Turl Street is at the very heart of Collegiate Oxford, with three important colleges fronting the road. Exeter College (tel 01865 279600) was founded in 1314 by the Bishop of Exeter. The Victorian Chapel, by George Gilbert Scott, is a fine reproduction of the Decorated period of Gothic architecture.

There is a long-standing rivalry between Exeter and Jesus College (tel 01865 279700), founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1571. The man behind the foundation of the college, Hugh Price, established a link with Wales which has continued to the present day.

Lincoln College (tel 01865 279800), at the High Street end of Turl Street, was founded in 1427. The deconsecrated church at the end of the street (the former city church of All Saints, dating back to 1708) has been converted into a library for Lincoln College. The old church bells remain.