Oxford’s story begins in the shadow of England’s early medieval past, emerging around the 9th century where the rivers Thames and Cherwell meet. Its name, "Oxenaforda," or "ford of the oxen," nods to a practical beginning as a crossing for livestock. Yet, it was the 12th century that forged Oxford’s enduring identity, when scholars, displaced from Paris by political unrest, planted the seeds of what would become the University of Oxford—one of the oldest academic institutions still standing. This crucible of thought has nurtured minds from Thomas More to Oscar Wilde, cementing Oxford’s reputation as a beacon of learning and literature. The city’s honey-colored stone colleges, winding medieval lanes, and timeworn pubs form a living archive, offering curious travelers a chance to step into history. Context Travel’s Oxford tours bring this past into focus, guided by experts who unravel the city’s layers for those eager to understand its significance.

Kick off your visit with our Sites and Insights: An Expert-Led Oxford Welcome Tour, an ideal starting point for grasping the city’s essence. This Oxford walking tour, led by historians or local academics, takes you past the Radcliffe Camera’s domed elegance, the ancient walls of All Souls College, and the hushed quadrangles where ideas have simmered for centuries. It’s a window into Oxford’s architectural and intellectual heritage, tailored for those who crave context over mere scenery.

Literary buffs will find their footing on our Literary Oxford Tour, an Oxford private tour that follows the trails of authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and Philip Pullman. Guided by a literature scholar, you’ll uncover how Oxford’s libraries, gardens, and even its pubs inspired classics from The Hobbit to His Dark Materials. This tour isn’t just about names; it’s about how the city’s atmosphere shaped their imaginations.

For a taste of Oxford’s social history, our Oxford Pub History Tour offers a unique angle. Spanning medieval haunts like The Bear Inn—established in 1242—to contemporary brewpubs, this Oxford tour traces the evolution of communal life through its watering holes. Your guide, an expert in local lore, shares stories of scholars and scoundrels, blending tales with the history of British brewing. It’s an engaging way to see the city’s past through its pint glasses.

If time is tight, our Oxford in a Day Tour packs the city’s highlights into a single sweep. This full-day Oxford private tour covers Christ Church College’s grandeur, the Bodleian Library’s vast collections, and the Ashmolean Museum’s treasures while dipping into quieter corners often overlooked. Led by a historian, it ties Oxford’s medieval foundations to its modern pulse, making it perfect for travelers seeking a thorough overview.

Context Travel’s Oxford tours stand out for their depth and personalization. You’re paired with guides who bring the city’s narrative to life—think PhD-level historians or seasoned locals with a knack for storytelling. The university’s 38 colleges dominate the skyline, their Gothic spires and Renaissance halls a testament to centuries of scholarship, but Oxford’s charm extends to its riverbanks and cobblestone paths, where history feels close enough to touch. 

This isn’t a city frozen in time. Oxford has endured Viking incursions, served as a royalist stronghold during the English Civil War, and weathered the Industrial Revolution, all while preserving its scholarly core. Each college gate, each pub doorway, holds a piece of that story, waiting for the inquisitive to uncover it. With Context’s Oxford tours, you’re not just a passerby—you’re a participant in a dialogue spanning nearly a thousand years. For those who travel to question, to learn, and to connect with the past, Oxford delivers, and these experiences are your key to unlocking it.