Must See Places in Oxford

Oxford, the historic university city, is calling you with its beautiful buildings, rich history and timeless charm. Known as the “City of Dreaming Spires” Oxford has a magical mix of medieval buildings, world class museums and literary landmarks that have inspired countless scholars and writers. Whether you’re here for a day or a week this guide reveals the must see places that make Oxford truly unmissable. In this blog we cover the top places to visit in Oxford you can’t miss.

Must See Places in Oxford

Nestled in the South-East of UK, a little over an hour’s drive from London is the scenic city of Oxford. One of the most sought after places to visit in the UK, Oxford is home to world renowned universities, a castle, museums, and much more. It is also the place that several timeless creative geniuses called home, such as J.R.R. Tolkien (the well-known author of The Lord of the Rings), Stephen Hawking, and Lewis Carroll to name a few. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some of the must-see places in Oxford.

University of Oxford

No visit to Oxford is complete without visiting the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English speaking world. Founded in the 12th century this institution has educated 28 British Prime Ministers and countless Nobel Prize winners.

What to See:

• Walk through the college courtyards
• Visit the famous Radcliffe Camera
• Explore the medieval college chapels
• Marvel at the Gothic architecture

The university has 39 independent colleges, each with its own character and history. Many colleges offer guided tours that give you a glimpse into student life and academic traditions.

You can also explore a helpful guide for first time visitors to the UK

Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Scientific Wonders

This Victorian Gothic museum has natural history collections including dinosaur skeletons, mineral specimens and zoological displays. The building itself is a 19th century masterpiece.

Collection Highlights:

• Complete dinosaur skeletons and fossils
• Mineral and rock collections
• Zoological specimens from around the world
• Victorian Gothic architecture

The museum offers experiences for all ages and showcases the natural world and the history of science.

Oxford Botanic Garden

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest one of its kind in Britain and has a diverse collection of plants. The Botanic Garden has a walled garden, a glasshouse for plants sensitive to UK weather, and a lower garden. The mesmerizing garden was the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s stories in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Needless to say, the best time to visit the Botanical Garden is in the summer or late spring, when most of the plants will be in full bloom to view.

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Oxford Castle and Prison

Coming to the UK and not visiting castles is a missed opportunity. Almost every major city or district has a well-known castle, and Oxford is no different. Oxford castle and prison was built in 1073, with it serving as a prison till as recently as 1996. Most of the castle was destroyed in the Civil War in the 18th century, but the other sections were converted into prisons. The ruins of the castle are yet another attraction that can be viewed within the city centre, as it is walking distance from the universities and museums.

Ashmolean Museum

Another attraction that cannot be missed in Oxford is England’s oldest public museum, the Ashmolean Museum. This museum houses original drawings from Leonardo da Vinci, paintings from Picasso, Egyptian mummies, ancient Greek coins, and much more. There are also frequent exhibitions held here, as it tries to acquire or exhibit major artefacts from around the world. For older children and adults that are enthralled by archaeology, this is the place to go.

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Oxford Castle & Prison: Medieval History Unveiled

Oxford Castle & Prison is a fantastic journey through 1,000 years of history, including Norman conquest and Victorian incarceration. This site is excellent for preserving interactive history. Guests will see Oxford’s gruesome history in action.

Historical Experiences:

• Climb St. George’s Tower for a view of the city
• Explore the Saxon crypt and the Norman chapel
• Discover the famous prisoners and escapes
• Interactive displays on medieval life

Guided tours by costumed characters give a great way to learn about the castle’s role in English history from a royal residence through to a county gaol.

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Planning Your Oxford Visit: Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit: Oxford is a great destination to visit in any season, but spring and summer have the most agreeable weather for strolling and outside enjoyment.

Getting There: Oxford can be reached easily by train from London (1 hour), by bus, or by car using the M40 motorway.

Duration: One full day will allow you to see the main highlights but two or three full days will also enable time to visit some colleges, museums, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

Tickets and Tours: Many attractions offer combined tickets and walking tours provide excellent introductions to the history of Oxford and the layout of the city.

Start Your Oxford Adventure Today

Oxford isn’t just another place – it’s where history comes alive and every corner has a surprise. From Harry Potter filming locations to literary pubs where famous authors hung out, these 6 must see places in Oxford will be etched in your memory forever.

Pack your camera, wear comfy shoes and get ready to fall in love with England’s most magical university city. Your Oxford adventure starts now!

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Oxford

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