Oxford is well known for its University, highly regarded as one of the world's leading educational facilities. But the city has so much more to offer than just the University! Things to do in Oxford range from lazily traveling along the river to visiting the interesting architecture and enjoying the literary treasure trove. There is even something to see for Harry Potter fans!
One of the most interesting places to see in Oxford is the world famous University. The University is actually made up of thirty smaller colleges scattered throughout the city. Explore the colleges and visit friendly campuses like Corpus Christi College with sports field and boathouse. However, the most popular is undoubtedly the ‘Hogwarts’ college. Christ Church College, the inspiration for the famous wizard school of Hogwarts, with the Great Hall being the main attraction. The University doesn’t organize tours, but you can take part in a walking tour that includes visits to the colleges. Let's go
While wandering around the city you may be making a mental checklist of what to do in Oxford. If the weather is nice then a great option to take advantage of is to join a river cruise. Cruise the river and enjoy lunchtime picnics, sunset dinner cruises, a birthday party or even a corporate regatta. You can join a public tour or even get a private boat for you and your party if you want to experience the wonderful sights on a relaxing journey with your own friends and colleagues. Enjoy the on-boat dinner with a glass of wine while the boat captain shares his knowledge on the history of Oxford. Let's go
On a trip to England you may be thinking about what to do in Oxford, and no matter the time of year, you can enjoy afternoon tea. Afternoon tea comprises a few different components, small ‘finger’ sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, small cakes and obviously the most important, the tea! It is thought to have originated around 1840, and you can take part in on your visit to Oxford! The city has a plethora of cafes and tea houses where you can enjoy the mini meal, cafes, hotels, restaurants, and even ostentatious manor houses allow you to enjoy afternoon tea in Oxford. Be ready to be blown away by deliciousness! Let's go
Oxford is well known for its University, highly regarded as one of the world's leading educational facilities. But the city has so much more to offer than just the University! Things to do in Oxford range from lazily traveling along the river to visiting the interesting architecture and enjoying the literary treasure trove. There is even something to see for Harry Potter fans!
For fans of literature, Oxford is a wonderful place to explore. On this note, The Eagle and Child pub is a must. In this very pub, world-famous authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien used to meet to discuss the books they were writing. Sports fans frequent the historically significant points of their favorite teams and players. It is only natural that writers should do the same! Maybe for inspiration or simply to enjoy the feeling of what took place in this very spot, many years ago.
Known as the city of dreaming spires, exploring the architecture in Oxford is a great way to spend the day. The University of Oxford is the oldest English speaking University in the world, and with many buildings to explore, one of the best places to visit in Oxford University is the Bodleian Library. The library is for students, but you can get a guided tour.
Also, make sure to check out the Ashmolean Museum. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Oxford and the oldest museum in the world and is free to enter.
The botanic garden is almost 400 years old with more than 5000 plant species. This is particularly enjoyable in the Spring when they’re starting to bloom.
Another thoroughly pleasant way to spend some time in Oxford is punting along the river. One of the more popular things to do in Oxford for locals and visitors alike. It is essentially paddling but with a long pole that touches the riverbed and propels you along the river instead of a paddle that simply ducks into the water. Either give it a go yourself or sit back, relax and let a chauffeur move your vessel along the river.
When thinking of places to see in Oxford, you must visit Christ Church College. Why is this of interest to Harry Potter fans? The Great Hall was the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Just wandering around the interior of the building you will immediately feel as if you’re wandering the corridors at Hogwarts.
The stairway and aged stone hallway with large windows that will make you feel as if Professor Dumbledore could come walking down the corridor at any moment. The Great Hall itself is the inspiration for its counterpart at Hogwarts. Not nearly as Grand in scale or patrons, the place has a great atmosphere, regardless of whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, it is only enhanced if you’re a Potterhead!