It is time to take a stroll around Oxford and take in the beauty of the buildings and drink in the history of this amazing city.
The University being so prominent in the minds of most people who visit Oxford it is only sensible this segment of information will cover the University and its amazing colleges, halls, museums and libraries.
The oldest college, tracing back to 1249, is University College on High Street and is worth a visit. It also has The Queens College across the road, a beautiful college founded in 1341 renowned for its eighteenth century architecture.
Not all colleges are open to tourists so contact with the colleges is a wise idea before your visit, or visit http://www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/see-and-do/University-of-Oxford-Colleges.aspx, otherwise check the notice outside the Porter's Lodge as you walk by.
There are thirty eight colleges so it would be almost impossible to visit all that are open to the public unless you are staying in the area for many days. The following are my favourites and, in my opinion, the best to give a good proportion of time looking around:
a. Christ Church http://www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=2912558, founded in 1546. Christ Church is located in St Aldates with entrance beneath Tom Tower which houses the bell, Great Tom. Great Tom is still sounded 101 times every night signifying the original 100 scholars plus one other which was added in 1663. The bell is rung at 21:05 current UK time which is what used to be 21:00 Oxford time.
b. Magdalen College http://www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=2910292, pronounced Maudlin, was founded in 1458. Located on the Oxford side of Magdalen Bridge on the High Street, the College has some of the most beautiful buildings and grounds in Oxford. The chapel, deer park and a wander across the footbridge over the branch of the River Cherwell is a must.
c. New College http://www.new.ox.ac.uk/, founded in 1379 is certainly worth a visit. It is one of only a few places where part of the original wall surrounding Oxford can be seen. New College is on Hollywell Street.
All the colleges that are open to tourists are worth visiting yet time is always the determining factor for the is much more to be seen. Visit the web site above or even http://www.ox.ac.uk/colleges/colleges_and_halls_az/index.html for a list of colleges and visit their web sites to get a feel for which you would like to visit.
Other University buildings worthy of a visit are:
a. The Examination Schools located in the High Street. Built in 1882, the Schools is used for the organisation and administration of the University examinations. It is also used as the main lecture facility for the University. Points of interest:
i. You will probably only be permitted to see inside the entrance. Check with the staff at the counter.
ii. A great view point is through the gates on Merton Street looking over the quad to the clock tower. Be sure you have the gate with the roses on it in your photo.
iii. The examination period is a perfect time to see the candidates celebrate their final exam in Merton Street. Is is always a colourful event.
b. Green Templeton College (Green College) is worth visiting for the Radcliffe Observatory, among one of Oxford's finest buildings. Green Templeton College is on Woodstock Road.
c. The Natural History Museum in Parks Road, Museum of the History of Science in Broad Street and the Ashmolean Museum in Beaumont Street are a must.
d. Sites only able to be viewed from the outside yet worthy are the Bridge of Sighs in New College Lane and the Radcliffe Camera very close by.
e. The Bodleian Library in Broad Street.
f. The Sheldonian Theatre built in 1668 in Broad Street. The magnificence of the theatre is only surpassed by the view from the top of the tower as you look across the dreaming spires to the countryside beyond.
g. The Botanic Garden is amazing and a perfect place to wind down and reflect.
There is much more to be seen with regards to the University of Oxford. I have outlined what could be regarded as my favourite places. I suggest you research a little before you visit to ensure you get the most out of your time and not be continually wandering around in circles. It is easily done.
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