Visiting Oxford, its University, Pubs, and Museums

Are you planning a visit to the beautiful city of Oxford? Perhaps you’re ready to start University. Or you like Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, and ghost stories. Or you’re just looking for day trips around the Oxfordshire area. On this site, you can explore Oxford’s history, find tours, and research what to do and see in this incredible city. 

Oxford in the Winter:
Top Activities for 2024/2025

#1

This annual market runs in December and has wooden stalls selling everything from local crafts to festive foods and mulled wine.

#2

Oxford’s old pubs are perfect for winter. They offer roaring fireplaces, hearty meals, and classic English ales. Ideal spots for escaping the cold!

#3

Oxford’s University Parks and Christ Church Meadow look stunning in winter. Bundle up and enjoy the quiet beauty of the frosty landscapes and views of the River Thames.

#4

Winter is a fantastic time to experience Oxford’s vibrant arts scene. The local theatres host concerts from ballets and operas to pantomimes.

#5

The Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in Britain, offers a fantastic winter retreat with its rich collection of art and archaeology. 

#6

The Oxford Ice Rink offers a festive winter activity for all ages. This rink is a fun way to spend a chilly afternoon or evening with friends and family.

Must-See Oxford Attractions

Explore Oxford’s iconic sights, including the historic Bodleian Library and the stunning Radcliffe Camera. Visit Christ Church College, famed for its cathedral and Harry Potter filming location. 

Oxford Castle and Prison - Image courtesy of Meraj Chhaya

Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford Castle is a partly ruined Norman medieval castle on the centre of Oxford. The castle then became a prison which closed in 1996.

The Sheldonian Theatre - Oxford

The Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre was designed by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon.

Oxford University - Old library (Duke Humfrey’s). Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Old library (Duke Humfrey’s)

Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester, founded the Duke Humfrey’s Library in 1447 after donating 281 books to the library.

Oxford Christ Church College - Image courtesy ofArnaud Malon

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.

Top Free Oxford Attractions

Curated by Yisela A.

Free Self-Guided Walking Tours

If you prefer to explore at your own pace and delve into the charm of Oxford independently, consider embarking on a free self-guided walking tour. I’ve created a few options based on places I enjoy visiting!

Other Tours and Experiences

If you enjoy a pre-planned wander, though, you will probably prefer some of these experiences offered by various reliable companies in Oxford. For instance:

Harry Potter in Oxford

If you love the Harry Potter books or movies, you’re probably well aware a lot of the latter were actually filmed in Oxford. And there’s little doubt Hogwarts takes enormous inspiration from the University, too. So, if you’re visiting and you like the series, you should definitely check these out:

Oxford Ghost Stories

From haunted colleges to mysterious apparitions in public spaces, Oxford’s ghost stories reflect both the city’s historic significance and its darker, more mysterious side.

Latest Stories & Articles About Oxford

We LOVE Oxford and everything it has to offer. People come to the city for different reasons, though, so we’ve created a few guides that can give you ideas to plan your visit. For example, you can explore Oxford Harry Potter filming locations or places that are ideal for a date. Or you can do a deep dive into the University and its traditions – some of which will probably surprise you (turtle racing? Yep. That’s a thing!). Take a look at some of our articles below.

The University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the leading academic institutions in the world – and the home of many unique traditions. If you want to learn more about the University, its different colleges, fun facts, ceremonies, terms, and much more – follow the links below!

Oxford Colleges

The University of Oxford has 39 semi-autonomous constituent colleges and six permanent private halls. Some of them include:

Oxford University - Merton College. Image courtesy of Jonathan.

Merton College

As one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England, Merton College dates back to the 1260s by Walter de Merton.

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Things to Do in Oxford

Bored and looking for something to do in Oxford? These are some of our suggestions and ideas for unique activities you can try:

Top Oxford Cafés: Opera Café - My Review

Opera Café

Opera Café in Oxford is a delightful spot known for its elegant ambience and menu that blends European café culture with modern trends.

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