Bodleian Library and Ashmolean Museum

I went to Oxford last August. Didn't go inside the library but really liked the Ashmolean and the Pitt-Rivers. The P-R is a very impresive ethnographic museum. The display areas are a bit dark, so stop at the shop to borrow a flashlight.

I also recommend the tourist office's walking tour. Afterwards, you can do some extra wandering around the colleges. Opening hours vary, but it was my impression that afternoon was better than morning. The museums are both large and can chew up a lot of time, however.

We are spending a day in Oxford (dropping rental car off before taking train to London) and plan to visit the Bodleian. Interested to hear feedback!

The majority of the Bodleian Library is not open to the public. There are relatively small exhibition spaces which tend to have rather specialised exhibitions on books and history. You can also go on guided tours of the older parts of the building which I personally don't think is worthwhile unless you have a huge interest in the history of libraries or the university.

The Ashmolean has a good collection of art and antiquities but isn't IMO worth making a special day trip out of London for.

Can I ask why you are going to Leeds? It wouldn't be my first choice of a northern city for tourists to visit.

Can it be a trip to Leeds for a day or two at Headingley for the Cricket?

Hi John, I would recommend the guided tour of the Bodelian. You can prebook the tour that interests you. Be forewarned: the tours are only on certain days of the week so you must plan ahead. I did a Sunday morning tour which included the Bodelian and a look inside the Radcliffe camera. I thoroughly enjoyed it; the buildings are gorgeous inside and out. I also participated in a free introductory tour of the Ashmolean and would recommend visiting even just for a short time. Whatever you decide, enjoy your time in England!

We have friends in Need, or outside Leeds, that we will be visiting. We've been told that looking outside their kitchen window it's like you can see Heathcliff walking the moors.

I spent a summer in Oxford when my husband was doing some academic work there a couple of years ago and spent a great deal of time in both the Bodleian and the Ashmolean. Both are WELL worth your time. The Ashmolean has some very unique collections of pre-Raphaelite art and furniture, interesting exhibitions on the lower level, and just a good collection of very select pieces from many eras and cultures. It's a manageable size and perfect for a day, if you really scour it, or 1/2 day if you just want to hit the highlights.
The tour of the Bodleian is also well worth doing. Go first thing in the morning to get tickets for a time that works well for you (they do fill up). The 30 minute short tour takes you through the Divinity School (the oldest room in England used for academic purposes) and he medieval Duke Humphrey's Library. The longer 1 hour tour includes a few more rooms but I loved the 90 minute tour because they take you over into the Radcliffe Camera as well as some of the underground tunnels that lead between buildings. As you are standing in the courtyard, facing the doors that lead to the room where you buy tickets (the gift shop), don't miss the small doorway on your left that leads to the room with rotating exhibitions. Last time I was there they had an exhibit of Tolkien's original manuscripts, drawings, and objects from his Lord of the Rings books. They have amazing things that go on display here and it is not to be missed. Also make sure to see the Sheldonian Theater (catch a concert if you can), have lunch/dinner at The Eagle and Child Pub (where Tolkien and CS Lewis sat frequently giving feedback to each other on their manuscripts, and tour some of the colleges. My favorites are Christ Church, Magdalene, Lincoln, and Balliol. There is so much to see in Oxford...you really should take the time to go.

Oxford is a fine day trip from London and the Ashmolean is worth part of that day, along with the colleges and other sights there. I wouldn't travel from London just for the Ashmolean but I would (and have) for Oxford.