Many of us are in the clutches of winter right now, but I have a sure remedy for pulling Anglophiles out of their winter doldrums . . . start planning a trip to Britain, of course!
London is the city most tourists fly into when visiting the UK. If you have a short holiday, it’s easy to think time will not allow you to stray from the city, but au contraire! In a previous post, I touted Oxford as one of my favorite day-trips out of London. Trains and buses carry you to Oxford in less than one hour, and they offer frequent departures throughout the day. Easy-peasy, right? While Oxford is an easy day trip from London, the fact is, the town deserves more than a day visit. But either way, you'll never regret seeing this "crown jewel" of Britain.
I recently received a promo about Oxford that I'm sharing, below. It made me all wistful and nostalgic, and now, I'm itching to cross the pond (again). You, too, can read it and weep--then book that flight to Britain!
25 Reasons to Visit Oxford
Oxford is renowned worldwide for its University, winding streets, and eclectic architecture. It's one of the most exciting cities to visit in the UK! Here are a just a few of the reasons why you’ll love the City of Dreaming Spires...
1. The famous Oxford skyline. Oxford’s famous skyline is a wonder to behold! It inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to dub Oxford “the city of dreaming spires”.
2. The architecture. Oxford is an ancient place of learning with monastic institutions, schools, and universities—all with marvellous architecture. Visitors are in awe of St. George’s Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Divinity School, Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Observatory, and Ashmolean Museum.
3. It's a movie set. Oxford frequently appears on the silver screen, and you can explore the famous movie locations. Films in Oxford and Oxfordshire range from Harry Potter to Midsomer Murders and from Downton Abbey to Inspector Morse.
4. You can walk or bike everywhere. Oxford scores high on the walkability index. Whether you hire a bike or stay on foot, navigating around town couldn’t be easier.
5. It's a book worm's paradise. Oxford is known for its literary giants including J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carol. Throughout the city, you’ll find haunts of the great Oxford writers—their homes, watering holes, and schools.
The city is also home to the world’s largest bookseller! Blackwell’s Bookshop is the largest bookstore chain in the world, and the huge Oxford branch takes up multiple buildings. The shop’s famous Norrington Room alone houses over 100,000 books.
6. The Covered Market. This trading post goes back to 1774 and is today home to over 55 stores, stalls and food outlets. You’ll find a delectable array of fresh foods including fresh fish, flowers, fruits, vegetables and even furniture!
7. Plenty of independent stores. Oxford is packed with indie stores you’ll not find anywhere else. Among the streets, alleys, and markets, you’ll find everything from bespoke furniture to gifts, clothing, and more.
8. Great pubs and restaurants. Oxford is loved by foodies and tipplers alike. As with all the best ancient British cities, Oxford has fabulous pubs, such as the famous Eagle & Child—it also has many independent cafes and restaurants, many of which pride themselves on using local ingredients. As one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse cities, the town offers many exciting eating adventures!
9. The Colleges. Oxford is perhaps best known for its educational institutions and these do not stop with the University. With 38 constituent colleges and 6 permanent private halls, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to visiting these iconic buildings.
10. The University of Oxford. The University of Oxford is one of the oldest, most respected universities in the world. Its illustrious alumni include 26 British Prime Ministers, at least 30 international heads of state, 50 Nobel Prize winners, and 120 Olympic medal winners. And you don’t have to be an alumnus to enjoy the school’s beauty. Anyone can walk around the many colleges and learn about their colourful histories.
11. The Pitt Rivers Museum. The Pitt Rivers Museum boasts one of the best anthropology and archaeology collections in the world. Amongst its collection of over 500,000 items, you’ll find curios from the Pacific Islands, pigeon whistles, and cultural artefacts from all over the globe.
12. Botanic Garden. The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. Founded as a physic garden in 1621, the Botanic Garden grew plants for medicinal research. Today it contains over 8,000 different species on 4.5 acres, making it one of the most diverse—yet compact—collections of plants in the world, with representatives from over 90 percent of the world’s plant families.
13. Ashmolean Museum. The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, the world-famous collection ranges from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. The Ashmolean has something for everyone and adds to the city’s gravitas as a place of learning, culture, and history.
14. Oxford Castle. Explore 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle, one of many historical sites that make up the very bones of the city. Let the Castle’s costumed guides take you on an interactive tour through the castle while you learn the history of Oxford.
15. Blenheim Palace. World Heritage Site, historic house, movie location, and home to the Dukes of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is one of England’s most iconic buildings. Located just outside the city, the palace is a great place to explore year round with rooms and gardens that are magical.
