Visit Oxford: what to see in this city on the outskirts of London?

If you are considering a visit to Oxfordit's a good choice.

A stroll along its cobbled streets reveals an array of wonders.

Today, I'd like to tell you about the main sights you can see here.

Visit to Oxford: article summary

Visit Oxford: a tour of the castle and prison

Oxford Castle and Prison is an iconic and historic monument. The castle was built in 1071 by Robert D'Oyly, a Norman baron, and has been used as a prison since 1222.

It has since become part of Oxford's history, used as a royal fortress, prison, court, military garrison and even university.

Today, the château is open to the public and offers tours, events and educational programs.

Visitors can explore the castle's dungeons and discover its history, as well as that of the prison's most famous inmates.

Climbing the Carfax Tower

The Carfax Tower is the most emblematic element of the town's skyline, and is a listed building. Originally part of the Saint-Martin church, it rises to a height of 22 m.

The tower is open to the public, and visitors can climb the 100 steps to the top and admire the view over the city.

Taste the products of Oxford's artisan distillery

Oxford Artisan Distillery is an independent distillery located in Oxfordshire. Founded in 2017, the distillery produces a range of artisanal spirits and liqueurs from natural, locally-sourced ingredients.

Their range of spirits includes :

• Gin
• Vodka
• Whisky
• Brandy

Oxford Artisan Distillery also offers distillery tours and masterclasses in the art of distillation.

Visit Oxford: relax in Waterperry Gardens

For years, Waterperry Gardens has been delighting tourists with its 8 hectares of inspiring and historic gardens. nestled in the Oxfordshire countrysidejust 11 km from Oxford city center.

In addition to formal gardens, a water-lily canal and a riverside promenade, the gardens feature a superb 60 m herbaceous border.

Enjoy a boat trip on the Oxford Canal

The Oxford Canal links Oxford to Coventry via Banbury and Rugby. It is one of the oldest canals in the UK, built in 1790. It is 125 km long and includes 87 locks.

It is a popular leisure route, with a large number of barges and other pleasure craft using the canal. The canal is administered by the Canal & River Trust, formerly British Waterways.

Visit Oxford: take a bike ride to the Martyrs' Memorial

The Magdalen Memorial commemorates the Oxford martyrs burned alive in 1555. Erected in 1843, it consists of an octagonal base and plinth, with a central column at the top. a bronze figure of the Virgin Mary surrounded by four angels.

The base of the column features figures of the three martyrs:

• Thomas Cranmer
• Hugh Latimer
• Nicholas Ridley

Discover the history of Oxford University

Oxford University is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. Founded in 1096, it is the second largest the world's oldest university after the University of Bologna.

It consists of over forty colleges and six permanent private halls. The university has a strong research tradition and has trained many leading alumni, including 27 Nobel Prize winners and numerous heads of state.

The university is also home to the renowned Oxford University Press and many colleges not mentioned below, including:

• Balliol College
• Merton College
• Wadham College
• Trinity College.

Visit the Museum of Art and Archaeology

The world's first university museum was founded in 1683 and houses a collection of art and antiquities from the Middle Ages to the present day. world-renowned cultural heritage.

For many tourists looking for something to see in Oxford, this is the most popular place.

The museum boasts extensive collections of works from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as a vast collection of Chinese, Japanese and Indian art.

It also houses a wide range of European and North American paintings, engravings and drawings, as well as a number of other works of art. an important collection of 19th-century photographs.

When is the best time to visit Oxford?

Personally, I think the best time to visit Oxford is in spring and autumn, with pleasant weather for explore the city on foot and visit the various attractions.

Even if a cool winter's day is also ideal, you're counting on avoid the many cold, rainy days that make walking and cycling difficult.

It's always advisable to avoid school vacations, and summer can be overcrowded with tourists, spoiling photos and making any spontaneous decision much more difficult.

A visit to Oxford is almost a must when you arrive in London on vacation. If you have a little time and have seen the main sights of the English capital, I suggest you take the train to Oxford.

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