Oxford Attractions
Oxford is a remarkable city that caters to all interests, whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover. This blog post will share with you some of the best attractions and tips to make the most of your time in Oxford including the one the most famous prestige University of Oxford,you can join a walking tour with the university alumni guide, or other local guided tours in the city.
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum is a world-renowned museum displaying a vast collection of art and archaeology, ranging from ancient Egypt to modern China. The museum showcases masterpieces by artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt, Turner, and Picasso, as well as treasures like the Alfred Jewel, the Parian Marble, and the Minoan Snake Goddess. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year. Admission is free, but booking is required.
Oxford University Museum Of Natural History
The Oxford University Museum Of Natural History is a must-see for anyone who loves natural history. The museum showcases the diversity and beauty of life on Earth, featuring exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, insects, mammals, and more. You can also see the famous Oxford Dodo, the only soft-tissue specimen of this extinct bird in the world. The museum is housed in a stunning neo-Gothic building with a glass roof and iron columns. Admission is free, but booking in advance is required.
Radcliffe Camera
The Radcliffe Camera, a 140-foot-tall dome in Oxford, is the principal reading room of the University's Bodleian Libraries. Built between 1737 and 1749, it features the third-largest dome in the UK, designed by Scottish-born architect James Gibbs, influenced by his Rome experience.
Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest and largest libraries in Europe, housed in a Gothic and Renaissance-style building. The library contains over 13 million books and manuscripts, including rare and valuable items such as the Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, and Shakespeare's First Folio. You can join a guided tour of the library to see its highlights, such as the Divinity School, Duke Humfrey's Library, and the Radcliffe Camera. Tours cost £9 for adults and £7 for concessions.
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Bodleian Librares in University of Oxford
Photos by Loretta S
Check out my video about Oxford below
Christ Church is one of the most famous and prestigious colleges of Oxford University, known for its grand quadrangles, cloisters, and gardens. You can visit the college to see its magnificent chapel, which is also the cathedral of Oxford, its splendid dining hall, which inspired the Hogwarts Great Hall in Harry Potter movies, and its picture gallery, which displays paintings by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rubens. Admission fees are £15 for adults and £8 for children.
Oxford Castle & Prison is a fascinating attraction that tells the story of Oxford's past through its most notorious site. You can explore the castle's 1,000-year history, from its origins as a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress to its transformation into a Victorian prison. You can climb the 11th-century St George's Tower for panoramic views of the city, descend into the dark crypt where St George's Chapel once stood, walk through the prison cells where famous inmates such as Oscar Wilde were held, and discover the secrets of the castle's archaeology. Admission fees are £14 for adults and £10 for children.
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Christ Church Interior
Magdalen College Mess Hall
Oxford Riverscape of Folly Bridge (photos: Pexels)
Carfax Tower
Carfax Tower is a landmark in Oxford that offers superb views over the city. The tower is all that remains of a 12th-century church that was demolished in 1896. You can climb 99 steps to reach the top of the tower and enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Oxford's skyline. You can see landmarks such as Christ Church Cathedral, Radcliffe Camera, All Souls College, and more. The tower also has a clock that chimes every quarter hour with two figures striking bells. Admission fees are £3 for adults and £2 for children.
Covered Market
Covered Market is a historic market in Oxford that dates back to 1774. It's a great place to shop for local produce, crafts, souvenirs, and more. You can find stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheese, meat, fish, bread, cakes, chocolates, coffee, tea, spices, herbs, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and more. The market also has cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite or a drink. The market is open every day from 8 am to 5:30 pm (except Sundays).
Covered Market Decor by Loretta S
- Harry Potter Tour with Divinity School Entry: Examine Oxford via the eyes of Harry Potter and other characters, contrast the academic experience at Hogwarts with that of Oxford, and use a wizarding guide to gauge your level of Potter knowledge.
- Oxford City Twilight Ghost Tour: Explore Oxford's haunted past, hearing stories of heretic bishops and town riots from its dreamy spires, as you walk through its back streets and alleyways.
-Christ Church Harry Potter Film Locations Tour:Take a walking tour to gain insight into Oxford university life. Take an audio tour of Christ Church College, stop by famous locations from the Hogwarts movies, and gain access to either New College or the Divinity School.
- Harry Potter Walking Tour Including New College: Join a magical, student-led tour of the medieval structures that served as the inspiration for the Harry Potter books and other works. Learn about the lives of Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as how to open the Door to Narnia.
- Guided Tour for Oxford Castle and Prison: Learn about the complex past of Oxford Castle & Prison. Find out about its past as a university, a jail, and a place of worship. With your costumed guide, explore St George's Tower, the crypt, the Debtors' Tower, and more.
Gusto Italian in Oxford by Loretta S
Oxford is a city with a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for an upscale dining experience, a casual pub meal, or a quick snack from a street vendor, Oxford has something for everyone.
- The Oxford Kitchen: a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern British cuisine with seasonal ingredients. They offer a 10% discount for students and staff of the University of Oxford.
- Brasserie Blanc, the celebrity chef Raymond Blanc owned French bistro in a lovely setting, offers excellent service and delicious food with an eclectic menu and an amazing drinks list.
- Gusto Italian: The classic restaurant & bars offer a contemporary Italian menu using fresh, simple ingredients for exceptional food and drinks, making any occasion special. We loved their stylish cosy interiors and very much enjoyed our delicous meal there.
- The Ivy Oxford Brasserie offers sophisticated all-day dining that includes vegetarian and vegan options in addition to modern British cuisine and classic café fare. Its elegant private room and Art Deco-inspired decor are perfect for celebratory dinners and events. We generally found The Ivy restaurants beautiful with elegant atmosphere, and always had enjoyable dining experience.
- The Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen: a cosy and quirky cafe that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegetarian and vegan options.
- The Missing Bean: a coffee roastery and cafe that sources its beans from ethical and sustainable farms around the world. They collaborate with the Oxford Hub, a social action centre that connects students with local and global causes.
- The Magdalen Arms: a gastropub that offers hearty, rustic meals made with organic and local ingredients. They regularly hold activities like wine tastings, live music performances, and quiz nights. Additionally, they help the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Program by feeding the fellows.
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Punting at Oxford (Photo: Pexels)
Oxford is also home to a wide variety of ethnic restaurants inluding
The Coconut Tree, a Sri Lankan street food restaurant that offers vegan and gluten-free options. Xi'an Restaurant, serving real Chinese food from the Shaanxi province; Al-Andalus Tapas Bar, serving Spanish tapas and sangria; and Aziz Restaurant, serving Indian and Bangladeshi food.
Use websites like OpenTable, Time Out, or Oxfordshire Guardian to learn more about the top restaurants in Oxford. These resources offer menus, reviews, booking options, and images of hundreds of local eateries. You can also just stroll around the streets and find new locations on your own, or you can ask the locals for recommendations.
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