Our Guides - Oxford Tour Guides

The Guides

All our guides are qualified with the nationally recognised Blue or Green Badge accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding and/or members of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides.

Sandra Bingham

Cert Ed, ATCL, MBA, AITG

OXFORD TOUR GUIDES DIRECTOR

I’m an experienced and qualified tour guide, knowledgeable about Oxford. I hold the Green Badge accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guides and I am also a member of the professional association, the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides.

I have lived in Oxford for many years and have studied at the University of Oxford as well as Oxford Brookes University. I trained as a tour guide because I love the City and its history and traditions and really enjoy showing people round and sharing stories with you.

I trained as a guide following a successful career as a senior manager and consultant in education. I have lived in Switzerland, Germany and the United States and I also speak French.I have access to a number of other guides to help me and all are fully insured and qualified so you can be sure of a high quality visit.

You will leave Oxford with good memories and hopefully you will want to come back and see more- or even come back and study here! I am also a fully accredited trainer of guides for the Institute of Tourist Guiding

Susannah Sallé

I grew up in a village near Oxford, spent all my school years here, and after university studies in Leeds, London, Florence and Montpellier, I returned to my roots!

After ten years in the publishing industry, I now dovetail freelance editing work with tours of Oxford. With my ITG Oxford City Green Badge, I give tours in English and French, and also speak some Italian. I get a buzz from sharing ‘my’ city with people from all over the world and of all ages, giving them an insight into its workings and learning new things myself all the time.

Joanna Hamilton

I have spent most of my life in Oxford so it is a joy to be part of the accredited guiding community. I know all the facts and figures (numbers and people) but offer visitors a ‘tailored’ experience.

My particular interests might be the history, literature, architecture and people of Oxford, but Harry Potter, Alice, pubs and punting feature too.

It’s wonderful work touring the streets of Oxford and sharing the stories, old and new, with interested and interesting visitors from overseas and the UK. I inform, entertain and make sure visitors get the most out of their visit.

Ben Lawson

I am an Oxford Green badge holder and grew up in the city.
I have worked for the BBC in News, television Entertainment, Comedy and Radio Production. My experience includes public facing areas of the BBC, presenting and demonstrating new technology and providing VIP visits to BBC studios.

Before returning to live in Oxford, I provided tours of numerous TV and Film location sites in London, including the ‘Secrets of the London Underground’ tours for the London Transport Museum. Ben also holds a BA Hons in English from Royal Holloway University of London. My specialist tours include film,TV, literature and children’s tours

Verity Tiff

Following a career in Science Education working, with all age groups from reception to adults, including children and young adults with Special Educational Needs I trained as a Blue Badge Guide for the Heart of England Region in 2015. Since 2016 I have been leading walking tours and providing coach commentaries throughout the region, which includes Oxford.

Since then I have gained the Windsor and Eton accreditation and in 2023 gained the Oxford City Green Badge.

None of my tours are ever the same. They will always be tailored to what you, the visitor wants to see and do. My particular interests are architecture, the history of science and medicine, the history of religion and how it has shaped our society.

Victoria Bentata

I am a graduate of both the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University and have guided professionally in the city for over 15 years. I have never lost my fascination and enthusiasm for Oxford’s history, architecture and stories and thoroughly enjoy sharing them with visitors.

I give general tours of the City and the University, but also more specialised tours dealing with Oxford’s Literary heritage, its place in the history of Science and Medicine, its Civil War story, the story of its Women, its Gargoyles and Grotesques and its Jewish Heritage. I give tours in French as well as English and believe that tours should be fun as well as informative.

My walks cover 1,000 years of history from the founding of the mediaeval colleges through the Civil War and the growth of the modern city and university.

Guy Collins

I would be delighted to show you round Oxford and introduce you to the fascinating cast of characters that have shaped its development.

My walks cover 1,000 years of history from the founding of the mediaeval colleges through the Civil War and the growth of the modern city and university.

