Visiting Oxford
Oxford is a beautiful city of stunning architecture, history and culture. You'll find ancient and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, and plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax. Plus, the city centre is small enough to cover on foot, and only a few minutes walk from the main rail and coach stations.
Things to see and do
Oxford is not a campus university, so it is not all located on one site. It is made up of many different buildings, including academic departments, colleges and halls, located around the centre of Oxford. Many University buildings, such as gardens, libraries and museums, as well as many of the colleges, are open to visitors during the day, although please note that they may have varying opening hours, fees and rules for groups.
You can find more information, including opening times and fees, at the links below:
- Visiting the Colleges
- Visiting Museums, Libraries and Places of Interest
- What's on at the University
- Shopping at the University
To make the most of your visit, bring along a copy of our leaflet, Explore the University of Oxford, which contains a map and information on opening times of colleges, museums and other places of interest.
Tours of Oxford University
Oxford University does not organise tours but a city walking tour is offered by the Bodleian Libraries in association with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. The tours, all operated by Blue and Green Badge Guides, begin at the beautiful modern Weston Library before heading through the historic and famous streets of the city. Tours take around two hours and can be booked through the Bodleian Libraries.
A number of independent operators also offer guided tours of Oxford. A range of general and themed tours are available, as are tours by cycle, rickshaw and bus. For a list of tour companies, please visit the Daily Information website.
Please note that all operators are independent of Oxford University. Details are provided here for information only.
Disabled access
The collegiate University is committed to improving access and has developed an access guide. The access guide is a helpful first point for information on accessible buildings. Where there are gaps in the information we suggest you contact the places you wish to visit directly.
Additional information
Experience Oxfordshire offers advice on walking tours, accommodation, things to do in Oxford, and more.
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