The University of Oxford
Home to one of the world’s most elite academic institutions.
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
It is thought that it began in the 12th century and by the middle of the 13th century, there was an established University in Oxford. At this time, most students stayed with their masters in private houses. The first college was Merton in 1264. Today there are more than 35 colleges, which are responsible for the admission of students, their welfare and education. Many of the colleges are open to the public.
Oxford has educated 27 British Prime Ministers, including Theresa May, and the former US President, Bill Clinton. Other famous people who studied at Oxford include actors Hugh Grant and Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean), scientist Stephen Hawking and writers Oscar Wilde, J.R.R. Tolkien, who wrote Lord of the Rings, and Lewis Carroll, who is famous for Alice in Wonderland.
Oxford University and Cambridge University have a long history of competition with each other, both academically and in sport. At the river, you may see students practising their rowing in preparation for the famous Boat Race in London that takes place every spring.
Visit Oxford
City Center
Although the center of Oxford is not large, plenty of time should be allowed for a visit since there are so many things to do here. The city’s four principal streets meet at the intersection known as Carfax, a good starting point for a tour.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is the cathedral of the diocese of Oxford, which consists of the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. It is also the chapel of Christ Church at the University of Oxford. This dual role as cathedral and college chapel is unique in the Church of England.
Radcliffe Square
Natural History Museum
Oxford University Museum of Natural History was founded in 1860, and today it holds an internationally-significant collection of natural history specimens and archives. Housed in a stunning neo-Gothic building inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites, the Museum is home to a lively programme of research, teaching and public events.
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. the world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time.
Pitt Rivers Museum
The Pitt Rivers Museum is also known as The University of Oxford’s museum of anthropology and world archaeology.
Are You a Harry Potter Fan?
Fans of Harry Potter will love Oxford, as two of its colleges – Christ Church College and New College – and the famous Bodleian Library were used as locations in the films.
Oxford is a great place to discover the secrets of Hogwarts and walk the same mysterious hallways Harry, Hermione and Ron once did.
Where is Oxford, England, U.K.?
Side Trips
Blenheim Palace (30 minutes by bus)
Discover the delights of Blenheim Palace, the beautiful home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Bicester Village Outlet Shopping (15 minutes by train)
Enjoy luxury shopping at more than 160 designer and fashion brands
Watch the videos
Visit Oxford Tourist Information – cityvisionfilm
Visit the University of Oxford – Viking River Cruises
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