Private Christian History Oxford Tour with Theology Graduate Guide
2 Hours • New College & Divinity School entry included • Walk in the footsteps of the greats.
Overview
Activity details
Walk in the footsteps of the greats on this incredible tour of Oxford’s Christian heritage. As a recent theology graduate from the University of Oxford (BA Philosophy and Theology, 2020-2023), Rory is the perfect guide to the thousand-year story of Christianity in Oxford.
- Two hours.
- Private tour.
- Includes entry into New College and Divinity School.
- Led by recent Philosophy and Theology graduate of the University of Oxford.
What's included
- Entry into New College
- Entry into Divinity School
- Experienced tour guide, recently graduated from the University of Oxford (BA Philosophy & Theology)
- Expert guidance on planning the rest of your trip
What's not included
- Entry into other colleges and University buildings (all other locations are seen from the outside only)
Itinerary
- St Michael at the Northgate,
(Church whose tower was built c.1050) - Martyrs’ Cross
(Execution site of reformation-era bishops) - Balliol College
- Trinity College
- Sheldonian Theatre
- Bridge of Sighs
- Bodleian Library
- Divinity School (entry included)
(Oldest purpose-built teaching room in the world; used for Theology) - New College:
9a. New College chapel
9b. New College cloisters
9c. New College gardens and city wall
9d. New College dining hall - Radcliffe Camera
- All Souls College
- University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
(Site of Thomas Cranmer’s trial; where C. S. Lewis and the Wesley brothers preached) - St. Mary’s Passage
- Examination Schools
- Merton College
- Christ Church
(Home of Oxford’s cathedral; the old monastery of St. Frideswide; where the Wesley brothers studied) - Christ Church Meadow
Highlights
Walk in the footsteps of the greats on this incredible tour of Oxford’s Christian heritage. As a recent theology graduate from the University of Oxford (BA Philosophy and Theology, 2020-2023), Rory is the perfect guide to the thousand-year story of Christianity in Oxford.
On this tour, you’ll visit the sites of some of Western Christianity’s most turbulent moments, explore the incredible places in which Theology has been taught over the last thousand years, and see some of the most breathtaking church architecture in England. You’ll also find out what it’s like to study Theology today at the University of Oxford, and discover the fascinating history behind the University’s development.
Topics include: The Development of the Medieval University; Reform and Reformation; the Wesley Brothers; Newman, Catholicism, and the Oxford Movement; and Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and the Inklings. Tours can be made to focus on one, several, or all of these topics.
The tour includes entry into New College and Divinity School.
Additional information
Special requirements
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
FAQs
Will we get to go inside anywhere on this tour?
Absolutely! The tour includes entry into Divinity School and New College. Divinity School is the oldest teaching room to still exist in the University, and possibly the oldest remaining theological teaching room in the world. New College was extremely important in the development of the Christian University, has an incredible chapel and 14th century cloisters, and is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford.
On some rare occasions, New College and/ or Divinity School may become unexpectedly unavailable. On such occasions, an alternative, or a refund equal to the ticket value for the college in question, will be provided.
Can this tour be expanded to include C. S. Lewis and Tolkien?
Of course! Simply mention your interests when booking the tour, and I'll make sure to show you all the places where Lewis and Tolkien lived, worked, and wrote. We could also swap New College for Magdalen College, which is where C. S. Lewis worked as a fellow from 1925-1954. Feel free to email me at roryinoxford@gmail.com for more information. You might also be interested in my specific C. S. Lewis and Tolkien tour, or my combined C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, and Christian History tour.
Can this tour be expanded to include Harry Potter filming locations?
This expansion works really well. We will go inside Divinity School and New College as part of the Christian History tour - and both of these places were used in the filming of Harry Potter. The dining hall of New College was also one of the main inspirations for the design of the Hogwarts dining hall. Please just make a note of your interests when you book the tour, or feel free to email me at roryinoxford@gmail.com for more information.
Are there any bathrooms on route?
Yes, there are bathrooms both in the Western Library (about half an hour into the tour) and in New College.
Cancellations
Private tours can be cancelled for a 75% refund or credit if cancelled at least 24 hours before the start of the tour. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in the event of cancellation by operators due to unforeseen circumstances. No-shows, and tours cancelled less than 24 hours before the start of the tour, will be charged at the full rate. Please call +447425614378 or email roryinoxford@gmail.com to make a cancellation. More information can be found at https://roryinoxford.com/policies