Introduction to Oxford

Oxford is a historical city located in the South East of England. It is most famously known as the home of the world-renowned University of Oxford and is often referred to as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. This is due to the beautiful architecture of its many colleges, churches and landmarks which all contribute to Oxford’s unique and distinguished character.

The University of Oxford can trace its origins back to around 1096 when it was established by students and teachers who had fled the city of Paris. Since then, it has grown to become one of the world’s most prestigious universities and an important centre for research and teaching.

Oxford’s population is currently estimated to be around 164,000, making it the 54th largest city in the United Kingdom. It has a long and varied history, with evidence of human occupation dating back to the Iron Age. Today, it is home to many notable cultural and educational institutions, including the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Castle, and Christ Church College.

Throughout its history, Oxford has been an important cultural centre and has been the backdrop for many famous films and television series. The university and its surrounding city have been featured in films such as Harry Potter and The Golden Compass, as well as popular television series like Inspector Morse. Oxford is also renowned for its thriving arts scene, with many galleries and museums, as well as a variety of street arts and festivals.

Places to Visit in Oxford

Oxford is a vibrant city full of things to do, see, and experience. Whether you are a history buff or culture vulture, there is something for everyone here. From ancient monuments and landmark buildings to modern art galleries and museums, here are some of the best places to visit in Oxford.

The University of Oxford

The University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. It was founded around 1096 by students and teachers fleeing Paris, and since then has been the centre of learning in England. The university consists of 38 colleges, all of which are distinct yet united by their common purpose; to provide an atmosphere of scholarship and learning.

Visitors can take guided tours of the university campus and colleges, as well as explore some of the many libraries and museums within the university. Many colleges also have their own private gardens which can be enjoyed during the warmer months. There is also an annual Oxford University Summer School, where visitors can take part in intensive study programmes taught by distinguished academics from the university.

The Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is located in the heart of Oxford and is one of the oldest public museums in Britain. It was opened in 1683 and has since become one of Oxford’s top attractions for tourists and locals alike. The museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts from around the world, ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern art pieces.

Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries which include items from ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, as well as artwork from Renaissance Europe and Asia. The museum also houses a large library with rare manuscripts, books and documents from around the world. It also contains a café, interactive displays and a shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs.

Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle is one of the city’s oldest monuments and dates back to 1071 when it was constructed by William the Conqueror. Today it stands as a reminder of Oxford’s rich history and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

The castle is open to visitors all year round, who can explore its ancient walls, dungeons and towers. There is also an interactive audio tour which tells the story of how the castle was built and how it has changed over time. Visitors can also explore the castle’s collection of artefacts which date back over 900 years, as well as watch interesting videos about the castle’s history.

Christ Church College

Christ Church College

Christ Church College is one of Oxford’s most iconic buildings and is often referred to as ‘the house that Tom built’. It was founded in 1525 by Thomas Wolsey, who was Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor. The college is still a vibrant centre for learning today, with over 6,000 students studying here each year.

Visitors can take guided tours of Christ Church College which will take you through its extensive grounds, gardens and museums. The college also houses many impressive works of art including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Raphael. There is also an array of ancient artifacts on display which date back to Roman times. Visitors can also explore Christ Church’s famous Great Hall which has been used in many films such as Harry Potter.

Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford Botanic Garden

The Oxford Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Britain and was established in 1621. It houses a wide variety of plants from around the world, including rare species from tropical rainforests and deserts. Visitors can explore the gardens which are split into different themed zones such as wildflower meadows and Mediterranean-style gardens. The garden also contains a café, shop and library where visitors can find out more about plants and gardening.

The garden hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as gardening courses, guided walks and art exhibitions. There is also a Children’s Garden where children can learn more about plants in a fun and interactive way.

Tours in Oxford

Tours in Oxford

There are plenty of tours available in Oxford that will help visitors explore the city in more depth. Here are two popular tours that we recommend:

Oxford Highlights Tour

This walking tour provides an overview of Oxford’s key attractions including its famous university colleges, churches and monuments. The tour begins at Carfax Tower, where visitors will be able to enjoy stunning views over Oxford city centre before heading off on foot to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Christ Church College. The tour includes stops at several historic sites where visitors will learn more about Oxford’s past and present. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and costs £15 per person. Book an Oxford Highlights Tour here.

Oxford Ghost Tour

This night-time tour takes visitors on a journey into Oxford’s darker past exploring some of its most haunted sites including Greyfriars Cemetery and Carfax Tower. Along the way visitors will hear chilling stories about Oxford’s past inhabitants, including notorious criminals such as William Wallace and William Bullock who were both hanged at Carfax Tower. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and costs £12 per person. Book an Oxford Ghost Tour here.

Conclusion

Oxford is a vibrant city full of history, culture and attractions for visitors to explore. From ancient monuments to modern art galleries, there is something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for educational activities or something more adventurous like ghost tours or kayaking trips on the River Thames, there are plenty of things to do in this beautiful city. We hope this guide has provided you with some helpful information about some of the city’s top attractions so that you can make the most out of your visit to Oxford!