Visiting Oxford, a historic university town
Walking through Oxford means stepping into the story of one of the oldest universities in the world while enjoying a town that remains human-scale and dense with heritage. Between its prestigious colleges, fascinating museums, and cobblestone alleys lined with ashlar stone buildings, Oxford is a destination that appeals to history buffs and culture seekers alike.
Exploring the university colleges
Oxford is globally recognized for its University, which dates back to the 12th century. Among the many colleges that make up the institution, some are particularly worth your time.
Christ Church is famous for its magnificent chapel, which also serves as the city cathedral, and its Great Hall that inspired the dining room in Harry Potter. Magdalen College, with its sprawling grounds and picturesque cloister, offers a peaceful atmosphere along the River Cherwell. Balliol College and Merton College, two of the oldest in the city, feature striking architecture and historic libraries.
Essential museums and libraries
Oxford houses several exceptional museums. The Ashmolean Museum is the world's oldest university museum, where you can view fine art and ancient artifacts. The Pitt Rivers Museum is a captivating anthropological space with an immense collection of cultural objects from across the globe. The Bodleian Library, the university's historic research library, is well-known for its grand reading rooms and gothic architecture.
Walking through Oxford and beyond
The city is perfectly suited for walking. Radcliffe Square, home to the iconic Radcliffe Camera, is one of the most recognizable spots in Oxford. High Street is a busy thoroughfare lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic buildings. Port Meadow, a vast green space on the edge of town, is the go-to spot for a walk along the Thames.
Excursions and nearby discoveries
If you have extra time, several spots are worth a day trip. Blenheim Palace, located about 10 miles outside of Oxford, is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by sprawling gardens and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trying punting on the River Cherwell is a quintessential Oxford activity, giving you a fresh perspective of the city from the water.
Comforting and traditional cuisine
Oxford offers a food scene that stays true to British roots. Look for Oxford Blue, a local blue cheese, or grab an Oxford Sausage, which has a distinct, slightly spicy flavor. When it comes to drinks, don't miss a Pimm's in the summer or a pint of local craft ale in one of the city's many historic pubs.
Where to eat?
- The Eagle and Child (St Giles): A historic pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once held their meetings.
- Vaults & Garden (Radcliffe Square): A cafe set inside an old church, perfect for an organic lunch.
- Gee’s (Banbury Road): A restaurant housed in a Victorian conservatory serving modern British dishes.
- The Trout Inn (Godstow): A riverside pub ideal for a quiet, scenic meal.
Where to stay?
- Old Bank Hotel (City Center): A boutique hotel perfectly positioned for exploring the city.
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford (Wolvercote): A modern, comfortable hotel with easy access to the center.
- Bear and Ragged Staff (Cumnor): A historic inn with a picturesque setting and an excellent restaurant.
- easyHotel Oxford (Summertown): A budget-friendly option for travelers who want simple access to the city core.
When to go?
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Oxford, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than in the summer. In December, the city brightens up with its festive Christmas market.
In May, May Morning is a traditional event marking the arrival of spring.
How to get there?
Oxford is easily accessible from London. A train from Paddington takes about an hour and costs between £15 and £30 ($19, $38) depending on the time of travel. Frequent buses also connect Oxford to the capital in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
How to get around?
Oxford's city center is compact and easily explored on foot. Cycling is a very popular way to get around, with plenty of bike lanes available. Public buses serve the city and its surrounding areas well.
Like everyone else, I mainly knew Oxford for its university, but I did not expect it to be so vast and spread out across so many buildings, each one more magnificent than the last. If you are a fan of Harry Potter, do not miss Christ Church College and the Divinity School, which are iconic filming locations from the series. Beyond being a very lively student city that is packed with pubs, Oxford offers a romantic setting with its beautiful parks and punting on the River Cherwell. It is a perfect destination for a romantic weekend getaway.
Among the must-see sights, I recommend the dazzling Bodleian Library, with its dizzying shelves, and the Ashmolean Museum, which features magnificent collections of paintings and antiquities.