Apart from general tours, I offer specialist visits on architecture, literature or politics and will adapt to your requirements.

I am a Green Badge guide for Oxford, accredited with the Institute of Tourist Guiding, and a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides, the professional association for the city.

Bryan Hartley

I first fell in love with Oxford when I was a student here and it has been home for the past 35 years. It is a privilege to share my city with visitors from both near and far.

I aim to make my tours flexible, informative and importantly – fun. My guiding interests range from architecture, the arts and culture, through to the history and modern-day workings of the University – taking in science, medicine and Harry Potter on the way (other film and TV locations
are available).

When not guiding, I am often to be found in gardens – either my own or visiting one of the delightful gardens of Oxford or the Cotswolds.

Jess Worth

I will help you make the most out of your time in Oxford! I’ve lived here for over 25 years and love sharing my enthusiasm for our stunning city’s history, culture and green spaces – and its many eccentric inhabitants. I have a degree in History/English Literature and a Masters, and enjoy bringing to life for visitors the social, political and imaginative role that Oxford has played in the history of Britain, and the world.

fully-qualified Green Badge tour guide
happy to tailor a tour to your interests, including architecture, stained glass, Pre-Raphaelites, women in Oxford and radical Oxford

Sara Fletcher

My name is Sara. I am an historian with a passion for the culture, history and heritage of Oxford. My love of the city began when I studied at Brasenose College, one of the 39 University colleges.

Come on a tour and let me share with you Oxford’s fascinating tales and curiosities. My special interests include: the city’s art, architecture and stained-glass windows; Oxford’s writers, their literature and poetry; the development of science and medicine as well as crime, punishment and policing through time; Oxford at the time of war; and the story of women in Oxford.

Rebecca White

I have been working in the travel industry for over 30 years and have had the privilege of escorting tour groups to over 100 countries, mostly during my time working on board cruise ships.

I have returned home and am now proudly a fully qualified Green Badge Tour Guide for the City of Oxford. Member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides, Member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding and an Accredited Guide for the college of Christ Church.

I have a great passion for History, stained glass windows, film & literature, specialising in the Inspector Morse, Lewis & Endeavour series.

I am happy to tailor make my tours to include your interests and what you would like to experience in this glorious city.

Sean Callery

Hello! I offer tours in historic Oxford and across the beautiful Cotswolds. I love telling its many stories.

I’m a Green Badge Guide for Oxford and a Blue Badge for the Heart of England. I’ve been a journalist, writer and teacher so I’ve spent my life finding fun ways to present stories and information. I’ve also written a book about the area, called Offbeat Cotswolds.

I enjoy meeting people and tweaking my tours to follow their interests. Plus being a guide is a great excuse to be really nosey and I’m always finding out new things.

Erica Kendall

Maybe you’re visiting Oxford for the first or tenth time, maybe you live here! Whichever way, I ‘d love to spend some time with you and share my stories. I’ll bring the ancient stones to life with tales of saints and students, eccentric academics, kings and cannonballs, mallards and mayhem.

You’ll laugh, you might cry, you’ll learn, you’ll return. I’m a Cambridge graduate, and started off working as a lawyer and then as a writer. Now I work as a guide and also at the Bodleian Library. I will tailor a tour especially for you, so do get in touch!

Steve Roth

A long-time resident of Stroud on the high western edge of the Cotswolds, I am a Green Badge guide for Oxford and a Blue Badge guide for the Heart of England, which includes the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon Avon.

A newspaper and magazine journalist, I’ve spent my life telling stories. I love history; embrace the bizarre; thrill to tales of adventure and derring-do; and am particularly fond of folklore, myths and legends.

I’ll lead you through Oxford’s long, eventful and – lets be honest – sometimes strange history, and explain how the university operates today. I am also accredited to guide in Christchurch.

