Escape to Oxford!
Happenings, events and things to do in and around Oxford
Winter. spring, summer or autumn, Oxford City retains an exhilarating menu of discovery, historical, contemporary, classical even awe-inspiring. For returning visitors we say: ‘Welcome Back!’ and to newcomers: ‘Hello! Welcome to Oxford – city of dreaming spires, you will not be disappointed!’ In addition to the walking tours found elsewhere on this website, this page provides some ideas of what else locals and visitors can find to do in and around the city
University College News
While a number of colleges opened their doors allowing visitors a rare glimpse of the inner sanctum of university life the re surging corona virus pandemic has closed some doors. If you are thinking of visiting any of the University colleges please check on line before you venture out. St John’s 1 pm to 5 pm (or dusk) Exeter College. Contact the Porter’s Lodge +44 (0) 1865 279600. Magdalen Collge. 10 am to 7 pm (or dusk). Lincoln College. 2 pm 60 5 pm. Christ Church. www.chch.ox.ac.uk/visiting-information
Museum of Oxford reborn!
Heritage hub - a world class facility!
Three years and a £3-million refurbishment later, the Museum of Oxford reopened its doors in October 2021 and from all accounts it was worth the investment and the wait. Housed in the Oxford Town Hall in St. Aldates Street, it is the only museum in Oxford dedicated to telling the history of the city and it’s people. The museum features a broad range of articles, artefacts and interactive displays which show the changing story of Oxford through its history and people.
On display are a range of archaeological and historical artefacts ranging from Roman pottery, Saxon spears and marmalade jars, to the first Cowley factory workers. Displayed over two galleries It is a great introduction to Oxford covering the city centre and surrounds and its people – a veritable heritage hub. An added attraction is a museum shop selling Oxford memorabilia, books, posters and the like.
Hours: 10am-5pm. Monday-Saturday
Walking In The Footsteps Of Inspector Morse
Johnathon Thaw as Inspector Morse. Image: Mel Clarke
Tailor-made walking tours on the trail of one of British television’s most famous sleuths. Long-time Oxford resident and tour-guide, Mel Clarke, provides the definitive Inspector Morse tour of Oxford. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of the internationally renowned TV series, Mel is able to answer all questions and queries surrounding one of the most enigmatic detectives to feature on English television. In addition to Morse, Mel is able to include details of the spin-off series ‘Lewis’ and ‘Endeavour’. Read some client reviews below.
Above: Mel Clarke
Reviews: ‘Mel really knows her stuff! Added value was that on top of the tour she offered any specifics we wanted to choose’. Aisha, August 2020.
‘A great host. Mel knew what she was talking about. A total professional’. Joseph, August 2020.
‘Mel was very friendly and personable and keen to find out about our interests before the tour (via email) to ensure it was perfect for us. Mel is an interesting guide and has some quirky facts and interesting stories. Thoroughly recommended’. Jane, October 2020.
Mel can be contacted at +44 7948 146 653
Below: On set! Mel Clarke and Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans)
Magdalen College is open seven days a week from 10am to dusk or 7pm whichever is earlier. Founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester who wanted a college on the grandest scale Magdalen is an iconic Oxford landmark and alma mater for such luminaries as Oscar Wilde and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Oxford Botanic Garden
2021 was is the 400th anniversary of the Oxford Botanic Garden. Founded as the Oxford Physic Garden in July 1621 it is the oldest Botanic Garden in the United Kingdom. It’s initial focus was growing medicinal plants used to teach medical students and as such was the birthplace of botanical sciences at Oxford University. The gardens have a series of special events taking place over the next few months, check out the website below.
www.obga.ox.ac.uk/guidegarden.
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The Museum of Science, Broad Street.
Housed in the old Ashmolean building, the first purpose-built public museum in the western world, the museum of science holds a leading collection of scientific instruments from the middle ages to the 19th century. Open 12 pm – 5 pm, Tuesday-Sunday,
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont Street
Ancient and modern art and antiquities covering world civilisations, plus fine and applied arts. One of the finest collections of visual art in the United Kingdom.
Pitt Rivers Museum
Accessed through the Museum of Natural History, The Pitt Rivers houses an international renowned collection of archaeological and anthropological artifacts, a definite highlight to your Escape to Oxford.
Top Spot
Oxford’s Radcliffe Camera has been voted one of the most sought after landmarks tourists in the UK want to visit. This is according to Parkdean Resorts, a leading UK holiday park owner, who conducted an in-depth internet study to find out what local and international visitors really want to see.
We've got you covered!
Celebrating 250 years of trading in 2021 Oxford’s Covered Market has proved to be one of the most endearing ‘must see’ attractions for tourists and local alike. With over 50 stores from traditional butchers, cheese and pie merchants, watchmakers, jewellers, local art and craft, bric-a-brac and a host of local and international eateries and cafes there is something for everyone, young and old. See you there!
For a truly unforgettable experience take a walk through the gardens of Magdalen College, past the deer park along the Cherwell River and let the history soak in.
The Galleries and Museums of Oxford
Escaping to Oxford realises a treasure trove of museums and art galleries. Be prepared to take your time as you move from from Raphael through Picasso to cutting edge exhibitions of contemporary and modern visual art. Oxford’s galleries and museums have their own timetables and plans for events and exhibitions. Go online to check dates and times.
Modern Art Oxford - Pembroke Street
Dedicated to Contemporary Art and Culture
Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces.
University Museum of Natural History Parks Road
Housed in a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture Oxford University Museum of Natural History holds an internationally acclaimed collection of natural history specimens and is home to a lively programe of research, teaching and events focused on the sciences of the natural environment. Entry is free, tickets must be booked in advance.
https://www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk/visit-us
The Natural History Museum is sure to take your breath away.
Blenheim Palace
Art, artefacts, exhibitions, picnics and woodland walks. So much to do at one of the United Kingdom’s great palaces. Booking essential.
www.blenheim Palace.com
Oxford’s Christ Church Meadow has been judged the most loved park outside London by PoundToy. Image: Oxford Mail.
If you you are organising an event or happening from a boot sale to a carnival or even a rock concert and would like to appear in this column contact: Andrew on +44 7 555 20 5646
or email :
escape-to-oxford@protonmail.com.
PS: It’s free of charge!
Escape To Oxford with City Sightseeing
The one hour tour aboard our open top bus offers the best views and historical insight into the city of Oxford. Commentary is provided in numerous languages with a kids commentary suitable for all ages while live guides provided a more personal touch. 24 and 48 hours tickets can be bought online, from the bus driver, from our Oxford High Street office and the Carfax Tower. Visitors can hop on and off at 20 stops along the scheduled route. A 30 minute ‘Stepping Through Oxford’ walking tour is included in the price of the bus ticket.