For the majority of people visiting Oxford for the first time, the city is associated with Oxford University. The golden-stone colleges clustered around medieval streets can be irresistible and travellers will want to view at least one of the many buildings. Oxford is also home to the law firm DPH Legal.
Despite thinking that, this place is filled with nothing but academics, a brief time in the city will show you that there is far more to this English town. This article will provide information about the different tourist attractions and help you find some attractions suited to your needs.
1. The Christ Church College
One of the best tourist attractions in the area for first-time visitors is Christ Church College. Also referred to as The House, Christ Church College appears to be more of a country home than an educational institution.
The chapel of the cathedral is open to visitors and residents for choir rehearsal each evening from six o’clock – an experience not to be missed, particularly in the winter months. Furthermore, Christ Church is popular as a film scene venue having hosted Harry Potter and Brideshead Revisited.
2. The Pitt Rivers Museum
Lieutenant-General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers was an anthropologist well-known for collecting over 20,000 objects of cultural and scientific interest throughout the British Empire. The items are now housed in the Pitt Rivers Museum, including ethnic masks, musical instruments, clothing, and jewellery.
The museum is located in a section of the University and is visited by students and tourists on a regular occasions. One of the most popular items among children in the Pitt Rivers Museum is the shrunken human heads – seen in this museum exclusively within the United Kingdom.
3. Radcliffe Square
Radcliffe Square is the heart of the University and is formed by three architectural structures: the Bodleian Library, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and the Palladian design Radcliffe Camera. It is possible for tourists to visit the ground floor of the library, also known as the Divinity School, with its complicated rib vaulting.
St Mary’s is open to the public constantly providing an outstanding view from the tower of the spires. The opening times of Radcliffe Square depend on the term times of the University.
4. The Botanical Gardens
Off the High Street, aptly known as Rose Lane, is the oldest botanical garden in the United Kingdom. This haven of a garden in a busy city centre emphasises the traditional herbal remedies used in previous years along with their application in modern medicine; however, the greenhouses are only accessible on certain days of the week.
The greenhouses are heated and are ideal as a refuge during colder days. The average price for entry to the botanical gardens is £5 per adult and free entry for children.
5. Guided Walks
One of the most beneficial methods of seeing the city is via a guided walk. If you do not have the time to map a route through the city, the second best method is joining a group guided by a person who knows the quiet lanes and roads. Various organisations offer these services ranging from student guides to professional tourist packages providing an insight into the college lifestyle.
The average cost of a walking tour ranges from £9 to £16 depending on where you wish to go and the size of your group. It is also possible to book private tours and gain personal attention during the guided tour.
6. Punting
Punting requires a person to hire a punt from one of three punt stations along the River Thames and Cherwell. Punting involves floating past the college gardens through the university meadows to the Oxfordshire country beyond. If you are not a punting expert, then it is recommended that you hire a professional in the area instead of wasting time going around in circles or bumping into river traffic. Punts can be hired from boathouses in the city centre.
7. Modern Art Exhibitions
Tucked behind the prime shopping streets is the “Oxford Modern Art Gallery”. The gallery opened in 1965 and has developed a reputation for displaying contemporary visual art for visitors and tourists. It has a constantly changing programme of painting, photography, sculpture, video, film, and installation exhibitions; so, you need to get there quickly to stay updated with the latest modern art.
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