Oxford, 2 nights?

Take one of the Blue Badge Guide walking tours sponsored by the TI, which will get you into one or more colleges you might not otherwise see. Visit other interesting colleges (openings vary) like Balliol, Trinity, New, Christ Church, Merton, Magdalen, All Souls, and others. See the Bodelean Library, Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, and nearby old church whose name escapes me. Visit the Ashmolean and/or Pitt-Rivers Museum. Browse in the Covered Market and Blackwell's Bookstore. Enjoy one or more of the pubs. Plenty to fill a day and a half.

There's also Blenheim Palace north of Oxford, an easy day or part-day trip. I'd say Oxford is worth at least two nights.

There are also guided tours of Inspector Morse's Oxford - which is most of it - at www.iloveoxford.com Hiring a student will take you to lanes and alleys and riverbanks unchanged since the 17thC. The same site advertises Harry Potter in Oxford tours -they used Christ Church college for staircase scenes. Colleges are mostly closed to visitors so all the previous location recommendations are fine. Tolkien used to sit in the Botanical Gardens a lot. Most of classic Oxford starts there, at Magdelen Bridge (punts for rent below) and walking back down the high street offers lots of options left and right. Finding the Wheatsheaf and the Turl pubs is worth the effort.
Good Italian restaurant in Gloucester Green (old bus depot area, near the train station). Oxford is worth far more than 2 nights.

In addition to the other fine recommendations given, I would add that you might consider staying at a college: https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/oxford/home.

It depends on the time of the year, of course. If you are going in summer, see if any colleges are performing plays, perhaps Shakespeare. One thing - in summer, many student groups (as in high school age) visit Oxford. It can be very crowded if you are doing just the highlights and not moving beyond the High. Which is a reason to stay overnight when some groups leave...

This is all helpful! Looking at areas to stay (including the recommended universities). Trying to figure out best options. Is it spread out? I was looking at staying at Christ Church, but is it close to other sites?

Thanks again!

Everything in Oxford is easily walkable - even Jericho.

Yep, all walk-able and easy bus to Blenheim if that appeals. Try to do some reading and looking at maps. If you stay at a university, read the description closely. Are you in a new building a ways (none too far) off or in the building of your imagination? If you can get a book or two out of the library or look at maps online, it is good to be aware of how to get away from daytime crowds on the High Street. Though, I must say I like to do some shopping when in Oxford. The covered market is good to know about too for easy access to quick and yummy food.

Now I am thinking when I can return!!

Have a good time.

Debbie, that's good to know. I forget how large the universities are. Thanks for that tip!

Oxford. The covered market is good to know about too for easy access to quick and yummy food.

especially MooMoos.

A couple more meal recommendations, right in the center of the sights. So good we ate twice at both! For delicious casual lunch, the Vaults and Garden is great...home made soups, sandwiches etc and long farm tables (or the garden).

Breakfast is packed with university locals at Turl Street Kitchen, very cosy...check out their menu on their website, also open for lunch and dinner.

Nigel, MooMoos looked appealing but we were there in 10 degree farenheit weather!