'I never realised there was so much to see and do here! I wish I could stay longer!'
Oxford will surprise, inspire and enchant you with its magnificent architecture, impressive yet intimate colleges, romantic rivers, and hidden nooks and crannies. The whole place has a buzz, a vibrant atmosphere it's hard to define. You just have to be there.
If it's your first visit you'll maybe appreciate a few pointers:
- Take an Official Guided Walking tour from the Oxford Visitor Information Centre.
- Visit one (or more) of Oxford's 38 autonomous colleges which together make up the University of Oxford.
- Marvel at the Bodleian Library including Duke Humfrey's Library of chained books (Hogwarts library) and the entrancing Divinity School.
- Admire Oxford's secluded gardens - the Botanic Garden and landscaped college grounds.
- Hop on and off the City Sightseeing bus.
- Visit all of Oxford's free museums, maybe in alphabetical order?
- Alternatively, visit all of central Oxford's pubs. Maybe in reverse alphabetical order!
- Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter, Alice, Lyra or Inspectors Morse and Lewis - and other literary/celluloid characters.
- Climb at least one tower, camera in hand to capture the 'dreaming spires'.
- Go punting - or at least take a river cruise. Don't mention the pedalos.
- Buy some goodies in the Covered Market and then picnic in the University Parks or Christ Church Meadow.
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- Dare to cross Magdalen Bridge and venture up the Cowley Road - another world awaits you.
There are suggested itineraries to help guide you through complicated opening days and hours.
