Oxford Sightseeing Guide for First-Time Tourists

Oxford is a historical city that has been around since the 9th century and is renowned for its colleges, museums, galleries and beautiful architecture. Its university, which was founded in 1167, is one of the oldest in the world and its stunning buildings attract thousands of visitors every year. Located about 50 miles northwest of London, Oxford is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start your visit to Oxford. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the city’s top attractions, as well as two popular tours that will help you get the most out of your time in Oxford.

About Oxford

Oxford is a city full of history, culture and beauty. It has a population of around 150,000 and is home to many famous universities, including the University of Oxford, which is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The city is known for its unique architecture and is made up of a variety of colleges and buildings. It also has many museums, galleries, parks and other attractions to explore. Oxford’s historic city centre is a great place to start your tour. Here you’ll find some of the city’s best-known landmarks, such as the University Church of St Mary the Virgin and the Radcliffe Camera. You can also take a stroll down the High Street to admire the buildings and take in the atmosphere.

The city is also home to some of the world’s most famous museums, such as the Ashmolean, Pitt Rivers and Natural History Museums. Here you can learn about the history of Oxford and explore the vast collections of art, artefacts and natural history specimens. The Ashmolean is particularly famous for its art collection and includes works by artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt and Turner. The Pitt Rivers Museum is home to an impressive array of archaeological and ethnographic artefacts. There are also many other museums in Oxford such as the Museum of the History of Science, the Museum of Oxford, and the Museum of Natural History.

Oxford is a great destination for outdoor activities too. There are several scenic parks in Oxford including Christ Church Meadow, South Park and Port Meadow. Christ Church Meadow is known for its beautiful views over the city and is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. South Park is a great place for sports with its large open spaces and sports facilities. Port Meadow is a vast area of grassland located near the River Thames which offers beautiful walks and views. There are also several bike trails around the city and plenty of places to go for a run.

Top Attractions

University of Oxford

No visit to Oxford would be complete without a visit to the University of Oxford. Established in 1167, it is one of the oldest universities in the world and its buildings include some of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks. Its colleges are scattered throughout the city centre and each one has its own unique architecture, history and charm. Some of the most famous colleges include Christ Church College, Magdalen College and Trinity College. The university also has several museums, galleries and libraries which are open to visitors including the University Museum of Natural History, The Ashmolean Museum and The Bodleian Library.

Christ Church Cathedral

The Christ Church Cathedral is another must-see when visiting Oxford. This magnificent building was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and it’s one of the largest cathedrals in England. It features magnificent architecture and stunning stained glass windows. Inside you can explore its grand interior which includes several chapels, an organ and even a tombs of some famous people including William Penn (founder of Pennsylvania) and Edward Jenner (creator of the smallpox vaccine). Visitors can also take part in guided tours which take you through parts of the cathedral that are not open to the public.

Covered Market

The Covered Market is Oxford’s oldest market which dates back to 1774. It’s located in the heart of Oxford and is home to over 100 stalls selling a variety of goods from fresh produce to handmade crafts and clothing. Here you can find everything from local cheeses and charcuterie to handmade jewellery and vintage clothes. It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs or sample some local delicacies.

Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle is another popular tourist attraction with its 900-year-old castle walls, dungeons, towers and grounds. Visitors can take fascinating guided tours which take them through 1000 years of history with stories about criminals, kings and prisoners from centuries past. You can also explore St George’s Tower which offers stunning views over Oxford.

Oxford City Tour

One of the best ways to get an overview of Oxford is to take a guided city tour. An Oxford City Tour will take you on a journey through the city’s history, culture and architecture while exploring some of its most iconic attractions such as Christ Church Cathedral, The Covered Market and The Radcliffe Camera. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore some of Oxford’s hidden gems such as Magdalen College Garden and The Turf Tavern Pub. This tour is perfect for visitors who want to explore Oxford’s past while getting an introduction to the city’s present day attractions.

Harry Potter and Oxford Tour

Fans of Harry Potter will love this tour which takes you on a magical journey through some of the locations used in the films including Christ Church College (which features as Hogwarts’ Great Hall) as well as other sites used in filming such as Divinity School (which was used as Hogwarts’ infirmary) and Duke Humfrey’s Library (which was used as Hogwarts’ library). This tour also takes you to locations featured in other films such as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe as well as Alice In Wonderland. During this tour you can learn more about these films while discovering some of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks.

Conclusion

Oxford is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. From exploring its iconic college buildings to discovering hidden gems such as The Covered Market or taking part in a tour such as an Oxford City Tour or Harry Potter & Oxford Tour, there are lots of ways to experience all that Oxford has to offer. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another visit, there’s no doubt that you won’t be disappointed with this magical city!