Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Oxford Walking Tour

If you’re a fan of the classic detective series set in Oxford, this Inspector Morse-themed walking tour is likely to catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken it, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-crafted experience, especially for those who love the shows and want a closer look at the city’s film locations. It’s a small-group tour that runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes, walking through some of Oxford’s most iconic spots linked to Morse, Lewis, and Hathaway.

What really stands out is the guide’s knowledgeable narration—reviewers repeatedly praise guides like Rebecca and Magnus for their enthusiasm and insider info. Plus, the tour hits a handful of landmarks that fans will recognize, like Broad Street, the White Horse pub, and the Randolph Hotel. The cost isn’t steep either—around $33 per person—offering a lot of value for a personalized, themed experience.

However, some travelers noted that the tour isn’t heavy on walking or inside visits, which might disappoint those expecting a more traditional sightseeing trek or longer explorations of college interiors. So, if you’re craving a relaxed, informative walk with a strong focus on Morse’s filming locations and stories, this tour could be just right. It’s especially suited for dedicated fans of the series or those curious about Oxford’s TV history, but it also offers a window into the city’s charm and history.

Key Points

• Focused experience on Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour’s filming locations and stories in Oxford.
• Knowledgeable guides who offer behind-the-scenes insights and trivia, enhancing the storytelling.
• Short but engaging walk that balances landmarks with interesting commentary.
• Good value for the price considering the personalized tour and insider details.
• Small groups (max 19 travelers) mean a more intimate experience.
• Weather considerations: Operates in all conditions, so dress appropriately.

What You Can Expect from the Inspector Morse Tour

This tour begins conveniently next to the Martyrs Memorial on St Giles at 2 pm, where your guide and fellow Morse fans gather. From there, it’s an approximately 1 hour 45-minute walk through central Oxford, visiting locations connected to the detective stories. The tour isn’t just about the TV series; it also includes insights into Oxford’s history and the city’s many colleges and landmarks.

The tour is designed to give you a balanced experience—not just a walk, but a storytelling journey that ties together filming locations and real Oxford sights. You’ll visit spots from the shows, including prominent pubs, streets, and college exteriors. The guide shares behind-the-scenes stories, facts about the series, and some local history, making it a multi-layered experience.

Meeting Point and Route

Starting at Magdalen Street, near the Oxford Martyrs Memorial, you’ll meet your guide and group. The route is a mix of stopping and walking, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos. The tour ends back at the start point—making it easy to continue exploring Oxford afterward or grab a drink at the White Horse pub, a popular filming location.

Stops & Highlights

The main stops include:
– Broad Street: A lively part of the city, often featured in scenes from the series.
– White Horse Pub: Known for its appearance in Morse and Lewis episodes, a great spot for fans wanting a pint in a real filming location.
– Randolph Hotel: A luxurious hotel that plays a role in the detective stories, perfect for experiencing Oxford’s charm and history.

Your guide will point out other notable sites along the way, including colleges and streets used for filming. Some reviews mention inside visits, such as seeing inside a college or the Divinity School, but most stops are exterior.

The Real Value of This Tour

At around $33, the tour offers a lot for fans and curious travelers. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides like Rebecca and Magnus, who bring the city’s filming spots to life with stories and episode anecdotes. One reviewer notes, “Rebecca was a pleasure. She has a wealth of knowledge concerning the shows, the actors, even specific episodes to place you in the reality of Oxford murder series. The experience was everything we hoped to get.”

The small group size makes the experience more personal and manageable, with fewer distractions and more opportunities to interact with your guide. The good weather during some reviews added to the experience, making the gentle walk even more enjoyable.

The tour’s balance of sightseeing and storytelling is one of its strongest points. Travelers appreciate that it’s not just about walking past sights but about understanding the shows, characters, and how Oxford itself contributes to the stories. One review mentions, “Interesting talk about the Morse, Lewis & Endeavour programmes from knowledgeable & enthusiastic guide. Pointed out filming locations, and gave some historical information about the city and the colleges.”

The Drawbacks

Some travelers expressed slight disappointment that the tour isn’t heavily focused on Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour content. One review states, “Very little walking on this walking tour which was disappointing, as we thought it would be a great way to tour Oxford and maybe stop at a favorite pub.” It seems that during some tours, the focus is more on location spotting and trivia than on a full-on exploration of Oxford’s colleges or inside visits.

Another consideration is the pace—a few reviews mention there’s no place to sit during the tour, which could make the experience tiring for those with mobility challenges or who prefer more relaxed sightseeing.

It’s also worth noting that the tour operates in all weather conditions. While this is great for flexibility, you’ll want to dress appropriately, especially if rain or cold weather hits.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This walk is especially perfect if you’re a dedicated Morse, Lewis, or Endeavour fan. The detailed insights and filming location tips will deepen your appreciation for the series. It also works well if you enjoy small-group experiences and savor stories about the city intertwined with TV lore.

It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with moderate walking and standing, and those who appreciate a bite-sized, focused tour rather than a long, museum-style visit. If you’re in Oxford for a short stay and enjoy TV shows or detective stories, this tour can be a highlight.

While families with children might find it interesting, it’s more tailored for adult fans or those intrigued by TV filming locations and Oxford’s scenery.

Final Thoughts

This Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour walking tour in Oxford is a solid choice for fans and curious travelers wanting an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at their favorite detective stories. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the chance to see filming locations and hear behind-the-scenes stories, make it a worthwhile addition to any Oxford itinerary.

The small group setting ensures a more personal experience, and the reasonable price point means you’re likely to get good value. However, it’s not an in-depth college tour or inside visit—more a sightseeing and storytelling walk—and that’s worth keeping in mind.

If you’re seeking a fun, informative, and TV-focused way to explore Oxford, definitely consider this tour. For those who love the series or are interested in how Oxford’s cityscape plays a starring role in detective dramas, this is a charming, rewarding outing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not specifically geared towards children, but older kids or teenagers who are fans of Morse or Lewis may enjoy it. The walk isn’t strenuous, but expect some standing and mild walking.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it a manageable option for a half-day activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is next to the Martyrs Memorial on St Giles, and the tour finishes back at the same location, so it’s easy to continue exploring afterward.

What should I wear?
Since the tour operates in all weather, dress accordingly—wear comfortable shoes, and bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get a mobile ticket for easy access, and the tour itself covers exterior locations and storytelling—no additional admission fees are needed.

Are interior college visits included?
Most stops are outside, but some reviewers mention the possibility of inside visits, such as inside St Johns College or the Divinity School, depending on the tour.

How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is 19 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Do guides offer additional insights into Oxford’s history?
Yes, guides share local history and interesting stories about Oxford aside from TV trivia, enriching the walk.

Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are strictly forbidden on this tour.

In the end, whether you’re a seasoned detective series fan or just love exploring Oxford’s scenic streets, this tour offers a friendly, informative way to see the city through the lens of some of its most famous fictional residents.