Oxford in a day: the best things to see and do

Whether you are a history nerd, a bookworm, or just have an appreciation for beautiful cities, you will have reasons to visit Oxford. Although you could spend an entire weekend here, I think Oxford is ideal for a day trip from London. It is just an hour’s train journey away (or an hour an a half by car). And there are some of the spots you don’t want to miss when visiting this picture perfect University City. This is what you can see around Oxford in a day:

THE COLLEGES

Of course, every respectable list of Oxford attractions must begin with the colleges themselves. Oxford University is known across the world as one of the oldest and most highly regarded Universities. Its alumni include writers J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S Lewis and Philip Pullman (who set his wonderful His Dark Materials series in an alternative Oxford), several British Prime Ministers (including Boris Johnson) and a host of scientists, most notably the physicist Stephen Hawking.

Christ Church College is probably the most popular for visitors and for good reason. It’s almost castle-like in its appearance and has appeared in many films over the years, including, of course, Harry Potter. The grounds surrounding Christ Church college are also worth a wander. And if you have some extra time, are a wonderful spot for a picnic.

BODLEIAN LIBRARY/THE DIVINITY SCHOOL

More Harry Potter locations for you, but even if you don’t care about The Boy Wizard, the Divinity School and Bodleian Library is still worth your attention for it’s beauty and history. One of the oldest libraries in Europe, The Bodleian Libraries care for over one million manuscripts, archives, rare books, printed ephemera and maps. You can find treasures here from the Magna Carta to original works by Jane Austen, JRR Tolkien and Shakespeare. You have to book on a tour but it’s worth it to wander around such a spectacular and historic space. Actually using this library to study must be an incredible experience!

THE RADCLIFFE CAMERA

One of the – if not THE – most impressive buildings in Oxford is the Radcliffe Camera. Named after John Radcliffe who funded its construction back in the 1700s, it’s another library worth visiting as an architectural marvel. The word ‘camera’ actually means ‘room’ and has nothing to do with photography. But that doesn’t make this place any less photogenic, both inside and out.

CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN

If it’s views you’re after, there is no better place in Oxford than The Church of St Mary the Virgin, just next door to the Radcliffe Camera. Here you can climb the steps to the top of the tower, where you’ll get a 360-degree view across Oxford. It is absolutely stunning up here, and is a must do in my books. Admire the domed roof of the Camera and all the college buildings, stretching as far as the eye can see. Just be careful on your way up and down the steps – they are steep and very narrow!

BRIDGE OF SIGHS

You may have heard of – and seen – the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. You may also have heard of the Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge. Well can you believe it, but there is a third Bridge of Sighs right here in Oxford! The main difference between the other two and this one is that it is over a street, rather than water. It’s actually called the Hertford Bridge and connects 2 parts of Hertford College together.

It may not be quite as dramatic as its Venetian inspiration but it’s definitely an Oxford landmark and worth seeking out.

THE COVERED MARKET

In the mood for a spot of shopping while in Oxford? You can stop by the Covered Market, which has been a centre for trade since 1774. There are numerous venders here from butchers and bakers (and candlestick makers?) to gift shops and flower stalls. It’s definitely worth a wander round if the weather isn’t playing ball – which, in England, is often! Another lovely little place to seek out is ‘Alice’s Shop’, stocking everything to do with Lewis Carrol’s classic; Alice in Wonderland.

PUNTING

Ahh the quintessential English past time! Ok so we don’t usually all go punting on a glorious summer’s day any more, but it is a lot of fun if you are in Oxford or Cambridge, where it’s a bit of an iconic activity. First introduced in the late 1800s and made popular in the early to mid 1900s, punting involves propelling a flat-bottomed boat known as a punt by pushing against the river bed with a pole. You can try this on your own, but it’s much harder than it looks. I recommend a personal or group tour down the river where you can relax on a cushioned seat and enjoy the passing scenery while someone else does all the hard work. Ahh, bliss!

TOLKIEN’S GRAVE

Are you a massive Tolkien nerd like me? Then no trip to Oxford would be complete without a visit to Wolvercote Cemetery, where Tolkien was laid to rest. He was buried with his beloved wife Edith and their gravestone bears their names, along with the names ‘Beren and Luthien’, a reference to Tolkien’s story of Beren, a mortal man, who fell in love with the immortal Elf maiden Luthien. Please note, Wolvercote is a little way away from the centre of town. But for true fans this is a place of pilgrimage and therefore, a worthwhile detour.

THE EAGLE AND CHILD

If you don’t have time to make it to grave but still want a bit of Tolkien magic in your life then look no further than The Eagle and Child pub. It was here that the Inklings writing club, consisting of Tolkien and C.S Lewis amongst others, would meet on Thursday evenings to read and discuss each others unfinished manuscripts. As soon as you step foot in this pub you’ll notice references to Tolkien, the Inklings and the Lord of the Rings. There are plaques on the walls, old photographs and Hobbit quotes above the bar. I honestly got a bit emotional sitting here with my pint. What a nerd!

ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM/PITT RIVERS MUSEUM

Not far from the Eagle and Child lie two wonderful museums. The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archeology and the Pitt Rivers Museum. Erected in 1678, the Ashmolean houses a rather impressive collection of Archeological finds from across the ages, and across the globe. Some of my favourite pieces in here include Oliver Cromwell’s death mask, the lantern that Guy Fawkes carried during the Gunpowder Plot, and an arab ceremonial dress worn by Lawrence of Arabia. Then, just a 10 minute walk away, is the Pitt Rivers Museum. Its actually within the walls of the Natural History Museum (also worth a look!) and also houses a lot of curious and beautiful items from around the world.

Where to eat?

We stopped for lunch at Najar’s Place, for the best falafel wraps in town. They’re packed to the brim with fresh ingredients and are affordable too. It’s a great snack to grab on the go!

For a sit down vegan meal head straight to Green Routes Cafe. It’s a little way out of the centre of town but worth it for their selection of mouth watering plant-based dishes. For those with a sweet-tooth the pancakes come highly recommended.

Have you been to Oxford before, or have you perhaps even studied here? Have I missed your favourite college or corner of the city from my list? Tell me below! And if you fancy checking out another famous University city, see here for my guide to Cambridge. x