As long-term (in some cases, lifelong) residents of Oxford, we at the Daily Info office are engaged in a constant effort to promote the town side of our home city. "Oxford's great!", we cry. "It's got wonderful museums and great bars and delicious restaurants and some of the loveliest scenery in England and an enormous shark sticking out of the top of a house!"
While this may be entirely true, we are under no illusions that the vast majority of visitors are here to see the gown side of the equation: ancient colleges, flowing gowns, gracious quads and all the rest of it. This page is, consequently, a guide to the University of Oxford, and how best to go about seeing it. For other aspects of the city, try our Museums & Galleries page, our Riverside Walks page, or our guide to Eating Out. New students at both Oxford and Oxford Brookes Universities can find all this information and much more in our handy Freshers' Guide.
Don't forget to check what events are on in Oxford during your visit!
- Where is the University?
- Just off the bus! Where do I start?
- Getting Stuck In: A Tour of Central Oxford
- Further Afield
- Views and Photo Opportunities
- College Index
"Where is the University?"
Surely every Oxonian has been asked this question at least once, most likely by a well-meaning, bum bag-clad visitor wearing a grin and an Oxford University sweater. The answer is, well, err, that there isn't one University. Oxford is not based around a single central campus; instead, it is a collection of autonomous, self-governing colleges, each with its own history, character and architecture. Visiting the University means, in practice, trying to cram as many of them in as possible.
There are 38 colleges in total. Three of them - Balliol, University and Merton - date to the thirteenth century, while the most recent, Green Templeton, was founded back in the mists of 2008. Combined with the University's collection of churches, libraries, concert halls and outdoor spaces, they showcase every conceivable architectural style and form one of the greatest bodies of urban beauty and history in the world. Some parts of the University - particularly the oldest, most centrally located colleges - charge for or restrict admission but many can be visited absolutely free. We've listed them all below, along with some suggestions on what to do if you're pressed for time.
Daily Info has compiled this guide with first-time visitors in mind, but hopefully even seasoned veterans will find it useful. If you think there is something we've missed or you've spotted a grievous error, please get in touch! Email us at info@dailyinfo.co.uk and tell us where we have erred.
I've just got off the bus! Where do I start?
In an ideal world, you should already be armed with one of Daily Info's fabulous Maps, which contains an index of all the colleges. A copy can be acquired for free by calling us on 01865 241133 or by emailing givememaps@dailyinfo.co.uk. Blackwells Bookshop on Broad Street also stock copies of the map, so give them a try if you're already in the city. Failing that, the first port of call for new arrivals in Oxford should be the Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street, in the centre of town. Maps, brochures, opening hours information and a sense of direction can all be acquired here.
If your time in Oxford is limited and you want to see as much as possible before returning to the real world, it may be that a Guided Tour is your best bet. There are many options available, including themed tours for Harry Potter or Morse fans, as well as general tours of the University. Many leave from outside the Visitor Information Centre itself: take a look at our Tours page for more information.
Getting stuck in: A Quick Tour of Central Oxford
Now that you are armed with your map and correctly oriented, head east down Broad Street into the heart of the University. The first college encountered will be Balliol (pronounced Bay-lee-ol), which dates to the thirteenth century. Although little of the original medieval architecture remains, its tranquil gardens and mad Victorian turrets are still worth a visit. Adjoining it is Trinity, whose proximity and aristocratic reputation has made it left-wing Balliol's traditional rival. It boasts two very fine pairs of wrought iron gates.
Turn right onto Turl Street, one of the city's most beautiful and celebrated thoroughfares. There are three colleges to be explored here - Lincoln, Exeter and Jesus - and the former two can be visited for free. Pay particular attention to Lincoln’s library, which is housed inside an 18th-century church (it is not, sadly, open to the public) and to Anthony Gormley’s Iron Man sculpture gazing out from the top of the roof above Blackwells Art & Poster shop.
Almost everyone who visits Oxford finds themselves at Christ Church (the "Harry Potter College") at some point, and with good reason. The college has its own Picture Gallery; its entrance is one of the most spectacular towers in the University; its Chapel actually doubles as the city's cathedral and it owns a magnificent public Meadow that somehow manages to remain secluded in spite of its ultra-central location. But visitors: be warned. The most iconic of the Oxford colleges is the most expensive by far and can get ludicrously busy during the peak summer months.
Exit through the back of Christ Church (via the Picture Gallery) to get to lovely Merton Street. You will find yourself opposite Oriel and Corpus Christi Colleges, the latter of which offers free admission. A bit further down the road is Merton College, notable to visitors for being (probably) the University's oldest college and to students for being its nerdiest, as it habitually comes top of the intercollegiate Norrington Table. A short stroll round the corner - or a long walk if you feel like stopping off at the University Botanic Gardens - leads towards Magdalen (pronounced Maud-lin). This stunningly beautiful college, set over more than 100 acres, contains a 144-foot tall bell tower and an enormous island deer park. If you only have the time to visit one Oxford college, make sure it is this one.
