New to Oxford? Lucky you. With hidden gems, local secrets and a history as long and winding as the Thames, Oxford is a city where there’s always something new to discover.
If you’re wondering where to start, look no further than our Oxford 101 guide. From cheap eats and local quirks and lesser-known corners of the city, we’ve gathered some of our favourite Oxford finds to help you settle in.
Local Landmarks
From fish-y rooftops and spectral phenomena to clanging bells and tall towers, Oxford’s landmarks range from the traditional to the downright bizarre.
The Dreaming Spires
Matthew Arnold, in his 1865 poem Thyrsis, once wrote “And that sweet city with her dreaming spires, She needs not June for beauty’s heightening”, and so one of Oxford’s most iconic monikers was born. The poem, written to commemorate Arnold’s longtime friend Arthur Hugh Clough, whom he met at Balliol College, refers to the now iconic view of the lofty towers that have come to define Oxford’s skyline.
If you’re looking for that perfect photo of the dreaming spires, South Park, on Headington Hill is hard to beat. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city even on a foggy day. At 50 acres, the park itself is one of the largest within the city limits and home to regular events throughout the year. The Foodies Festival in August is a long weekend of food, drinks and live music, while the yearly fireworks display lights up the Oxford skyline in a myriad of colours. If the weather plays ball, head to South Park on a snow day for tobogganing and epic snowball fights!
What many people don’t realise is that the original “dreaming spires” view wasn’t from the city centre at all. Arnold was actually writing about the panorama from Boars Hill
After being introduced to the hamlet by Clough, the views from Boars Hill not only inspired Thyrsis but also The Scholar Gipsy. Just south of Oxford city centre, the gently sloping woodland of the hillside is dotted with expensive houses and offers brilliant views of the city skyline. If you’ve got a free afternoon, and need a break from your studies, why not take some time to enjoy a steady walk and see the sights for yourself?
Plan your journey to South Park and Boars Hill
The Headington Shark
Despite being around 2 hours from the nearest beach, Oxford’s most unlikely celebrity is a shark. Rather than swimming about, this finned resident appears to have crash-landed headfirst into a terraced house on an otherwise unassuming Headington street.
Officially called Untitled 1986, the Headington Shark is not, despite appearances, the aftermath of a Sharknado incident. Rather, the towering sculpture is a piece of protest art. Installed in secret, and without planning permission, by Bill Heine and John Buckley on 9th August 1986, the 25ft fibreglass shark was created as commentary on nuclear power and weaponry.
Its dramatic arrival sparked a six-year planning battle, with officials arguing that the sculpture had gone us less than legally. Eventually, a now legendary ruling came down in defence of the shark, arguing that “any system of control must make some small place for the dynamic, the unexpected, the downright quirky”. And so, the shark was allowed to remain.
Today, visitors from far and wide come to marvel at Oxford’s own aquatic wonder. Equal parts local legend and excellent photo opportunity, the Shark House is a must-see for any new resident or visitor.
The Ivy Tree House
Hidden away on New Inn Hall Street is one of Oxford’s most Instagramable unofficial landmarks. Facing St Peter’s College, The Ivy Tree House is actually made up of 4 different terraced properties, wrapped in a display of carefully trained vines.
The ivy curls around the middle of the building like a mask, neatly framing windows in sharp, winding lines. Its decades-old ‘trunk’ of the plant runs up the centre of the building, twisting around doorframes before spreading upwards.
Throughout the year, the plant changes colour, shifting from glossy green leaves to fiery red stems as summer shifts to autumn. The gradual transition creates a brilliant patchwork of colour that can only be seen for a few brief weeks in the year. Pop back throughout the season to watch the transformation unfold.
While an excellent photo op, it’s also worth remembering that the Ivy Tree Houses are private residences, so be sure to be mindful when getting that all-important shot.
Carfax Tower
At the crossroads of St Aldate’s, Cornmarket, Queen Street and the High Street stands the soaring sight of Carfax Tower. Originally part of the 12th-century St Martin’s Church, the tower is all that remains after the rest of the church was demolished to make room for increasing road traffic. A striking reminder of Oxford’s medieval past, Carfax Tower has long dominated the local landscape. Tradition even dictates that no building in Oxford should be taller than Carfax. Though this rule has been broken once or twice, the tower still rewards those willing to tackle its 99 steps with incredible views of the city.
