Home to the oldest University in England, Oxford may not lie within the Cotswolds but it's an easy diversion on the way to, or while visiting the area, and a must see on any visitor's itinerary to England.
Famous throughout the world, it is the 39 University colleges that are the main tourist attraction. Dating back 600 years they are spread around the city, shaping it's history. Visitors can wander round the iconic buildings, with their quadrangles, chapels, hallowed halls and immaculate gardens and learn about famous past students. Remember that Oxford is a centre of academic excellence and there are restrictions to visitors, you should visit the tourist office first to find details of guided tours and opening times for each college.
Popular colleges to visited include:
Christ Church College
Corpus Christi College
Merton College
Magdalen College
University College
A great way to see the City and learn from an expert is to join a guided walking tour. These run daily and start from the tourist office. Open top bus tours are convenient for the weary traveller. You can hop on and off the buses at all the major attractions.
The setting for the long running crime series Inspector Morse and also the location for many scenes from the Harry Potter films, Oxford attracts many famous people and has featured in scenes from many famous films.
Other popular places to go are:The Bodleian Library. 7 million books on 110 miles of shelving in this architecturally splendid building.
Museum of Oxford. All the background to Oxford you could need.
Museum of Modern Art. International artists and installations.
Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01865 726871
www.visitoxford.org
Nearby attractions are listed below. For more information on attractions and activities click here.
