Oxford is teeming with prestigious educational institutions and historical sites. Celebrated as Europe’s oldest university town, it has rivaled Cambridge for academic influence in England. Tick off many items on your Oxford must-see list when you explore its centuries-old buildings, museums, and the world-renowned university. Check out this helpful travel guide and discover what the city has in store for you!
Founded in 1602, Bodleian Library in Oxford is one of the oldest public libraries in Europe. It serves as the main research library of the university and has over 12 million items under its care. Some of its treasures are the Gutenberg Bible and the most important surviving manuscript written in Middle English, the Vernon Manuscript. In pop culture, the library was seen in many Hollywood films such as Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, and The Madness of King George III.
Completed in 1749, Radcliffe Camera is one of the, if not the most iconic structures in Oxford. Its circular design and isolation from other buildings make it an ideal focal point around the campus. Named after Dr. John Radcliffe, who funded its construction, the library holds many history books within its walls. It also sits right across from Bodleian Library, providing additional reading rooms in case Bodleian becomes too crowded.
Completed in the 13th-century, Oxford Castle is one of the well-known castles in England. For centuries, royal affairs and rebellion happened in the castle. In the 18th-century, the owners at the time made a profit by leasing the castle to the local wardens. It was the time the castle gained its reputation as one of the cruelest prisons in the UK. Rumor has it, the place is still haunted by its past. Today, the building is now home to an education center that shares its interesting history.
Notable for its prominent architecture, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin is one of the most iconic structures in Oxford. Originally built during Anglo-Saxon times, the church has seen many historical events and structural improvements over the centuries. The oldest part of the building is also its most striking — the tower. Constructed in 1280 and enhanced from 1315 to 1325, the tower is considered the best example of decorated Gothic architecture in Oxford.
Located along Broad Street, the Sheldonian Theatre is home to regular performances by local groups, including the Oxford Philomusica and Stornoway. The building was completed in 1669 and named after Gilbert Sheldon, the chancellor and main financial backer at the time. Used for concerts, lectures, and important university ceremonies, the theater can seat between 800 and 1,000 people. The building is also famous for its spectacular painted ceiling done by Robert Streater.
A center for educational, scientific, and cultural appreciation, Oxford University Museum of Natural History acquires and exhibits works of art, specimens, and historical artifacts from across the globe. Constructed in 1850, the museum is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Home to many scientific research programs, the museum has a massive collection of fossilized aquatic animals and dinosaur bones. Other important specimens include the reconstruction of extinct birds, gemstones, meteorites, and more.
Established in the 17th-century, the Oxford Botanic Garden is Britain’s oldest scientific garden. Nestled on the bank of River Cherwell, the 130-acre garden is teeming with interesting plants and trees. A horticulturist paradise, the garden has over 8,000 plant species. Each plant has an identification tag, whether it’s cut from the wild or were part of a conservation project. On the other hand, the Arboretum has free-roaming peacocks that add color to the already colorful nature-reserve.
Hertford Bridge or commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs is a popular landmark in the University of Oxford. The bridge was completed in 1914 despite New College's opposition at the time. The bridge connects two buildings of Hertford College over the New College Lane. Recognized for its similarity to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, the structure provides a picture-perfect site for newcomers and tourists.
Founded by Augustus Pitt Rivers in 1884, Pitt Rivers Museum holds a vast archeological and anthropological collection from different countries. In a deal with the University of Oxford, Rivers donated his private collection with the condition that there must be a permanent anthropology lecturer in the university. Today, the collection has grown to 500,000 items, many of which came from travelers, scholars, and missionaries. Some of the notable items are the 11.36m high Haida totem pole, the spine-chilling shrunken heads, and a skull from Yungya Village in Nagaland.
Established in 1774, the Covered Market replaced the untidy stalls scattered around the city. Twenty butchers decided to move in when local officials decided that meat should only be sold in the new market. Today, the building grew with more space for fresh produce, gifts, and flowers. Also, a whole array of sugary treats awaits at The Cake Shop, a small yet popular bakery inside the Covered Market. In 2017, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited and awarded the market with the Royal Seal of Approval.
Oxford is known for its centuries-old buildings, academic institutions, and must-visit places like Radcliffe Camera, the Botanic Garden, and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Some of the exciting events in Oxford are the Wood Festival, English Music Festival, Oxfordshire Artweeks, and Dorchester-on-Thames Festival.
The weather is relatively warm and sunny from May to September in Oxford. While peak season is between July and August, when the city is usually packed with incoming tourists and locals.
Oxford’s city center is a charming and compact neighborhood that offers a lot of hotels for seasoned and first-time travelers. From your hotel, the city’s best restaurants, pubs, landmarks, and attractions are just a few minutes away.