Oxford, with its medieval architecture, ancient colleges, and narrow, winding lanes, is steeped in history—and with history comes ghost stories. This tour is designed for those who love a good scare and are fascinated by the paranormal, as well as for history buffs interested in the darker side of Oxford’s past.
The tour will guide you through some of Oxford’s most famous, and some lesser-known, haunted locations. As you stroll through the city at your own pace, you’ll visit eerie spots where ghostly apparitions have been sighted, mysterious events have unfolded, and legends have taken root. Each stop on the tour comes with a story—a blend of documented history and local folklore.
- Best Time to Visit: Dusk or evening for the full spooky experience.
- What to Bring: A flashlight, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a camera to capture any ghostly apparitions.
- Safety Note: While Oxford is generally safe, be cautious when exploring secluded areas, especially at night.
Highlights of This Ghost Tour
This self-guided tour is entirely free and allows you to explore Oxford at your own pace. You can start and stop whenever you like, making it easy to fit into your schedule. So, prepare to be spooked as you uncover the ghostly secrets that lie hidden in the shadows of Oxford’s ancient streets!
Here are some of the things you will see in this free, self-guided walking tour:
- An iconic college which is not only famous for its academic history but also for its ghostly residents.
- A royal fortress, prison, and execution site where it is rumoured that the spirits of those who met their end here still roam the corridors and cells.
- One of the oldest libraries in Europe and not only a treasure trove of knowledge but also of ghostly tales, including a cursed librarian who eternally guards his books.
- A beautiful square that is more than a photogenic spot—it’s also the scene of a chilling ghost story. A scholar who made a pact with the devil and now wanders here at night, searching for redemption.
- And much more…
Tour Stops To Explore at Your Own Pace
Welcome to the Oxford Ghost Tour, where the city’s rich history and its eerie legends come alive as you wander through atmospheric streets, hidden passages, and ancient buildings. This self-guided tour will take you to some of Oxford’s most haunted and mysterious spots, blending historical facts with chilling tales of the supernatural. Ready to explore? Let’s begin (you can open this map here).
1. Start: Christ Church College
Location: St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DP
Begin your ghostly adventure at Christ Church College, one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Known for its majestic architecture, Christ Church is also the site of numerous ghostly sightings. King Charles I, who sought refuge here during the English Civil War, is said to wander the halls, his restless spirit unable to leave the place that once offered him safety. As you explore the college’s quads, listen for whispers of the past and the echoes of long-dead monarchs.
Oxford Ghost Stories: King Charles I Haunts Christ Church
The ghost story associated with Christ Church in Oxford is one of the most famous in the city. Why? Because it’s about a king!
2. Oxford Castle & Prison
Location: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY
Next, make your way to Oxford Castle & Prison, where the dark history of executions and imprisonments leaves a lingering aura of dread. The ghost of Mary Blandy, a convicted murderer, is said to haunt the castle. Visitors report hearing her cries of innocence and seeing shadowy figures in the dimly lit corridors. The ancient stone walls and narrow passageways create a chilling atmosphere perfect for a ghostly encounter.
Oxford Ghost Stories: Oxford Castle’s 1,000 Years of Haunting
Oxford Castle and Prison is one of the most haunted sites in Oxford, with a history that stretches back nearly a thousand years.
3. The Bodleian Library
Location: Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
A short walk from the castle brings you to the Bodleian Library. One of the oldest libraries in Europe, it is also one of the most haunted. The ghost of Archbishop William Laud, who was executed during the English Civil War, is rumoured to haunt the library’s stacks. As you walk through the darkened corridors lined with ancient books, imagine the ghostly figure of Laud guarding the knowledge he held dear.
Related:
Oxford Ghost Stories: The Spirit of Sir Thomas Bodley
Sir Thomas Bodley, the founder of the Bodleian Library, is said to have left an indelible mark on the institution… as a ghost!
