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Highlights of Oxford
Shore Excursions - Highlights of Oxford
 



Private 8.5-hour round trip excursion from Southampton to Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with teaching dating to 1096. Walk the historic city center and visit Christ Church, Oxford's largest college, whose Bodley Tower staircase was used in the first two Harry Potter films, and its Cathedral, home to the shrine of Oxford's patron saint, St. Frideswide. Licensed Blue Badge guide, private vehicle throughout.

8.5 hours (private)
private excursion
licensed guide
english speaking expert
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from the Port of Southampton
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Licensed Blue Badge Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Walking Tour
  • Included Interior Visits- Christ Church Cathedral
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
ESOUT-05


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $806 Per Person
3 People - $560 Per Person
4 People - $458 Per Person
5 People - $374 Per Person
6 People - $318 Per Person
7 People - $298 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Highlights of Oxford

This private tour is round trip from Southampton. In Oxford you enjoy a walking tour of the university city, including Christ Church, the largest college in the university, with its famous Cathedral.

After meeting your guide at the pier, you travel to Oxford, long known as the City of Dreaming Spires. Teaching is documented at Oxford as far back as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with roughly 930 years of continuous history. The town has been home to scholars and, at times, royalty for centuries, with spacious lawns and parks set among historic spires along the Thames and Cherwell rivers.

Your guide leads you through the historic city center, where you'll learn the history of Oxford University and see the architecture and traditions passed down through its most famous buildings and institutions. Next you have free time for lunch (meal not included) before visiting Christ Church and its Cathedral.

The University of Oxford is made up of 36 separate colleges, including All Souls, Lincoln, Magdalen, Trinity, and the largest of them, Christ Church. Christ Church's Bodley Tower staircase was used to film the scene in the first two Harry Potter films where Professor McGonagall meets Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and its Great Hall, a real Tudor dining hall, inspired the design of the Hogwarts Great Hall seen in the movies, even though that specific scene was filmed on a studio set rather than here.

Christ Church Cathedral serves as both the college chapel and the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Oxford, the only building in the world that holds both roles at once. Highlights include the world famous Cathedral Choir and a rich collection of books and art. The shrine of St. Frideswide, Oxford's patron saint, also lies inside the Cathedral.

Later in the afternoon, you return to the pier in Southampton.

Please note
  • Mobility: Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances, this itinerary is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from the Port of Southampton
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Licensed Blue Badge Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Walking Tour
  • Included Interior Visits- Christ Church Cathedral

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    2 Hours
    Meet Guide and Drive to Oxford
  • 2
    4 Hours
    Oxford Tour with Lunch Break
  • 3
    2 Hours
    Return to Southampton

Resources

Port of Southampton - Official Website (ABP). Departure port for this excursion, one of five Southampton cruise terminals Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Oxford from the Southampton cruise port?
Oxford is about 75 miles (121km) from Southampton, roughly a 2-hour drive each way.
Was Christ Church really used to film Harry Potter?
Partly. The Bodley Tower staircase at Christ Church was used to film the scene where Professor McGonagall meets Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the first two films. The Great Hall itself inspired the Hogwarts Great Hall design, but that specific scene was filmed on a studio set, not at Christ Church.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. The walking tour of Oxford's city center involves uneven surfaces and cobblestones that make this itinerary unsuitable for wheelchairs.
How old is Oxford University?
Teaching is documented at Oxford as far back as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world, though it developed gradually over centuries rather than being founded on a single date.

Also Available:

›London Highlights - for the capital instead of a university town, this 8.5-hour tour covers London's major landmarks with a pub lunch stop.
›Stonehenge and Salisbury - to add a prehistoric monument to your day, this 8.5-hour tour combines Stonehenge with Bath.

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Meet Guide and Drive to Oxford - 2 Hours
  • Oxford Tour with Lunch Break - 4 Hours
  • Return to Southampton - 2 Hours

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 3 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Southampton (Round Trip) Sunday, July 19, 2026
Reviewer: Joan W from NJ  
Our trip was wonderful! Our pick up at the airport, two tours, and transportation to the pier all went well. I would definitely use your company again for future travel needs.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Southampton (Round Trip) Thursday, June 11, 2026
Reviewer: Robert N from Huntington Station, New York  
Our guides were all - the best was michel (spelling may be off) in DEnmark. he was knowledgeable, personable, friendly - all you would want in a guide. i highly recommend.  Copenhagen, London, Dover and Portland were all amazing - a must to visit we were a group of 8 - cousins and spouses - 4 couples.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Southampton (Round Trip) Saturday, September 13, 2025
Reviewer: Gina D from Anaheim, CA  
We had a wonderful time, our tour guide was Nick . He was the best guide ever, he was very informative and speaks English perfectly. His knowledge of the city was unbelievable, he was very flexible and took us to where we want to go. I am a travel agent and we sell cruises, I will refer your tours to all my clients. Thanks for everything.

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