Why you should visit Oxford
Oxford, a historic city in England, is renowned for its prestigious university, one of the oldest in the English-speaking world. The city itself boasts medieval architecture, with notable landmarks like Magdalen College and the Bodleian Library. Oxford’s rich history and academic atmosphere make it a vibrant destination for scholars and tourists alike.
Visit Oxford – Classic, Scholarly and Beyond
You might instinctively label Oxford as classic, historical, posh, and elegant, but there’s so much more to it than those words can capture. Walking through its ancient streets, surrounded by the towering college buildings, you can almost feel the weight of centuries of knowledge pressing down on you. It’s like stepping into a scene from a novel, where you half-expect to bump into Oscar Wilde reciting poetry or catch a glimpse of Hogwarts students dining in the Great Hall.
Indeed, Oxford is a city frozen in time, a captivating haven for those who seek the essence of intellectual heritage.
For first-time visitors, there are several must-visit stops in Oxford!
University of Oxford
The 2023 hit cult film ‘’Saltburn’’ has made this world-class university appear on the big screen once again. This university also has entanglement with the ‘‘magical world’’ as well. Although being the inspirations and filming locations for many filmmakers, University of Oxford was famous long before this.
Like many other universities, the colleges of University of Oxford are scattered in many parts of the town. The images above are all part of the uni. The most famous ones would be the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Pitt Rivers Museum, Christ Church. One must-stop attraction is the Bodleian Library (1st picture), a magnificent institution dating back to the 17th century, known not only for its stunning architecture but also for housing over 12 million items, including rare manuscripts and historic texts. Another essential visit is Christ Church College, whose grandeur and elegance have made it a filming location for iconic movies like “Harry Potter.” Here, you can marvel at the intricate details of the college’s Great Hall (the last 2 pictures), which inspired the “Dinning Hall” of Hogwarts in the films.
Did you know that during the summer holiday, you can stay in one of the college accommodations, adding an extra spark to your trip? It’s a chance to live like an Oxford student and dine in the Great Hall!
Old Town Oxford: Bridge of Sighs, Ashmolean Museum, Alice in Wonderland
The Bridge of Sighs in Oxford, officially named Hertford Bridge, is a picturesque structure connecting two buildings of Hertford College over New College Lane. Built in 1913, its Neo-Gothic and Baroque design resembles its namesake in Venice. Legend has it that students sighed while crossing it before exams, adding to its charm.
For those with a thirst for knowledge, the Ashmolean Museum. Founded in 1683, it holds the distinction of being Britain’s oldest public museum and boasts an extensive collection of artefacts from across the globe.
One of Oxford’s most beloved tales is that of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” written by Lewis Carroll, a former mathematics lecturer at Christ Church College. You can follow in Alice’s footsteps with a whimsical tour of the city, exploring sites linked to the story such as the Oxford Botanic Garden, said to have inspired the garden of live flowers, and the doorway in Christ Church College reputedly associated with the Cheshire Cat. And of course shop at Alice’s Shop.
For those with more time, additional attractions include:
- Oxford Castle
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- Pitt Rivers Museum
- Oxford Botanic Garden
- The Covered Market
Why you should visit Oxford in England?
Oxford’s significance lies in its status as a beacon of learning and culture for centuries. As home to the University of Oxford, the oldest English-speaking university in the world, the city has fostered the intellectual growth of luminaries such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, and Stephen Hawking. Exploring the university’s colleges, each with its own unique history and architecture, offers a glimpse into the academic heritage that has shaped not only Oxford but also the world at large.
Whether you embark on a pilgrimage inspired by Harry Potter or simply seek a leisurely sightseeing adventure, Oxford promises an experience of unparalleled richness and depth. To fully appreciate all that this extraordinary city has to offer, it’s essential to set aside ample time, ideally a full day to savour every moment and truly immerse yourself in its timeless charm.
