How to get to Oxford
🚂 TRAIN: Oxford has a well-connected railway station, Oxford station, which is centrally located and easily accessible. Direct trains run from major cities such as London (from London Paddington and Marlyebone Station), Manchester, Liverpool, and more. The train journey offers scenic views of the countryside and is a convenient option for travelers.
🚌 BUS: National Express and other coach services operate routes to Oxford from various cities and towns across the UK. While the journey by coach may take longer compared to the train, it can be a more budget-friendly option.
🚗 CAR: if you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can rent a car and take the M4 motorway from London to Oxford or from Birmingham, follow the M40 southbound and exit at Oxford. Most of the parking lots have an offer: 💷 11 for 24hours.
🛬 PLANE: The nearest major airport to Oxford is London Heathrow Airport. From Heathrow, you can take a train from London Paddington to Oxford.
How to go around Bath
Getting around Oxford, UK, is relatively easy since the city is compact and walkable. I preferred to walk around the town, so I could explore the historic streets, landmarks, and attractions. Colleges, museums, and shopping areas, are located in the city center.
PRO TIP: the city has cobblestone streets, wear comfortable shoes!
If walking is not for you, you have other options to choose from:
🚌 BUS: The Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach are the major bus operator providing services in and around Oxford. Oxford SmartZone covers all the Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach, Thames Travel or Arriva bus routes operating in and around Oxford City, for less than 💷 5 per day!
🚲 BICYCLE: Oxford is cycle-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and paths in many areas. You can rent bikes from Bainton Bikes– that offers tours as well, and Brompton Bike Hire (I think it’s the cheapest at 💷 5 bike/day).
🚎 TOURIST BUS: Tourist buses and guided tours offer an informative and often entertaining way to explore Oxford and its surroundings. Hop-on-hop-off buses provide a convenient way to visit key attractions, while guided walking tours offer insights into the city’s history and culture.
What to visit in Oxford
University of Oxford
University of Oxford
@annatravelslocal
The University of Oxford, often referred to simply as Oxford, is one of the oldest (as early as 1096) and most prestigious universities in the world.
🎊 As Italian I’m proud to affirm that Oxford contends with the University of Bologna for the title of the oldest university in continuous operation in the Western world.
There are 38 self-governing colleges (most notables: Christ Church, Balliol, and Magdalen) and six permanent private halls.
Notable Alumni that studied at Oxford: many British prime ministers, including Theresa May and Boris Johnson, writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde and renowned scientist like Stephen Hawking.
Details
Bodleian Library
Bodleian Library
@annatravelslocal
The Bodleian Library is one of the most renowned and oldest libraries in Europe.
It comprises multiple buildings: the Radcliffe Camera, the Divinity School and the Weston Library.
It holds over 13 million printed items and it receives a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Details
🧙🏼Harry Potter spot: the Divinity School, the oldest building built for the University, is the Hogwarts Hospital Wing and the hall in which the students practice their Triwizard Tournament dances.
Entry to see the exhibitions is free of charge. Entry to Divinity School is 💷 2,50.
Christ Church College
Christ Church
@annatravelslocal
Christ Church is known for its stunning architecture, including the Tom Tower, which houses the Great Tom bell, which tolls 101 times every night, a tradition that dates back to 1684.
While visiting the college you’re going to feel like the main character of your own story, strolling around the meadows and gardens of your school, going from a class to the other one, meeting other students.
Details
🧙🏼Harry Potter spot:
Christ Church Great Hall, which provided the inspiration for Hogwarts’ dining hall.
Christ Church Bodley Staircase: when the new first years are welcomed by Professor McGonagall.
Entry fee is 💷16 (tickets are released around 10.00 am each Friday for the following week).
Oxford Castle and Prison
Oxford Castle & Prison
@annatravelslocal
The Oxford Castle and Prison is located near the city center.
The castle played a strategic role in English history, serving as a royal residence, a prison, and a center of political power.
The mound within the castle grounds provides a peaceful green space and offers views of the surrounding city, it’s a great place to relax.