On 10th February 1355, Carfax was the site of the St Scholastica Day Riot. Tensions that had been bubbling between town and gown boiled over into a 3-day bar brawl that left 20 townsfolk and 63 university members dead. Thankfully, peace was eventually restored, however, and on the 600th anniversary in 1955 Oxford’s mayor was awarded an honorary degree while Oxford University’s vice-chancellor was made an honorary freeman of the city in an act of conciliation. These days, the two sides are more likely to share a coffee than start a riot.
Carfax Tower still plays a role in Oxford University life today. Undergraduates must live within six miles of the tower, while postgraduate students must live within 25 miles, unless granted special permission.
Touring Oxford
One of the best ways to see Oxford and its sights is with a tour. From exclusive access to historical sites, live guides and specialist local knowledge, there’s sure to be something that appeals to you.
City Sightseeing Oxford Tours
It wouldn’t be a City Sightseeing Oxford blog without a quick mention about our tours!
Our open-top Oxford bus tour takes you on an 18-stop tour around the city, passing some of Oxford’s top hits like Carfax Tower, the Radcliffe Camera and more! With 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off tickets, it’s a great way to see Oxford while avoiding sore feet and the city centre crowds. Our tours also come with audio commentary; plug in and choose one of 14 different languages!
Every City Sightseeing Oxford bus tour ticket also includes access to the Oxford Uncovered Walking Tour. This 60-minute, fully accessible meander takes you beyond the guidebook, discovering the secrets and hidden histories that call Oxford home. It’s a great way to get to grips with the city, and perfect for impressing visiting friends and family with your newfound Oxford knowledge.
You can also combine your tour! When purchasing your tickets, either online or in-store, why not also book yourself in for a river trip with Salter’s Steamers? Perfect for the summer months, take to the water and see the city from a whole new angle, all while travelling on one of their pretty, canopied boats.
For maximum Oxford expert points, opt for the Bus Tour + Tower ticket, you’ll get entry to Carfax Tower as well as the he bus and walking tour.
Plan your journey to our Visitor Information Point
Oxford Castle Prison
Originating all the way back to 1071, Oxford Castle Prison has seen more than its fair share of drama over the centuries. From locked-away empresses and Civil War sanctums to ghostly monks and notorious acts of divine intervention, you’ll find stories of it here.
Step back through 1,000 years of history on a Guided Tour of Oxford Castle Prison. Your expert guide is a former resident of the castle, who’ll teach you all about the history of the site. Listen to tales of crime, punishment, power and legend as you explore ancient crypts and atmospheric cells. Ascend the twisting 101 steps of St. George’s Tower for panoramic views of the city and don’t forget to have your mugshot as a suitably criminal souvenir of your visit.
Must Dos
It’s not all about sightseeing! One of Oxford’s charms is the things you can go and do in the city. From rocking out at iconic venues and hitting the shops to visiting historic institutions and spending time on the river, if you’re a newcomer to Oxford, then you’ll absolutely want to explore some of the following for yourself!
O2 Academy Oxford
First opening their doors in 1907 as the Oxford Co-operative Society, music history has been made at the O2 Academy Oxford. It was here that a local band called Radiohead shot the video for Creep, while Ozzy Osbourne played the venue in the wind-up for his Scream World Tour. Most recently, Welsh metal/reggae band Skindred launched their 9th studio album “You Got This” at the O2 Academy to a sold-out crowd.
Today, the O2 Academy Oxford enjoys a regular roster of local musicians, terrific tribute acts and party nights, with occasional visits from world-class bands. The venue is small enough to feel intimate and big enough to dance like nobody’s watching! If you’re in Oxford and looking for a way to spend an evening, it’s always worth checking out what’s on. Who knows? You might just find your new favourite musician.
Cowley Road
If you’ve arrived early for a gig, why not check out the Cowley Road? Home to indie shops, budget-friendly student eats and buzzing bars, this vibrant East Oxford hotspot has a bit of everything If you’re after a quick bite, a coffee, a vintage find or a night out with friends, chances are you’ll find it here.
Oxford’s self-proclaimed ‘freshest hangout’ is Big Society. Trendy interiors, a laidback atmosphere and a menu of Great British pub foods with a modern twist all come together to make Big Society what it is. A popular place to meet up with friends, this Cowley Road staple has a Games Room with arcade machines, ping-pong and more free to play all day, every day. If you’re working from home, why not check out their Hot Desking packages? Change up your environment with unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks, plus lunch to refuel.
