Fred was a great guide- he knew everything about the history of Oxford pubs. We enjoyed the tour.
Oxford Pub History Tour: Medieval Taverns & Pubs
Hear the stories behind Oxford’s oldest drinking institutions
The Finer Details
On this late afternoon Oxford pub history tour, you will learn gallons of information about this city while exploring its pubs. Oxford’s pubs are some of the city’s oldest institutions - in some cases much older than the university’s colleges themselves.
Join us on this nearly thousand-year-old journey through Oxford’s history. Hear about medieval bar brawls, Shakespearian performances and the pub chit chat that spawned Middle Earth. Along the way, sample some traditional British drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
Your expert will be a historian who either graduated from the university or has developed deep expertise about the city, so feel free to pepper them with questions about the past and present in Oxford. Over a few short hours (and a few short drinks) you will be able to form a connection with them to give you a true and authentic sense of this most fascinating of cities.
Choose this tour if…
- You want to learn about Oxford’s history but would like to do so in a more fun, interactive way
- You love the stories in history and want to add color to your image of Oxford
- You want to get the most out of your limited time in the city - having a drink and learning some history while there
Route Details
You will meet your expert down a narrow medieval lane and outside one of its oldest pubs, The Bear. You may well pop in to see its famous collection of neckties while your expert sets the scene of what you can expect to learn from Oxford’s public houses. .
You will hear the stories of some of Oxford’s most famous pub regulars and most infamous bar brawls as you wander through the winding streets. Your Expert will lead you through the chronological history and show you at least one of the city’s famous coaching inns, institutions that did far more than just serve beer and food; indeed a certain William Shakespeare performed in an inn here.
From here, you will pay a visit to the Turf Tavern, perhaps Oxford’s most famous pub (partly famous for its warren-like location crammed between some of the colleges). If it is not too busy, you might take some time to have a quick drink here, and talk about the relationship between pubs and the university.
After this, you will go into the Turf’s famous neighbor, the King’s Arms, a pub with an altogether different feel. If the Turf is dainty and well hidden, the “KA” sits proudly on the central crossroads in Oxford.
You may well pay a visit to one or two other centrally located hostelries before heading in the direction of the Eagle and Child, the pub most famous for being where Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and the rest of the Inklings used to meet. Although this place is currently closed for renovation, its direct neighbor (with an Elvish greeting above its door), the Lamb and Flag will happily welcome you in.
Depending on timing, you might end your tour here or your Expert may just have time to take you into the old working class neighborhood of Jericho with its bustling restaurant scene - a perfect place to grab a bite and reflect on your journey through Oxford and its famous drinking institutions.
Sites Visited
- The Turf Tavern - probably Oxford’s most famous pub
- The Bear Pub - one of the city's very oldest and with a famously eccentric collection of neckties
Logistics
Refreshments
You are prepaid for the dinner to sample a few drinks and some bar snacks. Should you wish to add to this, you will need to pay for it.
Accessibility
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
Some pubs have single steps to enter them. Your Expert or the pub will however be able to help you.
Service dog accommodations
The UK welcomes service dogs in all venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people who don’t drink do this tour?
Absolutely. Your Expert will have plenty of alcohol free alternatives for people who don’t drink. Children can attend too so long as their parents are comfortable with them visiting pubs
Is this a food tour?
No this is primarily a history tour with a few small samples of beer and food. Should you want more food or drink, you will be able to purchase it separately. Your Expert will also give you recommendations of places to eat after the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
A city full of stories
"There's history in every brick and every sip", Fred, Context Expert
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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The Bear Inn
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Turf Tavern
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King's Arms
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
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