Doubling back down the long, rambling High Street will lead visitors past the city's densest cluster of colleges. Sadly, the Palladian grandeur of the Queen's College is not open to the public except by prior appointment, but Teddy Hall and All Souls are both free. Tucked away around the corner is New College ("new" means, in Oxford context, that it was founded in 1379), whose gardens contain a sizable chunk of the medieval city wall. A restorative coffee and cake would be well deserved by this point, so stop off at the splendid high gothic University Church and take a breather in the Vaults & Garden Café, which is located inside the church itself.
The terrace of Vaults & Garden backs onto Radcliffe Square, the spiritual and geographical centre of the University. To our minds the most beautiful building in Oxford - the Radcliffe Camera - is located here, although both it and the Bodleian Library remain fully-functioning student libraries and must be visited with an official guide. Next door is the Sheldonian Theatre, a concert hall designed by Sir Christopher Wren and the site where Oxford students graduate to this day. It is open for visits year round and for guided tours between May and October. Remember to inspect the wonderful stone heads who guard its entrance on Broad Street.
Further afield
The itinerary suggested above only takes in the most central and well-trodden parts of the University. You don't have to stray far to find alternatives which are considerably more tranquil and usually completely free. Try starting with St John's, one of the richest and grandest of all the colleges and home to some of the prettiest gardens. Perhaps because most visitors don't see past the shroud of trees in front of its main entrance, in spite of all this it is usually completely empty. Venturing a little further up the Banbury Road into Victorian North Oxford will reward more adventurous travellers with the University's best red brick architecture. The twiddly gothic decoration of Keble will delight some and horrify others, but in either case the Light of the World in its Chapel merits a look. Keep going north to discover St Hugh's and Lady Margaret Hall. Both were founded as women's colleges in the late nineteenth century, and even today they maintain some of the character of grand, stately boarding schools.
Not many visitors come to Oxford in search of modern buildings, but architecture buffs may be delighted to know that the city is home to some of the only Grade 1 listed modernist buildings in the country. Surrounded by meadows and located on an island on the River Cherwell, St Catherine's College (St Catz) is well worth a visit for its elegant accommodation blocks and the Barbara Hepworth sculpture in its gardens. Also highly recommended is Worcester. While it may not look like much from the outside, the college contains lovely canalside gardens, a string of beautifully-preserved mediaeval cottages and its very own lake. An excellent spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
Where can I get the best views?
"That sweet City with her dreaming spires," as Matthew Arnold called Oxford, has actually done quite a good job (recent decisions excepted) of preserving views of its skyline. For your best opportunity of replicating the kind of picture you might find on a postcard, climb the slope of South Park, the stairs of Carfax Tower, or enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop terrace of the Varsity Club. Those with a bit more time and dedication might want to try heading southwest of the city to Boars Hill (just try not to get too jealous of the enormous houses).
College Index
We have listed all of the colleges below, along with their contact details, opening hours and admission charges (if any).
These details may change from time to time: visit the Oxford University Website for more information.
Tel: 01865 279379
Open: Mon - Fri 2pm - 4pm, closed in August, at Easter, and from 22 Dec to 3 Jan.
Charge: Free
Note: Maximum group size of 6
Tel: 01865 277777
Open: Usually open 10am - 5pm or dusk (whichever is earlier)
Charge: Adults from £2, concessions and students from £1
Tel: 01865 277830
Open: Daily 10am - 11.30am (groups only), Sat - Sun 9.30am - 11am, 2pm - 4.30pm (5pm in summer)
Charge: Individuals £2
Note: Groups must book in advance. Maximum group size of 40.
Tel: 01865 286573; 01865 276492
Open: Daily except Christmas Day. Mon - Sat 10am - 4.30pm, Sun 2pm - 4.30pm. Cathedral closes at 4.30pm. Please see the
cathedral website for a schedule of daily services.
Charge: July - August £8.50, concessions £7; April - June £8 £6.50, concessions £5; September - March £7, concessions £5. Admittance is free for prospective applicants who are considering applying to Christ Church, with larger school groups admitted at the Custodian's discretion. Please identify yourself as a prospective applicant to the Custodian upon arrival.
Note: Large parties may be split. Advance booking for groups is recommended. Special "behind the scenes" tours are available if booked in advance. The visitor entrance to Christ Church (Meadow Gate) is accessed from St Aldate's through the Memorial Garden and Christ Church Meadow.
