Landmarks
Bodleian Library
The main research library of the University of Oxford, The Bodleian is one of the oldest libraries in Europe opened in 1602, based on the collection of Thomas Bodley, and in the UK is second in size only to London's British Library. The Bodleian now possesses numerous branches throughout the university; visiting bibliophiles will be most keen to peruse the central site, which includes Duke Humfrey's Library above the Divinity School, the Old Schools Quadrangle with its Great Gate and Tower, the Radcliffe Camera, Britainâs first circular library, and the Clarendon Building.
Radcliffe Camera
. Built 1737-1749, the round Camera functions as a reading room for Oxford students and so is not generally accessible. The grand exterior, however, is well worth viewing.
Hertford Bridge
A quaint pedestrian bridge for the students of Hertford College which has popularly become known as the "Bridge of Sighs" of Oxford.
Sheldonian Theatre
This unusual building was Sir Christopher Wren's first major architectural commission. At the time he was a Professor of Astronomy at the University. There is a series of busts outside the theatre facing Broad St with strange expressions and facial hair.
Taylorian Institute
was established in 1845 and is the University's centre for the study of modern European languages and literature. Its library contains the largest specialist collection in its field in Britain. It is in a neo-classical building designed by Charles R. Cockerell and erected between 1841 and 1844 by the University to house the Institution and the Randolph Galleries now the Ashmolean Museum (http://www.ashmolean.org/). It is on the corner of St. Giles and Beaumont Street, opposite the Randolph Hotel (http://www.randolph-hotel...).
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Some of the best views of Oxford are afforded from the tower of the church, dating to 1280. The church itself, rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries with various additions after this time, is full of architectural and historical interest. The church has a coffee shop, "The Vaults and Garden", now re-opened under the management of Will Pouget already known for his 'Alpha Bar' in the Covered Market and specialising in organic food and fair trade tea and coffee.
Parks, gardens, open spaces
University of Oxford Botanical Gardens
Oxford University Parks
Large expanse of park along the Cherwell River with paths running from Marston to the City Centre.
Many of Oxford University's colleges have parks and gardens to walk through that are open to the public.Angelanace 23:22, 8 April 2010 EDT
Colleges
Christ Church
The college of Brideshead Revisited fame, Christ Church is an Early Modern period college founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey as "Cardinal College". Noted for associations with Lewis Carroll Alice in Wonderland and was a location for the filming of the first Harry Potter film. The Christ Church Meadows south of the college is a beautiful green space offering nice views of the spires and quiet corners to relax.
Magdalen College
Founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, Magdalen is frequently the first college seen by many visitors if coming into Oxford on the London Road, its high tower serving as a much-loved landmark. Significant Magdalen alumni include CS Lewis, Oscar Wilde, Seamus Heaney and Edward Gibbon. Visitor gift shop and afternoon café. Maximum 20 people in a group.
Many Oxford colleges allow tourists to visit their grounds during certain hours and certain seasons, although some are closed to tourists at all times. Keep in mind that those that are open will generally prevent tourist access during certain times of the year, especially during University terms approximately October/November, January/February and May/June, particularly in May/June, which is when exams are taken. It is advisable to visit the College's own website before visiting or to enquire at Oxford's local tourist information office to be certain you are not disappointed.
Each college has a unique history and something interesting to offer in terms of striking architecture or historical notoriety.
Balliol, University, and Merton Colleges each claim to be the 'oldest' in the University, with founding dates in the 13th century, although the exact year may unclear or contested. They are fine examples of the collegiate Gothic architecture for which Oxford is renowned.
Exeter College on Turl Street is an example of one of Oxford' smaller colleges. Built in 1314, it is also one of the oldest and in its front quad exemplifies collegiate architecture in Oxford. The Victorian neo-gothic. chapel is modelled on the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, and houses 'The Adoration of the Magi': the famous pre-Raphaelite tapestry by William Morris. The Fellows' Garden neighbours the Divinity School and the Bodleian Library and offers one of the best views in Oxford, over Radcliffe Sqaure.
New College on Holywell Street is interesting for being the only college to be built straddling the ancient city wall, which cuts through the center of the grounds.
The Queens' College along High Street, founded in 1341, is renowned for its grand 18th century Classical style architecture for which is unique among the ancient medieval colleges, which have otherwise each been rebuilt or expanded over the years in a largely Gothic or neo-Gothic style. Tourists are not admitted to this college.
All Souls, also along High Street, is famous not only for its striking towers, but also in that it does not accept undergraduate members, but rather elects only a two graduate fellows each year based upon their performance in what has been described as the 'hardest exam in the world'see the Wikipedia page concerning the College.
Finally, two colleges some of the largest and most famous in Oxford that have somewhat established themselves as tourist destinations are Magdalen and Christ Church. You're as likely to see a tourist inside as a student, but they do offer regular visiting hours, tourist facilities, meticulously manicured and beautiful grounds, and ticket booths for charging admissions fees.
The Ashmolean Museum
REOPENED AFTER RENOVATIONS. Vast, impressive, and recently undergone major redevelopment, the Ashmolean is Britain's oldest public museum, having been founded in 1683. The museum displays ancient art from Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Rome, a fine collection of Western art and artifacts and a sizable Eastern Art collection. Highlights include the Amarna Princess Fresco and the Alfred Jewel. A restaurant and gift store also feature.
Visitors to Oxford should definitely visit at least one museum, visit at least one college and - if possible - hear one of the world class college chapel choirs. A walking tour see 'Do' below is a good way of achieving this.