10 Things You Can Do On Your First Visit To Oxfordshire


Visit at Oxford

William Butler couldn’t have said it better. Most people only know about Oxford University whenever the word Oxfordshire is mentioned. They don’t know of the other attractions present in Oxfordshire. For first time visitors, there is a lot that you can see and do here. Be careful not to miss out on these favourite things during your visit to this county.

I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking. It is all like an opera. William Butler Yeats


Visit Oxford Castle Unlocked

Visit Oxford Castle Unlocked

Oxford castle is one of the oldest buildings in the UK having been in existence for over 1,000 years. Visitors can go on guided tours through the Oxford castle where they will get to hear its stories and the fascinating inhabitants of the castle. There are also bars and restaurants located next to the Oxford Castle (at Oxford Castle Quarter), where you can relax afterwards.



Museums at Oxford

Check Out The Various Museums In The Area

There are many museums in Oxford, including some of the best in the UK such as Ashmolean Museumwhich was opened in 1683. The other museums include; Museum of Natural History, Museum of History and Science, Pitt Rivers museum and the Museum of Oxford. These museums are home to a number of art and historical pieces such as the Magna Carter.



Film Locations In Oxford

Check Out The Various Film Locations In Oxford

Oxford’s picturesque buildings and locations have been used in a number of famous films and TV series. It is also the place where Lewis Carroll obtained his idea of the famous “Alice in Wonderland” story (said to be influenced by a real Alice Liddell who lived in the area). One of the notable films that has some of its locations filmed here is the famous Harry Potter.



The great views

Get Views Of Oxford City From One Of The Towers

There are two towers in Oxford that will give you a splendid view of different locations around the city. These include the University church of St Mary the Virgin and St Michael at the North Gate. The former gives you amazing views of the colleges in the area whereas the latter gives you great views of the bustling Cornmarket as well the spires of various Oxford buildings.



New Theatre at Oxford

Visit Theatres Around The Area

Oxford is home to a number of theatres such as New Theatre Oxford, North Wall Arts Centre and Sheldonian Theatre. These theatres usually feature a number of shows throughout the week (the best shows are usually featured on weekends). From Broadway performances to the best of British drama and renditions of Shakespearean classics, you’ll find them all here.



Oxford is the location of Oxford University

Visit Oxford University

The most frequently asked question by first time visitors to Oxford is the location of Oxford University. The answer to this is “everywhere”. Oxford University is made up of 38 independent colleges which can be found all over the city. However, you should make sure that you visit the historic University Buildings for a jaw dropping view.



Take A Boat Trip

Take A Boat Trip

You can find a number of punts at Cherwell Boathouse which you can use for a boat ride on River Cherwell. You can also hire a ride on the steamer as well. If you want a chauffeured punt, it’s important that you book for it in advance because they are not always available.



Shopping at Oxford

Go Shopping

The Oxford Covered Market was built in 1774 and is home to over 55 shops. You can also go to the University of Oxford Shop for your own Oxford souvenir items or visit Alice’s Shop for “Alice in Wonderland” souvenirs as well.



Visit to Oxford, go on cycling

Go On A Cycling Tour

Cycling is one of the best ways of getting to see Oxford. There are a number of tour companies that hire out bicycles to people who are interested in them. There are also a number of places in Oxford that the bus doesn’t pass by and bicycles will offer you the opportunity of visiting these places.



Visit Some Of The Parks In The Area

Visit Some Of The Parks In The Area

There are a number of parks and gardens in Oxford. You can go to the Oxford Botanic Garden which is located right at the centre of the city. Here you will be able to see a number of plants and herbs that can also be used for medical purposes. There is also a garden behind the university walls and a meadow located at Christ Church.

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