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Five Places to Visit and Things to Do in Oxford
Oxford has a population of around 134,000 people (2001 Census) and is home to the oldest university in the English speaking world. It has been referred to as the City of Dreaming Spires, an apt name for an architecturally beautiful city with a skyline punctuated by the spires and towers of colleges, other university buildings and churches. For many Oxford has been the starting point on a journey where their dreams have come true – Prime Ministers such as Tony Blair, Clement Attlee and Margaret Thatcher were all educated in Oxford. As were TS Eliot, Oscar Wilde, Indira Gandhi and Dudley Moore – to name just a few.
For visitors, there is no shortage of places to see and picking just five was no easy task. Many people visit Oxford for a short break but stay a little longer, if you can, and delve deeper into the history and culture of this beautiful city.
1 University Colleges
Oxford is a collegiate university with the 39 colleges playing a key role in the life of the university. Each student is a member of a college or one of the 7 permanent halls of residence.
No visit to Oxford would be complete without visiting some of the colleges many of which were founded over 500 years ago. Favourites include:
Christ Church College One of the largest colleges and home to the Anglican Cathedral for the Diocese of Oxford. Tom Tower which houses the college’s magnificent ring of bells is one of the most striking features of the Oxford skyline. You can also visit the Christ Church Picture Gallery with its permanent displays and changing exhibitions.
Lincoln College This college probably has one of the best preserved quads in the University. The first part of Front Quad was built in 1430 and has been carefully maintained. The quad is charming at all times of the year, but is at its most beautiful in the autumn as the Virginia Creeper in the quadrangle turns from green to scarlet.
Merton College dates back to 1264 and its quadrangles and staircases are regarded as having established a model for the later Oxford and Cambridge Colleges. Its library is probably the oldest working library in the UK.
Keble College is located a short stroll from Broad Street. It is worth the walk to marvel at the Gothic style and ornate brickwork of the college buildings.
2 Take to the River
The Cherwell River – a tributary of the River Thames flows through Oxford. It is an ideal river for punting with flat riverbeds and shallow waters. A punt is a square-ended boat with a flat bottom and no keel. It is usually propelled using a long pole. Learning to punt is one of the most enjoyable and entertaining things to do in Oxford and, if you have a fine voice, why not serenade your companions Venetian-style.
Punts can be hired from Salters Steamers based at Folly Bridge on the Abingdon Road or from the Cherwell Boathouse in Summertown.
Salters Steamers also run cruises along the river including the popular Jazz Cruises or you can hire small day boats if punting is not your style.
Of course, pottering around on the river can work up an appetite and there are lots of pubs and restaurants conveniently located next to the river ready to provide real ale and home-cooked food to hungry travellers.
3 Oxford Playhouse
If you enjoy theatre then add the Oxford Playhouse to your list of places to visit in Oxford. It has a well-deserved reputation as one of the country’s leading provincial theatres and is well-established as a venue on the touring circuit for major productions. Click on What’s On to see a list of forthcoming productions and events.
4 Dine at the Randolph
The Macdonald Randoph Hotel in Oxford is a fine 5 AA star hotel. It has a fabulous dining room with huge windows. Secure a table next to the window and enjoy watching the world pass by.
5 Oxford Story
Conveniently located on Broad Street, the Oxford Story offers an insight into the history of Oxford University presented in a way which will captivate the whole family. Board the 25 minute “dark” ride for a truly enthralling experience.
If you have visited Oxford, are a student or a long term resident, please let us know if we have missed out your favourite place to visit in Oxford. You can contact us by email or on 01962 889460.
For further information on Oxford click on the links below:
Restaurants in Oxford
Things to Do in Oxford
Hotels in Oxford
© Local Service Guide Limited 2007 Places to Visit and Things to Do in Oxford, Oxfordshire
BACK
For visitors, there is no shortage of places to see and picking just five was no easy task. Many people visit Oxford for a short break but stay a little longer, if you can, and delve deeper into the history and culture of this beautiful city.
1 University Colleges
Oxford is a collegiate university with the 39 colleges playing a key role in the life of the university. Each student is a member of a college or one of the 7 permanent halls of residence.
No visit to Oxford would be complete without visiting some of the colleges many of which were founded over 500 years ago. Favourites include:
Christ Church College One of the largest colleges and home to the Anglican Cathedral for the Diocese of Oxford. Tom Tower which houses the college’s magnificent ring of bells is one of the most striking features of the Oxford skyline. You can also visit the Christ Church Picture Gallery with its permanent displays and changing exhibitions.
Lincoln College This college probably has one of the best preserved quads in the University. The first part of Front Quad was built in 1430 and has been carefully maintained. The quad is charming at all times of the year, but is at its most beautiful in the autumn as the Virginia Creeper in the quadrangle turns from green to scarlet.
Merton College dates back to 1264 and its quadrangles and staircases are regarded as having established a model for the later Oxford and Cambridge Colleges. Its library is probably the oldest working library in the UK.
Keble College is located a short stroll from Broad Street. It is worth the walk to marvel at the Gothic style and ornate brickwork of the college buildings.
2 Take to the River
The Cherwell River – a tributary of the River Thames flows through Oxford. It is an ideal river for punting with flat riverbeds and shallow waters. A punt is a square-ended boat with a flat bottom and no keel. It is usually propelled using a long pole. Learning to punt is one of the most enjoyable and entertaining things to do in Oxford and, if you have a fine voice, why not serenade your companions Venetian-style.Punts can be hired from Salters Steamers based at Folly Bridge on the Abingdon Road or from the Cherwell Boathouse in Summertown.
Salters Steamers also run cruises along the river including the popular Jazz Cruises or you can hire small day boats if punting is not your style.
Of course, pottering around on the river can work up an appetite and there are lots of pubs and restaurants conveniently located next to the river ready to provide real ale and home-cooked food to hungry travellers.
3 Oxford Playhouse
If you enjoy theatre then add the Oxford Playhouse to your list of places to visit in Oxford. It has a well-deserved reputation as one of the country’s leading provincial theatres and is well-established as a venue on the touring circuit for major productions. Click on What’s On to see a list of forthcoming productions and events.4 Dine at the Randolph
The Macdonald Randoph Hotel in Oxford is a fine 5 AA star hotel. It has a fabulous dining room with huge windows. Secure a table next to the window and enjoy watching the world pass by. 5 Oxford Story
Conveniently located on Broad Street, the Oxford Story offers an insight into the history of Oxford University presented in a way which will captivate the whole family. Board the 25 minute “dark” ride for a truly enthralling experience.
If you have visited Oxford, are a student or a long term resident, please let us know if we have missed out your favourite place to visit in Oxford. You can contact us by email or on 01962 889460.
For further information on Oxford click on the links below:
Restaurants in Oxford
Things to Do in Oxford
Hotels in Oxford
© Local Service Guide Limited 2007 Places to Visit and Things to Do in Oxford, Oxfordshire