Scenic Strolls and Picturesque Punting: What You Should Do in Oxford

A city with the aesthetic of a twee town, Oxford is famous across the globe. Whether you’re from the UK or visiting from abroad, you’ve probably heard of this tourist hotspot in southeast England. While Oxford is renowned for its university, there is so much to this place for you to go and see for yourself.

From scenic strolls to river rowing, here is everything you should do in Oxford. The potential for fun stretches far beyond the list, but it’s definitely a great place to start.

Explore the campus of the University of Oxford

One of the best things to do in Oxford s to take a scenic stroll. The charming city is filled with stunning architecture, including the famous campus at the University of Oxford. People from all over the world aspire to study here. If you’re eager to find out why, remember to pack a clear umbrella when you explore the campus. That way, come rain or shine, you can admire the charming historical building.

The fun doesn’t stop there! You might recognize the magical halls from the Harry Potter movies. In fact, Harry’s visit to the Hogwart’s infirmary in The Philosopher’s Stone was filmed at the Divinity School in Bodleian Library. Can you think of anything more quintessentially British?

Drink and eat like an Englishman

There can only be one thing more English than Harry Potter: drinking tea and eating scones. Visit some the finest establishments Oxford has to offer and indulge in traditional treats. The Grand Cafe’ is famous for its afternoon tea, which features a decadent of sweet  jam and clotted cream. Our tastebuds are dancing at the thought!

Row down the River Cherwell

Before you sit down to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, you might want to build up an appetite. To do this , you can try punting down the River Cherwell, a traditional pastime in Oxford. Considering the picturesque waterways, it’s easy to see why.

Rowing down the waters on a crisp early morning is a great way to start the day. If you’d rather take part in river after lunch, you can dock beside one of the rustic pubs and enjoy Oxford in the evening. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Oxford’s are the place to unwind.

Visit a world-class museum

Whether you’re an academic or not, you’re sure to have a great time at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Home to the skull of a Dodo, this is the only place in the world you can see the remains of this long-extinct animal. So, it will definitely be a unique visit.

Enjoy the view atop Carfax Tower

You can’t visit Oxford without seeing a panoramic view of the olde city, To see the breathtaking views for yourself, climb up to the top of Carfax Tower, which once stood as part of St. Martin’s Church (1122-1896). It’s only 99 steps, so it’s well worth making the climb to see the landscape around Oxford.

Oxford has something for everyone. If you’re an aspiring academic or a film enthusiast, the University campus is the place for you. Although, the serenity of the river Cherwell is enough to make anyone post a picture on Instagram. You can always dive into English culture and taste a proper brew alongside sweet treats too.  And, if all else fails, the museums and historical architecture offer enough history and culture to satisfy any old soul. So, what will you do in Oxford?

 

Sources

Oxford Harry Potter Locations: A Self-Guided Tour

The Best Afternoon Teas in Oxford for a Very British Treat

Punting in Oxford: An Insider’s Guide

https://warwick.ac.uk/research/rtp/ct/casestudies/casestudy2/

https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/carfax-tower/