Hi,
We’ve decided to stop by Oxford from the Cotswolds on our way to Heathrow for our flight home tonight. However, I left that section of my guidebook at home. (I pull them apart.) Can anyone offer any suggestions of must-sees there? We’ll have three hours. Thank you!
I would definitely visit some of the colleges- Christ College is the most famous/impressive one (in my opinion) and you can visit the cathedral as well. Like the other more famous colleges you need to pay to visit. However, they do close around exam time which might be now, so you'll need to check. With only three hours you probably don't have time for a museum but the Ashmolean is very good. The Bodleian Library is another must-see (for me) but needs to be booked far in advance. Since it's nice weather today you could also enjoy a walk along the Thames. If you had more time I would suggest a walk down the river to Isis Farmhouse (yes that is the real name- named for how that part of the Thames was historically called). You could also go punting on the river (a small boat- you can either try it yourself or join an organised group where a student punts the boat). Hope you enjoy Oxford!
Ashmolean museum, university gardens, but you’d do fine just walking around the centre admiring the college buildings and maybe visiting one that’s open to visitors. How are you getting there? Oxford is notoriously un-car-friendly
Will you have a car where you can leave your bags? It’s best to park in one of the Park and Ride car parks around the city and get a bus in. Allow at least 20 minutes each way to get there and back (my guesstimate). You’ve very little time. I’d go to the High St to get a feel for the city and then perhaps the small permanent display in the Bodlean Library. You could go via the covered market one way and see the Radcliffe Camera on the way back.
Christ Church is a very expensive college to visit but few colleges are free to enter these days. One that is free is Wadham College (close to the library) which has an unspoilt front Quad and attractive gardens.
The Bodleian Library is another must-see (for me) but needs to be booked far in advance.
Not only that, but there are very limited tickets available, and the odds of getting something last minute are slim to none.
I would vote with just walking around and looking at the gorgeous architecture and the colleges. I don't even know that I would go inside. I just don't think you'll have enough time for that. I loved the Ashmolean Museum, but you really don't have time for there unless you exclude the rest of Oxford and just focus on the museum. I do think it is worth it, but obviously you want to see Oxford and I don't blame you. It's really a lovely city and has such a great atmosphere.
I would definitely check out the parking in advance. I know there are some car parks on the outskirts of town that you can park at, but I wouldn't try and take a car into the center.
The Pitt Rivers Museum - a natural history museum - is phenomenal. https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/collections
TravelMom, being in Virginia, I'd say check out the Ashmolean if for anything, to see Powhatan's Mantle -- https://www.ashmolean.org/powhatans-mantle
Hi all—thank you all for the suggestions for our last minute diversion. We are safely on the plane and waiting to take off. We had a great four hours (snuck in an extra one!) in Oxford. Meandered the colleges, joined 1/2 of a walking tour and learned fascinating history, climbed up Carfax Tower, walked through the covered market, visited the exterior of Christ’s Church and peeked at the Bridge of Sighs! We packed a lot in in that short amount of time! Thanks again for offering some good ideas!
As an aside, while my driver drove, I found a spot near the top end of the colleges using Just Park. It was a private driveway for 20 pounds and worked beautifully for our situation! Just an idea for anyone else who is short on time.
VAP—ah, man. Next time we’ll have to check that out! That would be a fun connection! Thanks!
