Back in the 13th century the majestic medieval buildings that still grace Oxford today were encircled by a fortified wall, within a very compact area. Oxfordâs main sights are consequently very close to each other indeed â perfect for sightseers. So much of the cityâs daily life remains focused upon this small core that itâs also filled with cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.
Start your day with a tour of the venerable Bodleian Library. Everyone visits its breathtaking Divinity School and sumptuous Duke Humfreyâs Library; some also include the glorious Radcliffe Camera. Then admire selected Bodleian treasures in the Weston Library. After lunch outside Vaults & Garden, dip into All Souls or Merton, then head south to explore Christ Church, and stroll through its riverside meadow. Savour an early-evening pint at the Head of the River before a modern bistro dinner at Turl Street Kitchen, then while away the evening in more of Oxfordâs legendary pubs, starting with the rambling Turf Tavern.
Oxfordâs town centre is less than 10 minutesâ walk east from the train station, while its bus station is on its northwestern edge, immediately south of Jericho.
Buses X13 and X3 connect High St with the train station, and head east across Magdalen Bridge. Bus 5 runs between St Aldateâs, Westgate Shopping Centre and the train station, and serves Cowley Rd.
Top SightsChrist Church
Thanks to its magnificent buildings, illustrious history and role in the Harry Potter movies, Christ Church is Oxfordâs most visited college. Established in 1525, itâs the universityâs largest college, if you include its bucolic meadow, and boasts Oxfordâs grandest quad, as well as its own cathedral and art gallery. Victorian-era don Lewis Carroll immortalised the deanâs daughter in Alice in Wonderland.
