Oxford
A skyline of dreaming spires, domed theatres and college gargoyles, Oxford inspires.Chain up your bike outside university colleges to
peek past the porters onto quadrant lawns. The last time we counted there were 38. Walk around The Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera, wander round the Covered Market or try a guided walk in the daytime or at night! Alternatively pack up picnics for pauses in wonderful attractions including deer parks, meadows and flood plains and the exotic Botanical Gardens. Be brave and try punting while you’re visiting for the weekend. It's the best way to see the River Isis in all its glory. After dark squeeze into side-street city pubs with rowdy students or master the arts at fringe theatres. There is so much to see and do in Oxford, we couldn’t possibly include everything in this guide! But we hope it gives you a good starting point with ideas and suggestions of places to visit
and things to do. Further suggestions and assistance are available at the Oxford Tourism Information Office (15-16 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AS), or you may want to take a look at Visit Oxford’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/VisitOxfordUK.
Places to Visit
Magdalen Bridge Boathouse Magdalen Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4AU Telephone - 01865 202643
At Magdalen Bridge Boathouse you can hire punts, rowing boats or pedalos for an hour or, if you want to make a day of it, stay on the river as long as you like, returning your boat to the boathouse at least half an hour before sunset. This classic Oxford experience should not be missed!
University of Oxford Museum of Natural History Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW Founded in 1860, the Museum of Natural History holds the University’s internationally significant collections of geological and zoological specimens. Housed in a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, the museum’s collections are ever-growing and always provide an enlightening visit. A firm favourite with visitors, the Oxfordshire dinosaurs are some of the museum’s most famous exhibits. Entry to the Museum of Natural History is free of charge.
For more information, visit www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk.
The Oxford Botanic Garden is situated in the heart of the city. This 130 acre garden is the oldest Botanic Garden in the UK and is home to over 5000 plant species. A tranquil oasis where you can escape the buzz of the city, there are different elements of the garden to explore. More information on the Botanic Garden (and its sister site Harcourt Arboretum, which is situated between Wallingford and Oxford) can be found at www.obga.ox.ac.uk.
Oxford Castle and Prison 44 Oxford Castle, OX1 1AY When William the Conqueror invaded England and won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Oxford Castle was marked by the Normans as the ideal place for a motte-and-bailey castle. Norman baron Robert O’Doyly took it upon himself to build this castle. Over time, our site transformed from a castle into a prison. Today, after one millennia, Oxford
Castle & Prison is a visitor attraction with a story to tell.
Westgate Shopping Centre Queen Street, Oxford OX1 1PE Westgate Oxford is home to prestigious retail and
health & beauty brands, as well as an eclectic selection of restaurants. The shopping centre also boasts a boutique Curzon cinema, as well as the Junkyard Golf club for those looking to do something a little different!
Eating & Drinking
The choice of restaurants, bars and cafes can be somewhat overwhelming when visiting somewhere new, so below are a few firm favourites that you might like to explore.
The Crown 59a Cornmarket Street, OX1 3HB Tucked away just off Cornmarket Street, this historic pub with a charming courtyard offers a warm welcome and serves a menu of traditional pub meals and real ales. Food is served throughout the day and there is often live music. It is said that William Shakespeare used to visit the pub when stopping in Oxford on journeys between Stratford and London! Located in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, The Vaults and Garden Cafe have been working alongside local producers and suppliers for over 15 years to create a socially positive cafe hub built on the principle of ecological sustainability. Offering a wholesome menu for breakfast and lunch, alongside coffees and cream teas, it is definitely one to try! www.thevaultsandgarden.com
The Porterhouse Grill Mill Street, OX2 0AL An elegant steakhouse specializing in dry aged steak, The Porterhouse Grill is open daily for brunch, lunch & dinner. Cuts include côte de boeuf, chateaubriand and t-bone.
The Turf Tavern 4 Bath Place, OX1 3SU This traditional pub with a lovely garden dates back to 1831 and serves real ales and classic bar meals. It is accessed via an alleyway, giving it the feel of a hidden gem. Some scenes from Inspector Morse and Harry Potter have been filmed in the pub, and Bill Clinton frequented it when he was a student.
The Bear Inn 6 Alfred St, OX1 4EH Another hidden gem, The Bear is the oldest pub in Oxford (it opened in 1242)! Located close to High Street, it is popular with students, locals and tourists alike. The Bear has heated outdoor seating and often has live music. Ideal if you’re looking for a pint of and some good-quality, home-cooked, traditional pub food. Aside from its age, the pub is probably most famous for its low ceilings, creaky floorboards and quirky collection of ties - dating back to the early 1900s and representing clubs in the Oxford
area and around the globe. If the weather is nice and you’re looking for something a little different, why not head to one of Oxford’s rooftop bars to take in the spectacular views over the city whilst you enjoy a cocktail!
The Alchemist (located on the roof terrace of the Westgate Shopping Centre) is definitely worth a visit. Set against a backdrop of the Oxford skyline, The Alchemist is known for its theatrical cocktails. Alongside a menu of food inspired by global cuisine; you’re sure to have an experience you won't forget. Unique and spectacular, The Varsity Club (on the main high street) puts you amongst the
Dreaming Spires with unparalleled 360 degree views of the city. The roof terrace is open year- round with covers and heating during winter.
Further Afield If you’re planning on heading slightly further out of the city, the restaurants below are worth a look.
The Trout Inn 195 Godstow Road, Wolvercote, OX2 8PN. This country gastropub close to Oxford offers views of the River Thames from its beer garden, which is frequented by roaming families of peacocks. There is an upmarket feel inside and outside. The pub offers
a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as Sunday set menus and roasts.
The Flowing Well Sunningwell, Abingdon OX13 6RB The Flowing Well in the beautiful village of Sunningwell, just outside Abingdon (to the south of Oxford), offers first class country pub dining and great ales in a perfect English countryside
setting. Named after the source of the stream which flows into the pond opposite the Church, The Flowing Well has been beautifully renovated, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Electric Car Charging
Energy Superhub, Abingdon Road, Oxford OX1 4XG
Energy Superhub Oxford offers fast and ultra rapid charging for electric vehicles.