Oxford is one of the world's most famous university cities in England and is also a beautiful place to visit. There are many attractions to visit such as Bridge of Sighs, Modern Art Oxford, Oxford University and much more. Why not explore what Oxford has to offer?
Bridge of Sighs is another name for the Hertford Bridge, which is a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College connecting to New College Lane in Oxford. This bridge is a unique design, making it a unique landmark of the city.
Although the famous bridge is not necessarily a building, Oxford’s stunning architecture wouldn’t feel complete without the Bright of Sighs. The bright has a lot of history and was completed in 1914, situated right opposite the well-known Bodleian Library. It is very similar to Bright of Sighs in Venice and Cambridge, though not the same.
Bridge of Sighs is very popular with the locals and tourists who visit worldwide.
Address
Bridge of Sighs
New College Lane
Hertford College
Oxford
England
www.lonelyplanet.com/england/oxford/attractions/bridge-of-sighs
2. Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is a popular library offering a range of collections, guided tours, exhibitions, a café and an excellent gift shop. As you walk past the entrance, you will see the well-known wooden doors which are adorned by the crests of all the Oxford colleges.
All of the Bodleian Libraries hold together more than 12 million printed items and pristine special collections including rare books and manuscripts.
There are many exhibitions and events that take place at the Bodleian Library which will give you the opportunity to discover broad collections, historical buildings and informative talks.
Opening times
Visit website for more information
Address
Broad Street
Oxford
OX1 3BG
Contact details
01865 287400
www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
3. Christ Church
Christ Church was founded in 1546 and is one of the colleges of Oxford University and is located in the heart of Oxford. The college today is a key part of a very modern university to over 600 students. It is known for its beautiful architecture, the size and its welcoming atmosphere to the graduates and visitors.
A lot of teaching and history are inside the walls, which makes it a popular tourist attraction for people from all over the world.
Opening times
Mondays to Saturdays – 10.00 - 17.00
Sundays - 14.00 - 17.00
Last entry: 16.15
Opening Hours - 4 - 10 September 2017
Visit website for seasonal opening times
Address
Christ Church
St. Aldates
Oxford
OX1 1DP
Contact details
enquiries@chch.ox.ac.uk
01865 276 150
www.chch.ox.ac.uk
4. Modern Art Oxford
If you’re visiting Oxford and love art, make sure to visit the Modern Art Museum. It is full of visually wonderful collections, with a gallery devoted to presenting exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
There are many things to see and do at the museum, whether you are visiting with friends or with family and children. There are also guides for most exhibitions, where you can learn all about modern art in Oxford.
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday 12:00 - 17:00
Closed Mondays.
Pricing
Free admission
Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing time.
Address
30 Pembroke Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 1BP
England
Contact details
01865 722733
www.modernartoxford.org.uk
5. The Pitt Rivers Museum
The Pitt Rivers Museum holds a lot of history and is full of wonderful collections of archaeological and ethnographic objects from many cultures around the world. From African pottery, to Japanese masks – there’s plenty to explore at the museum.
To get to the Pitt Rivers Museum you’ll need to enter through the Oxford University Museum Natural History, via Parks Road. There are many activities and events which take place at the museum, so if you are visiting with friends and family, it’s worth checking what events are on before you visit.
Why not go sightseeing around Oxford afterwards and enjoy touring around the historic buildings? If you are an art lover, why not take a look at the popular Oxford art gallery? There is so much to do and see in Oxford.
Opening hours
Monday 12:00 - 16:30
Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10:00 - 16:30
Pricing
Free admission
Donations welcome
Address
South Parks Road
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 3PP
England
Contact details
01865 270927
www.prm.ox.ac.uk
Top 5 kid’s activities
There are plenty of attractions to keep the kids entertained in Oxford!
1. The Story Museum
Discover The Story Museum in Oxford, offering a world of colour, characters and literacy fun! There are so many things to see and do at The Story Museum such as new installations, poetry and storytelling and the museum – Fun for all of the children to enjoy. The Story Museum makes a perfect day out during the holidays, where children can have fun and learn at the same time.
