Bridge of Sighs
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
One of the city’s iconic Insta shots, this raised bridge, linking two sections of Hertford College is notable for its similarity to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
Good for age: 18+
Travel bucket list idea:
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Oxford is a city dominated by its world-famous university, with 38 spectacular colleges dotted around the city centre. Founded between the 12th and 15th centuries, these bastions of world-class education offer visitors the opportunity to stroll through centuries of British history, where a litany of impressive historical figures – from prime ministers and presidents to famous scientists – once lived and studied.
The architecture is equally impressive, from the wonderful, 15th-century Gothic towers of Magdalen College to the beautiful gardens and quads at 13th-century New College.
It’s worth doing research beforehand, as each college offers something different. Art-lovers should head to Christchurch, which has a spectacular art collection, including works by Rubens and Michelangelo, while University College is famous for its stained glass.
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
One of the city’s iconic Insta shots, this raised bridge, linking two sections of Hertford College is notable for its similarity to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
Good for age: 18+
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Dating back to 1539, this grand college is now most famous for its dining room, the model for Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the Harry Potter films. The chapel is also worth a visit. It opens to the public for evensong every evening.
Adult price: £15
Good for age: 18+
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Founded in 1458, Magdalen is regarded as one of the most beautiful Oxbridge colleges. The Great Tower, built circa 1500, is an Oxford landmark. Famous alumni include Oscar Wilde, Andrew Lloyd Webber and King Edward VIII.
Good for age: 18+
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Dating back to the 13th century, the chapel is famous for its original stained-glass windows and the imposing Dobson Organ – one of the finest in the UK.
Adult price: £3
Good for age: 18+
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Instantly recognisable to Harry Potter fans, these 14th-century cloisters are where Malfoy was turned into a ferret in Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire.
Adult price: £8
Good for age: 10+
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Built in 1555 outside the old city walls, Trinity is one of the largest colleges in Oxford with extensive gardens and a small woodland. Plays are sometimes held on the lawn on summer afternoons.
Adult price: £3
Good for age: 18+
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
The oldest Oxbridge college, founded in 1249, University College boasts alumni including CS Lewis, Stephen Hawking, Harold Wilson and Bill Clinton. Look out for stunning stained-glass windows, installed just before the English Civil War.
Good for age: 18+
The colleges are all clustered in the city centre, so you can easily visit several in one afternoon. Some charge admission fees while others are free. See the website for a printable map of individual college locations.
The helpful tourist information centre on Broad Street also has maps and is the meeting point for free walking tours of the colleges. You don’t need to book – just turn up and join the next one that’s leaving.
Most colleges are open to visitors in the afternoons, but times vary between colleges, so check the website for specific schedules.
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