Entertaining clients in style at the Sheldonian Theatre

posted on Monday 8 August

Blog, Tours and activities

 

Many people have lived in Oxford and often hear of / pass by the Sheldonian; it is an iconic part of Oxford located right in the city centre on Broad Street. However, many people don’t realise it makes a fantastic venue to entertain clients. The Venue staff can offer you lots of flexible hire options, from awards ceremonies and presentations to Talks and Concerts but one thing in particular is proving extremely popular when it comes to entertaining clients – a guided walking tour followed by afternoon tea or a drinks reception in the main Theatre.

This is the only walking tour in Oxford that offers a whistle stop tour through 900 years of University history. If you have wondered how the University was formed, how long it’s been in existence and the secrets of its past, then you can discover this, together with the history of the Sheldonian Theatre, on this one hour guided walking tour.

Photo21

Credit: Tim Hall

On the tour your guests will see the University Church, the Clarendon and Bodleian Quadrangles and Radcliffe Square, where you will hear about the formation of what is now the University of Oxford and hear about its rebellious and violent history. The tour finishes in the Ladies Gallery of the Grade I* historic Sheldonian Theatre where you will hear about the origins of Sir Christopher Wren’s first major building, which opened in 1669.

Afterwards you and your guests can relax over a glass of fizz and a selection of tasty canapes or enjoy a delicious high tea in the main Theatre, provided by our own caterers, while gazing up at the Theatre’s magnificent ceiling. Painted by Robert Streater during the reign of King Charles I, the 32 individual panels that make up the ceiling depict Truth descending on the arts and sciences to dispel ignorance, envy and disbelief within the University.

Sheldonian Theatre Guided Tour 1

Credit: Tim Hall

But this is not all guests get to enjoy. The Theatre offers one of the best indoor 360 degrees panoramic views of Oxford from its Cupola. Added in 1838 the Cupola was never an original feature of the building but we are certainly glad it is now! Whether it’s taking a perfect photo of the dreaming spires of Oxford at sunset on a summers evening or looking out over Oxford on a grey day, the view over the city and surrounding countryside always takes your breath away.

Portrait and documentary photographer,  John Cairns, based in Oxford UK.

Credit: Portrait and documentary photographer, John Cairns, based in Oxford UK.

For further information or to book a tour please contact us.