Oxford Ghost Stories: The Ghostly Librarian at Duke Humfrey’s Library
Oxford’s Duke Humfrey is not only renowned for its vast collection of books but also its eerie reputation as the home of a spectral librarian.
4. Radcliffe Square
Location: Radcliffe Square, Oxford OX1 4AJ
As you leave the Bodleian, enter Radcliffe Square, one of the most picturesque spots in Oxford. But don’t let its beauty fool you—this square has its own share of ghostly legends. The Radcliffe Camera, standing in the centre of the square, is said to be haunted by a scholar who made a pact with the devil. On foggy nights, some claim to see a shadowy figure circling the building, searching for lost souls.
Oxford Ghost Stories: Radcliffe Camera and Pacts with the Devil
The story of a scholar who made a pact with the devil in the Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s most intriguing and chilling legends.
5. Merton College
Location: Merton St, Oxford OX1 4JD
Head towards Merton College, one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. The college is reputed to be haunted by multiple spirits, including that of a former Warden who met a grisly end. The ancient architecture and secluded gardens create an eerie atmosphere, perfect for encountering the supernatural. As you wander through the college’s quads and corridors, be on the lookout for the Warden’s ghostly figure, which is said to appear unexpectedly.
Oxford Ghost Stories: The Many Spirits of Merton College
Merton College’s rich history and ancient architecture provide the perfect backdrop for ghostly tales and supernatural encounters.
6. Turl Street and the Covered Market
Location: Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DS & Market St, Oxford OX1 3DZ
Now, venture into Turl Street, a narrow and winding lane that connects some of Oxford’s oldest colleges. The street has a reputation for being haunted by the ghost of a scholar who tragically died in the 19th century. The atmosphere here is thick with history, and the dimly lit alleyways can feel unsettling, especially at dusk.
Just around the corner, you’ll find the Covered Market. Although bustling during the day, the market takes on a different character at night. Some shopkeepers have reported eerie noises and sightings of shadowy figures, making it a place of mystery after hours.
7. The Turf Tavern
Location: 4 Bath Place, Oxford OX1 3SU
End your ghost tour with a visit to the Turf Tavern, one of Oxford’s oldest pubs. Hidden away in a narrow alley, the pub is known for its cosy atmosphere and historical significance. However, it is also rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a former patron who died under mysterious circumstances. Enjoy a drink and keep an eye on the shadows—some say they move on their own.
More Ghost Stories
Oxford Ghost Stories: The Many Spirits of Merton College
Merton College’s rich history and ancient architecture provide the perfect backdrop for ghostly tales and supernatural encounters.
Oxford Ghost Stories: Radcliffe Camera and Pacts with the Devil
The story of a scholar who made a pact with the devil in the Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s most intriguing and chilling legends.
Oxford Ghost Stories: Oxford Castle’s 1,000 Years of Haunting
Oxford Castle and Prison is one of the most haunted sites in Oxford, with a history that stretches back nearly a thousand years.
Oxford Ghost Stories: The Grey Lady of University College
The Grey Lady is one of Oxford’s most famous ghost stories, particularly associated with University College. Here’s why.
Oxford Ghost Stories: King Charles I Haunts Christ Church
The ghost story associated with Christ Church in Oxford is one of the most famous in the city. Why? Because it’s about a king!
Organised Ghost Tours
The city’s rich history comes alive after dark, making it the perfect setting for ghost tours. These tours explore Oxford’s haunted past, guiding visitors through eerie alleys, historic colleges, and sites of supernatural legends. Participants hear tales of ghostly apparitions, tragic events, and unexplained phenomena, all while experiencing the atmospheric beauty of Oxford by night.
Learn More About Oxford
-
Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum: A Brief History
£19.67 Get it from Amazon -
Sale!
Oxford College Gardens
Original price was: £23.20.£20.34Current price is: £20.34. Get it from Amazon -
Sale!
Oxford Aerial Map and Guide
Original price was: £14.50.£12.86Current price is: £12.86. Get it from Amazon -
Insight Guides Great Breaks Oxford
£11.29 Get it from Amazon
