Oxford Open Doors 2026: Step Inside the City’s Hidden Treasures

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Sometimes a single weekend simply isn’t long enough.

View of the Bridge of Sighs from the cupola of the Sheldonian Theatre

Oxford Open Doors returns on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the city’s most fascinating buildings, gardens and hidden spaces – completely free of charge.

Organised by Oxford Preservation Trust, the weekend opens doors that are normally closed to the public, alongside familiar attractions that usually charge for admission. From college libraries and private gardens to historic churches, unusual museums and architectural landmarks, there is an extraordinary amount to discover.

The Divinity School

Libraries and learning

Oxford’s libraries can feel like hallowed ground, and Open Doors provides rare opportunities to look inside some particularly special examples.
This year’s programme includes the Bodleian Law Library, one of the largest law libraries in the United Kingdom, housed in an important Grade II* listed modern building completed in 1964.

Visitors can also discover the beautiful eighteenth-century library at Lincoln College, explore The Queen’s College Upper Library, visit the historic collections at Balliol’s St Cross Church, or see the libraries of colleges including Harris Manchester.

The new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities is also participating, giving visitors the chance to explore some of Oxford’s newest spaces for research, teaching and performance.

On Sunday, the Divinity School will be open. This magnificent C15 room is the University’s oldest purpose-built teaching and examination hall – and surely one of the most beautiful classrooms in the world.

The Queen's College

Colleges, chapels and gardens

Numerous Oxford colleges are welcoming visitors during the weekend, with opportunities to explore their architecture, chapels, libraries and gardens.

A cheeky grotesque!

At St John’s College, the programme includes guided garden and historic library tours, exhibitions, children’s activities and free concerts. Professor William Whyte will lead a special architectural history tour, while one of the weekend’s more unusual encounters will be with Missy, the college’s Harris’s hawk, who helps to discourage pigeons from settling on the historic buildings.

Churches and chapels are always worth visiting. They were places in which communities, colleges and patrons expressed their faith, wealth, taste and status through architecture, stained glass, monuments and decoration.

The Oxford Oratory, opened in 1875, offers an elaborate French neo-Gothic interior, while the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies combines traditional Oxford architecture with classical Islamic design. Visitors can book a tour of the building or explore its King Charles III Garden.

Music, views and unexpected discoveries

Music will be heard across the city, from piano, jazz and choral concerts to a wind quintet and lively medieval music performed on authentic instruments.

On Sunday, visitors to the Sheldonian Theatre can admire Christopher Wren’s first great architectural masterpiece and Robert Streater’s extraordinary painted ceiling. Those prepared to climb 114 steps can continue to the cupola for one of the finest views of Oxford’s famous skyline – about as close as it is possible to come to standing among the dreaming spires.

Open Doors is not confined to grand university buildings. The weekend also includes community spaces, industrial heritage, waterways, workshops and family activities.

Where else could one weekend include a Victorian printing press, a medieval leper-hospital chapel, a college barge, a working fire station, historic MINI cars, an Elizabethan wall painting, a Saxon tower, a Victorian swing bridge, a yoga centre and a Harris’s hawk?

The difficulty is not finding something to do. It is deciding what can possibly be fitted into two days.

Some venues are drop-in, while others require advance booking, even though admission is free. Opening times and accessibility vary, so checking the programme before setting out is strongly recommended.

Oxford Open Doors takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026. Explore the programme, book events and plan your weekend at Oxford Preservation Trust. https://www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/open-doors

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Uncover Oxford With Expert Guides

Our guides are experts in various fields, from history and architecture to literature and culture.

Vicky Bailey

I've been leading tours for almost 20 years as a very enthusiastic London Blue Badge and now Oxford Green Badge Guide! I'm a real history buff and have written a short book on the kings and queens of this country. My...

Isabella Underhill

My family roots in Oxford and Oxfordshire go back several generations. I arrived in the city as a child; my mother’s family came to farm in the late 19th century. I spent much of my childhood living first in the city...

