There are many beautiful towns in England, but few can compete with the historic city of Oxford. The city is home to the oldest university in the English speaking world, and its cobbled streets, picturesque riverside location, and gothic architecture make it one of the most romantic places in England. If you’re visiting Oxford for the first time or want to explore somewhere new, this guide will introduce you to some of the top attractions in this historic city. From exploring its fascinating history to enjoying beautiful views from a tower, there are many things to do in Oxford that won’t cost you a penny!
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The Oxford University Museum of Natural History
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is located on Parks Road in Oxford, and it’s one of the most famous places to visit in Oxford. This grand museum is home to an incredible collection of over 80,000 specimens. The collection includes fossils, minerals, and rare zoological specimens. You’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies and crocodiles! You can explore the museum via a self-guided audio tour. The tour takes you through six different exhibition areas, showcasing the museum’s wide variety of specimens. Highlights include a 3D printed Tyrannosaurus Rex skull and an Egyptian mummified cat!
Christ Church and the Great Hall
Christ Church is one of the oldest and most stunning colleges at Oxford University. The impressive Great Hall is a stunning example of gothic architecture and one of the top things to do in Oxford. Christ Church is also notable for its famous bell tower, which is one of the best places in Oxford to see a sunset. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the resident ghost! The Great Hall at Christ Church is a must-see attraction in Oxford. The hall was built around 1480 and is one of the most important examples of gothic architecture in the city. The Great Hall is home to a stunning oak roof that’s carved with beautiful patterns and designs.
Oxford Cathedral
The beautiful Oxford Cathedral is one of the top places to visit in Oxford. The gothic building is the city’s main cathedral, and it’s a stunning example of medieval architecture. The cathedral is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are a great place to relax and enjoy the view. The cathedral has plenty of stunning features to explore. Highlights include the imposing tower and stained glass windows. You can explore the cathedral on a self-guided audio tour. The tour takes you through the building’s history and architecture, and you’ll also learn about the famous people buried in the cathedral.
Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is one of the top attractions in Oxford and one of the world’s greatest libraries. The library has been collecting books for over 400 years and now houses over 11 miles of books. You can explore the library on a self-guided tour and see some of the world’s most famous books. Highlights include a first edition of The Canterbury Tales, a handwritten copy of Hamlet, and a Gutenberg Bible! The library is famous for its beautiful architecture, so make sure to explore the stunning reading rooms too!
The Ruskin Centre and Museum of Art
The Ruskin Centre is a museum dedicated to the works of English writer and artist John Ruskin. The museum is one of the top places to visit in Oxford and is home to a beautiful collection of art. You can explore the museum on a self-guided audio tour. The tour takes you through the building’s history and explains the significance of the paintings, drawings, and sketches in the collection. Highlights include a watercolor by John Ruskin, a sketch of Oxford by Turner, and a pencil sketch of a blue tulip (a symbol of friendship and love). The museum also hosts regular exhibitions exploring different aspects of art and design.
Wolvercote Cemetery
Wolvercote Cemetery is one of the top places to visit in Oxford and one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the UK. You can explore the cemetery on a self-guided audio tour. The tour takes you through the cemetery’s history and famous graves, including the final resting place of Edward Jenner, the man who invented vaccination. You can spot some beautiful architecture and sculptures, including a sculpture of a woman carrying an urn. The urn is said to hold the ashes of Edward Jenner’s mother!
Conclusion
Oxford is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and there are many places to visit. You can explore Oxford’s fascinating history at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Christ Church and the Great Hall, Oxford Cathedral, and the Bodleian Library. The city is also home to some wonderful examples of gothic architecture, including Oxford Cathedral and the stunning reading rooms at the Bodleian Library. If you’re visiting Oxford, make sure you explore these beautiful sights and visit the city’s stunning cemeteries. You can enjoy a guided audio tour of these top places to visit in Oxford and discover the city’s fascinating history.
