Take a day trip out of London and explore Oxford. Walk through this charming literary city as you discover its most iconic architectural, historical, and literary spots, with this immersive guide!
On this self-guided tour, narrated by an expert historian, we’ll visit the most famous historic buildings and architectural highlights. We’ll hear about the ancient tales that live in this city and the story behind the birth of one of the world’s most famous universities.
We'll visit the most iconic spots such as Exeter and Jesus Colleges, Radcliffe Square, Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre as well as hearing what it’s like to be a student at Oxford University! Learn about the famous people that have lived in the picturesque city and finish the tour by visiting the Martyrs Memorial to cap off this cultural adventure in Oxford.
Join our local historians Katie and Josh, as they take you for a walk through the charming literary town of Oxford. We'll explore its most iconic architectural, historical, & literary spots, and learn the ancient tale that is rooted in its history.
Our first stop is St Michael at the Northgate – We gain a great insight and overview of Oxford and the University as well as some fascinating stories and concepts of the University and the Martyrs story which we will follow.
The discussion continues as we head down Ship Street, pointing out Exeter’s College’s Spire and the walls of Jesus College. A great insight into student life with some fun and quirky anecdotes and student life along the way.
We then reach one of Oxford’s most notable landmarks – Radcliffe Square – we learn about the four sides of square, Brasenose, All Souls’ and tough entrance exams, St Mary’s and the trial of the Martyrs.
Our next stop is one of the world most iconic libraries - The Bodlein Library. We enter into the courtyard and get a great insight into the scale and history of the library. We’ll also learn about the Tower of the Five Orders and statues of James I and William Herbert, as well as various other famous alumni who have entered through here.
The Clarendon Building and the Bridge of Sighs is up next – a great spot to dig deeper into the history of the university and the constantly evolving process of female and state school student pioneers.
We continue on through Oxford until we reach The Sheldonian Theatre and the Divinity School – Katie and Josh talk us through the graduation process, examination and lecture and Christopher Wren.
History and science buffs will love our next stops - The Weston Library and the University Museum of the History of Science – the oldest surviving, purpose-built museum in the world.
We end our tour by visiting The Execution Site and the Martyrs Memorial, where we learn about the story of the Martys fall from grace and execution and well as reflecting on the place Oxford holds in the British imagination.
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that sound like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your Oxford tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before you go to streamline your trip!
Audio: English