Oxford Historical Places

Take a look through some of the best historical places in Oxford and Oxfordshire. Here you’ll find the most iconic Oxfordian locations you shouldn’t miss if you are in the area. Oxford truly has a little bit of everything – from hundreds-year-old colleges and quads to ancient castles and churches. Plus, a few river locks, a covered market, and one of the oldest libraries in the world. 

Most Popular Oxford Historical Places

Explore all of Oxford’s castles, quads, and locks—memorable and historically-relevant locations in the heart of the city and its surrounding areas.

Oxford's Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower, in Oxford, is a 23-meter-high bell tower that used to belong to a 12th-century church. Here’s how to visit it (and why!).

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Bodleian Library - Entrance. Image courtesy of Billy Wilson.

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.

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Museums & Art Galleries

World-renowned museums and art galleries.

History of Science Museum

History of Science Museum

The History of Science Museum holds a large collection of scientific instruments ranging from Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Pitt Rivers Museum - Oxford

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum displays the archaeological and anthropological collections of the University of Oxford.

Parks & Meadows

Beautiful parks and nature reserves in Oxford.

Brasenose Woods in Oxford

Brasenose Wood

Brasenose Wood is a woodland park featuring quiet walking paths and diverse flora. It’s also part of a larger nature reserve in Oxford.

Things to See Near Oxford: Waterperry Gardens. Image courtesy of Ukgardenphotos via Flickr Commons.

Waterperry Gardens

Waterperry Gardens is a charming horticultural haven located in the idyllic countryside of Oxfordshire. Here’s everything about it.

Oxford Christ Church Meadow - Image courtesy of Matthias Rosenkranz

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church meadow is open to the public all year round. This open space in the heart of Oxford is an ideal choice for recreation.

Things to Do in Oxford

Looking for things to do and enjoy while you’re in Oxford? Here are some suggestions, from quirky shops to escape rooms, art galleries, and sports. 

Oxford Taverns: The Bear. Image courtesy of Joanna Penn.

The Bear Inn

The Bear Inn (or “The Bear” for short) is one of Oxford’s oldest pubs. People have been visiting and drinking at The Bear since 1242, although the current building was built

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Old Fire Station - Oxford Theatres and Art Centres

Old Fire Station

The Old Fire Station is a centre for creativity in Oxford housing the homelessness charity Crisis and Arts at the Old Fire Station (AOFS).

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Oxford Shopping: Alice's Shop

Alice’s Shop

Alice’s Shop is a little shop placed exactly where Alice Liddell (the “real” Alice that inspired the books) used to buy sweets.

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