Fancy something a bit different? Antep Kitchen brings the vibrant flavours of Gaziantep to Oxford. A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Gaziantep is known for delicious food and bold flavours, some of which are served up right on the Cowley Road. From award-winning kebabs and savoury lahmacun, to loaded kunefe and sweet kadayifi, you’ll find it all here with a warm, friendly atmosphere to boot.
If you’re after something sweet and a proper Oxford staple, look no further than G&Ds. Founded by Oxford student George Stroup in 1992, this local favourite ice-cream café is a hit with students and locals alike. The ice-cream flavours change regularly, and are all made in-house. The café also serves bagels for those wanting a savoury option, all baked at the original store and delivered to the two satellite stores by bicycle. Pop into the Cowley Road store, called George & Delila, and try Oxford’s Own for yourself.
Drinks, live music and comedy are what’s on offer at The Bullingdon. With over 135 years of history, this independent Oxford venue is the spot a go-to for a great evening or night out. Known for their live music and comedy nights, the Bullingdon is a hub for music lovers and night owls alike. The drinks menu is nothing to be sniffed at either! The 40-plus cocktails on the menu make the Bullingdon one of Oxford’s leading cocktail bars, with wines, beers and artisan coffees also on offer.
Take a Punt at Punting
Originating on the River Thames, known in Oxford as the Isis, punting is one of the city’s most famous traditions. Usually found around Magdalen Bridge (pronounced Mawd-lin in Oxford due to a 15th-century quirk), punting makes for a great way to see the city from a whole new angle.
Looking graceful whilst punting is easier said than done, and beginners often find themselves with wet sleeves, tangled poles or capsizing into the shallow waters below. If you’d like to try out one of the boats without having to drive it, both the Cherwell Boathouse and Magdalen Bridge Boathouse also offer chauffeur services to handle the hard work for you. Bring along a picnic, or a Pimms, then sit back and relax as you glide along the river.
Plan your journey to the Cherwell Boathouse or the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse
May Morning
In Oxford, May Day isn’t simply one of those events that passes by unnoticed. Instead, the traditional festival of longer days is one of Oxford’s main events of the year, known locally as May Morning. As the sun begins to peek over the dreaming spires, thousands of locals and visitors gather on Magdalen Bridge for a day of music, dancing and celebration. Many revellers, mostly students, start as early as the night before when local pubs stay open until the wee hours of the morning, only closing to prep for breakfast.
May Morning celebrations officially kick off at sunrise, when Magdalen College Choir heralds the arrival of brighter days by singing Hymnus Eucharisticus and Now Is the Month of Maying from the top of Magdalen Tower. From here, festivities spread throughout the city as Morris Dancing troops from across the country jingle their bells, and maypoles pop up here, there and everywhere.
Don’t be surprised if you also spot the Green Man on every corner, a traditional symbol of rebirth and resurrection. Throughout the festival, be sure to keep an eye out too, for Jack-in-the-Green. Introduced by the Oxford University Morris Men in 1951, Jack is often seen wandering about the town as a walking, talking bush. Other festival goers are known to adorn themselves in leafy crowns and green clothes to dress up for the occasion.
Nobody is sure exactly when the May Morning celebrations came to Oxford, though it is generally agreed that we’ve been celebrating for at least 500 years and that it likely has something to do with the completion of Magdalen College Tower. Regardless, no matter when or how it began, if you’re new to Oxford, then it’s worth taking the time to attend at least once.
Plan your journey to Magdalen Bridge
Catching the bus
It can be intimidating navigating any city, especially if you’re new to it. Thankfully, Oxford has a solid bus network to help you find your way around. Our sister company, Oxford Bus Company, run bus services in and around the city centre to help you get wherever it is you want to go.
To help you find your way, they also have a handy Journey Planner. Simply pop in your start point and where you want to go, and the planner will do all the hard work for you!
Oxford Brookes Go!
If you’re an Oxford Brookes student or staff member, why not have a look at Oxford Brookes Go tickets? With exclusive discounts of up to 63%, it’s the best value way for Oxford Brookes students and staff to travel by bus.
To access the discounts, simply create an account on the Oxford Bus website or app with a Brookes.ac.uk email address, verify your account and choose your tickets. When you add tickets to your basket, the discounts will be automatically applied.