Jamie Graham

I enjoy listening to what’s wanted and then delivering my tours with stories, knowledge, humour and in a light hearted way. My experience in the past 5 years includes walking tours of Oxford, lectures, guiding tours...

Sally Jenkins

I studied Modern Languages at Cambridge University, then moved to Oxford, where I trained as a Blue Badge Guide. I have been guiding in this lovely city for many years, and also work as a tour manager overseas. I...

Sophie Duncan

I have an honours degree in history and art history from Oxford Polytechnic and after a career organising tours of the French Languedoc I am back in Oxford and still passionate about history. My tours are insightful...

Alastair Lack

I was an undergraduate at University College Oxford where I read history. I then had a career at the BBC, mainly working for the World Service. My wife and I moved to Oxford in 2001 when I became Head of Oxford...

Csilla Laszlo

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...

Rebecca White

I have been working in the travel industry for over 30 years and have had the privilege of escorting tour groups of all ages and nationalities to over 100 countries. Having returned home, I am a qualified Oxford Green...

Genny Ramirez

My walks weave together the threads that make Oxford unique, from History, politics and wizardry, to science, music and gardens. Together, we'll explore grand university buildings, quiet lanes and secret passages....

Lucy Gasson

Exploring the hidden curiosities of Oxford is my passion! I have two degrees from Oxford University and I’ve lived here almost 30 years. I’ve also nearly ten years’ experience guiding visitors of all ages and nationalities...

Ben Lawson

Oxford and it’s lesser-known stories can definitely raise a smile! I make use of my background in television comedy and radio production with the BBC to create fun and engaging experiences for all ages. I was born...

Kate Billimore

I enjoy leading general tours around the city, as well as offering specialist tours in Science, Film Sites, the Downton Abbey Era, Basic English, Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland. I am also a trainer of tour guides,...

Iain Stevenson

I was a student here, I read Modern Languages at Jesus College, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree (BA), then my MA, Master of Arts. I was at school in Oxford too, and I live in the centre, truly a local. My...

Sean Callery

Hello! I have lived in the beautiful Cotswolds for 30 years and I love sharing its stories and sights. I used to write children’s books [search on Amazon for my 60+ publications] and I’m an ex-teacher. I love finding...

Anne Roberts

I have a passion and talent for storytelling, and I really enjoy sharing Oxford’s exciting history and traditions with visitors of all ages. I will give you the true stories, rumours and gossip on the university’s...

Martyn Sené

I first came to Oxford as a student and was seduced by this wonderful city; one of the great historic cities of the world. I have lived locally for all but a few years since I graduated. After a career in scientific...

Jane Dickinson

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...

Tabby Lucas

I was born and grew up in Oxford and my family roots in the city date back over 100 years. It would be a pleasure to share with you my love of this beautiful university city by designing a tour specially tailored...

Magnus Macfarlane

Each tour for each guest is very special. I aim at being engaging, entertaining, interactive and stimulating. What previous guests say "magnificent in every way" "He has deep insights" "Oxford comes alive with his...

Guy Collins

Oxford is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world, and I would be delighted to show you round and introduce you to the fascinating cast of characters that have shaped its development. My walks cover...

Peter Woodman

Greetings! I'm Peter, your personal guide to the fascinating world of Oxford. With more than 10 years’ experience leading tours across the UK & Ireland, I'm an expert at connecting with people of all ages and...

Jess Worth

I will help you make the most of your time in Oxford! I've lived here for over 25 years and as an award-winning Green Badge Oxford tour guide, I love sharing my enthusiasm for our stunning city's history, culture...

Lucy Rundle

Hello and welcome! Born and brought up in Oxford, I have a deep-rooted connection to this historic city, and a passion for creating unique and engaging tours. It wasn’t until I returned to Oxford, after a stint abroad...

Guy Fairbank

History fanatic and a bit of an actor, I’ve been a tour guide since 2015. As well as having the pleasure of taking you around the delights of Oxford I’m also a London Blue Badge Guide based in London, so I can help...

David Crosby

Let me take you on an entertaining, fun, and informative walking tour in the historic heart of Oxford. I have a passion for storytelling and will give you the inside story on the university and town’s traditions and...

