Oxford’s Prestige:
The Resplendent Heritage of the University of Oxford
Oxford, home to the English-speaking world’s oldest university, the University of Oxford, has shaped notable personalities across all societal spheres. Thinkers like economist Adam Smith to Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer known for “The Phantom of the Opera,” all share the pedigree of this venerable institution. Strolling through the city, one is enveloped by the ambiance unique to this ancient academic town, where timeworn architecture stands as a living testament to a profound legacy.
Christ Church College:
A Nodal Point for Harry Potter Enthusiasts
Christ Church College, part of Oxford University, also serves as a filming location and source of inspiration for the Harry Potter films. For fans, like ‘Phoebe,’ a visit to Oxford is an eagerly anticipated dream come true—the ultimate pilgrimage.
Getting to Oxford:
London to Oxford Transport Options
Reaching Oxford from London offers options: Megabus or train. Each has the potential for early bird discounts. Let’s draw a brief comparison:
Bus: Early bird fares as low as £1, a direct journey of about 100 minutes departing from Victoria Coach Station.
Train: Starting at £10 for early birds, around a 60-minute ride, multiple stations to choose from within London’s vicinity.
Without the availability of early bird bus tickets and the train fare being reasonably comparable, we opted for the time-efficient train journey.
Pro Tip for Train Travel:
For those planning to traverse multiple UK cities by train, consider purchasing a BritRail Pass for significant savings. Detailed guides on navigating UK’s trains can be found through resources such as “UK Rail Travel Strategies.”
My Day in Oxford Itinerary:
Morning Ambles and Afternoon Wonders
- Morning: Carfax Tower and a photographic detour at Oxford Town Hall leads to a delightful ice cream treat at George & Danver, followed by a quest for Harry Potter scenes within Christ Church and a souvenir spree at Alice’s Shop. The journey continues through Oxford’s Covered Market for a lunchtime feast.
- Afternoon: Radcliffe Square becomes the centerpiece of the visit, showcasing the magnificent architecture of University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Radcliffe Camera, and Bodleian Library, then to the hushed reflections on the Bridge of Sighs followed by Magdalen College, and completing with the historic Oxford Castle.
A planned one-day visit to Oxford allows for a sweeping excursion to its key attractions, striking a balance between depth and breadth, an itinerary of seven hours, finding it just about perfect.
Oxford’s Heart:
A Meandering Discovery Journey
Starting from the railway station, our path soon brought us to the iconic Great Hall, heavily associated with Harry Potter’s magical world. Wending our way through the city on foot, historical landmarks unfolded almost immediately.
- Carfax Tower: At the crossroads of Oxford’s Old Town, a beacon without pretense but rich in bygone religious significance.
- Oxford Town Hall: A stunning edifice housing both the city’s administration and museum, caught in the midday backlight that challenges photographers.
A Culinary Pause:
George & Danver’s Cool Delight
Our itinerary then led us past the famous George & Danver, known for its myriad ice cream flavors. Despite a whimsical hiccup with their freezer, the charm of the attempt remained.
Christ Church and Beyond:
The Dream of Hogwarts Realized
The Christ Church experience beckons with its immersive Hogwarts ambiance. Not just the resplendence of the Dining Hall, inspired by and for Hogwarts, but the entire college radiates an aura of ancient grandeur and academic rigor.
Literary Echos:
In Pursuit of Alice
At Christ Church, where the author of Alice in Wonderland lectured, fans can delve into the world of Alice at the directly opposite Alice’s Shop, a trove of themed memorabilia.
Oxford’s Covered Market:
A Gastronomic Treasure Trove
Post-Christ Church, a culinary hunt in the Covered Market satiates the appetite, delivers the famed Ben’s Cookies, and serves up an anecdotal experience with ‘special’ European ingredients amid floral romance.
Architectural Majesty:
Radcliffe Square’s Historic Ensemble
A stone’s throw from the market, Radcliffe Square presents Oxford’s architectural gems, from the University Church of St Mary the Virgin to Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library—an architectural digest of Oxford’s essence, dulled slightly by the press of tourism.
The City of Dreaming Spires:
Winding Through Oxford’s Wynds
Escaping the tourist throng, the discovery of Oxford’s collegiate life unfolds, a gentle pursuit through the city’s nooks and crannies, punctuated by quaint accommodations, vibrant student life, and the academic pursuit amid Oxford’s ancestral fabric.
Magdalen College: A breathtaking finale, where the nickname “The city of dreaming spires” seems to originate, as Magdalen College and its environs reveal a panorama straight out of a medieval painting.
Concluding Thoughts:
Oxford’s Lasting Impression
With the day coming to a close, the return to Oxford Castle and its haunting past provides a fitting endnote to a day of exploration. The historic castle, reimagined as a modern sanctuary, offers a moment of tranquility before the journey home. The option to ascend the Oxford Mound for a sweeping view adds a final touch to a day steeped in scholarly history and cinematic allure.
