Oxford Tours
Oxford is a city of unexpected delights and hidden curiosities, where stories and dreams intermingle with history and learning to create one of Britain's most enchanting destinations. It's a magic that has drawn 28 Prime Ministers, 14 presidents, 8 princesses, 14 kings and an emperor to study here. Yet it has also inspired some of our greatest flights of fantasy in children's literature: Alice in Wonderland, C S Lewis' Narnia, JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Philip Pullman's Northern lights - to name but a few.
The famous Radcliffe Camera, built in 1748. You can buy your own mini edible version in the Covered Market!
It was kept in a man's pocket as a charm against rheumatism. One of many unusual objects to discover in the Pitt Rivers Museum.
This biscuit was baked around 1820 during the campaign against slavery. You can still see it in the Ashmolean museum.
The famous Radcliffe Camera, built in 1748. You can buy your own mini edible version in the Covered Market!
Curiouser & Curiouser offers bespoke private tours that aim to inspire your imagination. Here's a taste of what's on offer:
Private Tours
I offer 2 hour walking tours of the City and University of Oxford for small private groups. Email me with the date you are thinking of visiting and any special needs and interests of your group, and I will arrange the perfect experience including:
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World famous buildings and the stories behind them - from beautiful colleges and gardens to the secret underground world of the Bodleian Library.
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People of Oxford - a colourful cast of heroes, villains and eccentrics: men and women whose dreams have changed the world
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Writers and movies - the places that inspired your favourite stories and some of the locations used in famous movies
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Hidden corners, quirky details and surprising curiosities
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Insider tips about the best places to eat and drink, ideas for more activities and up-to-date information on what facilities are currently open.
I can tailor the tour to suit all ages and most interests so whether you are a family group with hard to please teenagers, old friends looking for new memories or a party of professionals looking for a stimulating diversion, I can deliver. Email me at Lucy@curiouserandcuriouser.tours to make your booking
Reviews
Here are some of the things people have said about my tours on Tripadvisor:
Lucy's insider expertise, passion for Oxford history and her ability to grab the attention of our boys (9 and 12 yrs) by revealing some vivid facts and hidden 'secrets' made our private tour of Oxford with French friends a huge success. There was something for everyone (prior protests from our boys about doing the tour were quickly forgotten). We highly recommend Lucy.
Lucy was an excellent guide. She gave us a wonderful insight into the wonderful world of Oxford. Great stories and able to answer almost any question, Lucy made Oxford come alive.
Lucy was excellent. Very animated, well informed and passionate in her descriptions of the highlights of Oxford. Well worth it!
Lucy our guide for the tour of the University and parts of Oxford was wonderful. I had a ridiculous grin on my face the whole two hours.
Lucy, our guide was very knowledge, enthusiastic and customised the tour of Oxford to cater for our interests (including Harry Potter)
Tours for university applicants
Oxford is one of the toughest universities in the world to get into. I can't offer a key to the back door, but if you join me for an applicant tour, I can explain how the system works and what to expect - both in terms of the application process and what it's like once you've got here. Most importantly, I can inspire you with a glimpse of why the hard work of getting a place is all worth it. With two Oxford degrees to my name and twelve members of my immediate family either studying at or graduating from Oxbridge colleges, I am well placed to answer your questions.
If you have specific colleges you would like to visit, mention them in your email, and Covid-permitting, I can arrange access for prospective candidates aged 15 and above and their parents/teachers.
Email me at Lucy@curiouserandcuriouser.tours for more information.
About Me
Hallo, I’m Lucy and I look forward to meeting you!
I first fell in love with Oxford when I arrived here many years ago as a very nervous new student. The romantic beauty of the city and its famous associations simply bowled me over. (Oh, and my neighbour in college just happened to be a princess!)
Three years ago I followed my dream to become a tour guide and I qualified as an official Green Badge Guide for the City of Oxford. For the past ten years I’ve also worked in three of Oxford’s museums.
Since then, I’ve given tours for all ages and nationalities, including people with special needs. I especially love working with families - I’ve lived here with my own family for over 20 years and have 3 grown up children of my own.
I have two degrees from Oxford University - I gained a double first for my first degree and went on to study for a post-grad Master’s after that.
The longer I’ve lived in Oxford, the more I love its hidden stories and magical places.
Come on a tour with me and see for yourself! You never know, you might end up like me staying here for good!
Covid-19
Please note there are some restrictions currently in place in Oxford due to the pandemic - including the closure of university buildings and colleges. To make up for this, you'll get to see a larger area of Oxford than we can usually cover on a tour, for instance down towards Christ Church and the River Thames. I will be wearing a visor and observing social distancing during the tour. Please feel free to wear face coverings as you wish.
Booking
If you like the sound of this, send me an email at Lucy@curiouserandcuriouser.tours telling me the time and date of your proposed visit, who is in your party and whether you have any special interests. I will reply to your email within 24 hours.