Free walking tours in Oxford and what to see

Must-sees

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, spread across more than thirty golden-stone colleges. The most visited are Christ Church, with its great hall and cathedral, and Magdalen, New College and Merton, with cloisters and gardens. In the centre stand the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera, the round building that has become the city’s emblem.

Between colleges, climb the tower of the University Church of St Mary or Carfax Tower to see the “dreaming spires”, visit the free Ashmolean Museum and wander through the Covered Market and Jericho. In summer, hiring a punt on the Cherwell is almost obligatory.

Free tours and guided visits

Oxford has guided walking tours of the colleges and the university, Harry Potter tours, since several scenes were filmed at Christ Church and the Bodleian, and punting trips on the river. The city is also a starting point for excursions to the Cotswold villages and Blenheim Palace.

How long to spend

One day covers the centre and one or two colleges, and works as a day trip from London, an hour away by train. With two days the pace is more relaxed and there is time for museums, the river and the Cotswolds.

Where to stay

Hotels in the centre are few and expensive, but full of charm. Jericho and the station area are good walkable alternatives; by car, a hotel with parking on the outskirts and the park-and-ride is the best bet.