Museum tours

Stories of Oxford Tours

There’s something for everyone in the stories of Oxford and its people. Stories of Oxford guided tours are led by our dedicated volunteer team, who will take you on their personalised highlights tour around the Museum of Oxford. Perfect as an introduction to the city, or to learn more about Oxford’s history if you’ve visited us before.

Stories of Oxford Tours run regularly throughout the year, multiple times a month. See what’s on to find out when the next Stories of Oxford tour is taking place.

Inside Oxford Town Hall

Join our guides on a tour of the Grade II* listed Victorian Town Hall and see inside rooms not normally open to the public, including the Court Room and Council Chamber.

The current Town Hall, opened in 1897, has been the seat of the city council for over one hundred years, was a hospital during the First World War, and has been home to a police station, library, court and a museum (that’s us!).

Guided tours Inside Oxford Town Hall take place twice a month on Saturdays. See what’s on to find out when the next Town Hall tour is taking place.

Museum of Oxford Walks

Our city walking tours explore lesser-known sides of the city’s history, taking you off the traditional tourist trail and into the real Oxford.

Themes include Oxford’s food heritage, life in Victorian Oxford, lost working-class neighbourhoods, the River Thames in Oxford, radical Oxford, and more.

Subject to seasonal availability. See what’s on to find out when the next city walking tour is taking place.

Highlights Tour

Immerse yourself in the story of Oxford and discover highlights from the museum’s collection on the Highlights audio tour. Whether you’ve visited us before or this is your first time at the Museum, the Highlights audio tour is a great way to discover the fascinating objects and stories that make up Oxford’s history.

Available in: English, Spanish, French, Mandarin and British Sign Language.

We recommend that you dip in and out of the tour as you explore the galleries. Total time: about 30 minutes.

Treasure Tour

Calling all adventurers! Our Treasure Tour will take younger visitors and their adults on an audio journey through Oxford’s history. Listen to the audio tour, follow the clues and use the map to uncover the secret treasure. All of this while learning about Oxford’s amazing history! Recommended for ages 5-11, but all are welcome to enjoy.

Available in: English and British Sign Language.

Total time: about 30 minutes.