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Oxford A-Z
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Orientation
Oxford's location at the very heart of England is the result of its strategic position on the junction between the River Thames and the River Cherwell.
It was the very fact that the River Thames could be easily forded at this point that meant that the area was first settled, and indeed the name of the town comes from the "oxen ford" that crossed the River at today's Folly Bridge.
It is interesting to note that within the city boundaries of Oxford the River Thames is technically called the River Isis, although most people will still refer to it as the Thames.
The town of Oxford first grew up around the junction of these two rivers and this is where the oldest parts of the city can be found.
The original town of Oxford was the area known as Carfax, and although this is no longer the geographic centre of the town, it is still undoubtedly the focal point of the city.
This is where you will find tourist attractions such as Carfax Tower. And close by you will find the Museum of Oxford and the Covered Market.
Around the Carfax area you will find many of the colleges of Oxford University, particularly the oldest ones such as Balliol College, University College and Christ Church College.
There are numerous other sights within the central part of Oxford, for example the Ashmolean Museum, the Radcliffe Camera and the Oxford Botanic Gardens.
All of these sights are reasonably close to each other and are within fairly easy walking distance, which makes Oxford a relatively easy city to visit, although it is best to take a map to avoid getting lost in the twisting roads of the city centre.
As you head out of the city centre, Oxford is a mass of sprawling suburbs, some parts of which are very pretty.
However you would probably only have time to visit them if you were staying in the city for a week or more - the vast majority of visitors to the city will want to concentrate on the central sights.
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Oxford A-Z
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Oxford Museum
The Museum of Oxford is an excellent local history museum, telling the story of Oxford's past from pre-history right up until the present day.
With interesting exhibitions covering Oxford's religious, academic and industrial pasts, this is the place to go for anyone interested in finding out more about Oxford's heritage.
The entrance to the museum is found on Blue Boar Lane, round the corner from Oxford's Town Hall.
The Museum of Oxford is open daily from 10am to 5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. Admission is free, but tours cost around £1.50 for adults.
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Oxford A-Z
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The Oxford Story
The Oxford Story is located on the south side of Broad Street, opposite Balliol College.
The "Story" is the history of Oxford University, told by a fascinating journey through time in special coaches that look like old fashioned school desks.
The exhibition includes the sounds and smells of University life through the ages, as well as a wide variety of college memorabilia.
The Oxford Story is open daily but times vary according to the time of year so do check in advance. Admission costs around £4.50 for adults.
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Oxford A-Z
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Oxford University
Oxford is famous the world over for its University, first established way back in the 12th century.
However, when they first visit Oxford, many people are surprised to learn that there is no University campus to visit as such.
This is because Oxford University is, in fact, made up of over 35 separate colleges, each with its own distinct history and tradition.
The reason for this is that it was monks who established Oxford's first centres of learning. At first the students in Oxford studied according to monastic tradition, whereby each student was apprenticed to a master.
However, by the 13th century it became the tradition for each bishop to establish his own academic college in the town - and so to this day the University consists of separate University Colleges.
Many of these are open to the public, however in most cases there are some restrictions. If you do plan to visit any of the University Colleges, make a note of the closing time - they tend to be very punctual when locking up at night!
More information about the best known and most interesting of the University Colleges can be found by using the links below.
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| All Souls College | Balliol College | Brasenose College | Christ Church College |
| Magdalen College | Merton College | New College | Pembroke College |
| Queens College | Trinity College | University College |
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