Heritage
Historic Buildings
Oxford's city centre is shaped by the University's iconic buildings and ancient colleges of lovely golden stone.
City highlights include the Bodleian Library, dating from 1427. It is the main research library for the University. It has been a copyright library since 1610, being one of only 5 national copyright libraries entitled to recieve a copy of every book published in the UK. It stores over 7 million volumes on 118 miles of shelving, much of it underground. The oldest building of the library is the Divinity School (1427-1488) which has a stunning vaulted stone ceiling and was built for the teaching of theology and for examinations and more recently was used as Hogwarts sanatorium in the Harry Potter films. Duke Humfrey's library, with its chained volumes, served as Hogwart's Library.
The Museum of Oxford is dedicated to the history of the City and the University. For more than a thousand years Oxford has played a central role in English History. The story of Oxford is vividly brought to life through original artefacts, college treasures, room settings and an introductory audio-visual presentation, narrated by Tony Robinson. The Museum of Oxford is the essential starting point for any visit to the city.
Oxford is home to superb University museums with world-renowned collections. The Ashmolean Museum established in 1683, is the oldest public museum in the world. It houses the University of Oxford’s collections of art and antiquities, including many items which are the very finest of their kind. Others include the Museum of the History of Science, Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum. And entrance to all is free.
Oxford's 3 towers offer a birds' eye view of the dreaming spires. Carfax Tower, The Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin are all well worth the climb! So too is the Sheldonian Theatre, the first building designed by Sir Christopher Wren
A new £40 million heritage project opened in Oxford in September 2005 as part of the redevelopment of Oxford Castle. Featuring a Malmaison Hotel - the first convered prison in the UK and 8 restaurants, including Living Room, Prezzos, Carluccios, Tootsies, Ha Ha Bar and Canteen, La Tasca. The Unlocked - Oxford Castle visitor centre allows you to climb the Norman Castle mound and explores over 1000 years of history within the 18th century buildings.
Oxford's city centre is shaped by the University's iconic buildings and ancient colleges of lovely golden stone.
City highlights include the Bodleian Library, dating from 1427. It is the main research library for the University. It has been a copyright library since 1610, being one of only 5 national copyright libraries entitled to recieve a copy of every book published in the UK. It stores over 7 million volumes on 118 miles of shelving, much of it underground. The oldest building of the library is the Divinity School (1427-1488) which has a stunning vaulted stone ceiling and was built for the teaching of theology and for examinations and more recently was used as Hogwarts sanatorium in the Harry Potter films. Duke Humfrey's library, with its chained volumes, served as Hogwart's Library.
The Museum of Oxford is dedicated to the history of the City and the University. For more than a thousand years Oxford has played a central role in English History. The story of Oxford is vividly brought to life through original artefacts, college treasures, room settings and an introductory audio-visual presentation, narrated by Tony Robinson. The Museum of Oxford is the essential starting point for any visit to the city.
Oxford is home to superb University museums with world-renowned collections. The Ashmolean Museum established in 1683, is the oldest public museum in the world. It houses the University of Oxford’s collections of art and antiquities, including many items which are the very finest of their kind. Others include the Museum of the History of Science, Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum. And entrance to all is free.
Oxford's 3 towers offer a birds' eye view of the dreaming spires. Carfax Tower, The Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin are all well worth the climb! So too is the Sheldonian Theatre, the first building designed by Sir Christopher Wren
A new £40 million heritage project opened in Oxford in September 2005 as part of the redevelopment of Oxford Castle. Featuring a Malmaison Hotel - the first convered prison in the UK and 8 restaurants, including Living Room, Prezzos, Carluccios, Tootsies, Ha Ha Bar and Canteen, La Tasca. The Unlocked - Oxford Castle visitor centre allows you to climb the Norman Castle mound and explores over 1000 years of history within the 18th century buildings.
Famous Links
From Robert Boyleto Oscar Wilde, Rowan Atkinson to Tony Blair, Oxford people have a talent for making thier mark. Visit the "Eagle and Child" pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis shared literary discussions or discover Christ Church college where mathematics don Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) wrote his Alice stories for Alice Liddell, daughter of the Dean.
Oxford is the most popular filming location in the UK outside London with a huge variety of television programmes and films featuring the city. Most notable is Colin Dexter's "Inspector Morse". You can still follow in the TV detective's footsteps by taking a tour of scenes from the best-known cases on an Inspector Morse Walking Tour or visit Christ Church to explore the Harry Potter film connections.
The annual Oxford Literary Festival brings famous celebrities to the city for book signings and talks.
For more information click here for the official Oxford visitor website: www.visitoxford.org
From Robert Boyleto Oscar Wilde, Rowan Atkinson to Tony Blair, Oxford people have a talent for making thier mark. Visit the "Eagle and Child" pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis shared literary discussions or discover Christ Church college where mathematics don Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) wrote his Alice stories for Alice Liddell, daughter of the Dean.
Oxford is the most popular filming location in the UK outside London with a huge variety of television programmes and films featuring the city. Most notable is Colin Dexter's "Inspector Morse". You can still follow in the TV detective's footsteps by taking a tour of scenes from the best-known cases on an Inspector Morse Walking Tour or visit Christ Church to explore the Harry Potter film connections.
The annual Oxford Literary Festival brings famous celebrities to the city for book signings and talks.
For more information click here for the official Oxford visitor website: www.visitoxford.org