Known as “the city of dreaming spires”, the beautiful and historic Oxford is a must-visit for any tourist in England. With so many things in the city, it is hard to know where to start, so we put together this helpful guide summarising the Top 10 Things to See in Oxford! And if you cannot wait to book your trip, you can reserve your place on our Cotswolds and Oxford Tour from London right now!
Sheldonian Theatre
The Sheldonian Theatre was one of the exam pieces of famed architect Christopher Wren when he was still a student at Oxford University. Boasting a gorgeous painted ceiling, the theatre is named after Gilbert Sheldon, who was also a student of Oxford and served as the Archbishop of Canterbury in the late 1600s. Nowadays, it acts as the ceremonial hall for the university, where students come to pick up their completed degrees, and where the Congregation—the body who governs the university—regularly convenes. If you would like to enter the theatre, general admission is £4.75 and can be paid on the door using card or contactless.
Divinity Hall
Made up of two floors, the lower level of Divinity Hall was built in 1427 to act as an exam hall for students of the university. Years ago, exams at Oxford were oral examinations in front of a panel of experts, speaking in Latin about your subject for up to three hours! The upper level is called Duke Humfrey’s Library, built on top of the hall twenty years later in 1447, and contains an amazing collection of old books. Fans of Harry Potter might find both levels of the building familiar, since they were used as filming locations for various scenes in the movies.
Bridge of Sighs
Connecting two buildings of Hertford College, the Bridge of Sighs is called so because of its similarity to its namesake in Venice. It was constructed in 1914, designed by famed architect Sir Thomas Jackson. It is rumoured that the reason for its construction was to give tardy students a chance to sneak back to their dormitories without getting caught breaking the 9pm curfew! Just nearby the bridge is the entrance to St. Helen’s Passage, a narrow alleyway leading to the Turf Tavern—the tiniest, and most romantic pub in Oxford, where tradition dictates that students propose to their sweethearts.
Bodleian Library
One of the oldest libraries in Europe, home to ten floors containing 13 million books and documents, the Bodleian Library was founded in 1602 by Sir Thomas Bodley. It is still a working library to this day, acting as the main research library for the staff and students of Oxford University. In the central quad, visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture, with a stunning Jacobean-style facade and the bricks of the walls designed to look like books on a shelf. The nearby Weston Library is free to enter, but you can also book tours through the Bodleian Library itself.
Radcliffe Camera
Part of the main library complex, the Radcliffe Camera is a circular building which began construction in 1737. It is named for John Radcliffe, a doctor who rose to fame and wealth after curing King William III of smallpox. He used this wealth to fund the building of the Radcliffe Camera after his death in 1714. It is said that its original purpose was as a medical library, though nowadays it houses books on a variety of topics from theology to history. By the way, in this case the word ‘camera’ comes from the Latin word for a room with an arched or vaulted roof, not the photographic device! Just like the Bodleian Library, if you want to enter the building you have to book a tour.
St Mary’s Church
The University Church of St Mary, commonly called St Mary’s, is the official CofE church of the university. It has been a site of religious worship for centuries and is one of the oldest buildings of Oxford University. Visitors can marvel at the gorgeous stained glass windows, sit in on a sermon, or climb the 127 steps of the mediaeval spiral staircase of the tower for some of the best views of the city, looking out over the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and All Souls College. Tickets for the tower cost £6 and can be bought on the door. There is also a lovely café called The Vaults and Garden, where you can grab a bite to eat and sip your coffee in amazing historic surroundings.
College Buildings
A must-see while in Oxford are the buildings of the 36 colleges that together make up the university itself. Instead of being contained on a single campus, they are scattered throughout the entire city, due to most of them dating back to before the shops, restaurants and houses that you see today. Various colleges open their doors to visitors, allowing you a glimpse into the reality of student life in the historical halls, though availability of the colleges can change from day to day. One of the most popular is Christchurch College, where tickets can sell out weeks in advance, so make sure to book ahead! But don’t worry, others accept walk-ins and you can buy tickets on the door. The colleges charge a small fee of around £10 or under for viewings.
Ashmolean Museum
Similar to the British Museum in London but predating it by more than a century, the Ashmolean Museum is home to a fascinating collection of historical artefacts and art from all over the word. Originally opened as a cabinet of curiosities, it became Britain’s first public museum. Some of its gems include paintings by J.M.W. Turner, Guy Fawkes’s lantern used in the Gunpowder Plot and the Alfred Jewel. Like many other museums, the Ashmolean is completely free to enter, making it a perfect place to while away the hours amongst stunning items of art and archaeology, especially on a rainy day.
Covered Market
Established in 1774, 2024 marked the 250th anniversary of the Covered Market in Oxford. Set in the heart of the city, within a few minute’s walking distance from major sightseeing spots like the Bodleian Library, the Covered Market houses over 50 permanent traders alongside a variety of cafes and eateries, with a wide range of cuisines. With its many entrances, joyful decorations and lively atmosphere, it is the ideal place to grab lunch then find your perfect souvenir in one of the many local independent shops.
Pitt Rivers Museum
The Pitt Rivers museum is named for General Pitt-Rivers, an important figure in the anthropology scene in the late 1800s, who gave his vast collection to the University of Oxford on the condition that they built a museum to house it, appoint a lecturer to teach about it and maintain the mode of display. What is truly unique about the items is the way they are arranged – unlike other museums which categorise their items by culture or time period, Pitt Rivers displays weapons, instruments, textiles, jewellery and tools from various origins and eras together, creating a space to fascinate, challenge and inspire its visitors. Like the Ashmolean Museum, the Pitt Rivers is free to enter and does not require booking.
Book your tour with us today!
We hope this guide has been helpful and that you enjoy your time in Oxford. If after reading this you just cannot wait to see these places yourself, come with us on our amazing Cotswolds and Oxford Tour from London. We hope to see you soon!
