christ church college
christ church college

THE BEST TIPS FOR VISITING OXFORD 2023

Oxford Attractions | What and When to Visit Oxford

Oxford – The University City

Oxford is an English city located 90 kilometers northwest of London. It is the county town and the only city in Oxfordshire county. In 2020 Oxford’s population was estimated at 151,584, and each year, around 7 million people visit the city, making Oxford the 7th most visited city in the United Kingdom.

Oxford is probably most famous for being the home to Oxford University –  a collegiate research university. In addition to being the oldest university in the English-speaking world, it is the second-oldest university in continuous operation worldwide.

Perfect Time To Visit Oxford

Oxford experiences a maritime temperate climate, characterized by moderate temperatures around the whole year. Summers are the perfect time to visit, weather-wise. May through September is the best time to visit Oxford. The weather is relatively warm and sunny at around 20°C.

Another good time to visit Oxford is December through February. Oxford experiences an average high of 9°C-7°C, with rain or snowfall amounting to 6-8 days a month. There is not many tourist crowds, so you can enjoy all of the attractions at peace during this time of year.

oxford library

History of Oxford

Oxford’s history dates back to its original settlement during the Saxon period. The town gained national importance during the early Norman period as a result of its controlling location along the upper reaches of the Thames at its junction with the Cherwell when it developed into the fledgling University of Oxford in the late 12th century. During The Anarchy in 1142, the city of Oxford was under siege.

The University of Oxford came to dominate the town. After the English Reformation, Oxford became the seat of a bishopric and a full-fledged city, changing from a rural town to a full-fledged city.

Oxford city grew industrially during the 19th century and had an industrial boom in the early 20th century, with significant printing and car manufacturing industries. These declined during the 1970s and 1980s, along with other British heavy industries, leaving behind a city that had developed far beyond the university town of the past.

Why You Should Visit Oxford

Oxford is a city filled with English history and marvelous architecture. If you decide to visit Oxford, we highly recommend booking one of the guided tours of Oxford or even a Thames River cruise. Explore the centuries-old city centre and learn more about its importance as a university city. Oxford is also a very good town to visit because there are many opportunities to go on a day trip and explore even more of the English countryside.

oxford cityscape

Places To Visit In Oxford

There are plenty of tourist attractions and historical landmarks worth your visit in Oxford. Here are some of the most famous attractions you should visit in Oxford.

Ashmolean Museum

Ashmolean Museum

WORKING HOURS

Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

carfax tower

Carfax Tower

WORKING HOURS

Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

oxford botanic garden

Oxford Botanic Garden

WORKING HOURS

Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Bodleian Library

Working Hours

Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

bodleian library
oxford castle

Oxford Castle & Prison

Working Hours

Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Museum of Oxford

Working Hours

Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

oxford museum
bridge of sighs

Bridge of Sighs

port meadow

Port Meadow

high street oxford

High Street

university church of st mary

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

sheldonian theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre

oxford university musuem

Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford

Oxford Tours – Explore the Beautiful University City!

Book one of the many interesting tours of Oxford and learn more about Oxford’s historical importance and university buildings.

See our hand-picked selection of the best Oxford Tours!

radcliffe camera

FAQ – Visiting Oxford 2023

How many days do you need in Oxford?

If you truly want to get to know the city of Oxford, we recommend staying there for 2 days to fully explore all the sites in and around Oxford. The city is also an excellent base for further exploring the Costwolds and Oxfordshire. So if you want to visit more than just the city you can stay in Oxford for a few more days and travel around the countryside.

Is Oxford worth visiting?

Oxford has many tourist attractions, including the Bridge of Sighs, Oxford Castle, the Ashmolean Museum, the Blenheim Palace, and many other sites. Such as the Carfax Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city. There is also the Covered Market offering excellent shopping. So yes, Oxford is worth visiting if you travel to the UK.

How do I spend a day in Oxford?

A perfect way to spend your day in Oxford is by exploring the city center of Oxford and visiting the Oxford Colleges. If you want to learn all about Oxford’s rich history, we highly recommend you book a guided tour of Oxford University and the City. Let your tour guide tell you how the city developed, and enjoy exploring some of the world’s oldest colleges and universities.

Is Oxford walkable?

Oxford is a very walkable city, and one of the best ways to explore its chapels and gardens is on foot. But if you want to see as much as possible of the city in one day, we recommend looking into booking the Oxford Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.