At the Bodleian Libraries this summer, Wonder of Birds is an exhibition of beautiful books, illustrations and a moving exploration of humanity’s relationship with birds, filled equally with awe, memory, creativity and even grief. Curated by Antonia Harrison and inspired by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’s newly published The Book of Birds, the exhibition looks […]
Wonder of Birds: Beauty, Song and Loss at the Bodleian Read More »
The Kings Arms Last night, members of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides gathered at the illustrious The Kings Arms for what can only be described as one of the most significant intellectual events of the academic calendar: the Annual Guild Quiz. Presiding over proceedings was quiz master (or, more accurately, quiz supremo) Magnus, whose
The Oxford Guide Quiz Championships 2026 (A Night of Unparalleled Intellectual Ferocity) Read More »
One of the most recognisable traditions at the University of Oxford is academic dress. The black gowns, colourful hoods and flashes of scarlet worn during examinations and ceremonies are instantly associated with Oxford, and yet their history is far more fluid, contested and human than many people realise. Despite the prominence of academic dress today,
Academic Dress at Oxford: The History Behind the Gowns Read More »
I am an award-winning science guide-lecturer and practising palaeontologist specialising in Oxford’s science sites, including the University Museum of Natural History and the Botanic Gardens. Through fossils, animals and plants, I bring the history of life on Earth alive, weaving cutting-edge research into engaging stories. My tours explore Oxford’s extraordinary scientific discoveries: from the first
Each year, on the Wednesday of the ninth week of Trinity Term, the University of Oxford holds one of its most historic and elegant ceremonies: Encaenia. This is the moment when the University honours distinguished individuals with honorary degrees and pays tribute to the generosity of its benefactors. The word Encaenia comes from the Greek
Oxford’s Encaenia: A Celebration of Scholarship, Ceremony and Tradition Read More »
Congratulations to the new Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Dr Louise Upton. The Oxford Guild of Tour Guides was delighted to welcome our city patron recently at a special reception in the Mayor's Parlour. It was a joyful occasion, with one of our members, Jess Worth, offering a fascinating overview of the mayoral role in
Welcoming Oxford’s New Lord Mayor – A Historic Role Revisited Read More »
I’m a professionally trained Blue Badge Guide with over 16 years of experience living and working in Oxford. As a qualified historian and former history teacher, I bring depth, context, and storytelling to every tour I lead. My tours explore the rich heritage of Oxford’s historic university, its stunning architecture, and vibrant city life. I
Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin was one of the most remarkable scientists of the 20th century and she made Oxford her intellectual home. Born May 12th, 1910, Hodgkin became a pioneer in the field of X-ray crystallography, a technique used to determine the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules. It was a field in its infancy when she began,
Dorothy Hodgkin: Oxford’s Nobel-Winning Crystallographer Read More »
Oxford is a city rich in traditions, but few are as cherished — or as early in the day — as May Morning. Each year, on the 1st of May, thousands gather at dawn below Magdalen Tower to hear the Magdalen College Choir welcome the day with hymns sung from the tower at 6 a.m.
As an experienced guide and History teacher in a secondary school I am well placed to give you a memorable tour of Oxford, including stories of both city and University. If you are interested in a slightly different experience I can also offer you the opportunity to head to the north of the city and
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