The celebrated poet Matthew Arnold often referred to Oxford as the “City of Dreaming Spires”, deriving the moniker from the many celebrated academic colleges that make up most of the city centre. Oxford is synonymous with the very highest levels of education, as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Such a pedigree is exemplified by the architectural splendour that envelops much of the city, from the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library to the elegant Georgian terrace houses in areas like Jericho and Summer Town.
The city’s origins trace back to the 8th century, with formal recognition as a centre of learning emerging by the 12th century, marking the foundation of the university’s first colleges. Over the centuries that followed, the city became a magnet for scholars from around the world, nurturing minds such as John Locke, Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Oscar Wilde. Today, Oxford’s historic colleges, cobbled streets and riverside views make it one of the most compelling destinations in the UK for a city break. But there is far more to this city than learning alone.
Christ Church College
Arguably the most famous of Oxford’s 39 colleges, Christ Church was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII. It stands as both a landmark for peerless education and a somewhat unwitting shrine to pop culture. Its signature stonework looks fittingly ancient, from the cloisters in the narrow courtyard entrance to each flawless step up through the Great Hall with its imperious stained-glass windows. It has a cathedral-like quality, and it is no wonder that it captured the minds of location scouts for a certain film series following the life of a young wizard – Harry Potter.
Many colleges throughout Oxford have served as location doubles for both interiors and exteriors for Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films, and Christ Church is no exception. Several famous scenes from the earlier movies were filmed here, including the entrance to Hogwarts Great Hall, shot on the staircase leading into Christ Church’s very own. Speaking of other notable architecture, the college’s chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and well worth stopping by. The connecting river walk that loops handily around the outer meadow is a must for a bright sunny day, to truly appreciate the setting of this magnificent site in all its splendour.
The Ashmolean Museum
Founded in 1683, The Ashmolean Museum holds the distinction of being the world’s first university museum, and its vast collection spans continents and millennia, bringing together art, archaeology and antiquities in extraordinary depth. Egyptian mummies, Renaissance paintings, Greek sculptures and Asian ceramics all sit under one roof as part of its masterful collection of ancient and exquisite artefacts, many of which were once the personal property of the museum’s founder, Oxford Noble, Astrologer, politician and collector, Elias Ashmole.
Highlights include works by Michelangelo, Raphael and Turner, as well as the Alfred Jewel, an exquisite, golden Anglo-Saxon artefact. The museum’s archaeological collections trace human civilisation from prehistoric times through the ancient worlds of Egypt, Nubia, Rome and the Far East. The museum feels like a spiritual sibling to the British Museum of London, with an equally impressive collection of Mummies and artefacts from more than 5000 years ago. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy day or a welcome break from touring the colleges, doing something more engaging.
College Tours of Oxford
While Christ Church stands out as a worthy entry in its own right, the broader tapestry of Oxford colleges is equally compelling, especially for big fans of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter who are keen to explore more filming locations. Each college has its own character, history and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Founded in 1458, Magdalen College is renowned for its stunning riverside setting and its Deer Park, where fallow deer have grazed for centuries. Its Great Tower offers sweeping views over the city from above its medieval walls.
At Balliol College, founded in the 13th century, celebrated alumni include influential thinkers such as political theorist Adam Smith and television presenter Michael Palin. Its gardens and quads provide a quiet contrast to the bustling streets just beyond its gates. Meanwhile, New College, which, despite the name, was actually established in 1379, boasts a richly decorated chapel and cloisters that feel almost monastic in quality. Directly outside the chapel lies yet another iconic Harry Potter set from the fourth film in the franchise, where Professor Moody turns Draco Malfoy into a ferret. Some tours even give out commemorative wands for those participating to mark the occasion.
Take a Punt on the River Cherwell
No visit to Oxford is complete without experiencing the classic city pastime of punting on the River Cherwell. This gentle river winds its way through college meadows and past historic boathouses, offering a relaxing and unrivalled perspective of the city. Boating is synonymous with Oxford, with every college having its own rowing team, and forming an elite squad to take on rivals Cambridge at the annual boat race that’s known around the world, as well as the May Day celebrations, which see the waterways clogged with boats every spring.
Punting is a full-body activity, with no small amount of technique required to ensure your vessel remains on course, and whilst this is relaxing once one has the hang of it, it can be taxing. For those who prefer a guided experience, chauffeurs are on hand during peak season to steer and share local tidbits of history, as you glide gracefully past swans and ducks. It’s something of an unofficial tradition to enjoy a picnic or a pitcher of Pimms and lemonade whilst punting round the waterways of Oxford, and during summer, there’s no better way to bob along under the warm sunshine.
Climb Carfax Tower
For a stunning panorama of Oxford’s iconic spire-dotted skyline, Carfax Tower is the best view in the city. Perched athistorical crossroads in the middle of the historic centre, this medieval tower is all that remains of the 12th-century St Martin’s Church, and is one of the city’s most visited attractions. A fairly straightforward climb up the tower’s narrow stairs is rewarded with panoramic views over a maze of spires and rooftops.
On a clear day, one can see for miles, with landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library easily viewable, and more views stretching on as far as Headington Hill and the Oxford Canal too. The tower’s clock chimes on the quarter hour, a tradition continued from the old church, making it a distinctive sound in Oxford. The clock features mechanical figures called "quarterboys" dressed as Roman soldiers that strike two bells every 15 minutes, and were installed as part of the tower's 1899 clock restoration, giving it a unique appeal for budding horologists visiting the city.
