You must already know that Oxford is the cradle of the oldest universities in the world. It’s a place where the majesty of royalty, wisdom and knowledge coexist. Nicknamed “the city of dreaming spiers”, it’s a place that is worth visiting on a trip to England. However, where should you start your journey? Next, we tell you what to do in Oxford.
What to do in Oxford on a quick trip?
There is a wide variety of things to do in Oxford. From the spaces dedicated to knowledge, to the places that’ve been used as sets for famous films like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. And the good thing about this city is that is so small that you can visit the most important sites in a few days. So below we will show you the places that you must see on your trip.
1. Covered Market
As its name implies, it’s a covered market that has been in the city since 1774. But don’t be fooled by its age, because you can still buy nice souvenirs in the shops. From hats, clothes, cakes, food and even floral decorations. You will also find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes with the best British desserts.
2. Museums and college
We mention it to you, Oxford is a city renowned for its colleges, museums and other centers dedicated to knowledge. Therefore, visiting some of these places is something to do in Oxford. The city has 38 prestigious universities, including the Oxford College, but you can also find New College with its beautiful gardens. Or Magdalen College with its distinctive deer park.
Not forgetting Merton College, where the writer J. R. R. Tolkien came to teach. You also have the famous museums, and many of them are free to enter. Like the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the country, which has an exquisite collection of art and archeology that you won’t see anywhere else. And of course, the Oxford College Museum of Natural History with its antique and natural science pieces is a must to see.
3. Oxford Botanic Garden
If you´re a nature lover, and you want to know what to do in Oxford, then a visit to the Botanical Garden is all you need. It was built in the 17th century and currently houses more than 5000 botanical species from England and many other parts of the world. Even exotic plants in special greenhouses, such as carnivorous plants. So be careful with those!
The Botanical Garden always holds beautiful exhibitions of flora and vegetation. In addition to conferences, courses and workshops for those who are interested in preserving nature.
4. Radcliffe Camera
It’s one of the most representative buildings in Oxford, so it’s a totally mandatory stop. You will recognize it by its neoclassical style of architecture, which speaks volumes about the era in which it was built. And although it was formerly used as a scientific library, today its use is reserved only for members. But it is still something you can do in Oxford.
5. The beautiful churches and cathedrals
Something to do in Oxford is visiting the beautiful church architecture that abounds throughout the place. Whether you are a believer or not, rest assured you will be carried away by the harmony of these buildings. Like the cathedral of Christ Church College, which in addition to being a famous campus, it has a beautiful cathedral and spectacular common areas. A curious fact is that some scenes from the movie Harry Potter were filmed in these landscapes.
We also have St Mary the Virgin Church, a building that was established in the 13th century and has the most beautiful stained glass windows in all of England. So it’s worth standing in line for 20 minutes to walk the tower and look through the observation deck at the other different structures on the British horizon.
Where to eat in Oxford?
From so much visiting, you have surely been left with an empty stomach. But don’t worry, because in Oxford there is a wide variety of gastronomic offer. Not only in typical food from England, but also in world cuisine. Starting with the Covered Market itself, which offers a variety of British food and dessert venues, as well as Thai dishes.
However, if you are looking for something faster, at the entrance of Cowley Road you will find Atomic Burger, a brunch restaurant, with French toast and organic burgers. But if you are looking for an experience, we recommend Cherwell Boathouse, where you will not only enjoy local dishes. But you can enjoy a kind of floating picnic and taste the dishes in the Cherwell River.
Now, we have not forgotten something very important. And those are the historic pubs that abound throughout the city. Like Turf Tavern, which remains hidden in one of the alleys of the city. Or Eagle and Child, where characters like C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien used to enjoy their spare time, and where you can find a wide variety of craft beers.
Where to stay?
There are many options for staying in Oxford, so accommodation is no problem. First of all, we find beautiful hotels to give you the luxuries you deserve. Like the Old Parsonage Hotel, which is your typical 5-star hotel with typical British breakfasts. You can also opt for The Old Bank in the city center, with its beautiful interior decorations. Also, it’s close to the most important tourist sites.
Or if you are looking for something more bohemian, the Artist Residence Oxford shire offers you a small and cozy space, with rustic decoration. Along with a restaurant, a garden terrace and a pub with local beers and wines. Now, don’t worry, there are also other cheaper options. Hostels like YHA Oxford have a cordial treatment with their guests, as well as comfortable and clean places.
So these are just a few of the things to do in Oxford. You will have to make your trip to discover more of this wonderful city.
