Oxford is a great destination. It is small, walkable, and full of history and beautiful buildings. It makes for the perfect day trip for those who live nearby in the Cotswolds, London, and other surrounding areas. So book those train tickets, get in early, and follow this guide for the ultimate day trip to Oxford:
Start with a Breakfast at a Café
Oxford has a thriving café culture so enjoy it first hand by fuelling up with breakfast once you get in. You’ll need the energy!
Follow Up with a Walking Tour
A great way to learn about the town and the university is by taking a walking tour. You’ll get your bearings, learn about Oxford, and of course, see some great buildings and sites.
Some top walking tours to look into:
- Oxford Castle District
- Bodleian Library
- University Church of the St. Mary the Virgin (you can go up the tower for great views!)
Have a Quick Lunch at a Fan Favourite
There are many great cheap eats in the city, thanks mainly due to its large student population. You’ll be able to find Thai favourite nedsnoodlebar.com, plus pubs, pizza places, and so much more. Stick with something fast and cheap and delicious for lunch, because in the afternoon you’ll want to explore more of the university on your own time. And if the huger strikes in the afternoon there are many wonderful afternoon tea experiences to tempt you.
Explore the University
The University of Oxford is huge, and many of its colleges are available to explore for tourists. In fact, most of the colleges are even free to enter.
Free Entrance Options
Pic Credit: Pixabay
You will want to check in advance before visiting these free-to-enter colleges because though they don’t require payment, some may ask you to notify them in advance that you are coming, or book to attend one of their tours. You will also often be asked to donate to keep the tours going, so feel free to give what you can!
- All Souls College
- Corpus Christi College
- Exeter College
- Harris Manchester College
- Hertford College
- Keble College
- Kellogg College
- Lady Margaret Hall
- Lincoln College
- Mansfield College
- Nuffield College
- Queen’s College
- Somerville College
- St. Anne’s College
- St. Catherine’s College
- St. Edmund Hall
- St. Hugh’s College
- St. John’s College
- St. Peter’s College
- Wadham College
- Wolfson College
- Worcester College
Paid Entrance
There are only eight colleges that have entrance fees, but compared to what you might be used to, these college prices are very affordable and usually include lower ticket prices for concessions.
- Balliol College (£3)
- Brasenose College (£2)
- Christ Church (£7 – £10)
- Jesus College (£2)
- Merton College (£3)
- New College (£5)
- Oriel College (£2)
- Trinity College (£3)
Appointment-Only Entrances
Though you can visit these colleges, and will often be able to visit them for free, you will need to book an appointment to enter.
- Green Templeton College
- Linacre College
Pic Credit: Pixabay
- St. Antony’s College
- St. Cross College
- St Hilda’s College
- St. Stephen’s House
- Wycliff Hall
Best Colleges for Your Day Trip
That’s a lot of options! You won’t be able to see all of them in one day, so to help you choose the best of the best, here’s the roundup of the top five:
- Christ Church
- Trinity College
- The Bodleian Library
- Exeter College
- All Soul’s College
With so much to do and see in Oxford, you can go for a day or a week and still have so much to do and enjoy.
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