By Gill Oliver
Oxford is often voted one of the most beautiful cities in England and is known as the City of Dreaming Spires. It is home to a whole host of beautiful and historic buildings and there are an elite few that never fail to dazzle visitors. Here we’ve picked some of our favourites.
The University Colleges
Christ Church is one of the largest colleges in Oxford
Oxford’s biggest cultural treat is its absolutely superb architecture including the University’s 39 colleges much of it dating back to the 13th century. The most beautiful features are often tucked away behind the high walls of the colleges but many are happy for you to wander in, take a look around and admire their ‘secret’ quads and gardens.
The best way to see the city and its historic buildings is through one of the many walking tours, ranging from those themed around the civil war, gardens or gargoyles and grotesques to film sites, Harry Potter and night-time ghost story rambles. That said, there are plenty of treasures spotted easily from the city’s narrow and often cobbled streets with evocative names such as Dead Man’s Walk, Turn Again Lane and Magpie Lane – such as the Bridge of Sighs over New College Lane.
The best way to see the city and its historic buildings is through one of the many walking tours, ranging from those themed around the civil war, gardens or gargoyles and grotesques to film sites, Harry Potter and night-time ghost story rambles
Iconic bridge
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- The Bridge of Sighs is definitely a city landmark worth seeing
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- University Church of St Mary the Virgin is known as the spiritual heart of the university
This iconic bridge, which joins two parts of Hertford College, is thought to have acquired its moniker due to the sighs of students anxious about exams or love in centuries past.
Another architectural gem is the University Church of St Mary the Virgin on the High Street. This stunning building backs onto Radcliffe Square, where you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat in or on the garden terrace of its Vaults and Garden Café.