Explore the themed rooms, slide down the rabbit hole and invite yourself to the mad hatter’s tea party in Alice in Wonderland! There are more adventures to enjoy when you step out into the cold and snowy Narnia.
In the museum cinema, there are screenings of Disney classics and installations to see.
Opening times
Opening times are subject to change. Visit website for more information.
Prices
Adult: £7.50
Child: £5.00
Family: From £20
Address
42 Pembroke Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 1BP
England
Contact details
01865 790050
www.storymuseum.org.uk
2. Oxford Spy Mission Treasure Trail
All children love a treasure trail, so why not visit Oxford Spy Mission Treasure Trail? There is also an exciting treasure hunt and a mystery themed treasure trail! As you search around the trail, you will pass a range of clues in places you wouldn’t expect, from engravings to road signs.
This treasure trail is great for children and adults alike, but most importantly suitable for all ages. Older children 9-12 and teenagers 13-18.
The trail takes around 2.5 hours to complete and involves 2.5 miles of walking, which is great for children in the summer holidays. A great way to explore Oxford!
Opening times
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5.30pm
Address
Queen Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 1ET
England
Contact details
01872 263692
www.treasuretrails.co.uk/what-to-do/oxfordshire/oxford
3. Oxford Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour
Discover Oxford on a double decker bus, with Oxford’s sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour! View Oxford’s architecture and learn all about its history from above.
You can even stop off at the Pitt Rivers Museum, which is home to the archaeological and anthropological collections of the University of Oxford, as well as seeing William Morris’ Original Workshop and the Bodleian Library.
Oxford is a vibrant city, with plenty of things to do and see. Why not stop off and go to a live music performance, or visit the theatre? If you would prefer a more relaxing visit, you can stop off for a drink at The Eagle and Child pub.
Oxford is fun for all of the family!
Address
Park End Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 1HS
Contact details
01865 790522
www.city-sightseeing.com/en/99/oxford
4. Oxford Ghost Trail
Join Bill Spectre’s Oxford Ghost Trail, for his entertaining and informative spooky ghost adventure! It’s a great way to find out more about the city’s history and its unique secrets.
You and the ghost hunters should come across Bill Spectre, dressed as a Victorian undertaker! The tour will take around 1 hour 45 minutes from Oxford’s castle, or 1 hour 15 minutes from the Tourist Information Centre.
It’s a fun evening out for family and older children.
Address
Oxford Castle Gift Shop
44 to 46 New Road
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 1AY
Contact details
0794 104 1811
www.ghosttrail.org/oxford-ghost-trail
5. Oxford River Cruises
Enjoy the sunshine (if it’s sunny!) and take an Edwardian trip along the river with Oxford River Cruises, where you will enjoy an informative ride as well as being able to experience the sights of Oxford.
There are various river cruises on offer, to suit all requirements such as educational, guided and historical. It’s a comfortable, memorable and exciting way to experience Oxford.
Address
The Folly
1 Folly Bridge
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 4LB
Contact Details
08452 269396
www.oxfordrivercruises.com
Top 5 restaurants in Oxford
On your visit to Oxford, why not stop by one of these delicious restauranrs in the evening?
1. The Oxford Kitchen
www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk
01865 511149
215 Banbury Road
Oxford
OX2 7HQ
England
2. Afternoon Tea at Macdonald Randolph Hotel
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-randolph-hotel
01865 256400
Beaumont Street
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Oxford
OX1 2LN
3. Acanthus Restaurant
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-randolph-hotel
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Beaumont Street
Oxford
OX1 2LN
4. Comie's Caribbean Grill
01865 770253
202 Garsington Road
Oxford
OX4 6NQ
5. Oli's Thai
www.olisthai.com
01865 790223
38 Magdalen Road
Oxford
OX4 1RB
England