Oxford Travel Guide: Discover the Oldest University City in the UK

Welcome to Oxford, one of the most famous university cities in the world, where centuries of scholarship meet cobbled streets, golden sandstone buildings, and a distinct sense of timelessness.
 

As your local tour guide, I’ll walk you through Oxford’s must-see sights, share insider tips, and help you plan an unforgettable visit—whether you’re here for a day trip or a cultural deep dive.

🕰️ A Brief History of Oxford

Oxford's history dates back over 1,000 years, first recorded in 912 as “Oxnaforda” (meaning a ford for oxen). But its fame skyrocketed in 1096 when scholars began teaching here, forming what would become the University of Oxford—now the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

The university has educated prime ministers, Nobel laureates, writers like J.R.R. Tolkien, and scientists like Stephen Hawking. But beyond academia, Oxford is a city rich in architecture, arts, literature, and legends.

🎓 Exploring the University of Oxford

The University is composed of 39 independent colleges, each with its own charm, traditions, and quirks. Some of the most iconic include:

1. Christ Church College

Founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII

Filming location for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts dining hall

Home to Tom Tower, designed by Sir Christopher Wren

Don’t miss the Christ Church Meadow for river walks and picnics

2. Magdalen College

Pronounced “Maud-lin”

Known for its tower and deer park

Beautiful cloisters, chapel, and botanical walks

3. Balliol College

One of the oldest, founded in 1263

Strong academic reputation and political alumni (e.g., several UK Prime Ministers)

4. All Souls College

Famous for its exclusivity—admits only graduate fellows

Stunning Codrington Library and Radcliffe Square views

📚 Libraries and Learning Landmarks

📖 1. The Bodleian Library

One of Europe’s oldest libraries

Home to over 13 million printed items

You can take a guided tour of the Divinity School, Duke Humfrey’s Library (used in Harry Potter), and underground stacks

🏛️ 2. The Radcliffe Camera

One of Oxford’s most iconic buildings

Used as a reading room for the Bodleian

Stunning from every angle—especially at sunset

🏰 Must-See Sights in Oxford (Beyond the Colleges)

🕍 1. University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Climb the church tower for one of the best panoramic views of Oxford

Important historical site in the university’s development

🎨 2. Ashmolean Museum

Britain’s first public museum (1683)

Art, archaeology, and world culture exhibits

Highlights: Egyptian mummies, Raphael drawings, and Eastern ceramics

🌸 3. Oxford Botanic Garden

Oldest botanic garden in the UK (founded 1621)

Over 6,000 plant species

A tranquil riverside escape

⚗️ 4. History of Science Museum

Exhibits include Einstein’s blackboard and Galileo’s telescopes

Located in the original Ashmolean building

🖼️ 5. Pitt Rivers Museum

Quirky, fascinating collection of anthropological treasures

Don’t miss the shrunken heads and tribal masks!

🛶 Punting on the River Cherwell

Punting is an Oxford tradition, perfect for enjoying the scenery and unwinding.

What is punting? You push a flat-bottomed boat with a long pole, steering gently along the river

Best locations: Cherwell Boathouse, Magdalen Bridge, or Folly Bridge

Chauffeured or DIY: Go with a guide for stories or challenge yourself with self-hire!

💡 Top Tip: Bring a picnic or a bottle of wine for a truly relaxing float along Oxford’s waterways.

📸 Best Walking Tours & Routes

📷 1. The University and Radcliffe Square Walk

Stops: Bodleian Library → Radcliffe Camera → All Souls → Brasenose College → University Church

🏞️ 2. Christ Church Meadow Walk

Starts behind Christ Church College

Pass by rivers, open fields, rowers, and grazing cattle

Especially lovely during golden hour

🧭 3. The Covered Market & City Centre

A maze of 18th-century alleys packed with local produce, food stalls, and crafts

🍽️ Where to Eat in Oxford

Budget-Friendly

The Handle Bar Café & Kitchen – Vegetarian-friendly and artsy

G&D’s Ice Cream Café – Great for dessert or coffee

Mid-Range

Turf Tavern – Hidden historic pub with an atmospheric courtyard

Vaults & Garden Café – Organic food inside a church vault

Fine Dining

The Old Parsonage Hotel – Elegant British menu and cozy ambiance

The Oxford Kitchen – Michelin-guide modern European dining

🍺 Historic Pubs Worth a Visit

The Eagle and Child – Frequented by Tolkien and C.S. Lewis (currently closed for renovations but reopening soon!)

The Bear Inn – Oxford’s oldest pub, known for its collection of neckties

Lamb & Flag – A literary hub with classic pub charm

🛍️ Where to Shop in Oxford

Westgate Oxford – Modern shopping center with high-street and luxury brands

The Covered Market – Traditional shops, bakeries, florists, and butcheries

Blackwell’s Bookshop – Legendary academic and general bookstore

🏨 Where to Stay in Oxford

Luxury

The Randolph Hotel – A five-star Oxford icon near the Ashmolean

Old Bank Hotel – Stylish and central, with rooftop dining

Mid-Range

Vanbrugh House Hotel – Boutique and historic, great location

Malmaison Oxford – Set in a former prison with a chic twist

Budget

YHA Oxford Hostel – Clean, friendly, and just a 5-minute walk from the train station

Central Backpackers – Affordable and lively

🕐 When Is the Best Time to Visit Oxford?

Spring (March–May): Gardens bloom, fewer tourists

Summer (June–August): Great weather, buzzing atmosphere, but busier

Autumn (September–October): Golden foliage and quieter college tours

Winter (November–February): Frosty charm, Christmas markets, and lower prices

📅 Annual Events & Festivals

Oxford Literary Festival (March/April) – Celebrating writers, readers, and ideas

May Morning (May 1st) – Choir singing from Magdalen Tower at sunrise

Alice’s Day (July) – A tribute to Lewis Carroll and his famous story

Oxford Christmas Market (December) – Stalls, lights, and carols on Broad Street

🎬 Oxford on Screen

Harry Potter – Hogwarts library and dining hall scenes filmed at Bodleian and Christ Church

The Golden Compass, X-Men, The Theory of Everything – All used Oxford’s stunning backdrop

Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour – Crime dramas deeply associated with the city

🚆 Getting to Oxford

From London

By train: ~1 hour from London Paddington

By coach: Oxford Tube or X90 from London Victoria

By car: Around 90 minutes via M40 (note: parking is limited in the city center)

Once in Oxford

Walk or bike – The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly

Local buses – Easy connections throughout the city

🌟 Fun Facts About Oxford

Oxford’s university predates the Aztec Empire.

J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were part of the “Inklings” literary group, meeting at local pubs.

The Sheldonian Theatre was designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

The Oxford English Dictionary was first compiled here.

Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) based Alice in Wonderland on Alice Liddell, daughter of the Dean of Christ Church.

🎯 Why Visit Oxford?

Oxford is a city where the past and present live in harmony—where students in academic robes bike past medieval towers, and curious travelers can trace the footsteps of legends.

Whether you’re here for the architecture, literature, film history, or riverside charm, Oxford promises inspiration at every corner.