Oxford – A Guide For First Time Visitors

Oxford is a city located in the south of England, in the county of Oxfordshire. It is perhaps most famously known as the home of the prestigious University of Oxford, which is one of the oldest universities in the world. With its ancient buildings, stunning architecture, and picturesque cobbled streets, Oxford is a delightful place to visit and explore.

History of Oxford

Oxford has a rich history that dates back to the Saxon period. It began as a small settlement on the River Thames and grew to become an important center of trade and learning during the medieval period. The city was also the site of two battles during the English Civil War.

In 1096, the University of Oxford was founded and quickly became one of the most important educational institutions in Europe. Over the centuries, it has produced some of the world’s most famous scholars, including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Oscar Wilde.

Today, Oxford remains an important center of learning and culture, and is home to many colleges, libraries, museums, galleries, and other attractions. It also has an active student population, making it a lively and vibrant city.

Oxford Facts & Figures

Oxford has a population of around 150,000 people and covers an area of approximately 25 square miles. The city is home to many beautiful parks, gardens, and public spaces, including Christ Church Meadow, a large meadow located in central Oxford that offers beautiful views of the city skyline.

The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many theatres and music venues. There are also numerous art galleries, museums, and libraries, including the world-famous Bodleian Library. In addition to its academic and cultural attractions, Oxford is also home to many pubs, restaurants, and shopping streets.

What to do in Oxford

Oxford is a great destination for visitors who are looking to explore its history and culture. There are a number of popular attractions that are well worth visiting, such as The Ashmolean Museum, The University of Oxford, The Bodleian Library, Christ Church Meadow, and The Covered Market.

The Ashmolean Museum is the oldest public museum in Britain, and it houses an impressive collection of artworks and artifacts from around the world. The University of Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the world and is home to many beautiful buildings and sites of historical interest. The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and contains over 11 million books, making it one of the largest in the world. Christ Church Meadow is a large meadow located in central Oxford that offers beautiful views of the city skyline. The Covered Market is a busy market located in central Oxford that sells fresh produce, handmade items, and souvenirs.

Oxford has plenty to offer visitors looking for a cultural experience. There are many theatres and music venues located in the city where visitors can watch performances by local artists. There are also many art galleries and museums to explore, such as The Museum of Natural History, The Pitt Rivers Museum, and The Ashmolean Museum.

Recommended Tours

For those looking for a unique experience while visiting Oxford, there are a number of popular tours available to book. One such tour is the Oxford Castle & University Tour which takes visitors on an educational journey through the city’s history and its most famous sites. During this tour visitors will have an opportunity to explore the ancient castle walls and learn about its fascinating past. They will also get an up close view of some of the university’s most impressive buildings such as the Radcliffe Camera and Sheldonian Theatre. This tour takes approximately two hours to complete and can be booked here.

Another popular tour is the Harry Potter Tour which takes visitors on a magical journey through some of the most famous filming locations used in the Harry Potter films. During this tour visitors will get an up close look at some of the university’s most iconic buildings such as Christ Church College which was used as Hogwarts School in some of the movies. They will also visit other locations featured in the films such as Diagon Alley and Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station in London. This tour takes approximately three hours to complete and can be booked here.

Finally, visitors who are looking for a unique way to explore Oxford can opt for a punting tour on the River Thames. During this tour visitors will get to take a leisurely boat ride along the river while enjoying the sights and sounds of Oxford from the comfort of their boat. They will pass many famous landmarks such as Christ Church College and The Bridge of Sighs during their tour as well as take in stunning views of the city skyline from their boat. This tour takes approximately two hours to complete and can be booked here.

Conclusion

Oxford is a beautiful city with plenty to offer visitors looking for an unforgettable experience. From its rich history to its vibrant cultural scene, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Oxford. Whether you’re looking to explore its historical sites or take part in one of its many tours, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained in this lively city.