Oxford, a historic university city
Visiting Oxford means stepping into the story of one of the oldest universities in the world while enjoying a walkable city rich in heritage. Between its prestigious colleges, fascinating museums, and cobblestone lanes lined with ashlar stone buildings, Oxford is a destination that appeals as much to history buffs as to culture enthusiasts.
Exploring the university colleges
Oxford is globally famous for its University, founded in the 12th century. Among its many colleges, several are particularly worth a detour.
Christ Church is famous for its magnificent chapel, which also serves as a cathedral, and for its grand hall that inspired the one in Hogwarts, the famous wizarding school in Harry Potter. Magdalen College, with its vast grounds and picturesque cloister, offers a peaceful setting right along the Cherwell. Balliol College and Merton College, among the oldest in the city, feature remarkable architecture and historic libraries.
Must-see museums and libraries
Oxford is home to several exceptional museums. The Ashmolean Museum is the oldest university museum in the world, housing fine art and ancient artifacts. The Pitt Rivers Museum is a fascinating anthropological stop with an impressive collection of cultural objects from around the globe. The Bodleian Library, Oxford's historic library, is famous for its magnificent reading rooms and Gothic architecture.
Walking through Oxford and its surroundings
The city is built for walking. Radcliffe Square, anchored by the iconic Radcliffe Camera, is one of the visual signatures of Oxford. High Street is a busy thoroughfare lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Port Meadow, a vast green space at the edge of the city, is ideal for a stroll along the Thames.
Day trips and nearby sights
If you have extra time, several nearby spots merit an excursion. Blenheim Palace, about 15 km from Oxford, is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by magnificent gardens and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Going punting on the River Cherwell is a quintessential Oxford pastime, letting you see the city from the water.
Comforting traditional food
Oxford's culinary scene stays true to British traditions. You can sample Oxford Blue, a local blue cheese, or enjoy an Oxford Sausage, a lightly spiced pork link. To drink, do not miss a glass of Pimm's in the summer or a pint of craft ale at 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 used to meet.
- Vaults & Garden (Radcliffe Square): a cafe set inside a former university church, ideal for an organic lunch.
- Gee's (Banbury Road): a restaurant housed in a Victorian glasshouse serving modern British cuisine.
- The Trout Inn (Godstow): a riverside pub, ideal for a quiet meal.
When to go?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Oxford, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner than in summer. In December, the city lights up with its Christmas market.
In May, May Morning brings a centuries-old tradition welcoming 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 $20 and $40* depending on the time of day. Frequent coach services also connect Oxford to the capital in 1.5 to 2 hours.
How to get around?
Downtown Oxford is compact and easily explored on foot. Cycling is extremely popular, supported by plenty of bike lanes. Local buses provide solid coverage across the city and surrounding areas.
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.