Vicky Bailey

I’ve just become an Oxford City Green Badge Guide and have been leading tours for fifteen years as an extremely enthusiastic London Blue Badge Guide! My special subjects include Egyptology, literary tours in Oxford and Oxford in the Civil War.

I love showing you all around and revealing the hidden stories behind the statues, lamplights and sculptures around the streets of Oxford before having lunch at one of Oxford’s famous historic pubs. Tours of Oxford can be combined with other sites, such as Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace.

Anne Roberts

I’m lucky: I work in a beautiful, fascinating city and each tour is different. I’m an Oxford Green Badge Guide and a Blue Badge Guide for the region, which allows me to take visitors a little further afield – Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds, for example!

As an experienced teacher, I explain difficult ideas clearly eg Oxford Colleges, and I’m a story-teller and entertainer.

As well as general tours showing the University and town, my particular interests include Literary Oxford, Harry Potter, the real Alice, Poets and Novelists, William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites, Children’s tours and, above all, fictional crime!

Alastair Lack

I studied at Oxford University before working for the BBC for almost thirty years. I then worked for Oxford University before training as a Green Badge Guide for the city of Oxford.

As well as leading general tours of the university and city, I enjoy the variety of several specialised tours. These tours include Inspector Morse and Lewis, Film Oxford, Oxford in the Civil War, Literary Oxford and the Oxford of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein.

Alexandra Jackson

Let me guide you around the bustling City of Oxford, uncovering its fascinating historical past, whilst you imagine yourself walking in the footsteps of scholars, scientists, politicians and writers. I hold a Oxford University History Degree so have personal first hand experience of studying here and of Oxford’s customs and traditions. I am the author of the Blue Badge Guide’s Oxford Quiz Book.

I am a Green Badge Oxford City Guide as well as a Blue Badge Guide for surrounding areas such as Blenheim Palace, Woodstock and the Cotswolds. I am also a London Blue Badge Guide so can combine touring Oxford with trips to Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock, Highclere, Bath, Windsor Castle, Salisbury and Winchester.

Edward Taylor

As an Oxford resident and Blue Badge guide I’ve been welcoming people to the city of dreaming spires for the last five years. I’ve found that exploring the University at a relaxed pace allows everyone to soak up the atmosphere of the famous colleges and gardens, while learning about the traditions, and the fascinating stories of students and fellows, past and present.

I often lead specialist tours such as the literary Oxford of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, or science and medicine at the University. I enjoy tailoring a tour for the needs of my clients, and usually include a recommendation for the best taverns or restaurants for refreshment afterwards!

Beyond Oxford I lead groups to the Cotswolds, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Blenheim Palace, and many other attractions in the region, offering coach tours and local walking tours

Bella Henman

I am a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. I graduated in History and History of Art and have family links to the City and University of Oxford.

My particular interests are Art, Architecture and Literature but I also offer General tours or Children’s Tours with an emphasis on Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter.

Brian Lowe

I am a Green Badge Guide in Oxford, now in my fifteenth year. Living just outside Oxford all my life, I pursued a career in photography in the Royal Navy, and then in industry; at retirement I took up guiding through my love of the city, and enjoy showing people the beauty of this place.

Apart from City & University tours, I also lead walks on Stained Glass, Religion in Oxford, St. John Henry Newman, John Wesley, C S Lewis & JRR Tolkien, and Oxford in the Civil War.

Beyond guiding my interests extend to local history, photography, walking and bellringing.

Brigitte Whitehead

I am a qualified Green Badge guide for Oxford, a place I have called home since 1987. I grew up in Salzburg, Austria.

I am a current doctoral student at the University of Oxford (Architectural History). My thesis is on an Edwardian architect-artist who grew up in Oxford.

I am a retired teacher (25 years) of modern foreign languages (German, French, Spanish, Portuguese) and theology, and prior to teaching worked as a freelance translator and interpreter.

I enjoy guiding children, teenagers, adults … I am well informed on what is going on in the city, and within the university.

