The city of Oxford is world-famous as an educational hub. But there’s much more to see, love and explore in this beautiful place. So come, let’s wander around the charming town and go on a new adventure.
Your Complete Guide To The 8 Best Places In Oxford
1. The Oxford City Center
There are many things to do in the city centre. The well-known junction of the Oxford City Center is the Carfax, where the city’s four main streets meet.
The historic Carfax Tower stands proudly over there. Today, the tower is the highest point in central Oxford, and by climbing the 99 steps, you can get a breathing view of the city’s famous beautiful skyline
1.1. Best Places In Oxford City Centre
- Town Hall
- St. Aldate’s Church
- Pembroke College
- Modern Art Oxford
- High Street
2. The University Church Of St. Mary The Virgin
The magnificent detailed tower of the church brings it into the limelight for every tourist. Its birth history dates back to 1280, to the Anglo-Saxon Era. Its Choir, the porch, and every part of this church have their history buried in. The Walls of the porch would remind you of the dark days and nights of the English Civil War.
To have a spectacular view of the whole area, climb up the church’s tower.
3. The Christ Church College
The Founding Father of the World’s most famous and high-profile college- The Christ Church College, was Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 and later refounded by Henry VIII.
To attract more visitors, an excellent seven-ton bell was constructed by Christopher Wren in 1682, which is famous as the Great Tom Tower. The speciality of the bell is that it buzzes at 9.05 pm once for every college member. The ring counts up to 101 times.
One of the most extensive courtyards in Oxford, the Tom Quad, with its magnificent fountain, stands proudly in the centre of Oxford. The church tower leads to the hall, a grand dining room with a beautifully carved wooden ceiling.
Peckwater Quad has enormous collections of momentous Cardinal Wolsey and other paintings. Some over 2000 drawings are also stored in the Christ Church Picture Gallery.
4. The Radcliffe Square
Radcliffe Square is for pedestrians and is surrounded by old buildings and universities. This place is a favourite visit among tourists. Its ancient look makes it a perfect location for periodic films.
Its Constitutes:
- Old School’s Quadrangle
- Radcliffe Camera
- Divinity School
- Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is a 16-sided reading roam on the ground floor. It’s the country’s first library, first opened in 1602. It has about 50,000 manuscripts and 4,200,000 printed volumes. The best part is that the original copy of every book published in Britain is found here.
5. The Sheldonian Theatre
Another grand creation by Christopher Wren, the Sheldonian Theatre, was built between 1664 and 1669. The ornate ceiling Fresco is made of 32 panels. The hall inside can accommodate a vast number of people. So, it is suitable for grand events, ceremonies, concerts, drama, lavish wedding receptions, award ceremonies, and luxurious dinners.
The venue is also used to commemorate educational purposes like lectures, conferences, and felicitation.
6. The Ashmolean Museum
This museum was initially known as the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology and was founded in 1683. It is one of the most prominent and oldest museums in England. It has room for classical sculptures, Greek and Roman pottery and antiques, art crafts and an antique jewellery collection.
The History of Science Museum is a part of the Ashmolean Museum. This Oxford museum shows the complete evolution of Science and scientific domination in the World. One notable fact is that this museum showcases the unique and antique you call the blackboard, which Albert Einstein once used during his lectures in 1931—a beautiful timeline of the development of clocks.
7. Oxford University Museum Of Natural History
This legendary establishment was built in the year 1855. It is adorned with a considerable collection of geological, mineralogical, zoological, and botanical findings, research, explorations and discoveries. The shelves also display works of Darwin, Burchell, Hope, and many other well-known scientists, inventors, and explorers.
Enjoy the walk around Parson’s Pleasure to Cherwell, Mesopotamia, and Magdalen Bridge.
8. The Cornmarket Street
Cornmarket is one of the busiest shopping centres. Many International and popular brands sell their products over there.
The most popular spot among visitors is the Golden Cross Arcade. It is known for crafts and jewellery. A vacation is incomplete without a bit of shopping, and thus, it is the perfect place to buy a little something for yourself as well as your loved ones.
9. The Blenheim Palace
Do you want to visit the birthplace of Winston Churchill? Then, the Blenheim Palace is your next stop. This place is located in Woodstock. You will need to go for just eight miles towards the northwest of Oxford.
The Royal Palace was built between 1701 and 1724 for John Churchill. He is known to be the first Duke of Marlborough.
The ceiling of the Great Hall within the mansion is ornate with the happenings of the Blenheim Battle. The battle against the French was victorious for the Duke.
The Final Stop
The Oxford life is no less than a royal one. This place tops the world from every perspective, whether education, infrastructure, science & technology, tourism, literature, archaeology, interior, fashion, and whatnot. Its universities, colleges, and museums would magnetise you with its charismatic vibrancy.
Don’t you wish to be part of this unique part of the universe? Its rich history and heritage make Oxford stand out from the billions’ of crowds. So, wait no longer and plan a trip to the best places in Oxford for your next vacation.
Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Joshita