These are the 5 best places to visit in Oxford in 24 hours
Just visiting this historical city for the day? Here’s your express guide to tick off every must-visit location in one trip
With a rich history and abundance of outdoor spaces to enjoy, Oxford is an immensely popular tourist destination during the summer holidays. One of it’s most underrated features is how walkable the city centre is, with most attractions located close together – ideal for a day trip where you want to experience everything it has to offer in a short period.
Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum
Begin your day with a visit to the University’s Natural History Museum, which has a huge collection of specimens from animals and nature throughout history. This museum is two in one, as the Pitt Rivers Museum of anthropology and world culture artefacts add even more variety. Better still, both of these museums are completely free to visit and are set within stunning neo-Gothic architecture grounds.
Bodleian Libraries
The historic Bodleian Library is actually multiple libraries that work together, with the central complex comprising the Weston Library, Radcliffe Camera and The Old Bodleian. These iconic buildings have been used as the set of many huge films, including the Duke Humfrey's library for Harry Potter and Radcliffe Square for Wonka. Head to the cafe under St Mary’s University Church for an idyllic afternoon tea after a morning of exploring.
Christ Church Meadow
These gardens are a popular walking and picnic spot due to their beautiful views of Christ Church college and close proximity to the boathouses along the Thames and Cherwell Rivers. They are also located just five minutes walk from Oxford’s High Street, so can be the ideal place to meet for lunch or an ice cream.
Botanic Gardens
Keep walking along the scenic paths of Christ Church Meadow, right to the very end, and you’ll find a gate leading to the entrance of Oxford’s Botanical Gardens. This is one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world and is well worth a visit to see its 5,000 different plant species, especially considering entry is free with a valid Brookes student ID.
Magdalen Bridge Boathouse
End your day with a traditional Oxford pastime – punting down the River Cherwell, where you’ll travel past Oxford’s immaculate college grounds and parks from a different perspective.
What is your favourite pastime in Oxford? Share it with us in the comments below.