Private Self-Guided Audio Tours in Famous History and Literature Sites
Highlights
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Offline Mode: Download tours and listen without WiFi
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Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy the sites
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Instagram Hotspots: We find the perfect picture spots
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Enjoy a private experience in a COVID-19 safe environment
Summary
Discover England’s literature and most famous writers with these 3 tours of Oxford, Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Tour info
Duration
50 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Adult:
(5-100 years)
£14.99
Commentary
Meeting Point
Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3EY, GB
Dropoff location
Why take this tour?
Take a day trip out of London and explore Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. Walkthrough these charming literary cities as you discover their most iconic architectural, historical, and literary spots, with three immersive walking guides!
On these private tours, narrated by local expert historians, we’ll hear about the ancient tales that live in these cities, as well as the story behind the birth of one of the world’s most famous universities and what it’s like to be a student at Oxford University!
We’ll hear the secret stories about Shakespeareʼs life, learning about the tales, mysteries and family drama that live on in the quaint market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Transport yourselves in this adventure of literature and history, by finishing off the tours at the Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein and the Jane Austen Center, two of Bath's best-known writers.
Discover England’s literature and most famous writers with these 3 tours of Oxford, Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Welcome to 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 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 the 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's most iconic libraries - The Bodleian 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 are 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 Martyr's fall from grace and execution and well as reflecting on the place Oxford holds in the British imagination.
Jane Austen’s Bath
This tour starts at the Pump Room/Roman Baths. Katie and Colm will discuss the rise in popularity in Bath as a spa resort during the 18th century. They will also introduce you to some of the more interesting stories about Jane Austen and her time in the city.
The tour then moves onto the Theatre Royal Bath Theatre - built in 1805 and a truly iconic landmark of Bath.
Next, you move to Queen Square and one of Jane Austen’s main residences. You’ll also discover John Wood the Elder and the unique architectural design of houses in the area.
Wander through the Georgian Gardens and onto the Royal Crescent, walking in the footsteps of the 18th-century aristocracy. You’ll explain the reason behind the wide streets and the role of “taking the air” in Bath's life. Once you reach the Royal Crescent, take a moment to marvel at this world-renowned architecture.
As you continue our tour, you discover the Circus where you learn more about John Wood the Elder and the neo-classical Georgian style.
You then come across the Assembly Rooms and gain a fascinating insight into evening life in Bath in the 18th and 19th centuries – from dances to card games. Jane Austen loved these social events and there was a strong emphasis placed on young women to gain husbands here.
Finally, you visit Gay Street – another one of Jane Austen’s residences – and finish up at the Jane Austen Centre – a great way for you to continue your learnings of Jane Austen and her life in Bath.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
This tour starts at Shakespeare’s Birthplace Museum – we’ll start by giving an overview of Shakespeare’s childhood, his father, what the town was like and the structure of the building.
We continue on to Judith’s House where we stop briefly to hear about Judith and Hamnet, Shakespeare’s twins, the death of Hamnet and subsequent writing of Hamlet.
Our next stop is the Garrick Pub and Harvard House – Katie and Colm will talk us through its links to Harvard University in the States and we’ll also learn about David Garrick and his role in bringing Shakespeare back to mass popularity.
We will then amble across to the View of New Place, Thomas Nash’s House and the Guild Chapel. This is a great opportunity to learn about Shakespeare’s later life in Stratford as a wealthy and successful man.
We then reach Shakespeare’s Schoolroom/Edward VI Grammar School where we pause to discuss the big questions about Shakespeare and the conspiracy theories about who wrote his works.
Hall’s Croft is our next point of interest and we will learn about Susannah (Shakespeare’s other daughter) and her husband, Dr Hall, the medical profession at the time and Hall’s role in it.
As we approach Holy Trinity Church and Shakespeare’s Grave, we delve deep into Shakespeare’s connection to this church; as well as the epitaph he wrote himself and the legends and mysteries surrounding the supposed removal of his head…
After a beautiful walk along the river where lampposts donated by countries all over the globe can be seen, stop at ‘Dirty Duck’ or the ‘Black Swan’ where the actors in Stratford drink.
Finally, we end the tour at the Swan and RSC Theatres – We end this tour with an insight into Shakespeare’s legacy and the impact he has had on the English language and our popular consciousness.
What’s included?
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Access to your self-guided audio tour -
Audio tour provided by a local or historian -
Offline Mode: Download tours in advance to listen without WiFi -
Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy sites, without getting lost -
Instagram Hotspots: We find the spot for your perfect picture -
Earphones
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Mobile device
Things to know
Before you book
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This product is suitable for all ages
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Do it at your own pace. This product is suitable for all fitness levels
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English speaking Audio guide only
Before you go
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You will need to bring your own mobile phone
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You will need to bring your own headset/earphones
Covid Policy
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Avoid the crowds and explore Oxford, Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon at your own pace while adhering to social distancing regulations!
Cancellation Policy
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Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund
Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Redemption information
This is not your ticket! You will receive a separate email with a link to your tour. From that email, please click 'Download Now', install the Vidi Guides app, create an account within the app and click 'GetMyTour'. The tour will then be ready for download within your profile section. You can start the tour whenever you like!
Bring a pair of headphones along with you so that you can truly immerse yourself in the experience! Download now and start at your convenience!
Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption
About operator:
Too many people visit places without discovering anything about them. And we can’t let that happen.
We believe that the true essence of travelling lies in the joy of discovering the authentic face of cities, neighbourhood and cultural sites, and unlocking the many tales they hold.
With that spirit in our hearts, we started out in search of these stories hidden in the nooks and corners of Paris, London, Cambridge and Oxford's most iconic spots. We then dived into each place’s culture, history, and traditions by collaborating with historians, famous architects, photographers, street artists, and many more. What we ended up finding was a treasure trove of stories that we have meticulously tied together just for you!
But how to deliver this information? We didn’t want to create another Wikipedia, with people looking at their phones instead of the sites. And let’s face it, audioguides and headsets belong to the 20th century.. This is why we’ve created our own storytelling format. Podcast-style tours, enriched with photos and videos, that keep you wanting more.
Our goal is to create a form of travel that will make you truly discover the places you visit.
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