Location: Oxford
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The 6 Best Libraries in Oxford, England
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Oxford Central Library
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
5. The Oxford Union
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
Built in 1857, the Oxford Union Library was the Union's original debating chamber. It is a fine example of Victorian architecture and is richly decorated by members of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, including a ceiling by William Morris, murals by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones and more. There are around 46,000 books in the collection, ranging over a variety of topics, with the majority being available to borrow by members. Today the library remains at the heart of the Union and is well used (and well loved!) by current members. Individuals are welcome to visit during open hours, however groups of 5 or more must be booked in advance either via email or phone. Please also get in touch if you have an access queries.
Reviewed By RosyU - Colombo, Sri Lanka
It was really nice to visit this place to witness the murals and the library. Especially I was so happy and proud to see the portrait of late Mr.Lakshman Kadiragamar as a Sri Lankan.
6. Summertown Library
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 3 reviews
