Your guide to Oxford / Top Oxford's landmarks
Top Oxford's landmarks
From museums to architecture, there's plenty to explore for history lovers, architecture buffs and sight-seeking travelers. Allow yourself to be pulled back in time at many Oxford landmarks and enjoy the rich history and visual thrill of these popular attractions in Oxford.
Radcliffe Square
Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1 3BG, United Kingdom
Radcliffe Square is one of the most recognizable Oxford attractions. A picturesque site surrounded by Oxford University landmarks like St. Mary's Church and Bodleian Library, the square itself is dominated by the Radcliffe Camera. With its circular dome and Palladian architecture, this stunning circular building is one of the most iconic sights on campus. The building was designed by James Gibbs and constructed between 1737 and 1749.
Magdalen College
Oxford OX1 4AU, United Kingdom
Magdalen College is a working community college that welcomes visitors throughout the year. Visit the Chapel during any of their 14 weekly services, where you can admire the architecture as well as the College Choir. Stop into the Old Kitchen Bar for a hot or cold drink at the oldest building at the college, which dates back to the 1300s. This campus offers a bustling view into centuries of learning and is a picturesque spot for Oxford sightseeing.
Sheldonian Theatre
Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
The Sheldonian Theatre is a magnificent construction, built between 1664 and 1669. The intricate architecture and painted ceiling are worth a visit even if you don't stay for a show. The theatre maintains a diverse calendar of events including musical performances, global conferences and educational presentations.
Bodleian Library
QP3W+P5 Oxford, United Kingdom
The Old Bodleian Library is one of the oldest reference libraries in Great Britain. Though the first origins of the university library date back to the 1400s, it was dismantled in 1550 and was not reconstructed until 1602. Today, the old building is connected to newer libraries and facilities via underground tunnels. The Old Bodleian Library features many historic rooms that you can tour including Duke Humphrey's medieval library, the modern underground reading room and the 15th century Divinity School, which is the oldest teaching and examination hall at Oxford University.
If you're interested in exploring the Oxford of Harry Potter, the Bodleian library is an essential stop. The Divinity School was used as the Hogwarts infirmary in Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone, and Duke Humphrey's Library served as the Hogwarts Library for the films.
Pitt Rivers Museum
S Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PP, United Kingdom
The Pitt Rivers Museum takes a unique approach to its collections, displaying items by type rather than era or region. This facilitates a distinctive cross-cultural examination of tools, apparel and industry. A family-friendly destination where you'll often find special events and programs designed with children in mind, audio guides are also available to enrich your visit. Museum entry is free but donations are appreciated.
Oxford Castle
Oxford OX1 1AZ, United Kingdom
Oxford Castle is a historic destination that seems to transport you back in time with tours delivered by costumed guides. You'll climb Saxon St. George's Tower, descend into the crypt beneath St. George's Chapel and explore numerous highlights in between. Visit the Debtor's Tower, prison, Motte-and-Bailey castle and exhibition wing for a complete castle experience. Check the schedule of events during your visit for an assortment of other immersive events.
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock OX20 1PP, United Kingdom
The Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens offer so many attractions that you can easily fill a day or more at this one destination. On the palace tour, you can see elegant staterooms, private family apartments, secret corridors and downstairs staff areas. The birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace has numerous features that offer a glimpse into his life. Explore the Churchill Exhibit, view the "Churchill's Destiny" presentation or tour his favorite spots on the property.
Beyond the palace, you'll find highlights like the formal gardens, butterfly house, pleasure gardens, Marlborough Maze and miniature train. You can take a peaceful buggy tour around the lake or enjoy the whimsical experience of Family Forest School, designed to delight visitors from preschool to age seven. With a healthy amount and variety of events for the whole family, Blenheim Palace has something for everyone.
Bridge of Sighs
QP3W+QG Oxford, United Kingdom
Officially known as Hertford Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs is opposite to the entrance to Bodleian Library. Designed by architect Sir Thomas Jackson, the bridge was completed in 1914 and is famous for its unintentional resemblance to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. The beautiful construction is within easy reach of Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre, making it one of the easiest things to see in Oxford.
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, United Kingdom
The Ashmolean Museum is the museum of art and archeology for the University of Oxford. The museum was founded in 1683 and features extensive collections of antiquities, coins, Eastern art and Western art. You can browse themed galleries that explore the Mediterranean world, arts of the Renaissance, Egypt in the age of the empires, modern art and much more. It's easy to spend the day at the museum, as you can take a break for a bite to eat at the casual cafe or beautiful rooftop restaurant before returning to more museum explorations.
Christ Church Oxford
St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom
Christ Church, Oxford is an essential inclusion in any Oxford sightseeing tour. Tom Tower and Oxford's Cathedral spire are iconic features of the city skyline. Visitors enter through the Meadow Building, cross the courtyard to the Old Library and Cloister and proceed to Bodley Tower and the Hall Staircase. You can also view the elaborate cathedral, browse the Cathedral shop in the historic Chapter House and enjoy the expansive views around Tom Quad. If some of the sights seem familiar, it's likely because Christ Church was featured in many of the Harry Potter films.
Visiting Oxford, you'll find no shortage of attractions awaiting your attentions. Choose one, several or all of the above to fill out your itinerary with rich history and visual entertainment.