Top Places to Visit in Oxford
Top Places to Visit in Oxford
Steeped in academia, Oxford referred as home to a world-famous university that educated numbers of famous Oxonians including politicians, scientists, lawyers, British prime ministers, artists and lots more. Today, the city is ranked at the topmost position as world’s best tourist destination offering something to everyone for the mesmerizing time.
This is the ideal city of two halves, home to UK’s one of the largest car plants and steeped in fascinating historical past. Located on the Thames, the city of Oxford is well famed for its honey colored buildings that have inspired great authors and writers such as Lewis Carroll, C.S Lewis, and others to write books.
Whether walking on the foot, enjoying the punting or visiting the historical sites, Oxford offers the pleasant memories and a great time of fun at every minute that visitors surely love. With idyllic meadows, stunningly beautiful university buildings, popular filming sites and wonderful nightlife spots, this city of dreaming spires become the favorite tourist destination of worldwide visitors. It has the perfect blend of ancient and modern lifestyle that can be discovered by going for the exciting journey through any tour of Oxford. There are stacks of things to do and Places to Visit in Oxford that a visitor never misses while exploring the academic lifestyle, historic past and appealing glimpse of courtyards.
Oxford is full of amazing attractions that offer awe-inspiring experience ranging from top-class museums, filming sites, renowned college, great nightlife spots, historical pubs, plenty of lush green parks to world-renowned art galleries. The most appealing feature of this city is that it does not take much time to discover the unknown stories or history of Oxford. If you want to enjoy your leisure time in the beautiful city that offers fun and happiness at every moment to convert the ordinary life into delightful and memorable living then visit Oxford. This city attracts millions of visitors throughout the year from different nooks of the world to collect the unforgettable memories with loved ones.
Don’t forget to visit the most popular tourist destinations that are mentioned below to make the best of your tour.
Bodleian Library
Most impressive and oldest public library in the world, Bodleian Library is also known as “Bod” welcomes the visitors to roam around the central quad and excellent gift shop. It contains the unrivaled collection of British literature of around 400 years and it is considered to receive a copy of every book printed in Britain and ever published in UK.
Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is situated in Beaumont Street, Oxford and houses the priceless antiquities from prehistoric Egypt, university art collection, drawings by Raphael and a great collection of Chinese art in the western world. It is most popularly known as the world’s first university museum and holds the significant history behind its construction or renovation.
Oxford Castle
Dating back to 11th century, partly-ruined Norman medieval castle, Oxford Castle becomes the major tourist attraction where visitors can enjoy the delicious dining in one of its restaurants, explore the grisly history and enjoy the stunning night by staying into its main part of the building that today transforms eccentrically into a luxury hotel.
Sheldonian Theatre
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, extraordinarily shaped beautiful building Sheldonian Theatre with incredible acoustics is the official ceremony hall of Oxford University. It is also used for organizing meetings, concerts, and other events. In 1994, European Commission described this building as Oxford’s one of the architectural jewel.
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Originally founded as a physic garden growing plants for medicinal research, University of Oxford Botanic Garden is located on the banks of river Cherwell. This is the beautiful garden that opens throughout the year and contains the diverse collection of around 8000 plant species offering the picturesque view and comfort to visitors.
Christ Church College and Meadow
Counted in the list of top colleges of Oxford, Christ Church is accessed from St Aldate’s through Christ Church meadow and memorial garden. The incredible dining hall has been immortalized as Hogwarts Great Hall in series of internationally known Harry Potter films. Christ Church meadow is the scenic area to relax the mind and soul through the tranquil environment.
Port Meadow
Port Meadow is a serene place along the River Thames that holds the great history dating back to 2000BC. This is an ancient grazing land that has been never plowed and the ideal spot for the borders where they can see the beautiful birds migrating from different parts of the world.
The Cotswold
Located in the center of England, the Oxfordshire Cotswold has quaint villages, bustling market towns and beautiful countryside to explore. There is no shortage of things to enjoy the perfect time as it offers great opportunities to enjoy the exciting activities such as cycling, walking and plenty of things to do.
Pitt River Museum
Accessed only through the Museum of Natural History, Pitt River Museum is noted for the real shrunken human heads from South America and totem poles. It houses the finest collection of world archaeology and anthropology.
University Museum of Natural History
Neo-gothic building University Museum of Natural History is located on Parks Road and displays the unrivaled collection of zoological, geological and entomological specimens including geodes, stuffed animals and etc.
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Located on the north side of High Street Oxford, University Church of St. Mary the Virgin is a lively parish in the liberal catholic tradition of England Church consisting of university and college buildings.
Blenheim Palace
Designated as Top 20 UNESCO world heritage sites, Blenheim Palace is the colossal country house that offers a perfect family day out. Home to 11th Duke of Marlborough and Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this building was built in eclectic English baroque style.
Modern Art Oxford
Established in 1965, Modern Art Oxford holds a national and international reputation for inspirational programs and quality exhibitions. It displays exhibitions of contemporary art and recently celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016.
Radcliffe Camera
Referred as most iconic and photographed building of Oxford, Radcliffe Camera was built between 1737 and 1749 by James Gibbs. This is archetypal Oxford landmark that comes in top list of best Places to Visit in Oxford.
The Turf Tavern
Turf Tavern is a well-hidden historic pub with its foundation dating from the 13th century that is accessed by narrow winding alleyway near the Bridge of Sighs.
Divinity School
Oldest surviving purpose-built building, Divinity School was built between 1427 and 1483 for various university use. Its oldest examination and teaching room have been used as Hogwarts Infirmary in series of Harry Potter films.
The Ultimate Picture Gallery
Situated in Jeune Street off the Cowley road, Ultimate Picture Gallery was opened in 1911 as a first purpose-built cinema in Oxford. Visitors have to stand in a queue to get traditional raffle ticket-style cinema tickets.
New Theatre Oxford
Formerly known as Apollo Theatre, New Theatre is Oxford’s topmost theatre situated on George Street that host many events all through the year for providing wonderful vacation experience to visitors and enjoyment to locals.
The Examination School
Having entrance from both cobbled Merton Street to the rear and High Street at the front, University’s examination school was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson. Oxford Walking Tour with professionally trained guides is the best way to discover this building.
Saxon Tower
One of the oldest towers, Saxon tower of St. Michael at North Gate was nearly 1000 years old and built by Saxons dating from 1040. The adjoining church goes through reconstruction process several times and visitors can explore it anytime to enjoy the beautiful view of Oxford.
Bate Collection of Musical Instruments
Widely known for displaying the magnificent collections of historical musical instruments, Bate Collection of Musical Instruments is situated in Oxford University’s faculty of music. It houses the extensive collection of around 2000 instruments from classical, western orchestral music traditions from the renaissance, baroque, romantic and modern time period.
