The Pre Raphaelites Artists Oxford Private Tour
Active
2h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Learn from your local guide interesting facts about Pre-Raphaelite artists. The group sought a return to the abundant detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of Quattrocento Italian art. Also, discover the history of two artists that were part of this movement, William Morris and Edward Burne Jones.
Finally, visit Exeter College with its chapel and the Magi tapestry. A passageway from the Front Quadrangle leads through to the college's Fellows' Garden. Enjoy the best views of Oxford and spot Radcliffe Square, including All Souls College and the Radcliffe Camera.
Please note that entry to Exeter is included, as and when it's open. Its opening schedule varies lots by the time of year.
Discover the history of Oxford, the collegiate system, and the famous alumni who studied and taught at the university. There are 38 colleges at Oxford University, but the tour will be focused on Exeter College, which continues to welcome students of the fine arts nowadays.
Available options
PRIVATE group tours
PRIVATE group tours
What's included
Entry worth £3 to Exeter college, as & when open
On any dates when neither the Oxford Union, nor Exeter may be open, we'll visit Ashmolean musuem.
Entry worth £4 to the Oxford Union library, as & when open. Advance booking necessary for us here.
Detailed itinerary
1
Entry is included, as and when the Oxford Union Victorian library is open. I always pre book entry, as soon as you book the tour but if you book at very short notice, this might not always be possible to get inside here.
This is where William Morris and Ed Burne Jones and their circle of friends designed the walls and then ceiling.
Entry fee worth £4 per person included.
Sometimes the librarian agrees to also show us the Oxford Union's famous debating chamber, where many presidents and prime ministers plus famous intellectuals have debated.
2
Stop 2
We usually introduce the library on our route but we don't go inside and indeed guiding is not permitted inside
3
Stop 3
Pass by
We pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
4
We usually pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
5
We usually pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
6
We usually pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
7
Stop 7
Pass by
We pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
8
We pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
9
Entry is included, as and when Exeter is open to the public. We visit here to see the pre Raphaelite art work in the chapel and the gardens plus quad and maybe we can see its hall too. This is where William Morris and Ed Burne Jones arrived to study theology at Oxford in 1853.
10
We pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
11
Stop 11
Pass by
We pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
12
Stop 12
Pass by
We pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
13
We often also pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
This college is where JK Rowling applied to study at Oxford but was not unfortunately accepted.
14
Stop 14
Pass by
We usually pass by here and many other famous sites and introduce such sites on the tour
15
Only if time permits and if Exeter and the Oxford Union happens to be closed, then we might also visit the pre Raphaelites exhibition space on the top floor of the museum.
Entry to the museum is free and it's open every day except Mondays until 5pm.
What's not included
Entry to either Exeter college or to the Oxford Union will be subject to them being open or not.
The further notice you book this tour, the more likelihood, I can pre-book entry to above venues.
Exeter college & the Oxford Union are not open to the general public- thus I need to pre book entry!
We cannot always guarantee entry to a college on graduation dates. 2025 graduations include....
May 16 + 17 + 31, July 19 + 29, Aug 1 + 2 + 9, Sep 26 + 27, Nov 7+ 8+9+14 +15 of 2025
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point. If you arrive more than 5 minutes later than the scheduled tour, then you will likely forfeit and lose your booking as it interrupts the guide and other customers, if we are trying to find you after a guide has started and left the meeting point.
INFO FOR DRIVERS AND PARKING:
If you are driving, then please allow extra 30-60 minutes over whatever time you think it will take you to get here. Oxford is NOT car friendly and it is congested roads and hard to find parking spaces....unless you park at the sign posted 'park and rides' on edge of town on any major road into the city and hop on their buses into city centre. The park and ride buses leave every 15 or every 30 minutes and take anything from 10 min to 30 min (depending on traffic) to reach city centre. So if you are going to drive, then please assume you should be aiming to park your car about one hour before your tour starts.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
We actually recommend instead using the much faster and reliable train services but again please aim to arrive about an hour or earlier before your tour starts as trains can be delayed and the train and coach station are about 15 minutes walk from our meeting point. There is also the coach service from London called the Oxford Tube which leaves every half hour or more but it can take much longer than its advertised 105 minute journey time. It drops you off either at High street Oxford or Gloucester Green coach station. It's quicker to ask to get off on High street near Carfax tower, then it's a 10 minutes walk to Broad street.
