Oxford Overview
By Rachel Newcombe
Affectionately known as, “The City of Dreaming Spires,” the historical city of Oxford is perhaps best known for being home to one of Britain’s top universities. Yet it’s a common misconception that Oxford University is one whole institution – in fact, it’s made up of 39 individual colleges, each with it’s own unique traditions and history. Despite being steeped in academia, it has a lot more to offer. Highlights include ancient architecture to view, fantastic museums to explore and traditional punting on the river.
Oxford has a long history and archaeological digs date it back to 4000 BC. Today, you’ll still find evidence of its past, particularly in the medieval architecture scattered around the city. For a small fee, you’ll gain fantastic rooftop views by climbing up Carfax Tower, in the city centre.
A tour of the Divinity School (part of the Bodleian Library) reveals spectacular examples of English Gothic architecture. If you visit only one museum, then consider the (free) Ashmolean. Britain’s oldest public museum, it’s home to a collection of art and archaeology. Oxford cathedral is un-missable too, and holds the claim of being the only church in the world to be both a college chapel – of Christ Church College – and a cathedral.
Oxford is easy to explore on foot, as it’s relatively small, and you can pick up maps at the Tourist Information Centre in Broad Street. Finally, even if you don’t give it a go, you really must watch people punting down the river – one of Oxford’s oldest traditions! Go!
