Christopher Wren lived and worked and find out about their importance in medical and scientific history.

The 20th century's medical advances began with William Osler and reached their zenith with the triumph of the penicillin scientists, Florey, Chain and Heatley in 1941.

Meanwhile the refugee physicists, rescued from German in the 1930’s transformed Oxford's Physics department.

In the 21st century, Oxford University has topped the world rankings for the teaching of medicine and scientists, crowned with the development of the Oxford-Astra-Zeneca vaccine.

This walk takes you through the little-known medieval Jewish quarter to discover more about the fascinating lives of its inhabitants in the period between their arrival in the 11th century under William the Conqueror and their expulsion by Edward I in 1290.

It covers the re-admission of the Jews under Oliver Cromwell and comes up to date with the story of Lord Lindemann's invitation to Einstein and how the Society for the Protection of Science and Learning saved German academics from Nazi persecution. Learn about their new lives in Britain and the contribution of the Jewish refugee scholars to Oxford University.

We usually finish at the Bodleian Library, one of the greatest repositories of Hebrew and Jewish manuscripts and printed books in the world and find out about today's Jewish community and some of the University's Jewish benefactors.

Oxford was the Royalist Capital in the English Civil War of the 17th Century. It was from Christ Church that King Charles I ran his campaigns, whilst also finding time to entertain, walk his dogs and even to play tennis in Oriel college's nearby Real Tennis court.

Henrietta Maria, his Queen, lodged briefly at Merton College and the City was filled with courtiers, servants and a garrison of over 3,000 soldiers.

When the Parliamentarians were victorious Oliver Cromwell made himself Chancellor of the University.

Explore Oxford’s role in the Civil War and find out what life was like in the city during this time and why it mattered.

Christ Church is known for inspiring JK Rowling's suggestions to Warner Brothers of possible locations for Hogwarts and the Harry Potter movies.However its pedigree stretches back to Anglo Saxon times when the Cathedral site was the same as the minster of Oxford’s Anglo Saxon Saint Frideswide.

Christ Church is one of Oxford’s most outstanding colleges. It has produced 13 prime ministers, the philosopher John Locke and the reforming politician Robert Peel.

The cathedral is the smallest medieval cathedral in Britain and a real gem. Stops include its refectory in the famous Great Hall, the Bodley Tower staircase, Sir Christopher Wren’s bell tower in the Tom Quad, the Cloister and Cathedral.

Afterwards take a walk through the heart of the city and learn about the Architectural and historical highlights of the University and its colleges, how it operates past and present, and the movements and personalities that beautifully tell the tale of 1000 years of history.

Group:£220 (up to 2 participants)

Extra participants: @ 20 (up to 11 participants)

Extras:

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

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

**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)