Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour Discount Tickets

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Overview

Oxford’s historical streets are full of interesting and unusual pubs, some of which have been providing refreshment for over 700 years. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll visit a few of the oldest and quirkiest pubs the city has to offer. Starting at the Head of the River pub near Folly Bridge, you’ll wind through cobbled lanes and hidden passages to discover ten of Paul Coyne favourite pubs, each with a story to tell. The audio guide will lead you through the ancient streets where students and townspeople have all enjoyed an ’Education in Intoxication’. You’ll see where a Tuesday afternoon pub brawl took 600 years to be finally reconciled, and learn which pub had a camel. You'll also see a few historical landmarks like Hertford Bridge, Carfax Tower, and Radcliffe Square. By the end of the tour, in front of the Grapes on George Street, you’ll have learnt the differences between an alehouse, a tavern, and an inn.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts outside the Head of the River Pub on St. Aldates. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End Point

End point

This tour end outside The Grapes Pub on George Street.

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

English-WRITTEN

Itinerary

1. The Head of the River, Oxford
The start of the Oxford Historic Pub Tour, with a lovely riverside garden. Learn about the Oxford University eights races & how the pub got it's name.
2. The Bear Inn, Oxford
Discover if The Bear is truly the oldest pub in Oxford dating from 1262. Learn more about The Bear's collection of over 4,500 snipped neckties.
3. Carfax Tower
Learn about the St. Scholastica Day riot which started with a pub brawl at the Swindlestock Tavern.
4. The Crown
William Shakespeare was a frequent visitor to the The Crown Inn and it's alleged that he became very friendly with the landlord's wife.
5. Turf Tavern
A hidden gem of Oxford that can be difficult to find, but our clear audio directions will lead you right there. The Turf has many stories of celebrity drinking exploits.
6. King's Arms, Oxford
Learn about the Kings Arms' reputation of having the "highest IQ per square foot of any pub in the world". A very atmospheric pub with back rooms and a real log fire in the winter.
7. Oxford Covered Market
Trading since 1774 the Covered Market has modernised in recent years with many craft ale bars and shops. Well worth a visit to soak up the historic atmosphere and perhaps have a craft ale & some food.
8. White Horse
Probably the smallest pub in Oxford and has appeared in Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse series many times.
9. Hertford Bridge links two parts of Hertford college in Oxford. It's commonly known as 'The Bridge of Sighs' and is a great place for picturesque photos when touring Oxford.
10. The Grapes
The last pub on the Oxford Historic Pub Tour, a time to reflect on the ten pubs you will have visited. A Victorian pub in style with over 40 keg & 8 cask ales to enjoy.

Inclusion

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Exclusion

Smartphone and headphones

Food and drinks

Transportation

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

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