Oxford University Alumnus Behind City’s No.1-Rated Walking Tour Sets Sights on Europe

Image credit: Photo Artwork Oxford Magic Tours

Editorial Brief
At a glance: AI-assisted overview, optimised for journalists, search & news aggregators

Oxford Magic Walking Tours, led by Oxford University alumnus Shane Sterling, has become the top-rated walking tour in Oxford, praised for its blend of history, Harry Potter filming locations, and live magic. The tour has received over 500 five-star reviews and several accolades, including Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Sterling aims to expand the tour's success across Europe, aspiring to make it one of the best walking tour experiences globally.

Press Release

July 17, 2025

Oxford Magic Walking Tours has been recognised as Oxford’s No.1 walking tour and one of the city’s highest-rated visitor experiences, with more than 500 five-star reviews across Google, Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide.

The award-winning experience has quickly become one of Oxford’s must-do attractions, combining Oxford University’s fascinating history, Harry Potter filming locations, hidden stories, student traditions and world-class live close-up magic into one unforgettable experience.

The tour has received a string of accolades, including:

  • More than 500 five-star reviews across Google, Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide.
  • Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner 2025.
  • Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner 2026.
  • Recognised as Best New Tourism Business 2025 -26.
  • Ranked No.1 for Tours & Activities in Oxford on Tripadvisor.
  • Named Oxford’s Best Thing to Do When Visiting the City, an award voted for independently by tourists and students.

The experience is led by Shane Sterling, an Oxford University alumnus, internationally recognised magician and entertainer. Shane has performed for the British Royal Family, leading global companies and celebrity audiences around the world. As an Oxford University alumnus who continues to teach at the University, he offers visitors a unique insider’s perspective that few guides can match.

Unlike traditional walking tours, Oxford Magic Walking Tours blends fascinating history with live entertainment, giving guests what many reviewers describe as “two experiences in one.” Reviews regularly praise the tour as “the best walking tour we’ve ever been on”, with visitors travelling from across the globe specifically to experience it.

Speaking about the tour’s rapid success, founder Shane Sterling said:

“When I created Oxford Magic Walking Tours, I didn’t want to build just another walking tour. I wanted to create something visitors would remember for the rest of their lives.

To receive more than 500 five-star reviews from guests from all over the world is incredibly humbling. Every review tells us we’re creating something genuinely special.

Our ambition is a big one. We don’t just want to be the best tour in Oxford—we want to become the best walking tour experience in Europe and, ultimately, one of the very best in the world. That’s an enormous challenge, but with the amazing feedback we’re receiving every day, I genuinely believe we can achieve it.”

Oxford Magic Walking Tours has built its reputation through exceptional customer satisfaction, engaging storytelling and a unique blend of history and entertainment. The tour showcases Oxford University’s famous colleges, traditions, Harry Potter connections and hidden secrets while delivering live magic throughout the experience.

With visitors consistently rating the experience among the very best attractions in the city, Oxford Magic Walking Tours continues to strengthen Oxford’s reputation as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.

Notes to editors

About Oxford Magic Walking Tours

Oxford Magic Walking Tours is an award-winning visitor experience based in the heart of Oxford, offering a unique combination of Oxford University history, Harry Potter filming locations, hidden stories and live professional magic.

Founded and led by Oxford University alumnus and international magician Shane Sterling, the experience has welcomed visitors from more than 60 countries and has received over 500 five-star reviews across Google, Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide.

The tour has been recognised with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 and 2026, was named Best New Tourism Business 2025, and has been ranked No.1 for Tours & Activities in Oxford on Tripadvisor. It has also been recognised as one of the city’s best visitor experiences through independent visitor voting.

Unlike a traditional sightseeing tour, Oxford Magic Walking Tours blends fascinating history with live close-up magic, creating an entertaining experience that has been described by many guests as “the best walking tour we’ve ever been on.” learn more about Shane Sterling

Get more news like this

Get more news like this on Google. Set News By Wire as a ‘Preferred News Source’ to get quicker access to news that’s important.

All done!
Thank you for subscribing.

Email Subscription