Meeting point
Meet your guide wearing red lanyard. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop.
Important notes
Terms and Conditions Notice:
1) Please note that we cannot cancel activities on the day, just because of bad weather. Therefore, please dress for all weather.
2) If you have opted for cycling activity, please let us know your heights and if you wish helmets (helmets are not obligatory but we do always recommend anyone under 18 wears a helmet).
3) We do have public liability insurance but it is our policy that parents should always be responsible for the safety of any of their children aged under 18. If you are cycling, the guide will advise health and safety guidelines, when setting up the bikes for you.
4) Please note we don't stock parents' tandem bikes nor young children's bikes, so if you may require these, you will need to bring your own bikes or ask us if we can reserve a tandem bike from a bike shop for £20 additional fee, by advance notice only! In addition, our mountain bikes will comfortably fit anyone of between approximately 4 foot 9 (1.4m) to 6 foot 3 (1.9m) only. Apologies but if you are outside of this range, please instead ask us to book you onto the river cruise option...or bring your own bicycle along to join us.
About Oxford
Oxford is a historic university city renowned for its prestigious academic institutions and stunning architecture. With a rich history dating back to the 9th century, it offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
University of Oxford
One of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford is a must-visit for its historic colleges, libraries, and museums.
Historical/Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to £15 for guided tours
Bodleian Library
One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library is a stunning example of architectural grandeur and historical significance.
Historical/Cultural
1 to 2 hours
Free (some exhibitions may have a fee)
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum is the UK's oldest public museum, housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from around the world.
Museum
1 to 3 hours
Free (some special exhibitions may have a fee)
Christ Church College
One of the most famous colleges at the University of Oxford, Christ Church College is known for its stunning architecture and historic significance.
Historical/Cultural
1 to 2 hours
£12 for a guided tour
Oxford Botanic Garden
The oldest botanic garden in the UK, Oxford Botanic Garden is a beautiful and peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Nature
1 to 2 hours
£7.50
Must-Try Local Dishes
Oxfordshire Sausages
Made from locally sourced pork and seasoned with herbs, these sausages are a staple of Oxfordshire cuisine.
Main Course
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Punting Lunch
A traditional Oxford experience, a punting lunch typically includes sandwiches, pastries, and drinks enjoyed while gliding along the River Cherwell.
Lunch
Various options available, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
Oxfordshire Cheese
Locally produced cheeses, such as Cotswold cheese, are a must-try for cheese lovers.
Snack/Dessert
Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans.
Popular Activities
Punting on the River Cherwell
Cycling tours
Hiking in the Cotswolds
Visiting the Oxford Botanic Garden
Punting with a picnic
Enjoying a spa day
Guided tours of Oxford's colleges and museums
Attending theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various events and festivals.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Oxford is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
Getting there
By air
- London Heathrow Airport • 60 miles (97 km)
- London Luton Airport • 50 miles (80 km)
By train
Oxford Railway Station
By bus
Oxford Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network in Oxford is comprehensive and affordable, covering most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
North Oxford
Jericho
Cowley Road
Day trips
Blenheim Palace
8 miles (13 km) • Half day to full day
A stunning baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and offers beautiful gardens and parkland.
The Cotswolds
20 miles (32 km) • Full day
A picturesque region known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic sites, the Cotswolds offers a quintessential English countryside experience.
Stratford-upon-Avon
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with historic sites, theaters, and beautiful gardens.
Festivals
Oxford Literary Festival • March
Oxfordshire Artweeks • May and June
Oxford Pride • September
Pro tips
- Visit the Bodleian Library and other historic sites early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Book guided tours of Oxford's colleges in advance, especially during peak season.
- Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting local markets and independent restaurants.
- Take a punting tour on the River Cherwell for a unique and relaxing experience.
- Use the park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic and parking challenges in the city center.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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