13 Years in Oxford: My Insider's Guide to the Top Local Must-Do's for Travellers and Students

Living in Oxford for 13 years has been a journey full of culture. This beautiful city is not just known for its history and architecture; it also offers a vibrant lifestyle. Whether you're a traveler in search of local activities or a student wanting to dive deeper into an interesting trip, this guide shares my favorite must-dos in Oxford.

Explore the Colleges

Oxford shines with its prestigious university, and its colleges are a key part of that charm. While Christ Church is a well-known hotspot, I encourage you to visit lesser-known colleges like Magdalen and Merton.

• Magdalen College consists of stunning deer parks and beautiful river views, ideal for capturing memorable photos or enjoying a moment of peace. You can punt along this river or simply relax with a picnic! I love coming here in the summer to just sit and read a book on the riverbanks.

• Merton College features impressive courtyards and a picturesque lawn, providing a serene oasis that contrasts with the city's energetic pulse. It's a nice break away from the bustling city, and you can often visit these on open days!

  
  

Enjoy Local Parks

One of my favorite aspects of living in Oxford is the many parks available. I would love to say I go for runs, but I simply just enjoy walking through them! In the spring and summer, these make for perfect picnic locations or a pleasant walk in the sun! The University Parks are a classic spot, both for locals and tourists, and it comes alive in the spring. There is a small lake (or pond, shall we say!) with ducks and swans, and a few small rivers run alongside the park. There are grassy tennis courts if you enjoy the sport or even just enjoy watching the students play! University Parks is also a prime spot for some reading, with the beautiful scenery and wide open spaces that almost never get filled up!

Port Meadow is slightly out of the city centre, but this is a more local park. There are cows that roam around, so if you're not a fan, then perhaps this is one to steer clear of! However, this park is large and less popular than the university parks, and it's highly popular with locals and students. In the summer, the river is often used to cool down and have a swim with your friends. I'd recommend this for younger travellers perhaps, simply due to the likelihood of bumping into young locals who will be loud and highly active in the river.

Visit the Ashmolean Museum

As a local and a history graduate, I can't recommend the Ashmolean Museum enough. Established in 1683, it is the oldest public museum in the UK and offers an extensive collection of art and archaeology. Admission is free, which means there's no barrier to enjoying the exhibitions, making it budget-friendly and accessible to all groups! There are a few paid exhibitions inside, but the majority of the museum is free, and there's even a cafe downstairs or restaurant at the top!

As a history graduate, I have a particularly fascination with the Egyptian gallery, where you see artifacts like mummies and tombs. The temporary exhibition recently featured Tutankhamun, and I found this a thrilling addition to the museum, and it made it far more interesting than usual for those who have repeat visits. There are also child-friendly activities, though I can't say I've tested those myself!

Stroll Through the Covered Market

A trip to Oxford wouldn't be complete without a visit to the covered market.This is filled with local food vendors, shops, and cafes, and a personal favourite—Moo Moo's. This is a milkshake cafe that is takeout only, but the milkshakes are divine, and I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Oxford to grab one on their way!

In this cozy environment, you can find everything from artisanal cheeses to handmade crafts. A local cafe allows you to pick up a book and enjoy reading while drinking a coffee, while there are also Asian restaurants that inspire you to embrace the multicultural hub. It makes for a pleasant wander or a nice place to stop off for a drink!

Explore Historic Pubs

Experiencing Oxford's historic pubs is essential. A personal favorite is the Turf Tavern, where literary greats like C.S. Lewis once gathered. The cozy atmosphere and fascinating history make it a great place for a pint and a bite. I also lived there for almost 10 years and have a slight bias towards it! Don't be surprised if it's hard to find a seat, as it fills up quickly in the summer! Though I must warn you, the food isn't quite as good as it used to be.

Another fantastic option is The Victoria Arms, a charming pub that has been serving locals for a long time now and has a river in its garden. Enjoying a meal here allows you to connect with the rich environment of Oxford and the natural world around you. I currently work here as a part-time job, so I'm certainly a little biassed, but it is objectively brilliant! Winning the 'Oxfordshire's Best Pub' 2024 Award, you can trust this review over mine! The food is delicious, the drinks are refreshing, and the scenery is just stunning! You can punt along the river from Cherwell Boathouse and stop off for a pint or something to eat.

Attend a Theatre Performance

Oxford has a lively cultural scene, with many venues hosting concerts, plays, and performances year-round. The Oxford Playhouse showcases local talent and touring productions, such as Grease, The War Horse, and Annie. I've been to see multiple performances or shows and have loved each and every one! Tickets aren't too expensive, as you can get student-priced tickets for certain shows, or if you're happy to sit higher, then the price is lower regardless! I have occasionally managed to get 'cheap' tickets for almost front row seats, as seen above, and it's well worth scouting for these in advance!

Be sure to look at local listings to find something that interests you while you're here! The performances are often shown almost a year in advance, so it's worth checking these before you plan your trip.

Take a Day Trip to the Cotswolds

If your schedule allows, a day trip to the Cotswolds is highly recommended. Just a short bus, drive, or train ride away, you can discover charming villages and beautiful countryside. I typically drive to these locations, but getting the bus is equally as easy! Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the quintessential English towns in the Cotswolds, and it's always busy with tourists in the summer months. If you go out of season, it's certainly a lot quieter! The cafes are filled with delicious pastries and a good cup of coffee, while there is a Christmas shop (open all year around) that has the cutest decorations! I bought a WALL-E one most recently, and it had prime position on my Christmas tree!

Another tip is to not forget your camera! The Cotswolds provide a perfect escape from city life and are ideal for students and travelers alike. I've visited them often and always take my camera for some photos of myself and the scenery! If you have the time, I'd definitely recommend!

Wrapping Up

After 13 years in this captivating city, I can confidently say that Oxford is filled with wonderful experiences for both visitors and locals. From exploring historic colleges to enjoying tranquil park days, there's something for everyone. Students are typically

I hope my guide helps you navigate your own adventures in Oxford. Embrace the charm of the old city elements and take the time to explore beyond the tourist spots.

Stay tuned!