Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Tours in Oxford

Those who love drama and crime television will be no strangers to the world of Inspector Morse. Once a series of novels, this beloved television show began airing in 1987 and its quick-witted detective is still famed today. In fact, the show proved so popular that two spin-off series were filmed in the years following its finale.

Now, you can experience the main attractions featured in all three shows on an Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tour in Oxford, and follow in the footsteps of John Thaw and his costars.

Here's all you need to know about Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Oxford.

What are the best Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tours in Oxford?

Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour walking tours in Oxford

Enter an alternate England on a walking tour in Oxford, themed around the television shows “Inspector Morse”, “Inspector Lewis” and “Endeavour”. You’ll wander the streets with an enthusiastic guide and other like-minded individuals, providing you with the perfect opportunity to form new friendships.

During this walking tour of Oxford, you’ll visit a number of sites associated with the books and following television series. Some attractions you may discover include the Randolph Hotel, which the famed inspector regularly frequented to enjoy a glass of whiskey and complete a crossword puzzle. You may also see the White Horse Pub, featured in the “Dead of Jericho” episode, as well as central streets shown in the series. Other tours include sites such as Exeter College, where Morse suffered from a fatal heart attack.

As you stroll through the bustling city, your guide will fill you in on little-known facts from the series and discuss details on the characters. You’ll also pass by a number of iconic attractions that the city is famed for, including Trinity College and the Sheldonian Theater.

Which places are visited?

Exeter College

Exter College features in “Endeavour” as the location of a mail bomb explosion in season eight. However, it is most famed as the spot where, in the last episode of Inspector Morse, which aired in 2000, the detective suffers a heart attack and subsequently dies in the college’s Front Quadrangle. Exter College is the fourth-oldest in Oxford, and its alumni include the famed author of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, J. R. R. Tolkien.

Randolph Hotel

The Randolph Hotel is home to the Morse Bar, which gives a nod to the franchise, originally written as a series of novels by Colin Dexter. The author was known to be a regular visitor here and often used the bar as a source of inspiration, scribbling notes as he sipped on a drink.

It is no surprise then that the hotel features in several episodes of “Inspector Morse”, including “the Wolvercote Tongue,” as well as its sequel, “Inspector Lewis”. The hotel itself is a luxurious building, with a wood-paneled bar and charming rooms, all wrapped up inside a 19th-century construct featuring a Gothic façade.

How much do Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tours in Oxford cost?

Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tours in Oxford typically cost between £20, and £30 per person and operate in groups of around 20 travelers.

For small-group guided Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tours, of up to 10 travelers, you can expect to pay about £40 each.

What is included?

Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tours in Oxford always include the services of a professional guide who will lead you on a pre-planned route through the city to explore the most recognizable sites from the television series, and provide you with an insightful commentary along the way. In some cases, you may also have entrance fees covered for attractions, such as colleges.

Where does it start?

Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tours in Oxford begin at a multitude of locations across the city, such as Broad Street or the Martyrs Memorial. Confirm the meeting point of each excursion when booking your tour, so that you can plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

Oxford has been named the United Kingdom’s most walkable city, enabling you to reach various destinations with ease. However, you can also use the city’s reliable public transportation network to navigate the streets.

How long does it last?

Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour excursions in Oxford last around 2 hours, making them easy to slip into any itinerary, no matter how much time you have to spare in the city. While you shouldn’t expect to see all the attractions related to the show in this short time frame, you will gain a detailed introduction to the most recognizable filming locations and learn facts about Inspector Morse that you may not have known.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some Inspector Morse tours in Oxford are wheelchair friendly, while others are not. You can find out whether an excursion is suitable for all members of your party by consulting its booking page. In some cases, you may be requested to contact the operator directly upon booking to discuss any additional needs in advance.

When is the best time for an Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tour in Oxford?

The best time for an Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour tour in Oxford is during spring or early summer, when the weather is pleasant weather and ideal for walking tours around the city's iconic locations featured in the series. Oxford's historic buildings and other attractions come alive in the gentle sunlight, enhancing the experience. Moreover, visiting outside peak tourist season ensures a more intimate exploration of the much-loved detective series' settings.

Are children allowed?

Yes, Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour tour in Oxford generally allow children to join, provided they are accompanied by an adult. Some tours have a minimum age requirement of 16 years old, so confirm before booking if traveling with children.

Travel tips

• Popular tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot.
• The tour involves a lot of walking around Oxford's cobbled streets and historic sites, so wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• Oxford's weather can be unpredictable. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is forecasted, and dress in layers, so you can adjust to varying temperatures.
• You can follow up your movie-themed exploration of the city with a Harry Potter tour or a Downtown Abbey tour in Oxford.