16. Old school cinema. If you want an authentic cinematic experience, visit The Ultimate Picture Palace. Watch recent releases from around the world as well as old classics in a beautiful Art Deco auditorium.
17. Spectacular shows. Oxford is home to a variety of theatres and playhouses, both musical and theatrical. New Theatre Oxford is known for its famous Broadway shows, and the Oxford Playhouse showcases the best of British and international drama, family shows, and more.
18. Open air theatre. The Oxford Shakespeare Company is a critically acclaimed, open-air, site-specific theatre that performs fresh and inspiring productions of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights. Their shows are interactive with the environment and place a strong emphasis on music and costume, allowing the audience to enjoy fully the world of the play.
19. Punting down the river. Oxford used to be known as “Oxenford” (“a place where ox cross a river”) because the Isis is like a millpond, making it perfect for punting. This warm-weather, must-do, boating activity is perfect for enjoying the city and sunshine. Fun fact: “Oxford” and “Bosphorus” (the famous strait that separates Europe and Asia) mean the same thing!
20. The countryside. Oxford is surprisingly modest in its urbanisation, so the British countryside is never far away. Drive ten minutes out of the city, and you’re in the expansive green of Oxfordshire or, better yet, take a stroll around the city’s many picturesque parks. Explore Bury Knowle Park, Cutteslowe Park, Christ Church Meadows, Port Meadow, the River Thames, South Park, University Parks, Wolvercote Lakes, and the Oxford. Walk 10 minutes from the city centre in almost any direction and feel like you’re in the country!
21. May Day celebrations. May Morning, celebrated on the 1st of May each year, is an Oxford tradition. This celebration, marking the coming of spring, kicks off at 6am, with the Magdalen College choir singing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower. Drink in the atmosphere as the bells ring out across the city for 20 minutes, then immerse yourself in the fun that follows, including Morris Men dancing and live music.
22. Wilderness Festival. Wilderness is a boutique festival for those who like things on the alternative side—a festival that makes you think. This hipsters’ paradise featuring long table banquets, parties in the woods, talks, live music, and much more, kicks off every August just outside of town. The festival offers something for everybody.
23. Cowley Road Carnival. Cowley Road Carnival takes place annually on the first Sunday of July. Carnival celebrates all that is special and unique about the Oxford Community, bringing together different cultures and myriad social backgrounds. With over 30 stages and cultural activity zones, the festival spans across 32 roads and public green spaces—a site over one mile long!
24. Christmas Lights Festival. If you like Christmas, you’ll love Oxford—the town goes the extra mile during this festive season. Be dazzled by light and sound installations, performances, interactive and digital projects, and the iconic lantern parade.
25. The People. In a place like Oxford, rich in history, education, philosophy, and culture, the residents are proud of their community and love sharing experiences. From the pub regulars to the shop assistants to the bus drivers, you’ll always find a friendly face in Oxford!
1. The famous Oxford skyline. Oxford’s famous skyline is a wonder to behold! It inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to dub Oxford “the city of dreaming spires”.
2. The architecture. Oxford is an ancient place of learning with monastic institutions, schools, and universities—all with marvellous architecture. Visitors are in awe of St. George’s Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Divinity School, Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Observatory, and Ashmolean Museum.
3. It's a movie set. Oxford frequently appears on the silver screen, and you can explore the famous movie locations. Films in Oxford and Oxfordshire range from Harry Potter to Midsomer Murders and from Downton Abbey to Inspector Morse.
4. You can walk or bike everywhere. Oxford scores high on the walkability index. Whether you hire a bike or stay on foot, navigating around town couldn’t be easier.
5. It's a book worm's paradise. Oxford is known for its literary giants including J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carol. Throughout the city, you’ll find haunts of the great Oxford writers—their homes, watering holes, and schools.
The city is also home to the world’s largest bookseller! Blackwell’s Bookshop is the largest bookstore chain in the world, and the huge Oxford branch takes up multiple buildings. The shop’s famous Norrington Room alone houses over 100,000 books.
6. The Covered Market. This trading post goes back to 1774 and is today home to over 55 stores, stalls and food outlets. You’ll find a delectable array of fresh foods including fresh fish, flowers, fruits, vegetables and even furniture!
7. Plenty of independent stores. Oxford is packed with indie stores you’ll not find anywhere else. Among the streets, alleys, and markets, you’ll find everything from bespoke furniture to gifts, clothing, and more.
8. Great pubs and restaurants. Oxford is loved by foodies and tipplers alike. As with all the best ancient British cities, Oxford has fabulous pubs, such as the famous Eagle & Child—it also has many independent cafes and restaurants, many of which pride themselves on using local ingredients. As one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse cities, the town offers many exciting eating adventures!
