Thirteen Must-see Attractions In Oxford

Poet Matthew Arnold nicknamed Oxford the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ due to the incredible architecture of the 38 colleges of the prestigious university in the city’s medieval centre. With such a description, it’s no wonder why this famous English city is one every traveller should visit at least once in their life. The attractions in Oxford are absolutely bucket list worthy.

Walking through the cobblestoned streets within the main city centre feels like you’re stepping back in time. As the world continues to develop into glass and metals, forcing us to lose the charm of old brick structures and natural spaces, Oxford offers a glimpse into what we should be preserving and the importance of appreciating artistry.

It is also worth noting that the lingering whispers of bygone eras can be felt due to the area’s large role in the long history of England. Oxford was once an important military frontier town between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex, in 1066 it dealt with heavy damage during the Norman Invasion and during the 1642 English Civil War it housed the court of Charles I – just to name a few historic moments.

Beyond the city, rural Oxfordshire remains protected from urban sprawl due to the Oxford Green Belt. Therefore, take advantage of the beautiful, historic architecture and vast natural environments that the town still has to offer before it is too late. 

Travel and Accommodation In Oxford 

The best way to get to here and enjoy the attraction in Oxford is by National Rail from any major city such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Of course you can drive, but the design of the city makes it a lot easier, and more enjoyable, to explore by foot.

Hotels range from 3* to 5*, independent and chains, all located close Oxford’s must-see attractions and buzzing town centre. Some of the most popular places include:

• Museum Hotel Oxford
• The Buttery
• The George Street Hotel
• Malmaison Oxford

Thirteen Beautiful Attractions In Oxford

Oxford Castle

Sometimes considered the city’s main landmark, and one of the closest royal residences to London, Oxford Castle unveils a remarkable history, provides stunning views from its St. George’s Tower, inspires a little thrill to those brave enough to descend into the 900-year-old crypt, and finally, gives access to exploring an 18th century prison. For a truly unique experience, you can spend the night at one of the many cells turned rooms at the Malmaison Hotel.

University Church of St Mary 

The Church of St Mary and its incredible tower are arguably the most impressive attractions in Oxford. Dating back to 1280, decorated with beautifully carved gargoyles and grotesques, and displaying a historic bell ringing chamber, there is so much to appreciate alongside the 127 steps to the top that offer gorgeous panoramic views of the city. There is also no better way to fall in love with the magnificence of Oxford’s architecture than with this birds-eye view, but be aware that climbing the tower is not easy.

Access to the church remains free but visitors will need to purchase a £5 ticket for the tower.

Radcliffe Camera

Nicknamed the ‘Rad Cam’, this beautiful building that faces the church is most definitely not a camera, but a grand piece of architecture that has been dominating the city’s skyline for centuries. It was originally built to house the University’s Radcliffe Science Library and now serves as a reading room for the Bodleian Library. You can get a clear view from the church tower but is also worth marvelling at unclose to take in the finer details.

Keep in mind that although this is one of the best attractions in Oxford, you cannot go inside unless you are a member.

Botanical Gardens

Founded in 1621, the Oxford Botanical Garden is a haven of tranquillity in the heart of the city centre. Beautiful herbaceous borders, vibrant glasshouses packed with incredible plants from around the world and colourful flowers makes this place a celebration of nature.

Hertford Bridge

Also commonly referred to as the Bridge of Sighs, this decorative skyway joins two parts of Hertford College, over New College Lane. There are two prominent theories for its nickname: due to the supposed similarity to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice or because Oxford University students are often heard sighing under it on their way to their exams. Honestly, the second seem more believable to me, but whatever the case, it is a striking feature.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum

These world-famous museums of archaeology and ethnography educate visitors on everything from natural evolution to cultures of the world. Walking through the relatively small exhibit is interesting for history and science lovers and is worth the free admission. 

Modern Art Oxford

Established in 1965, Modern Art Oxford is the place to go for cutting-edge exhibitions from international contemporary artists. With an aim to make modern art accessible and engaging to all, it’s a breath of fresh air among the other more historic museums in the city, but it also a small and I walked through it in 30 minutes.

Take A Boat Cruise 

Take a boat cruise to admire Oxford’s bucolic scenery, which also happens to have inspired the much beloved tale, Alice in Wonderland.

Port Meadow

You would not expect to find a large stretch of ancient open meadow land in the middle of a city, but that’s precisely the charm of the tranquil Oxfordshire countryside. Take a walk through the wildflowers, past grazing horses and cattle, before stopping for a pint at the ever-popular 17th-century pub, The Perch. During the summer you can join students and locals alike as they picnic and seek a swim in the River Thames to enjoy in the warm weather.

G&D’s Ice Cream 

This Oxford institution is a collection of independent cafés dotted across the city serving delicious ice cream, baked goods and drinks. Take a break there to satisfy your sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed. Anything you try will be delicious, but I highly recommend the melted cow coffee.

Blackwell’s Bookshop 

Blackwell’s Bookshop is one of the more fascinating attractions in Oxford because it is the biggest academic and specialist bookseller in the UK, stocking hundreds of thousands of titles. The famous Norrington Room boasts a whopping three miles (5km) of shelving, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest single room selling books.

Ultimate Picture Palace 

Ultimate Picture Palace is the only surviving independent cinema in Oxford that is beloved by students and shows classic, foreign and mainstream films at affordable prices. It has also been a Grade II listed building since 1994.

Blenheim Palace

If you are willing to travel a little further out form the city, catch a bus or drive down to explore this picturesque country house, which happens to be the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace and was also the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Fall in love with its stunning architecture, wander the epic gardens and partake in seasonal activities to have hours of elegant fun.

Average Cost For Two Days In Oxford Per Person

Transport (train from London + local travel): £15

Accommodation: £50 is (£100 per double)

Attractions: £75

Food and amenities: £50

Practical Information About Oxford

Location: England, United Kingdom

National Languages: English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland