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War Memorial garden in Oxford
War Memorial Garden
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Oxford

Overview

Take a trip to Oxford on your England vacation.

Oxford, known as the city of dreaming spires, is renowned for its architectural masterpieces, including those by Sir Christopher Wren. With 38 colleges, even the smaller ones hold historical significance, dating back to the 11th century. Notable literary figures like Lewis Carroll, JRR Tolkien, and CS Lewis have been associated with Oxford. Don't miss the chance to wander through medieval cloisters, quadrangles, and chapels in these colleges.

Christ Church College, famous for its stunning architecture featured in a Harry Potter film, is one of the largest colleges. Explore the Great Hall with portraits of past scholars, including Lewis Carroll and former British prime ministers. On your way to the Great Hall, cross Tom Quad, Oxford's largest and most impressive quadrangle. Christ Church also houses an exceptional art collection in the small Christ Church Picture Gallery, featuring works by Tintoretto, Michelangelo, and other Renaissance masters.

Magdalen College, founded in 1458, is renowned for its beautiful medieval chapel, 15th-century tower, and cloisters. It sits on extensive woodlands with river walks and its deer park. Notable students here include "Lawrence of Arabia" and Cardinal Wolsey.

Oxford boasts excellent museums, including the Ashmolean Museum, Britain's oldest public museum, founded in 1683. It houses treasures like a fresco from the palace of Knossos, Renaissance Italian art, and Japanese artifacts. The Bodleian Library, founded in 1423, is a splendid example of English Gothic architecture. The Pitt Rivers Museum is filled with an eclectic array of anthropological collections, from amulets to zithers. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History showcases specimens from around the world, including a 150-year-old Japanese spider crab and a nearly complete T-rex skeleton.

For a different experience, embark on a pub crawl, exploring Oxford's historic and charming old pubs nestled in lanes and alleyways. The Turf Tavern, a medieval rabbit-warren dating back to 1381, has hosted patrons like Bill Clinton, Oscar Wilde, and Stephen Hawking. Oxford is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural marvels, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a taste of academic excellence and British heritage.

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LanguagesEnglish
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
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