During my UK gap year, I have had the opportunity to travel around a few times. After exploring the surroundings, I wanted to go a bit further, and spent a few days away from my dear Devon. As I am returning to studies next September, I am in the process of choosing the university I want to go to, and for that, I really needed to visit those places.
A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure to receive an unconditional offer to study at Oxford Brookes University. I was very pleased, but quite anxious as didn’t know a thing about the city. What is it like? How is life there? Many questions and many answers needed. The next day, I was booking my trip to Oxford.
After a long trip from my countryside home to London, followed by another small bus journey, I was finally in Oxford, in a very nice hotel, just a few minutes walk from the city centre.
I was staying at : Rewley House - University of Oxford
Type of accommodation: hotel room, but very independent
Price for a night: 90£
In the room: kettle and hot beverages, en-suite bathroom, TV, essential toiletries
Extras: breakfast
See my review on TripAdvisor
The following day, I visited as many places as possible, as I wanted to feel the vibes of the city. From museums, libraries to historical monument, I was my own guide for about 6h, here is a list of must-see places.
Radcliffe Camera
As a visitor you unfortunately can’t get in. This must-see Oxford monument with incredible architecture dominates the city’s skyline and now serves as a reading room for the Bodleian Library. It is truly beautiful and a must-see if you’re around.
Bodleian Library
4£ for a self-guided audio tour, but it doesn’t include the tour of the main library. If you’re doing an express visit, this tour lasts about 1h. This place is the main research library of the University of Oxford, and one of the oldest libraries in Europe.
Ashmolean Museum
For a free exploring activity, you should definitely visit this museum. Here you can explore half a million years of art and archaeology spread out of five fascinating floors. Egyptian mummies are a must-see!
Weston Library
Free exhibitions.
Modern museum featuring nice exhibitions. The last one in date was about the Myth of Babel, and was very interesting.
Natural History Museum
Free entrance
Nice museum displaying the University’s captivating collections of geological and zoological specimens. It is a fun activity for all the family. The park in front of the museum is the ideal spot for a little read or picnic.
Botanic Gardens
Free entrance
This garden is full of incredible plants from around the world and colorful flowers. I advise you to go early in the morning for a nice walk before the crowd comes in.
Blackwell’s Book Shop
Free entrance
Blackwell’s is the biggest academic and specialist bookseller in the UK, stocking hundreds of thousands of titles. As Oxford is the place for books, this is a must-see shop. It is also a nice place to buy a souvenir or present from your trip. Fun fact, I didn't even know how famous the place was when I walked in!
The Covered Market
Free entrance
Inside this beautiful building, you’ll find a fantastic mix of permanent stalls and shops selling all kinds of things. It is a nice place to buy a few souvenirs and gifts.
Going out for food…
Traditional pub food: The Wig & Pen
Afternoon tea: Vaults Garden
…On a budget
For Breakfast: Prêt à manger
For a coffee break: Costa coffee
Souvenirs
Anything book related! Oxford is THE city of books…
Moving around
All the places above are walkable to, but if you wish to, you can hire a bike which is a typical thing to do in Oxford. The bus services are very good as well and affordable.
What I wish I could have done
Go to a choir service in a church
Hire a bike
Visit the University of Oxford colleges
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