Is there a Morse-themed walking tour Oxford visitors can do independently?

Yes, this self-guided route allows you to explore the primary filming locations of Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour at your own pace. It covers the city center highlights without the need for a scheduled group.

Where is the Morse Bar in Oxford?

The Morse Bar is located inside the Randolph Hotel on Beaumont Street, directly across from the Ashmolean Museum. It is a famous landmark dedicated to the series and its creator.

Can you visit the college where Morse died?

Yes, the scene where Morse collapses was filmed at Exeter College on Turl Street. The college is usually open to visitors during specific afternoon hours for a small entry fee.

What is the best time of day for a Morse walking route?

Late morning is ideal, as it ensures you arrive at the colleges during their visitor hours (often 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) and finishes just as the pubs open for an afternoon break.

Which pub did Inspector Morse drink in?

Morse's most famous 'local' was the White Horse on Broad Street. He was also frequently seen at the bar in the Randolph Hotel, now officially named the Morse Bar.

Is the Morse walking trail accessible for wheelchairs?

The city streets are generally accessible, but Oxford's historic colleges often have narrow doorways and uneven cobblestones. The Town Hall and the Randolph Hotel have accessible entrances.

Do I need to book tickets for the Morse filming locations?

No booking is required for the streets or the Morse Bar, but you should check Exeter College's daily schedule as they occasionally close for private university events.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Oxford is a city of layers, where the ancient stone of the University hides secrets both historical and fictional. This self-guided walk invites you to step into the world of Chief Inspector Morse, the crossword-loving, opera-singing detective created by Colin Dexter. As you navigate the cobblestone streets and hidden quadrangles, you will discover how the "City of Dreaming Spires" became the perfect backdrop for one of the world’s most beloved crime series. This walking route explores the intersection of academic prestige and gritty detective work, visiting the pubs where Morse enjoyed his real ale and the colleges where the most intricate cases unfolded. From the dramatic courtrooms of the Town Hall to the poignant setting of Morse's final moments at Exeter College, this neighborhood stroll captures the essence of the Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour sagas. You will see Oxford through the lens of a detective, noticing the architectural details and quiet corners that often served as the stage for murder and mystery. Whether you are a lifelong fan of the books or a newcomer to the TV adaptations, this walking route offers a unique perspective on the city's history and its cinematic legacy. Beyond the mystery, the walk takes you past world-renowned landmarks like the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre, providing a comprehensive view of central Oxford. Discover the stories behind the filming locations and the real-life inspirations for Dexter’s characters at your own pace. There is no need to rush; stop for a pint at the White Horse or browse the shelves at Blackwell's just as Morse might have done. This independent exploration is the ultimate way to experience the atmospheric charm of Oxford while paying homage to its most famous fictional resident. This walking tour Oxford experience is designed for those who want to blend literary appreciation with a scenic walk through a UNESCO-worthy cityscape.

Highlights

Oxford Town Hall courtroom and police station filming sites

Exeter College, the site of Morse's final moments

The White Horse pub, Morse's favorite spot for a pint

Blackwell's Bookshop, a literary landmark in the series

The world-famous Morse Bar at the Randolph Hotel

Iconic views of Broad Street and the dreaming spires

Tour Stops (6)

Oxford Town Hall

Start your journey at the Oxford Town Hall on St Aldate's. This grand Victorian building has played multiple roles in the Morse universe. Its ornate interiors frequently doubled as the Oxford police station and courtroom settings across all three series: Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour. As you look at the facade, imagine the Jaguar Mark 2 pulled up at the curb. The building itself dates back to 1897 and represents the 'town' side of Oxford’s 'town and gown' divide. In the episodes, this is where the legal consequences of the week's murder were often decided. It’s a fitting place to begin, grounding the fictional mysteries in the very real civic heart of the city.

Exeter College

Head toward Turl Street to find Exeter College, one of the most poignant locations on this route. This is the setting for the final scenes of 'The Remorseful Day,' where Chief Inspector Morse famously collapses in the front quadrangle. The college, founded in 1314, boasts a stunning chapel modeled after Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and a beautiful Fellows' Garden with views over Radcliffe Square. In the world of Morse, the college represents the academic ivory tower that he both respected and frequently clashed with. Take a moment to appreciate the quiet dignity of the quad, which looks almost exactly as it did during filming in the late 1990s.

Broad Street

Step out onto Broad Street, a wide thoroughfare that serves as the cinematic heart of Oxford. This street is a staple of the series, featured in countless transition shots and chase sequences. To your right, you will see the Sheldonian Theatre and the Clarendon Building, both of which have appeared as backdrops for academic intrigue. Broad Street captures the quintessential Oxford atmosphere—bicycles leaning against ancient stone, students rushing to lectures, and the ever-present 'dreaming spires.' It’s the perfect place to soak in the environment that Colin Dexter described so vividly in his novels, where every corner seems to hide a potential clue or a hidden history.

White Horse

Tucked away on Broad Street is the White Horse, a 16th-century pub that is essential for any Morse enthusiast. This was the inspector's preferred local, where he would often retreat to think over a case with a pint of real ale. The pub is famously narrow and wood-paneled, maintaining an authentic historic feel that hasn't changed much since the 1980s. Morse was known for his distaste for 'fizzy' beer, and the White Horse remains a bastion of traditional cask ales. Even if you don't stop for a drink, the exterior with its traditional signage is instantly recognizable from many scenes involving Morse and Sergeant Lewis debating the motives of their latest suspect.

Blackwell's Bookshop

Just a few doors down from the pub is Blackwell's Bookshop. While primarily a world-famous academic bookstore, it holds a special place in the Morse trail. Colin Dexter was a frequent visitor here, and the shop is mentioned in several of the books. In the series, Morse's love for literature and his vast knowledge of classical texts were key to solving his cases, often involving obscure literary references. The Norrington Room downstairs, which once held the record for the largest single room selling books in the world, mirrors the intellectual depth of the characters. It is a reminder that in Oxford, the library and the bookshop are just as important to the detective as the forensic lab.

Morse Bar

Conclude your walk at the Randolph Hotel on Beaumont Street. Inside, you will find the celebrated Morse Bar. This was the favorite haunt of both the fictional detective and his creator, Colin Dexter, who was often seen writing in a corner. The bar is a shrine to the series, decorated with memorabilia and photos of actor John Thaw. It exudes an atmosphere of classic luxury, with its dark wood and comfortable armchairs—the perfect place for a final reflection on the trail. Whether you order a drink or just admire the setting, this is the definitive end point for any self-guided Morse adventure, where the line between fiction and reality beautifully blurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This allows time for a 1.5-mile stroll and short stops at each location, including a quick look inside the Morse Bar or a college quad.