The best things to do in Oxford, England: exploring the university and beyond

10.01.2025 - 13:31 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 9, 2025 • 16 min read

It’s hard to think of Oxford without conjuring up images of academics in billowing black gowns breezing through honey-colored cloisters and crowds of starry-eyed students crammed into cavernous lecture theaters.

It may be true that Oxford’s prestigious university is the city’s defining feature, but stray a little beyond the educational institution’s hallowed grounds, and you’ll stumble upon intriguing museums, labyrinthine bookstores, and excellent historic pubs to while away an afternoon like the writers of yesteryear did. There's a lot more to this golden-hued city than austere and solemn academia. Here are the top things to do in Oxford, a centuries-old city full of modern inspiration.

Oxford University can be traced back to the 11th century. Within 200 years, it had taken shape as a loose association of independent colleges, still housed (for the most part) in their original historic buildings scattered around the city. Depending on your interests, pick a couple of colleges to visit and get inspired by this institution's intellectual heritage. Most Oxford colleges welcome visitors, allowing you to explore their architectural beauty, history and learn more about their famous alumni.  

Merton College is where Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien worked as a professor of English language and literature. Trinity College boasts a beautifully restored Baroque chapel, and Lincoln College alumni include Dr Seuss (Theodore Geisel) as a Rhodes scholar. However, the more popular colleges with visitors are Magdalen College (pronounced “Maudlin”), where C S Lewis was a fellow, for its 15th-century tower and cloisters; All Souls College, founded in 1438, for its eye-catching Gothic towers; and Christ Church college, which doubles as Hogwarts during multiple scenes in the cinema adaption of the Harry Potter books. Balliol College, founded in 1263, is the oldest college building and features stunning medieval architecture.

Planning tip: Many colleges may have restricted hours or entry fees, so check ahead.

No doubt Oxford’s most photographed landmark is Radcliffe Camera, a dome-topped sandy-gold edifice built between 1737 and 1749 in grand Palladian style, then known as Radcliffe Library. It was demoted to a “camera” (room) in 1860 when it became the reading room of the neighboring Bodleian Library. The only way for non-members to see the interior is on the extended 1.5-hour tour of the Bodleian.

Be sure to visit the Sheldonian Theatre, a vision of the renowned Christopher Wren, the famous 17th-century architect and astronomer. The structure was built between 1664 and 1669. While Wren’s vision of a Roman open-air theater wasn’t possible due to the temperate English climate, artist Robert