Oxford 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Oxford Itinerary: A Scholarly Exploration

This itinerary is designed for a first-time visitor to Oxford and assumes you’ll be spending 6 days exploring the city.

Day 1: Arrival and Historic Heart

  • Morning: Arrive in Oxford, check into your accommodation.
    • Accommodation: Consider staying in a centrally located hotel like the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel or The Randolph Hotel for easy access to everything. (You can also explore more affordable options like hostels or guesthouses.)
    • Food: Enjoy a traditional pub lunch at The Eagle and Child, known for its literary history as the haunt of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

Things to Know:

  • Oxford is a pedestrian-friendly city, but it’s also worth considering public transportation (buses) or walking tours to explore the city efficiently.
  • The “Oxford Pass” offers free entry to several attractions and can be a good value if you plan on seeing many things.

Activities:

  • Morning: Stroll through the historic heart of Oxford, exploring the iconic colleges like Christ Church College (visit the Great Hall!), Magdalen College (check out the beautiful cloisters), or the Bodleian Library (admire the architecture and maybe even catch a glimpse of the “Radcliffe Camera”).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Radcliffe Camera, a stunning landmark at the University of Oxford. You can’t go inside, but it’s still breathtaking from the outside.

Day 2: Literary Legends

  • Morning: Explore the “Oxford Literary Trail” and visit the pubs frequented by famous authors like The Eagle and Child (again!), where Tolkien and his Inklings friends used to meet.
  • Food: Enjoy a pint and traditional pub fare at The Turf Tavern, another Oxford landmark with a rich literary history.

Things to Know:

  • Many of the locations on the “Literary Trail” are not open to the public, but it’s still fun to explore and imagine the stories being written there!
  • Oxford Literary Trail: This is a great way to see some of Oxford’s hidden gems and learn about its literary connections.

Activities:

  • Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street (the fictional address) and enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens and architecture of the university.

  • Things to consider:

    • Transportation: Buses are a convenient way to reach various museums and attractions in Oxford.
    • Accommodation: If you’re on a budget, try a unique stay at The Old Parsonage Hotel, which is known for its literary connections.

Day 3: Science and History

  • Morning: Explore the Ashmolean Museum (free entry!), home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
  • Afternoon:

Visit the Museum of Natural History in Oxford, a fascinating museum with dinosaur skeletons, a stunning collection of rocks and minerals, and exhibits on everything from human evolution to astronomy.

Day 4: Gardens and Architecture

  • Visit Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill (and you can see it even if you don’t buy a ticket! Just explore the grounds). It’s a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and design.

  • Things to know:

    • Book your tickets in advance for the Bodleian Museum.
    • The Ashmolean Museum has a dedicated section on the “Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood” with works by Rossetti, Morris and others.

Day 5: A Literary Feast

  • Visit the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum - it’s a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
  • Things to consider: Take a picnic lunch!

Things to consider:

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds of the “Christ Church” or “Oxford University Parks”.
  • Take a boat ride on the Thames - a classic Oxford experience.
  • Relax at one of the many cafes in the city centre for a break from the colleges and museums.

Things to know:

  • The “Bodleian Library” is a working library, so be respectful when visiting.
  • Boat rides: Available during the summer months. Check availability and book ahead!

Day 6: Departure

  • Enjoy a final breakfast at a charming cafe in Oxford.
  • Stroll through the beautiful gardens of “Christ Church” or other Oxford colleges.

Things to do:

  • Oxford University Parks: Explore the diverse flora and fauna, wander through the historic gardens, take a picnic by the lake!

  • Visit the Ashmolean Museum:

    • Free Entry: Remember, while many Oxford colleges and museums are free for visitors, it’s important to check individual policies as they can change.

Things to see in Oxford:

  • Oxford University Museums:

Explore the history of the university with a visit to the Ashmolean Museum (the main museum), or the “Museum of Science History” which has amazing exhibits on historical scientific instruments and discoveries.

  • The Ashmolean Museum is free for visitors, but they recommend donating.

  • Other attractions:

    • Oxford University Parks: The beautiful gardens surrounding the colleges are a must-see.
    • Christ Church Cathedral: This is a popular destination within Oxford, and it’s worth exploring!

Things to know:

  • Day passes: Allow access to a number of historical sites in Oxford, including the Bodleian Library, but you may need to purchase tickets for individual attractions.
  • Public transport: Many colleges are located near bus stops for easy access.

Day 4: Literary Exploration:

  • Morning: Explore the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis at “The Eagle and Child” pub, a favorite haunt of both authors.
  • Afternoon: Visit the “Oxford Story Museum”, a fantastic museum dedicated to the history of Oxford.

Day 5: A Day for Stories:

  • Visit the Bodleian Library: Enjoy the beauty and history of this institution, one of the oldest and most prestigious libraries in the world.

Day 6: Farewell to Tolkien’s World:

  • Things to know:

  • Bodleian Library:

    • The library is a working library for Oxford University students and scholars, so it’s important to be mindful of noise levels and other rules.

  • Explore the city: Visit the “Oxford Story Museum” to experience the city beyond the colleges and museums.

Day 6: Enjoying the Last Day

  • Visit the Bodleian Library: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many cafes in Oxford, and then enjoy a final stroll through the gardens of “the University Parks”.

Things to do: Enjoy the beautiful architecture and history of Oxford.

Things to consider:

  • Purchase tickets: For individual tickets, it’s best to buy them online in advance to avoid queues.
  • Accommodation: If you are looking for a charming place with a touch of history, consider staying at “The Turf Tavern” (a historic pub) or the “Oxford University Guest Rooms” which offer unique and affordable accommodations.

Other things to do:

  • Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens of Oxford’s Christ Church Meadow
  • Visit the Radcliffe Camera (a building with stunning architecture)
  • Explore the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world, located at “The University of Oxford” campus.

Food:

  • The Eagle and Child has a charming atmosphere and is worth experiencing for its history.

Things to see:

  • The Bodleian Library: Explore the beauty and history of Oxford
  • Bodleian Library Museum: Visit the museum within this iconic library
  • Oxford University: Visit the “Radcliffe Camera” for a glimpse into the past.

Food to note:

  • The Ashmolean Museum is free, but you can visit other museums in Oxford

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the beauty of the “Ashmolean Library and Museum” with its exhibits on history and literature.
  • Visit Oxford’s museums and explore the history of the city

Things to note about visiting Oxford:

  • Oxford University: Founded in 1096, it is a world-renowned institution
  • The Radcliffe Camera: A beautiful example of the neoclassical style.

Transportation:

  • Consider using public transport (buses) for a more sustainable way to explore Oxford.

Exploring Oxford’s historical colleges and museums:

  • Enjoy the unique charm and history of Oxford University, with its historic buildings and libraries.**
  • The “Oxford University Student Union” offers information on getting around the city by bus and bike.

Enjoy your last day in Oxford!