How to Enjoy 24 Hours in Oxford

Exploring the streets of Oxford will reveal over 800 years of history. It’s a city that exudes magic around every corner with a prestigious university dating back to the 11th century, punts on the river, gowned academics on bikes, Alice in Wonderland and now famed for Harry Potter.

Disclaimer: We were guests at the Mercure Oxford Eastgate hotel however, all views, opinions and photos are my own.

Places to see in Oxford

With so much to see and do believe it or not 24 hours in Oxford is completely possible. You can squeeze in hundreds of years of academic and literary history, tour museums and colleges where famous scientists, philosophers, authors and politicians have studied. And still, have time to explore and enjoy all the bars and restaurants the city has to offer.

Here are a few places from a recent whirlwind trip to the City of Dreaming Spires I enjoyed which you must include if ever on a whistle-stop tour of Oxford:

Where to Stay in Oxford?

Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel

The historic Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel is a converted 17th-century coaching inn and an old haunt of famous novelists J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S Lewis during their Oxford University years.

Centrally located off Oxford High Street overlooking Magdalen Tower, it’s a great base for exploring the city.

With 63 rooms spread over three floors, guests have a choice of classic or privilege rooms. A palette of dark wood and an injection of colour with lime green soft furnishings add a cosy feel to the decor.

73 High St | Oxford | OX1 4BE | Website

Click for availability and book the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel

For more hotel ideas, inspiration and the latest prices check Tripadvisor.

Read next: Bicester hotel golf & spa review

What to see in Oxford?

Christ Church College

Harry Potter filming locations

In 24 hours you might only have the chance to see one college, if so make it the largest and arguably the most famous, Christ Church! A combination of magnificent architecture features in many films including Harry Potter’s Hogwarts not to mention illustrious alumni such as Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein, and a host of British Prime Ministers.

Book Now: New College and Harry Potter Film Locations Tour

On a self-guided tour, you can wander the grounds and spot the places which inspired Alice in Wonderland.

It will lead onto the Renaissance Great Hall, the college’s impressive dining room, and that of Harry Potter fame.

Recognise the fan-vaulted staircase? It leads into the hall and appeared in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, when Professor McGonagall welcomes Harry to Hogwarts.

It even has its own cathedral, albeit the world’s and was founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey.

Book Now: Private Walking Tour with University Alumni Guide

Christ Church | St. Aldates | Oxford | OX1 1DP | Website

Radcliffe Camera

And a trip to Oxford isn’t complete without a visit to the most photographed landmark. The impressive circular, sandstone-columned library is one of the reading rooms of the Bodleian.

Read Next: A Family Stay at Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons

Non-members can only enter when on an extended tour of the Bodleian Library. Topped by Britain’s third-largest dome, it’s so beautiful from the outside that hopefully not going in will make for it.

Radcliffe Square | Oxford | OX1 3BG | Website

Bodleian Library

One of the oldest and biggest libraries in the UK, the Bodleian is another breathtaking ancient building.

You can admire the central 17th-century quad for free, but many will want to visit the 15th-century Divinity School and marvel at the majestic lierne vaulting ceiling, in other words, a gothic-style rib architecture.

Read Next: Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

Beware as the Divinity School can be closed for events as on our visit. One to revisit on my return to Harry Potter’s Wizardry school.

Book Now: 2-Hour Harry Potter Walking Tour Including Bodleian

Broad Street | Oxford | OX1 3BG | Website

Bridge of Sighs

Hertford Bridge is quite often called the Bridge of Sighs like the famous bridge in Venice, but looks more like the Rialto Bridge. A skyway connecting two halves of Hertford College, its distinctive design makes it city landmark worthy of tourist photography.

New College Lane | Oxford | OX1 3BL

Alice’s Shop

Oxford is the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll a mathematics lecturer at the University drew a lot of inspiration from the area.

150 years ago, the real Alice (Alice Liddell – Lewis Carroll’s muse) used to live across the road from the then sweet shop she regularly visited. It was written into the story and Alice’s Shop features in the original story written by Lewis Carroll. Today the shop is a treasure trove of Alice in Wonderland memorabilia and a step back into the Victorian days of Alice.

Book Now: C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Inklings Walking Tour

83 St Aldate’s | Oxford | OX1 1RA | Website

Oxford is a small city, but with a lot to see and history to absorb. If you plan to spend more than 24 hours, it’s also a great place to base yourself to explore the county of Oxfordshire. You have the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Bicester Shopping Village, and Bletchley Park to name a few.

Book Now: Oxford, Cotswolds, and Stratford-upon-Avon Tour from Oxford

If you’re based in London check out the day trips to Oxford that you can easily book from the capital.

Book Now: From London – Small-Group Tour Oxford & Cotswold’s Villages

Here are some fun dining options you can enjoy in the city:

Book Now: 30-Minute River Cruise plus 3-Course Dinner

Or perhaps an afternoon tea and cruise

Book Now: Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise

And if the weather is on your side a gourmet picnic may be just the ticket!

Book Now: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic

Head to Experience Oxfordshire for more information.

Have you been to Oxford? Do you have a favourite place? Let me know in the comment box below.

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