The old English city of Oxford is best known for its university and a lot of the best sights to see are linked to this world-renowned institution. Scholars from all over the world travel to the city to take advantage of its libraries and archives.
Oxford also boasts many museums, such as the Ashmolean, as well as walkways, parkland, and art.
Only about 50 miles from London, it is the perfect day or weekend getaway via a quick train journey, which definitely should include feasting on tea and scones while scouring the city's many bookshops – all preferably while wearing tweed.
Image credit, Getty Images, Joe Daniel Price. Location, Oxford.
Is Oxford, England worth visiting?
Oxford has some of the oldest gothic architecture in England – hence its label as the city of the dreaming spires. Many of these spires are made up of the university’s buildings. This makes the city a charming mixture of old and modern buildings. The Bodleian Library is one of the attractions that should be on your must-see list. One of its components is the Radcliffe Camera, one of the Bodleian’s uniquely designed reading rooms which can be booked for a tour.
Other sights include the Bridge of Sighs, which is officially called Hertford Bridge as it joins two parts of Hertford College. Then there are the university’s colleges, each with its own unique character, such as Keble College known for its striking architecture and grand chapel, and Magdalen College, which has its own deer park!
Can you walk around Oxford in a day?
A highly walkable city, you can easily cover most of Oxford’s center in a day, but if you really want to take in each cultural sight with care, a longer trip is needed. Given the temperamental British weather, it is best to plan an autumnal or winter trip around the museums and tea shops. Pick some favorite places and make a satisfying and enriching day of those.
As well as walking, one must-do in Oxford, especially on a summer day—or maybe even a blossoming spring one—is a punt on one of its two rivers, the Cherwell, or the Isis (Thames). Take a picnic, go barefoot, and have an idyllic, English day.
Image credit, Getty Images. Location, Oxford.
Best places for tea in Oxford
Oxford boasts many places for tea. Here are some of the best:
- The Grand Café, built on the site of the first coffeehouse in Oxford, according to Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist.
- The Rose Oxford, a small independent contemporary tearoom on the prestigious Oxford High Street.
- The Old Parsonage Hotel offers a luxurious afternoon tea. Located on Banbury Road.
Best pubs in Oxford
Oxford has many pubs, and they are often hidden away in obscure alleys or a secret meandering side street. Some date back to the 13th century—according to local guides, you really have to know where to look. Here are three to start with:
- The Bear Inn, Alfred Street. This Oxford institution is said to date back to 1242!
- The Turf Tavern, Bath Place. Accessed by two secret, obscure alleyways. It is even said the Roundheads used to come in to discuss matters around the time of the English Civil War.
- Kings Arms, Holywell Street. Built in 1607, this is a less hidden, more popular student haunt.
Image credit, The Old Parsonage Hotel. Location, The Old Parsonage, Oxford.
Best restaurants in Oxford
Some recommended places to eat:
- The Folly Restaurant, a unique riverside restaurant, with a varied cuisine.
- Quod Restaurant and Bar, an arty and classy high-street restaurant.
- Pierre Victoire, an intimate traditional French restaurant.
Best way to get to Oxford
A train ride from London to Oxford takes about one hour with trains from Paddington station and Marylebone station. A single journey starts at £5.40 when you book in advance.
Header image credit, Getty Images. Location, Radcliffe Camera, Oxford.