The prison within the Oxford Castle complex operated from the 18th century until 1996.
Details
Entry fee is 💷 15,50 if you book up to two days in advance.
The Covered Market
The Covered Market
@annatravelslocal
The Oxford Covered Market is a historic market, opened in 1774, and it’s just in the heart of Oxford. Take your time to explore the narrow passages and hidden corners of the market. You might discover some hidden gems.
You’ll find a variety of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood from the vendors. But if you want you can enjoy the cafes and restaurants in it.
The market is an excellent place to find unique gifts, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.
The market is generally open from Monday to Saturday.
Details
Carfax Tower
Carfax Tower
@annatravelslocal
The Carfax tower is all that remains of the St Martin’s Church, the official city church of Oxford from 1122. In 1896, the main part of the church was demolished to make more room for traffic in the area.
It’s possible to climb the 99 steps to the top of the tower for an amazing view over the Oxford skyline.
Details
Opening hours are very short. Entry fee is 💷 4.
The Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum
@annatravelslocal
The Ashmolean Museum is one of the oldest public museums in the world and is renowned for its diverse and extensive collections. It was founded in 1683, making it the first public museum in Britain.
Collections include Egyptian mummies, Greek and Roman antiquities, European paintings, Asian art, Islamic art, ceramics, musical instruments, and much more.
Highlights:
The Alfred Jewel: one of the museum’s most famous artifacts, this Anglo-Saxon ornament is intricately crafted and dates back to the 9th century.
The Messiah Stradivarius: a renowned violin made by Antonio Stradivari in 1716, considered one of the finest violins in the world.
Pre-Raphaelite Art: the museum has a significant collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, including works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais.
Details
The museum admission is free and no booking is required.
Alice's Shop
Alice's Shop
@annatravelslocal
Alice’s Shop is a charming and iconic store associated with Lewis Carroll, the author of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.”
Lewis Carroll had a close connection to Oxford, as he was a mathematics lecturer at Christ Church College.
It is believed that Lewis Carroll used to frequent this store, and it is thought to be the “Old Sheep Shop” mentioned in his stories.
The shop gained its name and fame because it is said to be the place where Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Carroll’s Alice, used to shop. Lewis Carroll supposedly based his character of Alice on Alice Liddell, and the shop is considered part of the Wonderland lore.
The shop is a delightful mix of a gift store and a mini-museum dedicated to “Alice in Wonderland.”
Details
What and where to eat in Oxford
In Oxford you'll find traditional British foods, such as: Sunday Roasts, Afternoon teas, Fish and Chips, Pies and English Breakfasts.
But even more, you're going to find foods that are uniques to Oxford, like Oxford Sausage and Oxford Blue Cheese.
Some suggestions for you:
The Eagle and Child
The Eagle and Child
@annatravelslocal
This is an historic pub frequented by famous writers like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Details
Gee's Restaurant
Gees Restaurant & Bar
@annatravelslocal
Gee’s restaurant: enjoy modern British cuisine in a stylish Victorian greenhouse setting.
Details
The Alternative Tuck Shop
The Alternative Tuck Shop
@annatravelslocal
A favorite among students for its budget-friendly and tasty menu.
Details
The Missing Bean
Missing Bean Botley
@annatravelslocal
A popular coffee roastery and café known for its high-quality coffee and cozy atmosphere.
Details
Visit the Covered Market and the Gloucester Green Market for a variety of food stalls, offering street food and local products.
Where to sleep in Oxford
I personally didn't stay the night when I visited Oxford, but I can recommend some hotels for different budgets, in the city center.
Golden Cross Guesthouse
The Randolph Hotel
The Randolph Hotel
@annatravelslocal
📍in front of the Ashmolean Museum 💷 250 queen room/one night
Details
The Percy's Heritage
The Percy's Heritage
@annatravelslocal
📍1km from Christ Church College 💷 350 apartment up to 5 guest/one night
Details
For more detailed info, history, advices and interesting facts, you can visit my travel blog and check out my extensive guide about Oxford and download an Oxford Bucketlist for free!
* * *