Christine Bainbridge

I hold the coveted Green Badge for this City.. Oxford is a magical place to tour around. Magnificent buildings, the majesty of colleges spanning 800 years, glimpses through doorways as you follow in the footsteps of the real and imaginary characters who were here before you.

Apart from the walking tour which gives you an overall understanding of the City and University and on which you will see the iconic buildings I offer some specialist tours:

Religious History
Children’s Stories
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour
Literary Oxford

David Crosby

Let me take you on a fun and informative walking tour in the historic heart of Oxford. As a qualified Green Badge guide with a passion for storytelling, I will give you the inside story on the university’s traditions and most colourful characters. You will go inside one of University’s famous colleges. Experience the wonderful atmosphere, learn how the students live and hear humorous stories along the way.

See the most iconic buildings – the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre. And all the time you will be walking in the footsteps of famous authors, film stars, scientists and politicians.

Elizabeth Hudson-Evans

I have been a guide and a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides for 11 years. I have guided hundreds of visitors around our wonderful city and the University.

I specialise in Morse and Lewis and Literary tours. Also Stained glass, and Tudor Oxford, and of course Children’s Literature in Oxford. I also enjoy giving tours for school children.

Felicity Lewington

Hello, my name is Felicity! I am a professionally accredited UK Institute of Tour Guides, Green Badge Guide. A member and trainer of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides taking tours for 11 years.

My tours aim to provide “light bulb” moments of “I didn’t know that”! They are a mixture of fun, contemporary facts, plus the fascinating history of the ancient city of Oxford. I am flexible and can tailor make my tours to suit visitors from the UK and all over the world. I want to ensure Oxford is a memorable visit.

I specialise in the following tours: General city and university tours. Harry Potter location tours with insights into the filming and JK Rowling’s books. Alice in Wonderland a glimpse into the world created by Lewis Carol. Get to know the real Alice and her family and their life in 19th century Oxford. Pre Raphaelites in Oxford including William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. Literary tours exploring the world of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Philip Pullman. English as a Foreign Language city tours. My background in teaching and TEFL Qualifications allows me to provide clear, concise, correct vocabulary for all English levels.

Heidi Boon Rickard

I have been in the travel industry for over 20 years and have been fortunate to travel all over the world. I’ve been a tour guide in the Netherlands and a holiday representative in Turkey. My work has taken me to America, Canada and Australia.

I trained as a Green badge guide in Oxford and I love discovering its secrets and sharing them with the groups I guide.

As well as the general tour I offer specialist tours including Inspector Morse, Film sites, Harry Potter, Gargoyles and Grotesques, Literary Oxford, Downton Abbey and Bampton, and of course Alice in Wonderland.

Ian Mitchell

I arrived in Oxford over 40 years ago when I became a lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. On retirement I took history courses at Oxford University, qualified as a Bodleian and Green Badge Guide and became a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. I love the fascinating history and glorious beauty of Oxford.

I provide general tours where we walk in the footsteps of …..authors and their fictional characters, scientists, politicians, world leaders, and stars of film and TV…..through college quads and gardens.

I also have a particular interest in architecture, science and medicine and provide tours focusing on these areas. I aim to inform and entertain and be adaptable. Tours should be fun and I love questions as we go. My experience in university education and my family links with Cambridge and Oxford helps me explain the particular nature of Oxford University to those considering studying here.

Susanne Addis

I made Oxford my home 22 years ago after living in several different countries since I left school. My degrees are in English and Social Sciences.

Bilingual English and German, I am a qualified language guide and member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. Every time I walk around my city I know how privileged I am to live amidst such beauty and multicultural heritage which I love to share.

I adapt my tours to my guests’ personal interests, often researching particular parts in more detail and also enjoy taking families and young people on tour, always including fun facts and stories for all ages.

By drawing a wider picture of Oxford’s unique place in history and the world today my tours are informative and entertaining.