Oxford Visiting Places: A Helpful City Guide for Tourists

Oxford is a city in England that is known worldwide for its university, which is the oldest in the English-speaking world. The city, which has a population of around 170,000 people, is full of history, culture and attractions that make it an ideal destination for tourists. From the beautiful architecture of the University buildings to the wonderful museums and galleries, there is something to do for everyone in Oxford. In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit when in Oxford and give you some ideas for great activities and tours.

A Brief History of Oxford

Oxford has a long and fascinating history that stretches all the way back to the 11th century. In 1096, the first university was established in Oxford by a group of scholars from Britain and France. This was the first university in the English-speaking world and it is now one of the most renowned universities in the world. Throughout its history, Oxford has been known for its academic excellence and has attracted scholars from all over the globe.

The city is also home to some of the oldest buildings in the country. Many of these buildings are part of the University, such as the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera. The University also has some of the most beautiful architecture in England, including the Radcliffe Camera, which is a stunning round building that dates back to 1749.

Oxford is also known for its culture and vibrant nightlife. The city has a wealth of cultural attractions, such as the Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Natural History, which are both great places to visit. There are also some great restaurants, bars and pubs in Oxford, which are popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Top Attractions in Oxford

University of Oxford

No visit to Oxford would be complete without visiting the University of Oxford. The University buildings are some of the oldest and most beautiful in England and are a must-see for any visitor to Oxford. Many of the buildings are open to the public, such as the Sheldonian Theatre, which was built in 1668. There are also some great tours of the colleges that you can join, which will give you an insight into life at one of the world’s leading universities.

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is one of the oldest public museums in the world and is home to a vast collection of artwork and artifacts from around the world. The museum is free to enter and is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring its collections. The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, so it’s worth checking out what’s on when you visit.

Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle is a Norman castle that was built in 1071 by Robert D’Oilly. The castle is now a tourist attraction and visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and courtyards. The castle also hosts special events throughout the year, including ghost tours and open-air theatre performances.

Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is located in the historic university city of Oxford and is home to a vast collection of natural history specimens from around the world. The museum is free to enter and visitors can explore its galleries, which include dinosaur skeletons and taxidermied animals.

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church Meadow is a beautiful meadow located near Christ Church College. The meadow is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery of Oxford, with its rolling hills and tranquil lake.

Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden at Oxford University is one of the oldest in England and is home to an impressive collection of plants from around the world. The garden is free to enter and visitors can explore its many paths and gardens.

Popular Tours in Oxford

Harry Potter Walking Tour

The Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford is a great way to explore some of the locations used in the Harry Potter films, such as Christ Church College, where many scenes were filmed. The tour takes approximately two hours and includes visits to various locations from the films, such as Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station, where Harry begins his journey to Hogwarts. The tour also includes behind-the-scenes stories from the films, making it a must-do for Harry Potter fans. Book a Harry Potter Walking Tour here.

Oxford Literary Tour

The Oxford Literary Tour takes visitors on an exploration of Oxford’s literary heritage, including visits to some of the city’s most famous authors’ homes. On this two-hour tour, visitors will visit places associated with such authors as Lewis Carroll, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, as well as visiting some of the city’s most famous bookshops. Book an Oxford Literary Tour here.

Punting Tour

A Punting Tour is a great way to explore Oxford’s scenic riverside while learning about its history and culture from an experienced guide. Punting tours are available on both the River Thames and River Cherwell and take approximately one hour. During your tour, you will learn about Oxford’s history as well as seeing some of its most iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. Book a Punting Tour here.

Conclusion

Oxford has plenty to offer visitors of all ages, from its stunning architecture to its wealth of cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll around Christ Church Meadow or an exciting tour around some of its famous landmarks, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained in Oxford. So, why not come and explore this fascinating city for yourself?