Visiting Oxford University Colleges

Oxford University is composed of over 30 colleges or academic communities, each of them with its own unique history and traditions. The different Oxford colleges also tend to have a library, common room, dining hall, a bar, and several societies and clubs. All undergraduate Oxford University students belong to a college. Explore the different colleges of Oxford University and find out how to visit them, what to see in them, and whether you can join a tour.

Popular Oxford Colleges

There are a few Oxford colleges that are renowned for their history and architectural beauty. People visiting Oxford tend to go into at least one of the following 5 best (most popular) colleges:

Oxford University - Merton College. Image courtesy of Jonathan.

Merton College

As one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England, Merton College dates back to the 1260s by Walter de Merton.

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Oxford College - Keble College. Image courtesy of David Nicholls.

Keble College

Keble College is one of the University of Oxford’s constituent colleges. It is located on Parks Road, opposite the University Museum.

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Visiting Oxford Colleges - Planning Your Trip

A large number of Oxford Colleges are open to visitors). Oxford is not a “campus” University, so the buildings are not all located in one place but distributed across the city. Fortunately, they are all within walking distance of each other.

The majority of colleges that receive visitors are open during the day, although their hours change. There are usually fees that apply and rules for groups. If you’re an Oxford Card-holder, you can visit many colleges as a Guest, for free and with up to three guests. 

More info: How to Arrange a Visit to an Oxford College

All Oxford Colleges

Oxford colleges don’t specialise in a particular subject. Instead, they offer several lectures and practical assignments. In general, the colleges organise the tutorials and provide the accommodation, and the academic department(s) that run your course organise your assessment, lectures, and practical work. 

Museums & Art Galleries

Antiques on High - Oxford Museums, Art Galleries and Antiques Shops

Antiques on High

Antiques on High is an antiques and art shop from Oxford founded in 1997 and open seven days a week. It has won several awards.

Aidan Meller Gallery - Oxford Museums and Art Galleries

Aidan Meller Gallery

Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.

Oxford Christ Church College, Canterbury Quadrangle. Image courtesy of Billy Wilson

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Christ Church Picture Gallery is an art museum holding an important collection of about 300 Old Master paintings and almost 2,000 drawings and is one of the most important private

Historical Places

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!).

24-26 Cornmarket Street. Image courtesy of Chuca Cimas.

24-26 Cornmarket Street, Oxford

24-26 Cornmarket Street, Oxford is a timber-framed building built in the late 14th century. It belonged to a wine merchant and was an inn.

Things to Do in Oxford

Oxford Hotels: The Randolph Hotel. How to Visit, When to Stay

The Randolph Hotel

The Randolph Hotel, situated in the heart of Oxford, stands as a distinguished landmark of the city, attracting guests from around the world.

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Barefoot Jericho - Cakes in Oxford

Barefoot Jericho

Barefoot offers homemade cakes, pastries and bread, delicious coffee for eat-in or takeaway in the neighbourhood of Jericho, in Oxford.

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Shops to See in Oxford: The Cake Shop - Cakes for Any Occasion

The Cake Shop

The Cake Shop offers ready-made designs and bespoke masterpieces and has been trading since 1986 in Oxford’s Covered Market.

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