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Destination:

Oxford

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Why Oxford?

The city of dreaming spires

Oxford is a beautiful city packed with a variety of things to do and places to see. Our students spend a full day in Oxford and our experienced activity staff take them on a magical tour around the city.

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Top 10

Things to do in Oxford

1 | Oxford University

The 38 colleges which comprise the University of Oxford are iconic buildings set all around the stunning city of oxford. Nobody is going to visit them all in 1 day, so it is important to be selective. Some of our favourites include the riverside splendour of Magdalena College, Christchurch College, and the lovely Botanical gardens.

2 | Ashmolean Museum

The oldest public museum in the UK is also one of the finest. Its collections span everything from ancient Egypt to contemporary China, and all have been enhanced by their elegant, light-filled surroundings. Wind your way to the top of the galleries and then celebrate with tea, cake and views over Oxford from the museum’s rooftop terrace and restaurant.

3 | The University meadows

A beautiful flood-meadow that is so utterly lovely you will scarcely be able to believe it is in the heart of a city. Good for walking, picnics, packed lunches and punting, best of all, for admiring the University’s very own herd of longhorn cattle (which, legend has it, were originally a gift from Bill Clinton). A must see when walking around Oxford.

4 | The Science and Natural History Museums

Either one of these museums would be worthy of a visit, but since they are both located in the same building it makes perfect sense to visit them both. The bright surroundings of the Natural History Museum are a fun counterpoint to the atmospheric dinginess of the Pitt Rivers. Hidden away in a corner of Oxford, these museums really are a must see for students.

5 | Punting

The quintessential Oxford activity is also the best way to see many of the city’s riverside sights. Take a packed lunch but hide your phone and valuables as they may get wet! Nobody wants to fall in and have a soggy journey back to Bournemouth.

6 | Radcliffe Square and the Sheldonian Theatre

Indisputably the most beautiful public square in the city – and possibly the most beautiful in the whole country, Radcliffe Square spans the high gothic university church one end to the library other. Just round the corner, you can still catch regular concerts in the extraordinary, grade 1 listed surroundings of the Sheldonian Theatre.

7 | Christ Church College

This is an essential place to visit for any Harry Potter fan. Spend an afternoon discovering the various sites associated with the Harry Potter movies. See Christ Church College which inspired the Great Hall of Hogwarts and the beautiful architecture around the College.

8 | Binsey

Since most of Oxford is precariously located on an island and prone to seasonal flooding, the city has more than its fair share of meadows. Stroll across the river to the charming hamlet of Binsey.

9 | The Covered Market

Students and tourists love this quirky indoor covered market. Like a traditional outdoor market, it sells a variety of food and spices as well as clothes and other souvenirs, some of which are perfect for students to take home to remind them of their visit to Oxford.

10 | Cowley Road

Vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan, Cowley Road is the artery running through the ‘other Oxford’ and the site of the city’s annual summer Carnival. Great for shopping, our students always enjoy strolling around the old streets taking in the shops, restaurants and monuments.

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