Are you about to come to Oxford to study abroad this semester? Oxford is famous for The University of Oxford, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. But there’s a lot more to it than just the university.
Oxford is a university town which may be small, but has a lot to offer. It has a rich history and for over 800 years has been host to some of the world’s leading scholars and even royalty. It may be old, but it has become very cosmopolitan and it’s great for students everywhere.
Want to know the best things to do in Oxford? Keep reading this city guide to learn about 5 of our favourite spots to visit.
1. Go on a Pub Crawl
If there’s one thing Brits do well, it’s a pub crawl. Hopping from one bar to the next and sampling their drinks if a great way to get to know people and the city.
Oxford has some fantastic pubs and makes for the perfect place to organise a pub crawl. Most of these pubs have a fascinating and long history too. Try out Turf Tavern, a pub that goes back to 1381! Then go to Eagle & Child and sit where great literary minds such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien once sat and drank. There are many more to experience too, so make sure to visit as many as possible!
2. Go to the Top of the University Church Tower
If you want to experience Oxford in all its glory, make sure to head up to the top of the University Church Tower. Once you get to the top, you’ll get the best possible view over the city.
From here, you can look over the Radcliffe Camera building and see the town from a whole new perspective. The church itself is nice, but nothing too special, however this view is by far the best in the whole town.
3. Wander the Botanical Gardens
One of the best things about Oxford is the sheer amount of green spaces to enjoy. On a nice sunny day, there’s nothing better than strolling through the gorgeous nature.
The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum was founded way back in 1621 and it makes for a great place to relax in. There are over 6000 types of plants in the Botanical garden and 130 acres of conifers in the Arboretum. Whether you’re a botanist yourself or just want somewhere relaxing to visit, this is the place to go.
4. Visit the Museum of Natural History
If you love natural history or just want a way to spend an hour or two, head over to the Museum of Natural History within the University of Oxford.
It has a lot of fascinating items to see, including the most complete remains of a dodo bird anywhere else in the world and an actual dinosaur egg! It’s completely free to visit and here you’ll see things you’ve never seen before.
5. Explore the Harry Potter Filming Locations
Are you a fan of the Harry Potter films? Oxford was one of the main filming locations for these films and you can go on your own film set tour just by living here.
The Christ Church’s Dining Hall was the set for Hogwarts’ Great Hall, and the Bodleian Library was the set for both the Infirmary and Divinity School. Most of these filming sites are within the universities themselves and totally free for you to visit. Bring a camera, take photos and make everyone back home super jealous!
These Are Some of the Best Things to Do in Oxford
If you’re coming to Oxford soon to study abroad, you are going to have an amazing time here. These are only 5 of the best things you can do here and there are many more for you to discover.
Need to book some student accommodation for your time in Oxford? Talk to us and we can help you find the perfect place to live.
