Guided Tours

We love our ancient building and extend a warm welcome to all visitors, whether they come on their own or in a group.

Please feel free to explore the church, to experience the peace to be found within its walls, and to learn about its history and the people who have helped to shape that history over the centuries.

The University Church has a fascinating history and there is not only stunning architecture to admire but also amazing stories to tell.

It was here where Oxford students learned Latin, received degrees and sat trial at the Chancellor’s Court. The University Church has witnessed a number of key events in British history from the trials of the Oxford Martyrs and the burial of Royalist soldiers, to the birth of the Oxford Movement and the establishment of Oxfam.

General Tours

Guided tours with trained tour guides can be booked for groups of up to 20 visitors during the standard opening hours. Please make sure to book tours 21 days in advance as we cannot guarantee that our guides will be available at short notice.

  • This tour is delivered in English.
  • This tour does not include the tower of the University Church.
  • The tour lasts for 20-40 minutes.
  • Meet your tour guide at the High Street entrance.
  • Children must be aged 11+ in order to join the tour. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • The tour is booked by appointment.
  • Cost: £6 per person (for an additional charge it may be possible to offer refreshments in the Clore Old Library)

Highlights Tours

There are frequent 10 minute Highlights tours of the church, conducted by our welcomers, during opening hours on weekdays. Please enquire at the High Street entrance welcome desk on the day or in advance by contacting us by email. 

  • This tour is delivered in English.
  • This tour does not include the tower of the University Church.
  • The tour lasts for 10 minutes.
  • Meet your tour guide at the High Street entrance.
  • If you enjoy this tour, please make a donation to help keep the church open every day.

Candlelit Tours

Candlelit tours with one of the clergy of the University Church can be booked for groups of up to 40 visitors. (This takes account of the fact that the group has exclusive access to the building in the evening). The tour includes a 50 minute exploration of the church, followed by the ancient office of Compline sung by our Choral Scholars, and ending with refreshments in the Old Library (30 minutes). Please make sure to book tours 21 days in advance as these evening tours need to be booked well in advance.

  • This tour is delivered in English.
  • This tour does not include the tower of the University Church.
  • The tour lasts for 90 minutes
  • Minimum number of participants is 20 (or minimum fee).
  • Meet your tour guide at the High Street entrance.
  • Children must be aged 11+ in order to join the tour. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • The tour is booked by appointment.
  • Cost: £25 per person (this includes refreshments).

Guided Tours with Drinks Reception

The University Church also offers evening tours with a drinks reception in the De Brome Chapel. The University Church provides licensed premises. This is an excellent excursion for conference delegates attending conferences in the city centre, as well as groups which have arranged a meal or some other activity later in the evening elsewhere. It is also possible to book the Clore Old Library for a dinner with our venue hire team. These tours can be booked for group of up to 50 visitors. (This takes account of the fact that the group has exclusive access to the building in the evening). The tour includes a brief account of the history of the church. Please make sure to book tours 21 days in advance as these evening tours need to be booked well in advance.

  • This tour is delivered in English.
  • This tour may include the tower of the University Church by advance agreement.
  • The tour lasts for 20 minutes, although the reception may continue for up to one hour.
  • Meet your tour guide at the High Street entrance.
  • Participants must be aged 18+.
  • The tour is booked by appointment with our Events Team.
  • Cost: by advance agreement.

Bookings

Please contact Ana-Maria Niculcea, our Communications Officer for further details:
ana-maria.niculcea@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk 

  • Any group leaders must be included in the group numbers.
  • We reserve the right to cancel any tour at short notice. In case of cancellation, any bookings will be refunded.
  • Participants are asked to keep their belongings with them at all times.