Inspector Morse Oxford PRIVATE GROUP Tours Daily

Exploring Oxford Through the Eyes of Inspector Morse: A Deep Dive into the Private Tour Experience

If you’re a fan of ITV’s beloved detective series Inspector Morse, this private tour in Oxford might just be your dream outing. Designed specifically for enthusiasts, it takes you on a journey through the city’s most famous filming spots, many of which also happen to be historic university landmarks. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a clear picture of what you can expect.

What we really like about this experience? First, the personalized attention from a private guide means you’ll get tailored insights, stories, and a more intimate look at Oxford’s Morse connection. Second, the carefully curated route covers iconic film locations and stunning college courtyards that make Oxford so special—perfect for spotting familiar sights from the series. However, a potential consideration is that some key sites, like Exeter College, may be closed during certain times of the year, which could mean missing out on inside visits. Still, this tour seems well-suited for fans who love the series but also want a broader look at Oxford’s beauty and history.

Whether you’re a die-hard Morse fan or simply intrigued by Oxford’s university charm and film heritage, this tour offers a solid way to connect the dots. It’s particularly good for those who want a flexible, intimate experience rather than a large group bus tour. Now, let’s break down what this tour covers and what makes it worth considering.

Key Points

• Personalized Private Tour: You’ll have a guide all to yourself, allowing for a more tailored experience.
• Focus on Morse Locations: The route centers around famous filming sites, perfect for fans wanting to see their favorite spots.
• Flexible College Visits: Entry to colleges like Wadham, St John’s, Exeter, or Balliol is included, but availability depends on open schedules.
• Comprehensive Route: From the Bodleian Library to the Bridge of Sighs, many iconic sights are included.
• Duration and Price: About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours for $68.67 per person—an accessible price for a personalized experience.
• Highly Rated Guides: Reviews praise guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling ability.

Unpacking the Tour Itself: What to Expect

This private Inspector Morse tour in Oxford is structured to give you a deep dive into the filming locations of this classic detective series, while also touching on Oxford’s broader history and architecture. With a private guide, you’re in good hands to learn stories behind each spot, ask questions, and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Starting Point: Exeter College

The tour kicks off at Exeter College, a site intimately linked to Morse and Lewis episodes. The inside visit, available when the college is open (2 pm to 5 pm), is a highlight since it’s directly associated with multiple TV scenes. However, it’s worth noting that Exeter College is currently closed until June 2024, so it might be a brief external-only viewing if your schedule doesn’t align.

Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera

Next, the guide introduces you to the Bodleian from the outside, offering plenty of background and history, but access inside isn’t included unless you book a separate tour. The Radcliffe Camera, a striking building often seen in TV shots, can be admired from the outside as well. Although not open for entry, the sight lines around it provide fantastic photo opportunities.

Iconic Oxford Landmarks

The tour continues to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Sheldonian Theatre, and the Bridge of Sighs—all sites that frequently appear in Morse episodes. These spots are perfect for snapping photos and getting a sense of Oxford’s architectural grandeur. Most are only briefly visited—around five minutes each—but the guide’s commentary ensures you grasp their significance and connection to the series.

Market and College Pass-By

The Oxford Covered Market is a lively spot where you’ll step inside, and it often features in filming scenes. Inside, you can soak in the lively atmosphere—just remember to wear a mask if required. The guide will also introduce you to several colleges, including St John’s, Lincoln, Jesus, All Souls, and Oriel, pointing out which scenes from Morse filmed there and sharing tidbits about each site.

While the tour doesn’t guarantee entry to all colleges during graduation or holiday closures, most visits include at least a quick look at the exteriors and quadrangles. Many reviews highlight how guides expertly point out the filming spots even when access inside isn’t possible, which still satisfies fans eager to see where the magic happens.

Passing by and Photo Opportunities

Much of the tour involves passing by other colleges and pubs, which have appeared in the series. The guide will give background on each, with some stops for photos at the entrances of Lincoln, Jesus, and All Souls colleges. These moments are great if you want to immortalize your visit and connect the dots between the series and real Oxford.

The Value of the Experience

At $68.67 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially considering it’s private and lasts nearly two hours. The inclusion of entry to one college (worth around £3) adds extra value, although availability can vary depending on university schedules and special dates like graduations or holidays. Multiple reviews mention the guides’ extensive knowledge and lively storytelling—many travelers feel they leave with a deeper appreciation of Oxford and Morse’s connection to the city.

While some sites like Exeter College are temporarily closed, the guide’s flexibility and focus on outdoor sights ensure you still get a rich experience. The reviews consistently praise the guides for their friendliness and ability to weave TV facts with historical insights, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a storytelling session intertwined with Oxford’s history.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience really shines for series fans who want to see the locations they recognize from Morse and Lewis. It’s also suitable for anyone interested in Oxford’s architecture and university life, especially those who prefer a more intimate, customized tour rather than a large group. If you’re a history buff or a film lover, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. But if you’re after a comprehensive academic tour of all Oxford’s colleges, this might feel a bit narrow in focus.

Travelers who appreciate good storytelling and engaging guides will find this a memorable outing. Keep in mind that access to some sites depends on their opening hours, so planning your day around these can help maximize your experience.

A Few Practical Tips

• Arrive 5 minutes early for your scheduled start so you can meet your guide promptly.
• Book in advance—this tour is popular and tends to fill about 40 days ahead.
• Check the college schedule beforehand if you want inside visits, especially during holidays or graduation periods.
• Budget extra time if you’re considering visiting inside some venues like the Bodleian, which requires separate booking.
• Wear comfortable shoes—Oxford’s cobbled streets and college courtyards mean lots of walking and photo stops.
• Consider weather conditions as much of the tour is outdoors; bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly designed as a family tour, the content is generally accessible for older children interested in Morse or Oxford’s history. Keep in mind the pace and outdoor nature of the tour.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the group and conditions.

Does the price include entry to colleges?
Yes, you get entry to one college (Wadham, Exeter, Balliol, or St John’s), worth about £3. This may vary if the college is closed on your chosen day.

Can I visit inside Exeter College?
Only if it’s open on your tour day (usually 2 pm to 5 pm). Currently, Exeter is closed until June 2024, so check ahead.

What sights are included without entry?
Most exterior sites, like Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre, and colleges’ exteriors, are seen from outside. You’ll get plenty of photo opportunities and background information.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The information doesn’t specify accessibility, but since it involves walking through historic sites and courtyards, it’s best to inquire directly if mobility is a concern.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, possibly a raincoat depending on the weather, and a sense of curiosity about Oxford and Morse.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a Morse fan or simply love exploring Oxford’s university sights with a knowledgeable guide, this private tour offers a charming, personalized way to see the city. The combination of film locations, local history, and insider stories makes for an engaging experience that’s worth the price. The small group size and expert guides mean you’ll get plenty of attention and tailored commentary, making it feel like a day spent exploring with a friend who just happens to know everything about Morse and Oxford.

That said, keep an eye on college opening schedules if inside access is important to you. And if you’re short on time or prefer a more traditional university tour, there are other options. But for a relaxed, fun, and TV-inspired walk through one of England’s most beautiful cities, this tour hits the mark.

Who will love it? Morse fans, architecture lovers, TV series enthusiasts, and those wanting a more personal, flexible experience of Oxford. It’s an excellent choice if you want to combine sightseeing with storytelling, all done at a pace that lets you take it all in.

Happy planning, and I hope your Oxford adventure is full of memorable sights and stories.