9. The Colleges. Oxford is perhaps best known for its educational institutions and these do not stop with the University. With 38 constituent colleges and 6 permanent private halls, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to visiting these iconic buildings.
10. The University of Oxford. The University of Oxford is one of the oldest, most respected universities in the world. Its illustrious alumni include 26 British Prime Ministers, at least 30 international heads of state, 50 Nobel Prize winners, and 120 Olympic medal winners. And you don’t have to be an alumnus to enjoy the school’s beauty. Anyone can walk around the many colleges and learn about their colourful histories.
11. The Pitt Rivers Museum. The Pitt Rivers Museum boasts one of the best anthropology and archaeology collections in the world. Amongst its collection of over 500,000 items, you’ll find curios from the Pacific Islands, pigeon whistles, and cultural artefacts from all over the globe.
12. Botanic Garden. The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. Founded as a physic garden in 1621, the Botanic Garden grew plants for medicinal research. Today it contains over 8,000 different species on 4.5 acres, making it one of the most diverse—yet compact—collections of plants in the world, with representatives from over 90 percent of the world’s plant families.
13. Ashmolean Museum. The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, the world-famous collection ranges from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. The Ashmolean has something for everyone and adds to the city’s gravitas as a place of learning, culture, and history.
14. Oxford Castle. Explore 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle, one of many historical sites that make up the very bones of the city. Let the Castle’s costumed guides take you on an interactive tour through the castle while you learn the history of Oxford.
15. Blenheim Palace. World Heritage Site, historic house, movie location, and home to the Dukes of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is one of England’s most iconic buildings. Located just outside the city, the palace is a great place to explore year round with rooms and gardens that are magical.
16. Old school cinema. If you want an authentic cinematic experience, visit The Ultimate Picture Palace. Watch recent releases from around the world as well as old classics in a beautiful Art Deco auditorium.
17. Spectacular shows. Oxford is home to a variety of theatres and playhouses, both musical and theatrical. New Theatre Oxford is known for its famous Broadway shows, and the Oxford Playhouse showcases the best of British and international drama, family shows, and more.
18. Open air theatre. The Oxford Shakespeare Company is a critically acclaimed, open-air, site-specific theatre that performs fresh and inspiring productions of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights. Their shows are interactive with the environment and place a strong emphasis on music and costume, allowing the audience to enjoy fully the world of the play.
19. Punting down the river. Oxford used to be known as “Oxenford” (“a place where ox cross a river”) because the Isis is like a millpond, making it perfect for punting. This warm-weather, must-do, boating activity is perfect for enjoying the city and sunshine. Fun fact: “Oxford” and “Bosphorus” (the famous strait that separates Europe and Asia) mean the same thing!
20. The countryside. Oxford is surprisingly modest in its urbanisation, so the British countryside is never far away. Drive ten minutes out of the city, and you’re in the expansive green of Oxfordshire or, better yet, take a stroll around the city’s many picturesque parks. Explore Bury Knowle Park, Cutteslowe Park, Christ Church Meadows, Port Meadow, the River Thames, South Park, University Parks, Wolvercote Lakes, and the Oxford. Walk 10 minutes from the city centre in almost any direction and feel like you’re in the country!
21. May Day celebrations. May Morning, celebrated on the 1st of May each year, is an Oxford tradition. This celebration, marking the coming of spring, kicks off at 6am, with the Magdalen College choir singing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower. Drink in the atmosphere as the bells ring out across the city for 20 minutes, then immerse yourself in the fun that follows, including Morris Men dancing and live music.
22. Wilderness Festival. Wilderness is a boutique festival for those who like things on the alternative side—a festival that makes you think. This hipsters’ paradise featuring long table banquets, parties in the woods, talks, live music, and much more, kicks off every August just outside of town. The festival offers something for everybody.
23. Cowley Road Carnival. Cowley Road Carnival takes place annually on the first Sunday of July. Carnival celebrates all that is special and unique about the Oxford Community, bringing together different cultures and myriad social backgrounds. With over 30 stages and cultural activity zones, the festival spans across 32 roads and public green spaces—a site over one mile long!
24. Christmas Lights Festival. If you like Christmas, you’ll love Oxford—the town goes the extra mile during this festive season. Be dazzled by light and sound installations, performances, interactive and digital projects, and the iconic lantern parade.
25. The People. In a place like Oxford, rich in history, education, philosophy, and culture, the residents are proud of their community and love sharing experiences. From the pub regulars to the shop assistants to the bus drivers, you’ll always find a friendly face in Oxford!
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AUTHOR BIO: Article submitted by Eyesite, Oxford, a chain of independent opticians with six practices across the South East of England.
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