Oxford Orientation Tour for Guides

We’re starting at Carfax Tower — right in the heart of Oxford. This tower is all that remains of a 12th-century church. “Carfax” comes from a French word meaning “crossroads,” and this is where Oxford’s four main streets meet.

Climbing the tower gives you a great view of the city’s famous spires. The tower is 23 metres high, and if you listen carefully, you might hear the bells ring every quarter hour.

Fun fact: The tower has nearly 100 steps — who thinks they could climb them all?

Carfax Tower is not just a meeting point for locals and tourists; it’s also a symbol of Oxford’s long history. In the past, the Mayor of Oxford had to live close enough to hear the bells, so he would always know what was happening in the city. Today, the tower is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and start their own Oxford adventures.

Questions for students:

• What does “Carfax” mean?

• How many main streets meet here?

Next, we’ll walk into the Covered Market. This market has been here since 1774 and is full of small shops selling food, flowers, and gifts. It’s a great place to experience local life and shelter if it rains.

Fun fact: Some stalls have been run by the same families for generations!

The Covered Market is always busy with people — students, locals, and tourists. You can find everything from fresh bread and cakes to handmade crafts and souvenirs. The colourful stalls and friendly shopkeepers make it a lively and welcoming place, and you might even hear some local Oxford accents as you walk around.

Questions for students:

• What smells or sights do you notice?

• What would you like to try from the market?

Here we see the Radcliffe Camera — one of Oxford’s most famous buildings. “Camera” means “room” in Latin. It was built in the 1700s as a science library and is still used by students today. Its round shape and big dome make it easy to spot23.

Fun fact: The Radcliffe Camera is only for university students, but you can take great photos outside.

The square around the Radcliffe Camera is surrounded by other beautiful university buildings and is often filled with students walking or cycling to their next class. This area is a favourite place for visitors to relax, take pictures, and imagine what it’s like to study at Oxford.

Questions for students:

• What shape is the Radcliffe Camera?

• What do you think happens inside?

This church is almost 800 years old and has a tall, pointed spire. It was the first meeting place for Oxford University. You can go inside to see beautiful windows and even climb the tower for views of the city.

Fun fact: The first university students took their exams here!

The church is still used for services, concerts, and university events today. Its peaceful atmosphere and impressive architecture make it a special place for both locals and visitors. From the top of the tower, you can see all across Oxford and spot many of the city’s famous colleges.

Questions for students:

• What is a “spire”?

• Why do you think churches were important for universities?

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world, open since 1602. It has millions of books and is still used by students and professors. The Old Schools Quad is a quiet square surrounded by university buildings3.

Fun fact: The Bodleian appears in Harry Potter films as Hogwarts Library!

The Bodleian is known for its beautiful reading rooms and strict rules — for example, you’re not allowed to bring food or drink inside. Students must promise to protect the books before they can use the library. The Old Schools Quad is a peaceful place to sit and imagine all the famous people who have studied here.

Questions for students:

• How old is the Bodleian Library?

• Who uses the library today?

The Bridge of Sighs connects two parts of Hertford College. It looks like a bridge in Venice, Italy, but is unique to Oxford. The Sheldonian Theatre, built in the 1600s, is where students graduate and where concerts are held.

Fun fact: The Sheldonian was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, who also built St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

The Bridge of Sighs is a favourite spot for photos, and you’ll often see students walking across it between classes. The Sheldonian Theatre is famous for its round shape and beautiful ceiling paintings. It’s a place full of excitement and tradition, especially during graduation ceremonies.

Questions for students:

• What does the Bridge of Sighs connect?

• What happens inside the Sheldonian Theatre?

Our last stop is the Weston Library. This is a modern part of the Bodleian, with free exhibitions and a café. It’s a good place to take a break, especially if it rains.

Fun fact: The library sometimes displays ancient books and treasures.

The Weston Library often hosts special exhibitions about history, science, and art. You can see rare manuscripts, old maps, and even objects from around the world. It’s a great place to discover something new and enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of busy Oxford.

Questions for students:

• Would you like to see a very old book? Why?

• What kind of exhibitions would you like to visit here?