Location: Oxford
Top Things to do in Oxford
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What to do and see in Oxford, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. St Edmund Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom
St Edmund Hall offers a Medieval hall if you go on the tour of the grounds, it was one of several colleges we saw only from the outside with more stunning architecture.
2. University of Oxford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,610 reviews
Starting as early as 1096 with some form of teaching, Oxford is the oldest English-speaking university in the world.
Reviewed By Onleaveagain - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
The university is formed from almost forty individual colleges. The grandest buildings are located in the colleges which are the oldest. The majority of buildings are built in sandstone with ornate door and window surrounds, towers and huge pillars. Access to several colleges can be gained for a small fee. Oxford is known as the ‘city of dreaming spires’ and just looking around the skyline it is easy to see why.
3. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,479 reviews
Reviewed By PeteD60 - Ware, United Kingdom
This was an Tuesday afternoon visit in November – highlights – the Dining Hall – Custodian Sue was very informative and helpful – the tables were laid against a background of history with its Founder Cardinal Wolsey and after his fall Henry 8 and Elizabeth 1 looking down on the diners alongside portraits of Deans - past and present – different dining times for the students – early smart casual – later more formal with gowns – a different world – and then out into the quadrangle dominated by the Wren designed tower and then into the cathedral with its choir stalls running through the centre – guides on hand to provide additional information to the free guide – it is a visit of history and tradition in spades – well worth a visit – thank you
4. Merton College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Founded in 1264 AD, Merton is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. It is home to the oldest academic library in continuous use anywhere in Europe, which was built between 1373 and 1378. The buildings around the College span many time periods and illustrate several different architectural styles. The oldest buildings still standing date to the 1280s. The current student body comprises c. 700 students (equally divided between undergraduates and graduates). Open to tourists most days of the year. Charge £3. Regular tours available daily during the summer (July-September) at 2 and 3 pm. Bookings are recommended via the email address listed, though places are often available on the door. Charge £5 (£3 for Oxford University members and alumni with card), payable by cash or cheque only. If you are bringing a large group, please email us in advance. If you would like a tour of the college outside regular summer tour hours, please email in advance to determine availability.
Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom
Merton College is easy to walk around the outside along the delightful Dead mans walk, great views of the architecture and across the fields to the river cherwell, well worth a viewing.
5. New College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
New College, founded in 1379, is one of the larger colleges at the University of Oxford, and is particularly well-known for its Chapel and Choir.
Reviewed By JQE50 - Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
My husband and I visited as "tourists"; we were not disappointed and met with the most wonderful charismatic and splendid gentleman - I remain sorely disappointed I did not take his name. He treated us to a first class experience, his passion and commitment to the college was highly evident and I was so impressed that so many of the students spoke warmly and affectionately to him. He was clearly very well informed and versed and shared with us so much information and history that we felt quite honoured and proud that he chose to share his knowledge with us. I simply hope that this review makes it to his viewing and someone passes on how very wonderful he was. This is a stunning college and we learned so much about its history. How very privileged should you be lucky enough to study here.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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’.
10. All Souls College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Founded by Henry VI and Henry Chichele in 1438, the college today serves primarily as an academic research institution at the University of Oxford.
Reviewed By TexasAly - Mount Pleasant, United States
Highly recommend spending an afternoon exploring the parts that are open to the public. It is an amazing place to visit knowing that it is and has housed some of the greatest minds in the world.
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