DAY-TRIPS
OXFORD
Located in the Oxfordshire and only one hour from London, Oxford is famous for its universities with impressive architecture but also for having served as a filming location for the Harry Potter saga! This university city where time seems to be suspended is the perfect place for a day-trip.
OXFORD ESSENTIALS
CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE
Christ Church College is the oldest and largest of all Oxford universities. Among the alumni of this university we can find Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (later known as Lewis Caroll) as well as John Locke (17th century English philosopher). It's also worth pointing out that Christ Church College is where Lewis Caroll first met Alice Liddell (dean's daughter), for whom he created the famous novel Alice in Wonderland.
The visit of Christ Church College includes:
- Christ Church Cathedral, jewel of the university;
- the Dining Hall and the stairs of Bodley Tower, known to represent the Great Hall of Hogwarts;
- the Meadow, a magnificent and vast meadow used as university garden for Christ Church College;
- the Cloisters;
- the Tom Tower;
- the Old Library.
Admission Fees: Adults £15, Concessions £14
THE BODLEIAN LIBRARY
The Bodelian Library is the most prestigious library in Oxford and the second largest library in Britain after the British Library. Different parts of the Bodleian Library were used to film Harry Potter: we can recognize the hospital wing and the dance hall (both filmed in Divinity School) and the Hogwarts library (filmed in Duke Humfray's Library).
Admission fees: Divinity School £2.50 / Guided tour from £4.50 to £12
ST. MARY THE VIRGIN TOWER
Located in the city center, St. Mary The Virgin Tower promises a panomaric view of Oxford and more particularly an amazing view of Radcliffe Camera. But for that, you'll first have to climb the 127 steps!
Admission fee: £5
THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS
This bridge is one of Oxford's landmarks. Located on New College Lane, this bridge is officially known as Hertford Bridge .
ITINERARY OF A WALK THROUGH OXFORD CENTER
HOLLYWELL STREET
Not far from Radcliffe Camera Hollywell Street is a quiet street in the center of Oxford famous for its pastel-colored facades.
OXFORD COBBLED STREETS
Merton Street is a picturesque alleyway bordering Merton College and Chapel. From there, Logic Lane connects Merton Street to Oxford High Street. Heading up to the High Street you'll find yourself on Queens Lane, a historic street that goes all around Queen's College and Library. From Queens Lane, you will then be very close to the Bodlenian Library and Radcliffe Camera, and Saint Mary's Passage will bring you back to the High Street.
THE COVERED MARKET
Oxford Covered Market is a historic market with stalls, Hindi shops and greengrocers.
BOOKSHOPS
Oxford is full of independent bookshops. If you're a book lover, stop by Blackwell on Broad Street!
OXFORD GREEN SPACES
UNIVERSITY GARDENS
Oxford universities are not only known for their stunning architecture but also for their gardens. Some of them even have their own fields and meadows!
OXFORD BOTANIC GARDEN
Just behind Merton College, Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain. It's composed of a wide variety of plant species, including a collection of medicinal plants.
THE RIVERSIDE WALKS
Close to Christ Church College, Folly Bridge gives access to footpaths alongside the river Thames that allow you to enjoy the calm of the English countryside. During your walk, you will be able to look at rowers but also to meet horses and cows in the surrounding meadows.
MORE INFO
How do I get to Oxford from London?
By train: allow one hour journey from Paddington Station or Marylebone Station .
By bus: cheaper, allow around 1h40 from Victoria Coach Station .
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My recommendations:
THE TURF TAVERN - 4 Holywell St, Oxford OX1 3SU, United Kingdom
This historic tavern-like pub tucked away in Bath Place serves delicious British food.
THE GRAND CAFÉ - 84 High St, Oxford OX1 4BG, United Kingdom
This Parisian-style café is England's oldest café and the perfect place for tea time.
THAI STREET KITCHEN - 6 St Michael's St, Oxford OX1 2DU, United Kingdom
Small Thai restaurant where the food is delicious (and cheap!)