Odd Oxford Walking Tours of Oxford

Terrible Tours: Odd Oxford 📚

Hear the whole strange story of Oxford - from Vikings, Saxons and Normans to the rise of the modern University. For over a thousand years, the “Ox-ford” has found itself at the heart of English history, and over the last 800 years its dreadful dons, unruly students, curious customs and ridiculous incidents have given us plenty to talk about.

This is not a tour for people who want a long, serious lecture about different types of arches. Odd Oxford is for people who want to learn by laughing. Expect an entertaining walk through the city’s streets, packed with dark anecdotes, absurd traditions, historical scandal and the wonderfully weird stories that make Oxford so memorable. You’ll:

• Discover how Oxford became one of England’s most famous cities
• Meet the students, scholars, saints and scoundrels who shaped its story
• Hear tales of myths, curses, odd customs and terrible behaviour
• See Oxford’s iconic sights from a more irreverent and entertaining angle
• Enjoy history that is clever, funny and anything but dry

Along the way, your expertly entertaining guide will lead you through some of Oxford’s best-known streets, squares and taverns, sharing the tales that polite guidebooks tend to leave out.

Tour Highlights

• Carfax Tower – the case of the killer wine
• The Bear Inn – the old school tie
• Christ Church – Alice’s neck and the preacher’s pride
• Radcliffe Square – the ghosts in the pipes
• Brasenose College – the curse of the nose
• The Bridge of Sighs – another Oxford myth
• The Turf Tavern – where presidents didn’t inhale
• The Martyrs’ Memorial – the scorched gates

Important Tour Info

What’s included:

• A guided walking tour led by one of our expertly entertaining guides
• Stories covering Oxford’s history from its early beginnings to university life
• A lively mix of humour, scandal, myth and memorable local tales

Exclusions:
We explore Oxford on foot and focus on the outsides of historic buildings and landmarks. Entry into colleges or attractions is not included.

Good to Know

• ✅ Wheelchair accessible
• ✅ Physical difficulty level: Easy
• ✅ Suitable for anyone who enjoys history with humour

If you may be late, please call +44 1223 901 007 and leave a voicemail.

What Should I Bring?

We go rain or shine, so please dress for the expected weather and come prepared:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layers, waterproofs, or sunhat and sunblock depending on the forecast
• A bottle of water
• A sense of humour

Cancellation Policy

Full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour.