Home of the oldest university in England, Oxford is packed with magnificent architecture from several periods of history. Apart from historical attractions and fine museums, Oxford has excellent theatres, numerous concerts and good opportunities for shopping and dining.
In the city centre of Oxford you can climb the 99 steps up to the magnificent Carfax tower which provides great views over the city. There are many excellent museums in Oxford, such as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Oxford and the Museum of the History of Science. Visit also the beautiful St. Mary’s Church. There are several venues for concerts in Oxford, such as the Sheldonian Theatre which is also a architectural masterpiece. If you want to enjoy quality theatre, visit the Oxford Playhouse, which is the major theatre in the city.
Sports activities & shopping. The beautiful rivers of Cherwell and Thames run through the city of Oxford. Punting along the river is a very popular activity. You can either punt a wooden boat by yourself or hire a person to punt. There are endless opportunities for shopping in Oxford for example at High Street in the heart of the city, where the famous Oxford University Shop is also located. For those interested in golf in Oxford there are several good golf courses only within a short distance from the city centre.
Architecture, culture, shopping and dining – Activities and attractions in Oxford
The city of Oxford is located in Oxfordshire in South East England in the United Kingdom, approximately 80 km west of London. The city is home the University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the world and the university’s colleges found throughout the city have impressive architecture from several periods. Christ Church and Magdalen College are among of the most impressive colleges of the University. Oxford is very rich in history and the city is home to numerous beautiful alleyways and cobblestone streets lined with fine buildings, such as the 18th century Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library which houses an impressive collection of books.In the city centre of Oxford you can climb the 99 steps up to the magnificent Carfax tower which provides great views over the city. There are many excellent museums in Oxford, such as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Oxford and the Museum of the History of Science. Visit also the beautiful St. Mary’s Church. There are several venues for concerts in Oxford, such as the Sheldonian Theatre which is also a architectural masterpiece. If you want to enjoy quality theatre, visit the Oxford Playhouse, which is the major theatre in the city.
Sports activities & shopping. The beautiful rivers of Cherwell and Thames run through the city of Oxford. Punting along the river is a very popular activity. You can either punt a wooden boat by yourself or hire a person to punt. There are endless opportunities for shopping in Oxford for example at High Street in the heart of the city, where the famous Oxford University Shop is also located. For those interested in golf in Oxford there are several good golf courses only within a short distance from the city centre.
Practical information for your stay in Oxford
Like the rest of England, Oxford has a temperate maritime climate with chilly winters and warm summers. The weather in Oxford is changeable and rainfall can be expected any time of the year.
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Accommodation & dining. There are plenty of hotels in Oxford and also cheaper accommodation options such as guesthouses are available both in the city centre and in the suburbs of the city. There are numerous restaurants in Oxford and they serve both British and international cuisine for every taste and budget. What comes to the nightlife in Oxford, there are numerous traditional pubs and modern nightclubs to choose from.
Traveling to Oxford from abroad is easiest via London. There is no airport in Oxford, but the Heathrow and Gatwick airports near London serve flights from all over the world. There are excellent bus and train connections to Oxford from many English cities, including direct buses and trains from the London airports.
The public transportation in Oxford is handled by buses. The city centre is, however, compact enough to be toured on foot. You can also hire a bike or take a taxi in Oxford. Car rental in Oxford is an option if you want to visit other destinations in the United Kingdom on your own. Driving in the city centre is not, however, recommended due to the limited parking space and very expensive parking fees. Oxford is a quite safe destination for visitors.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Stonehenge, London, Birmingham, Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, Cambridge, Brighton
