Location: Oxford
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10 Architectural Buildings in Oxford That You Shouldn't Miss
In the "city of dreaming spires," academia takes center stage. Gaze out at Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower before heading into the city's pedestrian-friendly streets. Follow your nose to the Covered Market for the makings of a picnic to enjoy at Headington Hill Park. Mix the historic and modern with visits to the 12th-century village church of Iffley and trendy Cowley's ethnic shops and music venues.
Restaurants in Oxford
1. Magdalen College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 708 reviews
Please visit magd.ox.ac.uk
Reviewed By Suzyed144
Lovely college to walk around, allow a good 90 minutes and finish off with a nice snack in theold kitchen bar, in the summer the seats outside can be viewed from Magdalen bridge.
2. Bodleian Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,263 reviews
The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford. It founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK. In its reading rooms generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, amongst them monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British Prime Ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At the site, you can explore historic spaces that you might recognise from popular films and TV series such as Harry Potter and A Discovery of Witches. We also offer free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, two unique gift shops and a lovely café.
Reviewed By SCagray - Santa Cruz, United States
This was a wonderful way to experience the library! We took the 90 minute tour which including going inside Radcliff Camera, highly recommend!! Our guide was very knowledgeable and she was witty as week. We thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much more than we would have without the tour.
3. Sheldonian Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
The Sheldonian Theatre, an exquisite Grade I listed building situated in Oxford's city centre, is the official ceremonial hall of Oxford University. The Theatre is a popular tourist attraction particular because it offers one of the best indoor panoramic views of Oxford's famous skyline from its Cupola. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1664 and 1669. The Theatre offers self-guided tours or guided tours. On a one hour guided tour, learn about how the University was formed, how long it's been in existence and the secrets of its past. For availability, booking and opening hours information, please visit our website. Opening hours vary depending on University events and concerts, so please do check our website before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Reviewed By Onleaveagain - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
This building is situated in the centre of the city where all of the main university buildings are located. This mainly circular structure was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was originally built as a theatre and to house The Oxford Press University. It is now primarily used for graduation ceremonies and some theatre activities. Inside is interesting and worth a visit if you have the time.
4. University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 740 reviews
Considered one of the oldest university buildings in the world, this is a superb example of Church Architecture from the 13th century.
Reviewed By Onleaveagain - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
Located directly opposite the Radcliffe Camera building this originally formed part of the university. It is a lovely church which is well worth a visit. Access can be gained to the top of the tower for a small fee and this provides great views across the city of Oxford which is also known as ‘The city of dreaming spires’.
5. Clarendon Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Built in 1712 by the Oxford University Press for the University's printing, the building is now part of the Bodleian Library.
Reviewed By rayrest - London, United Kingdom
The Clarendon building was built in 1712 by the Oxford university press for printing and is now part of the Bodleian Library. It is a great looking building and is well worth taking a couple of breaths to look over this large building.
6. Radcliffe Camera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
This distinctive circular building is a beautiful piece of classical architecture and one of Oxford’s most iconic sights. It's named after the royal physician, John Radcliffe, who had left money in his will to purchase land, build a library, purchase books, and pay a full-time librarian. The camera (the word means simply ‘room’) was built 1737 – 1749 and designed by the leading architect James Gibbs.
Reviewed By anywhereweroam - London, United Kingdom
One of Oxford’s most photographed landmarks, the Radcliffe Camera. The neo-classical 17th-century gem is part of the Bodleian Library and acts as an exquisite centrepiece to the golden-hued heart of Oxford. Come early in the morning for golden light and excellent photo opportunities.
7. St. Michael at the Northgate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
The Saxon tower of St. Michael in the Northgate is the oldest surviving stone building in Oxford, which formed part of the town's defenses in the eleventh century.
Reviewed By howards52
The church has a Saxon tower making It one of or possibly the oldest building in Oxford which you can climb and have a lovely all encompassing view of historic Oxford. There is a font where Shakespeare would have stood while his godson was baptised. In addition to this it is a very spiritual place and the Vicar and his team organise: interesting biblical discussions , classical music on Mondays from 1 till 2 , very widely stocked fair trade shop and thoughtful services.
8. Taylor Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Part of the University of Oxford, this impressive classical building was built in 1844 and houses lecture halls and libraries used by students of Modern Languages.
9. Rhodes House
10. Weston Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
The Weston Library offers free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, a unique gift shop and a lovely café set against the backdrop of the floating book stacks in its atrium, Blackwell Hall. Formerly known as the New Bodleian, the recently refurbished building is the home of the Bodleian Libraries special collections, it is also a busy working library that houses several reading rooms, a research centre, a conservation studio and much more.
Reviewed By l0ve2travel93 - London, United Kingdom
This was a great discovery after walking round some of the beautiful buildings as it has free toilets, a cafe and some free exhibitions. It's also quite nice and spacious inside. I was surprisingly impressed and was a great find to get out of the cold.
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