Discover Oxford- Oxfordshire is an appealing mix of old and new, where the commercial, social, cultural, educational and environmental needs of both residents and visitors are well ballanced. Find out what you can do and see in London with airGads.com and then book flights, car rental, and hotels in England using our site's easy system.
Oxfordshire is a vibrant county in the heart of England where a thriving economy is able to blend successfully with a high quality environment. Oxford's university began teaching in 1096 and as it developed so too did trade. By the time the wool industry began to establish itself in the 13th and 14th centuries the county had become extremely prosperous.
6 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Oxford, England
Oxford is home to a world-famous university, and most colleges and university buildings are located in the centre of Oxford, within walking distance. We highly recommend you view Oxford from up on high how about climbing up Carfax Tower, a great view is to be seen from there.Here are the 6 best places to see.
1. Merton College
Founded by Walter de Merton, Merton is one of the three oldest colleges in Oxford. The Central Quartet (Mob Quad) has the oldest library in the country, which houses a selection of precious medieval manuscripts - in fact so precious that they are chained to the walls!
2. University Church -St Mary's
The University Church has been in existence since the late 13th century. In the early days of the University, the Church was a centre of administration and teaching, with the side chapels acting as lecture theatres where students studied mainly Theology. In 1556, it hosted the trial of the protestant Bishops Ridley, Cranmer and Latimer. The 'Oxford Martyrs' where subsequently burnt at the stake for heresy by the Catholic Queen of England, Bloody Mary. The Church is open every day and visitors can climb up the 127 stairs to the top of the spire to get another classic aerial view of Radcliffe Square and the spires of Oxford. Entrance to the church and spire is via Radcliffe Square.
3. Carfax Tower
The name Carfax is derived from the Latin word 'quadrifucus', meaning 'four forked'. This is where the four ancient routes into Oxford meet at a crossroads and the place King Edward the Elder of Wessex chose to build a lookout tower when the town was fortified in the 9th century. The tower still affords outstanding aerial views of Oxford and the surrounding countryside.
4. The Radcliffe Camera
Radcliffe Square lies at the very heart of the old University. The building was designed by James Gibbs and completed in 1749.Originally conceived as a library of science and medicine, it is now part of the Bodleian Library and houses a collection on History and English Literature. One of the best views of Oxford, All Souls and the Radcliffe Camera in particular, can be obtained from the top of St Mary's spire.
5. The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs joins the Two Sections of Hertford College on both sides of New College Lane. Modeled on the famous Ponte Dei Sospiri in Venice, it has become one of Oxford's most photographed buildings. But its construction was vehemently opposed when it was built in 1913, not least by the Fellows of New College who thought it would spoil the views of their college from the Sheldonian Theatre. We disagree, it's lovely!
6. Sheldonian Theatre
The Broad Street entrance to the Sheldonian Theatre is notable because of the carved heads, or terms, that tower above the railings. Often referred to as the twelve Caesars or Apostles, they are actually anonymous but, nonetheless, curiously photogenic!