Things To Visit In Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful city in England with a rich history and plenty of attractions. Located in the county of Oxfordshire, it is known as the ‘city of dreaming spires’, a nickname derived from the medieval architecture of its many university buildings. It is home to the world-famous University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the world, and is filled with unique sights and activities.

Oxford was first settled in the 8th century and has been continuously inhabited since then. During the Middle Ages it was a major centre for religious and intellectual life, and it remains a vibrant city today. With a population of about 150,000, it is one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom.

Oxford is known for its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and world-renowned university. It is also known for its many museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants, and pubs. The city’s vibrant cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Whether you are visiting Oxford for a day or staying for a week, there are plenty of things to see and do. From historic sites to modern attractions, here is a guide to some of the best things to visit in Oxford.

1. University Of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It was founded in 1096 and is home to more than 22,000 students from around the world. The university’s impressive architecture is full of history and is one of the most photographed sights in Oxford.

The university’s many colleges are scattered throughout the city and offer a variety of interesting attractions. Visitors can take guided tours of the colleges and visit their beautiful gardens, libraries, and chapels. The university also has an impressive collection of art and artifacts at both the Ashmolean Museum and the Bodleian Libraries.

2. Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle is an 11th century fortress located in the heart of Oxford. The castle was once used as a prison and a courthouse, and was famously used as a setting for the novel The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Today it is open to visitors who can explore its many rooms and towers and learn about its history.

The castle grounds are also home to a maze, a Victorian prison museum, and an aerial assault course. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from St George’s Tower and explore the dungeons beneath the castle.

3. Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church Meadow is a large park located next to Christ Church College in Oxford. It is a popular spot for visitors who want to take a leisurely stroll or relax in the shade of its ancient oak trees. The meadow is also home to many wildfowl, rabbits, and other wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

The meadow also offers stunning views of Christ Church College and its grounds. Visitors can also take boat trips on the River Cherwell and enjoy a picnic under the trees.

4. Covered Market

The Covered Market is a bustling marketplace located in the centre of Oxford. It has been around since 1774 and is full of shops selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Visitors can also find many cafes and restaurants in the market, making it an ideal spot for foodies.

The Covered Market is also home to several unique shops selling antiques, books, jewellery, and souvenirs. It is one of the most popular attractions in Oxford and is open seven days a week.

5. Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1621, it covers four acres of land on the banks of the River Cherwell and has an impressive collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the garden or explore it on their own.

The garden also offers plenty of activities for children including a playground, play area, and interactive exhibits. There are also several restaurants located near the garden which offer outdoor seating with views of the garden.

6. Magdalen College

Magdalen College is one of the largest colleges at Oxford University. Founded in 1458, it has an impressive collection of buildings including its iconic Chapel Tower which features a statue of Henry VIII on top. Visitors can take guided tours of the college or explore it on their own. The college grounds are also home to many deer which are free to roam around its grounds.

Magdalen College also has an impressive art collection which includes works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Titian, Rubens, and Holbein. Visitors can also explore its many gardens which feature a variety of plants from around the world as well as a serene lake which is home to many species of birds.

7. Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum is an anthropological museum located in Oxford University’s Natural History Museum. Founded in 1884, the museum has an impressive collection of artifacts from around the world including weapons, tools, jewellery, pottery, masks, and more. Visitors can take guided tours or explore on their own to learn about different cultures from around the world.

The museum also offers several activities for children including interactive exhibits, workshops, and hands-on activities. There are also several restaurants located near the museum which offer outdoor seating with views of the gardens.

8. Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower is a 15th century bell tower located at the intersection of four streets in Oxford City Centre. It was once part of St Martin’s Church but was separated from it during World War II when it suffered severe bomb damage. Today visitors can climb up to the top of the tower to enjoy stunning views over Oxford City Centre.

The tower also offers visitors a chance to learn more about its history with interactive exhibits located inside it. Visitors can also take part in fun activities such as ringing its bells or take part in ghost tours which explore its haunted past.

9. Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is one of Britain’s oldest museums, founded in 1683 by Elias Ashmole as part of Oxford University’s Natural History Museum. The museum has an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world including Ancient Egyptian artifacts, Italian Renaissance artworks, Chinese porcelain, Japanese prints, contemporary works, Islamic ceramics and much more. Visitors can take guided tours or explore on their own to learn about different cultures from around the world.

The museum also offers several activities for children including interactive exhibits, workshops, and hands-on activities. There are also several restaurants located near the museum which offer outdoor seating with views of the gardens.

10. Thames Path Walk

The Thames Path Walk is a popular walking route which follows the River Thames from Oxford City Centre all the way to London Bridge. Along this route visitors can enjoy stunning views over Oxford City Centre as well as picturesque countryside scenes along its bankside path. The route passes through several towns including Lechlade-on-Thames where visitors can stop off for refreshments or explore its quaint streets lined with independent shops and cafes.

Visitors can choose to walk or cycle along this route with plenty of stops along the way to admire its many sights and attractions such as ancient churches, historical monuments and traditional pubs.

Popular Tours

Oxford Pub Tour

Experience Oxford’s vibrant pub culture on this fun walking tour that takes you through some of Oxford’s oldest pubs and bars. Learn about Oxford’s history while sampling some delicious local beers at each stop! This tour departs from Carfax Tower in Oxford City Centre and takes you on a guided walking tour around some of Oxford’s oldest pubs including The Bear Inn (est 1566) and The King’s Arms (est 1605). Along your journey you’ll learn about Oxford’s history while sampling some delicious local beers at each stop! The tour lasts approximately 2 hours with plenty of stops along the way to enjoy some refreshments and explore each pub’s unique atmosphere! You can book an Oxford Pub Tour here.

Oxford Movie & TV Tour

Experience Oxford like never before on this fun walking tour that takes you through some of Oxford’s most iconic filming locations! See where Harry Potter was filmed and learn about other famous movies & TV shows that were shot in Oxford! This tour departs from Carfax Tower in Oxford City Centre and takes you on a guided walking tour around some of Oxford’s most iconic filming locations including Christ Church College (Harry Potter) and Duke Humfrey’s Library (Sherlock). Along your journey you’ll learn about some famous movies & TV shows that were shot in Oxford as well as some interesting facts about Oxford’s history! The tour lasts approximately 2 hours with plenty of stops along the way to take photos & explore each location’s unique atmosphere! You can book an Oxford Movie & TV Tour here.