How long does it take to walk the medieval route in Oxford?

The route takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This includes time to stop and admire the architecture at the 6 main stops, covering roughly 1.5 miles of walking distance.

Is the Turf Tavern hard to find?

Yes, it is famously hidden. You must look for a small opening called St. Helen's Passage (locally known as 'Hell's Passage') near the Bridge of Sighs to find this medieval pub tucked against the city wall.

Can I see the Oxford city walls for free?

You can see parts of the city wall from the exterior of New College and near the Turf Tavern. However, the best-preserved sections are inside New College, which usually requires a small entry fee.

What is the most haunted place in Oxford?

Oxford Castle and Holywell Cemetery are frequently cited as the most haunted. The Castle has a millennium of dark history as a prison, while the cemetery is known for its atmospheric Victorian graves and local ghost sightings.

Best time for a history walk in Oxford?

Late afternoon is ideal as the 'golden hour' hits the limestone spires. If you want a spookier experience, early evening is best for visiting the haunted alleys and historic pubs.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, it is family-friendly, though the ghost stories and prison history are better suited for older children. Note that some passages are narrow for strollers.

How far is Oxford Castle from the city center?

Oxford Castle is very central, located just a 5-minute walk from the Carfax Tower and the Westgate Shopping Centre, making it an easy final stop for any city stroll.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Oxford is famous for its 'dreaming spires,' but beneath the academic prestige of its colleges lies a history of mayhem, murder, and spirits that refuse to rest. This self-guided walk takes you away from the polished tourist trails and into the narrow, winding alleys where the city’s darker stories reside. From the site of bloody medieval riots to the shadows of a thousand-year-old prison, you will discover an Oxford that is as gritty as it is grand. Your journey begins at The Bear Inn, a pub dating back to 1242, where the walls are lined with thousands of snipped ties—a quirky tradition in a city of ancient customs. From here, the route leads you past Merton College, home to one of the oldest university quads in the world. This area was the epicenter of the infamous St. Scholastica Day Riot, a three-day battle between 'town and gown' that left dozens dead. As you navigate the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel the weight of centuries of academic rivalry. One of the true highlights of this neighborhood stroll is finding the Turf Tavern. Hidden at the end of a narrow passage, this pub is a favorite local haunt where history feels tangible. It’s famous for its medieval foundations and its list of celebrity patrons, including a future US president who famously 'did not inhale' here. The route then continues to New College, where you can admire the remarkably well-preserved sections of the original 13th-century city wall, a silent witness to the English Civil War and the Black Death. For those who appreciate the eerie, the Holywell Cemetery offers a peaceful yet haunting detour. It is the resting place of many Oxford luminaries and is said to be one of the most atmospheric spots in the city. Finally, the walk concludes at the formidable Oxford Castle & Prison. This site has served as a royal fortress and a place of brutal incarceration for nearly a millennium. Whether you are a history buff, a ghost hunter, or simply looking for the best walking route in Oxford to escape the crowds, this self-guided adventure provides a deep dive into the city's most enduring mysteries at your own pace.

Highlights

The Bear Inn, Oxford's oldest pub with its famous tie collection

Merton College's Mob Quad, the oldest in the University

The 'hidden' Turf Tavern, accessible only via narrow medieval lanes

Intact sections of the 13th-century Oxford City Wall at New College

The hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric Holywell Cemetery

The ancient Saxon St. George's Tower at Oxford Castle

Tour Stops (6)

The Bear Inn

Welcome to one of the oldest institutions in Oxford. The Bear Inn has been serving thirsty scholars and locals since 1242. As you stand before this diminutive building, notice its low ceilings and timber frames. Inside, the pub is world-famous for its peculiar collection of over 4,500 snippets of club ties, a tradition started in the 1950s where the landlord would trade a half-pint of beer for the end of a customer's tie. Historically, this spot was a frequent flashpoint for tensions between the university students and the townspeople. In the medieval era, such pubs were often the staging ground for the 'town and gown' riots that defined Oxford's early history.

Merton College

Merton College, founded in 1264, claims to be the oldest college in Oxford. Look for the Mob Quad, widely considered the oldest quadrangle in the entire university system. This area was the center of the St. Scholastica Day Riot in 1355. What began as a dispute over the quality of wine in a local tavern escalated into a three-day massacre that left 63 students dead. The university eventually won the dispute, and for the next 470 years, the Mayor of Oxford was forced to walk bareheaded through the streets every February 10th to pay penance—a testament to the power the university held over the city.

Turf Tavern

To find the Turf Tavern, you must navigate a labyrinth of narrow passages, including the famously slim St. Helen's Passage. This 'hidden' pub is nestled against the old city walls and feels like a step back into the 14th century. It has long been a sanctuary for those looking to disappear from the watchful eyes of college proctors. It gained international fame as the spot where Bill Clinton, then a Rhodes Scholar, allegedly 'did not inhale' while exploring the local herb culture. The low beams and flagstone floors here have seen centuries of illicit meetings and late-night scholarly debates, making it a cornerstone of Oxford's historic nightlife.

New College

Despite its name, 'New' College was founded in 1379. It is unique because it was built incorporating a significant stretch of the 13th-century city wall. By law, the college must maintain this wall and allow the Mayor and Corporation to inspect it every three years. The wall served as a defensive fortification during the English Civil War when Oxford was the royalist capital for King Charles I. The atmosphere here is deeply medieval; the cloisters were even used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films, standing in for the hallways of Hogwarts where Malfoy was famously turned into a ferret.

Holywell Cemetery

Tucked away behind St. Cross Church, Holywell Cemetery is one of Oxford’s best-kept secrets. This Victorian 'city of the dead' is overgrown with ivy and wildflowers, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene. Many famous figures are buried here, including Kenneth Grahame, the author of 'The Wind in the Willows.' Local legends tell of a 'Grey Lady' who wanders the paths at dusk, and the silence here is a stark contrast to the bustling city center just a few blocks away. It is a place of profound peace, where the academic and creative minds of Oxford’s past now rest under the shade of ancient trees.

Oxford Castle & Prison

Your journey ends at the imposing Oxford Castle & Prison. The site’s history dates back to 1071 when the Norman baron Robert D'Oilly built a motte-and-bailey castle here. One of its most famous stories involves Empress Matilda, who was besieged here in 1142 during a civil war known as The Anarchy. She famously escaped by camouflaging herself in a white cloak and sliding down the walls into the frozen river during a snowstorm. Later, the site became a notorious prison where Victorian inmates lived in squalid conditions. Today, the Saxon St. George's Tower remains as one of the oldest structures in England, standing guard over the city's dark secrets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Medieval Mayhem' self-guided walk is excellent for history lovers. It covers over 800 years of history, from the 1071 Norman castle to 14th-century student riots and the oldest pubs in the city.