Things to do in Oxford, England: The Best Traveler Resources

August 24, 2021 Brain Ambrose

In the "city of dreaming spires," academia takes center stage. Gaze out at Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower before heading into the city's pedestrian-friendly streets. Follow your nose to the Covered Market for the makings of a picnic to enjoy at Headington Hill Park. Mix the historic and modern with visits to the 12th-century village church of Iffley and trendy Cowley's ethnic shops and music venues.
Restaurants in Oxford

1. Bodleian Library

Bodleian Library Bodleian Library Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG England +44 1865 277094 [email protected] http://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,263 reviews

Bodleian Library

The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford. It founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK. In its reading rooms generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, amongst them monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British Prime Ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At the site, you can explore historic spaces that you might recognise from popular films and TV series such as Harry Potter and A Discovery of Witches. We also offer free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, two unique gift shops and a lovely café.

Reviewed By SCagray - Santa Cruz, United States

This was a wonderful way to experience the library! We took the 90 minute tour which including going inside Radcliff Camera, highly recommend!! Our guide was very knowledgeable and she was witty as week. We thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much more than we would have without the tour.

2. Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Square, Oxford OX1 4AJ England +44 1865 287400 [email protected] http://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/tours
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 461 reviews

Radcliffe Camera

This distinctive circular building is a beautiful piece of classical architecture and one of Oxford’s most iconic sights. It's named after the royal physician, John Radcliffe, who had left money in his will to purchase land, build a library, purchase books, and pay a full-time librarian. The camera (the word means simply ‘room’) was built 1737 – 1749 and designed by the leading architect James Gibbs.

Reviewed By anywhereweroam - London, United Kingdom

One of Oxford’s most photographed landmarks, the Radcliffe Camera. The neo-classical 17th-century gem is part of the Bodleian Library and acts as an exquisite centrepiece to the golden-hued heart of Oxford.⁣⁠ Come early in the morning for golden light and excellent photo opportunities.

3. Weston Library

Bodleian Library Broad Street Bodleian Library, Oxford OX1 3BG England +44 1865 277094 [email protected] http://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Excellent
59%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
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4.5 based on 273 reviews

Weston Library

The Weston Library offers free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, a unique gift shop and a lovely café set against the backdrop of the floating book stacks in its atrium, Blackwell Hall. Formerly known as the New Bodleian, the recently refurbished building is the home of the Bodleian Libraries special collections, it is also a busy working library that houses several reading rooms, a research centre, a conservation studio and much more.

Reviewed By l0ve2travel93 - London, United Kingdom

This was a great discovery after walking round some of the beautiful buildings as it has free toilets, a cafe and some free exhibitions. It's also quite nice and spacious inside. I was surprisingly impressed and was a great find to get out of the cold.

4. Oxford Visitor Information Centre

15-16 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AS England +44 1865 686430 [email protected] http://www.experienceoxfordshire.org
Excellent
45%
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Satisfactory
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4.0 based on 296 reviews

Oxford Visitor Information Centre

Suspended service until further notice due to COVID-19. We are still contactable by Emails and Phone. The Oxford Visitor Information Centre down Broad Street should be your first stop when arriving in Oxford to plan your visit in the city and around Oxfordshire. The Team can assist you with: - booking your ticket on an Official Guided Walking Tour; advice on what to see and do and help with itinerary planning. We also offer: - maps and guides - discounted tickets to attractions in the area - left luggage service - a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs - tickets for local events - accommodation bookings. Opening Hours: June - August, Monday - Saturday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm Sunday 9.30 am - 4.30 pm September - May, Monday - Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Sunday 9.30 am - 4.30 pm NOTE: Opening times over Christmas and New Years might change.

Reviewed By jillrJ6262LR

Leigh was a fantastic guide, extremely knowledgeable and professional. She made many suggestions to explore historical sites further , after our tours. She also suggested dining/cafes etc.

5. Oxford Town Hall

Town Hall St. Aldates, Oxford OX1 1BX England +44 1865 252195 [email protected] http://www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk
Excellent
38%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
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4.0 based on 136 reviews

Oxford Town Hall

This magnificent Victorian building continues to play a key role in the management, social and cultural life of residents and visitors but is also a versatile venue and home of the Museum of Oxford. With stunning architecture, Oxford Town Hall is the perfect venue for: civil and partnership ceremonies, wedding receptions and social events, meetings and conferences, corporate dinners and Christmas parties, exhibitions and fairs, orchestral and popular concerts. Located in the centre of Oxford this multi purpose venue is an ideal location to host your event or start your visit in Oxford. There are baby changing facilities and mums are welcome to breastfeed here.

6. Oxford Central Library

Central Library 2 Westgate, Oxford OX1 1DJ England +44 1865 815509 [email protected] https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/oxford-central-library
Excellent
31%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
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Poor
6%
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4.0 based on 16 reviews

Oxford Central Library

7. The Oxford Union

Frewin Court, Oxford OX1 3JB England +44 1865 241353 [email protected] http://www.oxford-union.org/library/murals
Excellent
67%
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3.5 based on 6 reviews

The Oxford Union

Built in 1857, the Oxford Union Library was the Union's original debating chamber. It is a fine example of Victorian architecture and is richly decorated by members of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, including a ceiling by William Morris, murals by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones and more. There are around 46,000 books in the collection, ranging over a variety of topics, with the majority being available to borrow by members. Today the library remains at the heart of the Union and is well used (and well loved!) by current members. Individuals are welcome to visit during open hours, however groups of 5 or more must be booked in advance either via email or phone. Please also get in touch if you have an access queries.

Reviewed By RosyU - Colombo, Sri Lanka

It was really nice to visit this place to witness the murals and the library. Especially I was so happy and proud to see the portrait of late Mr.Lakshman Kadiragamar as a Sri Lankan.

8. Oxford Centre for Innovation

Oxford Centre For Innovation New Road, Oxford OX1 1BY England +44 1865 261400 [email protected] http://www.ocfi.co.uk/
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3.5 based on 3 reviews

Oxford Centre for Innovation

Oxford Centre For Innovation - Serviced Office Space, The Pod Coworking space, Virtual Offices & Meeting Rooms for a community of innovative companies.

9. Summertown Library

Summerton Library 17 South Parade Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JN England +44 1865 558290 [email protected] http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/summertown-library
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3.0 based on 3 reviews

Summertown Library

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