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Exciting Things to do in Oxford

Oxford is packed with historic landmarks, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural experiences. Here’s a guide to the best things to visit while in Oxford:

Visit Port Meadow

A vast, ancient common land just outside the city center, offering open spaces for walking, birdwatching, or relaxing by the water.
 

Why Visit: It’s perfect for a peaceful walk, and you can follow the path to The Perch or The Trout Inn, two scenic riverside pubs.

Punting on the River Cherwell or Thames

A quintessential Oxford experience, punting involves gliding along the river in a flat-bottomed boat.

 

Punting offers fantastic views of Oxford’s college grounds, gardens, and meadows from the water. You can either hire a guide or try punting yourself!

Visit the colleges  

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  • Oxford is known for its prestigious university, and visiting its colleges gives you a glimpse into centuries of academic excellence.

  • Must-Visit Colleges:

  • Christ Church College: Famous for its magnificent architecture, Christ Church has been featured in Harry Potter and houses its own cathedral. Don’t miss the stunning Great Hall and Tom Quad.

  • Magdalen College: Beautiful grounds with deer park, lovely gardens, and Gothic architecture. Walking along the River Cherwell is a highlight.

  • Balliol College: One of the oldest colleges with a peaceful atmosphere, it’s known for its charming quadrangles.

  • New College: Features the stunning cloisters and medieval city walls.

Attend a Play

Check out the schedule at the Oxford Playhouse or Oxford New Theatre for a variety of performances including plays, musicals, comedy shows, and concerts.

Visit the Covered Market

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This historic market has been a bustling spot since the 1770s. It's a great place to shop for local crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs.
 

Why Visit: Wander through its quaint alleys, sample food from local vendors, or enjoy a traditional Ben’s Cookies or a pie from Pieminister.

Oxford Botanic Gardens

The oldest botanic garden in Britain, established in 1621, the Oxford Botanic Garden is a tranquil retreat with beautiful plants, trees, and glasshouses.
 

Why Visit: Stroll through its peaceful paths and enjoy the beautiful collections of flora, especially if you’re visiting in spring or summer. The nearby Christ Church Meadow is perfect for a scenic riverside walk.

Visit museums

Top Museums:

Ashmolean Museum: World-class art and archaeology.

Pitt Rivers Museum: Unique anthropological collections.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Famous for the Oxford Dodo and dinosaur skeletons.

Oxford Castle & Prison 

  • This partially ruined Norman castle offers fascinating guided tours about the city’s history.
     

  • Highlights:

  • Climb St. George’s Tower for panoramic views over Oxford.

  • Explore the prison cells and learn about medieval life, crime, and punishment.

  • Walk through the underground crypt, dating back nearly 1,000 years

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