Museum of Oxford Walks: The Real Alice in Wonderland
24 June @ 2.00pm to 3.30pm
About Museum of Oxford Walks: The Real Alice in Wonderland
“It doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. ” – so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added … “Oh, you’re sure to do that … if you only walk long enough.”
On this 90-minute circular walking tour of the beautiful Christ Church Meadow, you will encounter the real people, places and events behind the creation of the much-loved stories Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass.
The tour this year is especially pertinent in marking 150 years since the publication of Lewis Carroll’s epic nonsense poem, The Hunting of the Snark.
The route will follow waterside paths in Oxford that were familiar to the ‘real’ Alice in Wonderland (Alice Liddell), daughter of the Dean of Christ Church, and to author Lewis Carroll, who was a lifelong resident of the college. Mark Davies, Oxford local historian, author and trustee of the Lewis Carroll Society, will reveal the history behind the novels as your expert tour guide.
Stopping at significant locations along the riverside, you will learn about the all-important role of the River Thames in the creation of the Alice books. With reference to striking historical and geographic landmarks and features, as well as other classics of fantasy literature, the people, places and events which inspired the books will be revealed to you.
Join a Real Alice in Wonderland Tour to see fiction, fantasy and history come to life through the eyes of a local expert in Oxford’s history.
As part of the tour, you will see: Christ Church; many locations along the River Thames, the Cherwell and the Trill Mill Stream which inspired the creation of the stories, including the departure point of the fateful boat trips on which the story was first told and the house of a hatter (likely The Hatter!). Additionally, you will see Alice’s ‘Wool and Water’ Shop and have views into Oxford University Botanic Garden, the inspiration for some other famous works of fantasy fiction.
Please note that this tour does not include entry to the buildings of Christ Church.
Accessibility and further information:
Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team.
The walk lasts for approximately. 90 minutes and is a circular walk around central Oxford. Length: approx. 1.2 miles / 1.9 km. Two toilet stops are available along the way.
Please note the Tudor Painted Room is up a steep flight of stairs without a lift; it is sadly not accessible to wheelchairs. The rest of the tour can be adapted to offer a more wheelchair-friendly route, avoiding narrow doorways and cobbles (please let it be known if you would prefer this option by emailing museum@oxford.gov.uk).
Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.
Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours.
Meet Your Tour Guide: Mark Davies
Mark Davies is an Oxford local historian, public speaker, and guide. His publications include the social and cultural importance of the city’s waterways (A Towpath Walk in Oxford; Alice in Waterland; Alice’s Oxford on Foot; What a Liberty!); historical crime (Stories of Oxford Castle; The Abingdon Waterturnpike Murder); a biography of the Oxford pastry cook who was the first Englishman to fly (King of all Balloons); and the insightful A Jericho Scrapbook and Jericho – a Celebration.
Until 2020 he had lived on an Oxford residential narrowboat for nearly 30 years, and is the Chair of the Jericho (Oxford) Living Heritage Trust. He is also a trustee of the Lewis Carroll Society, a member of the Society of Authors, and on the committee of the Alliance of Literary Societies.
Access at the Museum
The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies, and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum.
Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on the website: https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
£15.00
Tickets are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop. Tickets for this event include access to the Museum’s Galleries.
Dates & times:
Wednesday 24 June and Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 2.00pm
Running time:
1 hour 30 minutes
Age guidance:
16+
About Museum of Oxford
The Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people. Located inside the Oxford Town Hall, it explores the city’s rich history beyond the university, focusing on the lives, industries, and communities that have shaped Oxford over time.
The museum features interactive exhibits, local artefacts, and personal stories, covering topics such as Oxford’s medieval origins, its diverse communities, and key moments in its development. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and activities for all ages.