Felicity Lewington

I aim to provide “light bulb” moments of “I didn’t know that”! My tours are a mixture of fun contemporary facts, plus the fascinating history of the ancient city of Oxford. I am flexible, and tailor make my tours...

Christine Bainbridge

Let me be your guide through the history of the city and its university, exploring it through the eyes of an astonishing cast of characters from times gone by. Each tour will view the iconic buildings of Oxford’s...

Sara Fletcher

I am an historian with a passion for the stories of people past and present. My love of Oxford began when I studied at Brasenose College, one of the 39 University colleges. I enjoy spending time here; staying on my...

Susannah Sallé

I grew up in a village just outside Oxford, spent all my school years here, and after university studies in Leeds, London, Florence and Montpellier, I returned to my roots! After several years’ work in the publishing...

Jane Mead

I love showing visitors this amazing city and bringing it alive with stories of the many individuals past & present, real & fictional, who have strolled around its streets, colleges, and quads. I specialise...

Aaron Hunter

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...

Rob Walters

I have been showing people around Oxford for a good while now and I actually live in the centre of this city that I love. I like all of my tours to be interactive and fun, yet full of interesting facts. You can see...

Brian Lowe

Following a career in the Royal Navy and subsequently in professional photography, my deep-rooted interest in history led me to train as an Oxford Guide, and I qualified in 2005. Since then, I have been privileged...

Victoria Bentata Azaz

A graduate of both Oxford’s universities with degrees in Modern Languages and in History I give both general introductory tours of the City and University and specialist tours. My particular interests are in Literature,...

Ian Mitchell

On retiring from lecturing at Oxford Brookes University I took history courses at Oxford University and qualified as a Bodleian and Green Badge Guide. I love the fascinating history and glorious beauty of Oxford....

Susanne Addis

Oxford has been my home of choice for nearly 25 years and I have been a Guide since 2015. My excitement and love for all things Oxford comes to life during my walking tours. I am bilingual English/German and hold...

Jess Baudet

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Elizabeth Hudson Evans

I have been working as a professional Guide in Oxford for 11years. I was born and brought up in Scotland. Previously I was an actress working mostly in the theatre, including London's West End, but gave it up to bring...

Nic Linton

Hello. I moved back to ‘the city of dreaming spires’ ten years ago, after twenty years of organising tours throughout China. My international experience means that I am comfortable guiding in English at all levels,...

William Underhill

An Oxford graduate, my interest in the city’s history and heritage began as a student. On leaving university, I qualified as a barrister but went on to work as a journalist, writing for a wide range of publications...

Erica Kendall

I love taking visitors round this fabulous city. My tours are lively, entertaining and full of fascinating detail and anecdote. History, literature and architecture are my specialisms and I can tailor a tour to your...

Sandra Bingham

I love showing visitors around Oxford, its iconic buildings and ancient colleges and sharing stories about its traditions and characters. I have studied at both the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University...

Bella Henman

I graduated in History and History of Art and worked in publishing before training to become a guide in 2012. I loved learning about the fascinating City and University of Oxford and exploring the beautiful Colleges...

Bryan Hartley

I first fell in love with Oxford when I was a student here and it has been home for 35 years. It’s a privilege to share my city with visitors from both near and far. I aim to make my tours flexible, informative and...

Arabella Campbell

I have lived in the city of Oxford and surrounding area for over 35 years and much enjoy showing visitors around this beautiful city. I have a particular interest in art, architecture and the cultural highlights of...

Steve Roth

A former journalist, I've spent my life telling stories. I love history; embrace the bizarre; thrill to tales of adventure; and am particularly fond of myths and legends. An experienced Oxford guide, with a friendly,...

Hannah Field

I was born and grew up in Oxford. Having travelled the world, I returned home and that’s when my passion for this city really blossomed. I realised how lucky I am to live here so I wanted to share my city with other...

Oxford Open Doors 2026: Step Inside the City’s Hidden Treasures

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Uncover Oxford With Expert Guides