Oxford is a historic town located 60 miles from London and home to the University of Oxford – the second oldest university in the world.

Its beginnings date back to the 11th century!

The honey-toned streets of Oxford have been strolled upon by:

famous writers such as Lewis Carroll (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings), and C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia)
over 70 Nobel Prize winners
and 30 Prime Ministers of the UK!

In this post, you will find 10 iconic spots in Oxford that you shouldn’t miss if you decide to visit this charming place.

Enjoy the read and the walk!

Click here to see the MAP of Oxford walking tour.

Distance to cover: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)

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10 things to see in Oxford

1.Christ Church College

There are 39 independent Colleges in Oxford, but one you definitely cannot miss is Christ Church College.

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Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, the author of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking-Glass’ was a scholar and teacher here.

Its Bodley Tower Staircase was featured in the Harry Potter movie series.

In the 17th century, its Great Dining Hall was the seat of the parliament assembled by the later-beheaded King Charles I. In modern times, it has served as an inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall.

13 UK Prime Ministers were educated here.
It is also a cathedral.

In this link, you can find information on how to visit the Christ Church College.

2. Alice’s Shop

Across from Christ Church College, you can find a tiny shop named Alice’s Shop.

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It is not only a place that offers a collection of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland-inspired souvenirs, but it is also a spot that was frequently visited by Alice Liddell, believed to be the real-life inspiration for the iconic character.

It is said that Carroll would often visit the shop himself to purchase sweets for Alice and her sisters during their outings in Oxford.

In the nearby Museum of Oxford (that you can visit for free), you can also see a few items that belonged to Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll.

3. Oxford Punting

One of Oxford’s beloved traditions is punting – a timeless experience of gliding along tranquil waters, surrounded by the city’s historic landmarks and scenic beauty.

Beneath Magdalen Bridge, you can find spots where you can hire traditionally crafted punts.

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Punting in Oxford is a must on a sunny summer day!

The very first time Lewis Carroll told the fairy tale of Alice’s Adventures Underground was during a boat trip on the River Thames in Oxford, on July 4, 1862!

4. Radcliffe Camera

With so many universities in close proximity, it is time to see some great libraries and bookstores!

The first one is The Radcliffe Camera – Oxford’s 18th-century architectural gem and one of the most iconic landmarks of the University of Oxford.

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This iconic building serves as both an academic library and reading rooms.

5. Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library holds around 13 million items.

It is the second-largest library in Britain after the British Library!

Some of its most exciting items include Tolkien’s illustrations from The Hobbit and manuscripts of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein!

And seeing its main building is a must!

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6. The Bridge of Sights

The Bridge of Sighs connects the past and present of Hertford College, linking the old and new buildings of the college.

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Despite being relatively young (completed in 1914), its architectural charm has already earned landmark status, partly because it has been featured in various British TV productions, including Inspector Morse.

7. The Turf Tavern

If you pass the Bridge of Sighs and continue walking down New College Lane, soon to your left, you will notice a sign: ‘TURF TAVERN – An Education In Intoxication’.

If you follow the invitation, you will soon discover a true hidden gem of Oxford – the Turf Tavern.

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The Turf Tavern’s beginnings trace back to the 14th century, and it has been a watering hole for a wide range of universally recognizable faces, including Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen Hawking, David Bowie, Margaret Thatcher, and Boris Johnson.

And of course, Bill Clinton – the pub claims that the former President of the United States of America smoked (but did not inhale!) marijuana here.

Charming spot, nevertheless.

8. Blackwell’s Bookshop

It is time for my favorite spot in Oxford – Blackwell’s Bookshop.

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To enter Blackwell’s is to step into another world – a beautiful reader’s heaven.

Blackwell’s Bookshop in Oxford is as old as Edison’s lightbulb!

The Blackwell family has been continuously trading here since 1879.

Whether you are planning to buy a book or not, it is a place worth seeing so do step inside!

9. Martyrs’ Cross and Memorial

Now a chilling reminder of Oxford’s gruesome past.

Back in the 16th century, people were burned at the stake for their religious convictions.

Here in Oxford, three Protestant bishops were killed during Bloody Mary’s burning-at-the-stake spree.

Two places commemorate these cruel events: Martyrs’ Cross at Broad Street (where it actually happened)…

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…and Martyrs’ Memorial at the junction of Beaumont Street and Magdalen Street.

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10. Where great authors used to hang out

The last spot on this walking tour is something special for fans of Tolkien and Lewis – The Eagle and Child, the pub that used to be their watering hole.