Oxford of Morse, Lewis and Endeavour

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Our Quick Take

This 2-hour guided walking tour offers a fascinating peek into the filming locations of some of Oxford’s most beloved detective series — Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour. We love how it combines film history with city sights, providing a rich, behind-the-scenes look at the city’s iconic spots. The tour’s small group size and enthusiastic guide make it feel intimate and personal, perfect for fans and curious travelers alike.

One thing to consider is that the tour is quite compact, so if you’re a big fan of detailed history or want to linger longer at each site, you might find it a bit brisk. Still, it’s an engaging way to explore Oxford’s streets through a detective’s eyes, making it ideal for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and storytelling.

This experience works best for detective series fans, history buffs, or anyone wanting a unique way to see Oxford’s most filmed locations without hopping from college to museum. Expect to relive key episodes, learn behind-the-scenes snippets, and enjoy a walk that’s as entertaining as it is informative.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Focused on detective series: Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour filming locations.
Compact 2-hour experience: Suitable for a quick yet rich tour.
Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personal touch.
Enthusiastic guide: Knowledgeable and engaging storytelling.
Includes iconic pubs and landmarks: The Turf Tavern, Merton Street, Radcliffe Square.
Flexible cancellation policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

This walking tour is designed to bring Oxford’s detective dramas to life, taking you through the very streets and pubs where some of the most memorable scenes were filmed. It balances entertainment with insight, making it a worthwhile addition to your Oxford itinerary, especially if you’re a fan of British crime series.

Starting Point: The Randolph Hotel

The tour begins outside the main entrance of The Randolph Hotel, located on Beaumont Street, directly opposite the Ashmolean Museum. This historic hotel, with its grand façade, sets a fitting tone for a journey into Oxford’s cinematic detective past. Meeting here ensures you’re centrally located, making it easy to find and providing a quick start to your exploration.

The Route & Its Highlights

Stop 1 & 2: The Randolph Hotel
From the start, you’ll hear about the hotel’s role in the series. The guide shares behind-the-scenes stories, perhaps even anecdotes about filming that took place here. It’s a great way to get oriented and imagine the city as a filming backdrop.

Stop 3: 21 Broad Street
This building, nestled among Oxford’s historic streets, often appears in episodes. The guide explains which scenes were shot here and shares tidbits about the series’ connection to the city’s architecture.

Stop 4: Holywell Music Room
More than just a concert hall, this site’s charm lies in its history and its role as a filming location. We loved the way the guide linked its unique acoustics and ambiance to scenes from the series, adding a layer of context to the visit.

Stop 5: Turf Tavern
A local pub with a reputation for being Oxford’s most famous watering hole. The Turf Tavern has featured in several episodes, and on the tour, you’ll walk past its historic façade while hearing stories about scenes shot inside and the series’ connection to this classic pub.

Stop 6: Radcliffe Square
Home to the Radcliffe Camera and the University Church, this square’s stunning architecture is often used as a backdrop or filming location. The guide points out the buildings’ features, explaining how they contribute to the atmospheric tone of the detective stories.

Stop 7: Merton Street & 8: Oxford Covered Market
Walking along Merton Street, you’ll see locations that scenes of the detectives’ investigations might have been set in, including shops and university buildings. The Covered Market is lively and vibrant, contrasting with the dark, mysterious tone of the series but still relevant as a filming backdrop.

Stop 9: Return to The Randolph Hotel
Your tour concludes back at the starting point, completing a full yet manageable circuit that leaves you with a new appreciation for Oxford’s role as a star in its own right.

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What’s Included & Not

The tour includes a professional guide, an engaging explanation of filming locations, and the chance to walk through Oxford’s historic streets. It’s perfect for those wanting a guided narrative without the hassle of organizing independently.

The exclusions are food and drinks, though you can easily plan a pub stop afterward at the Turf Tavern or other nearby spots. The tour’s reasonability on price, considering the expert storytelling and exclusive insights, makes it a good value for a niche-focused experience.

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The Guide & Reviews

Led by Renata Lanzoni, the guide, this tour has a 5-star rating. Reviewers highlight her enthusiasm, detailed knowledge, and ability to make the series’ locations come alive. One reviewer, Greetje, mentioned, “Thanks to the enthusiastic guide Renate, we had a very successful Morse tour despite the bad weather.” Her storytelling, combined with the small group size, makes for a welcoming, engaging atmosphere.

Practical Details & Tips

Duration: About 2 hours, ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.
Meeting Point: Outside The Randolph Hotel, on Beaumont Street.
Availability: Check specific times when booking, as the start times vary.
Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for different mobility needs.
Group Size: Small groups of up to 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Price: Considering the guided storytelling and exclusive filming insights, it offers good value—especially for series enthusiasts.
Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This walking tour is a gem for detective fans eager to see where the magic happens, or for history lovers interested in Oxford’s cinematic past. It’s perfect for those who enjoy short, focused outings that combine storytelling with sightseeing. The small-group format, friendly guide, and local insights make it much more than just a walk — it’s an immersive journey into the fictional and real Oxford.

While it doesn’t include entrance to any buildings or pubs, you’ll gain an appreciation of the city’s role in shaping detective stories. Plus, the relaxed pace means you can enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

In short, if you love Morse, Lewis, or Endeavour, this tour offers a charming, insider’s view of Oxford’s filming locations, making your visit to the city even more memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I see actual filming locations from the series?
Yes, the tour is designed to take you through the spots where most episodes were filmed, including key pubs and streets.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you a focused and manageable experience.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for different mobility needs.

What’s the meeting point?
The tour starts outside the main entrance of The Randolph Hotel on Beaumont Street, opposite the Ashmolean Museum.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you might want to plan a pub visit afterward to soak in the atmosphere.

Whether you’re a die-hard Morse fan or just love exploring Oxford’s streets with a twist of TV magic, this walking tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, entertainment, and authentic city sights. It’s a compact, engaging way to see Oxford through the lens of its most famous detective stories.