Tel: 01865 276700
Open: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Charge: Free
Note: Groups (maximum 20) must book in advance and be accompanied by a Blue Badge Guide
Tel: 01865 279600
Open: Daily 2pm - 5pm
Charge: Free
Note: Maximum 15 people in a group
Tel: 01865 274770
Open: By appointment only
Note: Maximum 20 people in a group. Graduate college
Tel: 01865 271006
Open: Chapel only open Mon - Fri 10am - 5.30pm, Sat 9am - 12pm
Charge: Free, donations welcome
Note: Large parties must book in advance
Tel: 01865 279400
Open: Daily 2pm - 4.30pm
Charge: Free
Note: Maximum 10 people in a group. Larger groups by advance booking only
Tel: 01865 279700
Open: Daily 2pm - 4.30pm
Charge: Adults £2, seniors and children over 5 £1
Note: Maximum 20 people in a group; groups must book in advance
Tel: 01865 272727
Open: Daily 2pm - 5pm
Charge: Free
Note: Guided tours and groups of 8 or more must pre book through the Porters Lodge
Tel: 01865 612000
Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Charge: Free
Note: Graduate college committed to flexible learning
Tel: 01865 274300
Open: Daily 10am - 5pm
Charge: Free
Tel: 01865 271650
Open: By appointment only
Note: Graduate college
Tel: 01865 279800
Open: Mon - Fri 2pm - 5pm, Sat - Sun 11am - 5pm
Charge: Free
Tel: 01865 276000
Open: Oct - Jun 1pm - 6pm or dusk (whichever is earlier). Jul - Sep 12pm - 7pm
Charge: Adults £5; concessions £4; family tickets (2 adults and 3 children) £14. Ticket price includes leaflet available in several languages. Free to Oxford residents, Bodleian and alumni card holders +1 guest. Jul - Sep 6pm daily: guided tour of the college (c. 45 minutes), £6 per person
Note: Maximum 20 people in a group
Tel: 01865 270999
Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Charge: Free
Tel: 01865 276310
Open: Mon - Fri 2pm - 5pm (or dusk if earlier), Sat - Sun 10am - 5pm (or dusk if earlier)
Charge: Adults £3. Free to children. Free to University members and alumni (and up to three guests). Guided tours of college and medieval library £5 per person (summer only).
Note: Groups of more than 10 must book in advance
Tel: 01865 279555
Open: Easter - Oct 11am - 5pm (via New College Lane gates); Oct - Easter 2pm - 4pm (via Holywell Street gates)
Charge: Adults £4, seniors, under 16s and full time students £3. Charges apply Easter-October only. Free to Oxford residents.
Note: Maximum 20 people in a group. Larger groups will need to split.
Tel: 01865 278500
Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Charge: Free
Note: Maximum six people in a group. Graduate college
Tel: 01865 276555
Open: 2pm - 5pm or dusk (whichever is earlier). Closed in Trinity Term (summer term)
Charge: Adults £2; concessions £2. Guidebook available for £1.
Note: Maximum 12 people in a group
Tel: 01865 276444
Note: Pembroke College is only open to prospective students, alumni, members of the University or those with a connection to the college.
Tel: 01865 279120
Open: By appointment only
Charge: Free
Note: Groups only; must be accompanied by a Blue Badge Guide booked through the Visitor Information Centre
Tel: 01865 270600
Open: Daily 2pm - 4.30pm
Charge: Free, donations welcome
Note: Large groups must book in advance
Tel: 01865 274800
Open: Daily 9am - 5pm
Charge: Free
Tel: 01865 284700
Open: By appointment only
Note: Graduate college
Tel: 01865 271700
Open: Daily 9am - 5pm
Charge: Free
Note: Advance booking is required for groups of ten or more
Tel: 01865 278490
Open: By appointment only
Note: Graduate college
Tel: 01865 279000
Open: Daily 10am - 4pm
Charge: Free
Note: Maximum 12 people in a group. Larger groups by appointment.
Tel: 01865 276884
Open: By appointment only
Charge: Free
Tel: 01865 274965
Open: Please check in advance
Charge: Free, donations welcome
Note: They welcome visitors but ask that you check in advance. Email hello@st-hughs.ox.ac.uk or telephone ahead.
Tel: 01865 277300
Open: 1pm - 5pm or dusk, whichever is earliest
Charge: Free
Note: Maximum 14 people in a group, accompanied by a guide. Larger groups will be split into smaller ones.
Tel: 01865 278900
Open: 10am - 5pm
Charge: Free, donations welcome
Note: Booking is required for groups of five or more
Tel: 01865 613500
Open: 2pm - 5pm for church, cloisters and chapel
Charge: Free, donations welcome
Note: Contact the College Secretary for more information
Tel: 01865 279900
Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 12.15pm & 1.30pm - 4pm. Sat - Sun (term time) 1pm - 4pm. Sat - Sun (vacation) 9.30am - 4pm or dusk (spring and summer only)
Charge: Adults £2; seniors, children £1 (includes booklet). No charge for group leaders/teachers accompanying school groups.
Note: Groups of more than 25 people must be accompanied by a tour guide
Tel: 01865 276602
Note: Entry for groups by prior arrangement with the Domestic Bursar. Entry for individuals and families at the discretion of the Lodge Porter.
Tel: 01865 277900
Open: Term time: 1pm - 4.15pm. Vacation 10.30am - 11.45am & 1pm - 4.15pm
Charge: Free
Note: Groups must book in advance and be accompanied by a Blue Badge Guide
Tel: 01865 274100
Open: Daylight hours
Charge: Free
Note: Groups should notify the College in advance of their visit. Graduate college.
Tel: 01865 278300
Open: Daily 2pm - 5pm
Charge: Free
Note: Maximum eight in a group
This ancient map by our once-resident cartoonist, Mary Potter, features many of the colleges listed above, along with a few other local landmarks. Click a landmark on the map to read info about it.
