Oxford
Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library, the main research library of the University of Oxford, is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and in England is second in size only to the British Library. The Bodleian Group now cares for some 8 million items on 117 miles of shelving.
There are a number of Bodleian library buildings within Oxford, most famously, The Radcliffe Camera (pictured) now an Oxford landmark. Not open to the public, but a great photo oportunity. Just try fitting it all in to your picture!
Location: Radcliffe Square
Christ Church College and Cathedral
Christ Church is both Oxford University's largest College and the Cathedral Church for the Anglican Diocese of Oxford.
It's perhaps the most famous of the University colleges. Past students included former Prime Ministers and the writer of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll. Wandering through the building you can smell the knowledge seaping from the walls! Parents can hope the atmosphere will rub off on their kids by bringing them here, and they won't be disappointed by the Dining Hall which is instantly recognisable from the Harry Potter films.
Christ Church Cathedral is amongst the oldest buildings in Oxford, dating back to the 12th century. It is the only church in the world to be both a cathedral and a college chapel. It's intimate acoustics are perfect for the Christ Church Cathedral Choir who practice there everyday.
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday: 9am - 5pm, and
Sunday: 1pm - 5pm
Please note: The Dining Hall can be closed between 12pm and 2pm
01865 276492
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum, established in 1683, is the oldest museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. It houses collections of art and antiquities, which are of national and international importance. They range over 4 millennia - from the civilisations of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to Renaissance Europe and the 20thC. There is also an extensive Far Eastern collection. Sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, coins and musical instruments are all on show.
Location: Beaumont Street
Opening times:
UNDER RENOVATION
01865 278000
The University Colleges (Oxford)
There are many University Colleges in and around the centre of Oxford. Many are open to the public, but it is recommended you check opening times by contacting the colleges or calling in at the Tourism Information Centre on Broad Street. The most popular colleges are:
Magdalen College - High Street
New College - Holywell Street
Christ Church College - St.Aldates
Balliol College - Broad Street
More details here: www.visitoxford.org
Walking Tours (incl Harry Potter)
See and learn about Oxford with an Official Green and Blue Badge guided tour. Run by the Tourist Information Centre, the tours take in Oxford's most famous sites and tucked-away treasures in the lanes and alleyways in between. Each tour is different, depending on which college is open at the time, and an additional programme of themed tours is put together each year.
University Tour
J.R.R. Tolkien Tour
Philip Pullman Tour
Garden Tour
C.S. Lewis Tour
Inspector Morse Tour
Family Walking Tour
Group Walking Tour
01865 726871
Hands On at Science Oxford
The Hands-On science gallery is packed with interactive exhibits and experiments. Kids can float a train on magnets, operate a digger arm or freeze their shadow. Hand-On also offers a changing menu of themed activates such as Whodunit mysteries and treasure hunts. Hands-On is suitable for children aged 5-12.
Open daily from 10am to 4pm
01865 728953