A city trip to England is truly incomplete without visiting the stunning attractions in Oxford. From London, you can reach this university city in just an hour by train. Therefore, a visit to Oxford is a must during your stay in Great Britain.
Map overview of Oxford attractions
With this handy map of Oxford, you can see at a glance where all the attractions are located. When you click on the map, you can go directly to Google Maps and find all the details you need.
These are the best attractions in Oxford
This city was formed in the 8th century AD. It wasn’t until the 12th century that the city began to gain importance with the founding of the University of Oxford, the great rival of Cambridge. Since then, many interesting hotspots have been built, and you certainly don’t want to miss them.
Christ Church Cathedral
Oxford is a university city, and you will find many different colleges here that have been part of the city for centuries. One of the largest and most impressive is Christ Church College. Christ Church Cathedral dates back to the 12th century. It is one of the most imposing attractions in Oxford. The building itself, with its double arcades in the nave, is part of the Church of England and also serves as a university church, a rare dual role not found elsewhere.
The surroundings of the Oxford Cathedral are also certainly worth a visit. The gardens laid out here are a delight for any gardener, and the fields around are a wonderful place for students to study outdoors. The complex is completed with the equally beautiful university building that we discuss below.
Christ Church College
Coming from High Street, the university building is located behind the cathedral. Students at the University of Oxford have it well-organized. This enormous building dates back to the 16th century and offers a wealth of space for students who come here from all over the world. The courtyard, Tom Quad with the Tom Tower, is the largest courtyard in the city and is a lovely place to sit and look around. You truly feel like you’re in a film about old England. Even Harry Potter would feel right at home in Oxford.
Radcliffe Square
Crossing High Street, we arrive at a square called Radcliffe Square. In the middle of this square stands the Radcliffe Camera from 1749. This round building was once a library. Radcliffe Camera is one of the most iconic buildings in Oxford. It is now used as a reading room for the Bodleian Library, located on the north side of this square. This is the largest library in the United Kingdom and houses no less than 12 million books. Additionally, on this square, you will find All Souls College and the university church, giving every corner of this square a stunning view of stately, old buildings.
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
If you really want a good view of Radcliffe Camera, we recommend climbing the steps of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. This church with a tower from the 13th century is located on the south side of Radcliffe Square. Here you can also see how impressive All Souls College on the east side of the square is.
But also give the church itself the attention it deserves. This house of worship was built when Oxford University was still closely linked to the church. All the splendor they gave to the colleges is also reflected in this church. It may not be as gaudy as the average Catholic church from that time, but it is certainly not somber.
The Oxford Botanic Garden
Do you love nature and truly enjoy beautiful plant species? Then you are definitely in the right place. This is a stunning garden with no less than 8000 different plant species. It is one of the oldest botanical gardens and was founded in 1621. There are various gardens such as the Rock Garden, Water Garden, and Elizabethan Knot Garden. Definitely worth a visit for plant enthusiasts.
Sheldonian Theatre
At the end of Broad Street, near the Bodleian Library, stands the Sheldonian Theatre. This theatre has nothing to do with the Big Bang Theory, although Einstein did teach here. The theatre is now also a museum where Einstein’s blackboard is displayed, which he used during his lectures in Oxford. The theatre has been here since 1668 and is now only used for ceremonies.
See more by bike
You might not expect it in England, but cycling is the best way to get around in Oxford. Perhaps because the city is quite flat, or because many students can’t afford a car, the bicycle is the number one mode of transport here. To see all the attractions of Oxford, we recommend choosing the Oxford Highlights Tour with an enthusiastic guide. Our experienced guide will take you along all these beautiful spots and tell you the story behind each historic building. There is no better way to sightsee in Oxford.
Bridge of Sighs
Near the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre, you’ll find a small street, New College Lane. Over this street stands the Hertford Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Sighs. It is a covered bridge that connects two parts of Hertford College. Bridges like this can also be found in Venice and Barcelona. The Hertford Bridge stands out for its design. The nine windows on each side and the coat of arms make this a recognizable point in the center of Oxford.
Magdalen College
At the end of High Street, on the banks of the Thames, you’ll find Magdalen College. This 15th-century building is a stunning complex with green ivy climbing its walls. It could easily be a setting in one of the Harry Potter films. Magdalen College is located on the edge of the city, offering beautiful views of the adjacent countryside from its gardens.
Oxford Castle
Between the Central Station and the city center, somewhat hidden among newer buildings, stands Oxford Castle. It has been a prison for nearly 1,000 years. A visit to this building will teach you about the city’s turbulent past. It quickly becomes clear that it wasn’t just a place of study. During this visit, you’ll also have the chance to climb St. George’s Tower, the oldest building in the city.
These are the best attractions just outside Oxford
Oxford itself is a delightful destination for a city trip. But the surrounding Oxfordshire area has so much more to offer. Below, we provide two more great tips.
Blenheim Palace
If you’re not sure that opulence and English aristocracy go hand in hand, then visit Blenheim Palace. It’s the only non-royal palace in the country, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t go all out in its construction. After the Battle of Blenheim, the Duke of Marlborough was rewarded for his bravery with this manor. His family has resided in this magnificent building for centuries. It is also the birthplace of Winston Churchill, making it an even bigger draw for English tourists.
Once you’ve explored the interior, be amazed by the lush greenery in the expansive gardens of Blenheim Palace. With no less than three lakes where swans and ducks enjoy themselves, it’s easy to find a nice spot to relax. The Duke of Marlborough had nothing to complain about. At the edge of the estate, you’ll find the village of Woodstock. It’s definitely worth stopping by for a bite to eat at one of the charming eateries.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a large national park on the edge of Oxfordshire. This area might just be the most beautiful part of England. The rolling landscapes are dotted with charming little villages featuring typical houses built with Cotswolds Stone, a yellowish type of limestone native to the region. This makes almost every village a suitable location for a fairy tale film or the setting of an Agatha Christie novel.
In just 30 minutes by car, you’ll find yourself in villages like Burford. Drive another 15 minutes, and you’ll reach the idyllic village of Bibury. Here, you won’t want to miss Arlington Row, a row of houses that is emblematic of the Cotswolds and attracts many visitors each year.
Now you know which Oxford attractions are worth visiting. So, add a few extra days to your city trip to London and be surprised by the beauty of Oxford and its surroundings.