Location: Oxford
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What to do and see in Oxford, England: The Best Gardens
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. Corpus Christi College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Founded in 1517 by Richard Fox, then Bishop of Winchester, this is the smallest Oxford college with approximately 350 undergraduate and graduate students.
2. St John's College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Founded in 1555 and named after St. John the Baptist, patron saint of tailors, this Oxford college is best known for its Canterbury Quad with its impressive classical architecture.
Reviewed By stephencamburn - Chinon, France
I am a graduate alumnus of St. John's College Oxford and although I came down from Oxford with a doctorate as long ago as 1982, I have remained very much in contact with the college. St John's is one of the most beautiful colleges in the University of Oxford which is studded with buildings of great architectural beauty and historical significance. St. John's has recently recovered from major building works to provide the college with a beautiful and greatly needed new library to augment the oold library that was founded by a previous President of the college, Archbishop Laud who lost his head on Tower Hill in the early seventeenth century. Like all Oxford colleges, St. John's is only open to the public at certain times of the day in term-time and you should always check on these hours in advance. As you step into the college (and it is easy to trip over the step in the wooden door, so be careful) what you see is the oldest part of college, dating back to the sixteenth century, certain parts of it even going back to the late middle ages. Walk straight ahead under an arch into Canternbury Quad, one of the most beautiful seveteenth century architectural environments in England. It is laid out in the Italian style of Inigo Jones with sprung arches and bronze statues of King Charles I and his Queen by Hubert Le Seuer over each porch. Continue walking straight into the garden which was originally laid out by 'Capability' Brown in the eighteenth century and currently recovering from the redevelopment necessary for the new library. Retrace your steps and from the Front Quad enter the porch which leads to the Chapel on your right and the Dining-Hall on your left. The Chapel should be open and is worth seeing as a jewel-box of seventeenth century ecclesiastical art from the eagle pulpit to the statuary and ancient inscriptions on the walls. The organ has recently been restored and if you are lucky the organ scholar might be playing the organ during your visit. From the Chapel, the passage way will take you into North Quad which is mainly nineteenth century in construction but with the seventeenth century classical building of the dons' senior common room on your right. Further along the quad on the right are modern 1960s buildings called the Bee-Hive (because that's what they resesmble) which were cutting-edge in their time but no longer to all tastes. In the far corner of the North Quad there is a short passage leading out onto the Sir Thomas White Building which is now nearly forty-five years old and a good example of modern architecture adapting well to the needs of modern undergraduates and research scholars. I lived there very happily, once upon a time!
3. War Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
This peaceful garden was created in 1925 in tribute to all residents of Oxford and the University who lost their lives during World War I.
Reviewed By panda762 - Colchester, United Kingdom
Stunned and delighted to come across such a beautiful memorial garden in the centre of Oxford, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded shops. An absolutely gorgeous space to simply take a few minutes to reflect as you wander through.
4. Exeter College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By JeffTheChairman - Exeter, United Kingdom
During a few days sightseeing in Oxford we fell in love with the place, the people and the buildings We managed a free tour of EXETER College and we were really amazed The gardens the buildings and the church or is it a cathedral If visiting Oxford don’t miss a walk around EXETER
5. University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 992 reviews
The Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest in the UK and with nearly 5,000 different types of plant, the Garden is a year-round oasis of biodiversity, right in the heart of the city. For winter opening hours please visit our website.
Reviewed By X8085XIalanf - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
These gardens are an absolute delight. The greenhouse plants are a marvel especially the pitcher plants and giant lilies. Outside the walled garden the Merton borders are an example of sustainable horticultural development and are a complete joy. It’s difficult to say how wonderful these gardens are. To fully appreciate them you need a good 1 to 2 hours. Perfection.
6. Florence Park
7. Barracks Lane Community Garden
8. Charterville care horticultural therapy nurseries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
