Oxford

Balliol and Trinity Colleges
Founded in 1263, Balliol is one of Oxford’s oldest colleges, known for its rigorous scholarship and for being co-founded by Dervorguilla of Galloway, a rare medieval female founder. Its alumni include H. H. Asquith, Harold Macmillan, and Edward Heath—all British Prime Ministers—as well as influential figures like Adam Smith, Aldous Huxley, and Christopher Hitchens.

Trinity College, founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope, is celebrated for its tranquil gardens, elegant architecture, and warm collegiate atmosphere. Its alumni include Cardinal John Henry Newman, Nobel laureate Frederick Soddy, pianist Imogen Cooper, historian Peter Frankopan, and poet John Burnside.

A long-standing, good-natured rivalry binds the two neighbours, especially visible on the river: Balliol and Trinity crews frequently clash in rowing competitions, adding extra heat to Oxford’s bumps races. Together, they represent two distinct but complementary facets of Oxford—Balliol’s energetic intellectualism and Trinity’s serene, garden-rich charm.

Blackwell’s on Broad Street is one of the world’s most iconic academic bookshops—a cornerstone of Oxford’s literary and intellectual life since its founding in 1879. Beloved by students, scholars, and visitors, it’s known for its vast and carefully curated selection across every discipline, from philosophy and history to science, poetry, and contemporary fiction. Its famous Norrington Room, an expansive underground hall stacked floor-to-ceiling with books, is often described as a reader’s paradise. The Norrington Room’s shelves stretch for around 3 miles ( 5 kilometres), making it one of the largest rooms dedicated to book retail.

Old Bodleian Library, Oxford

One of the most iconic landmarks of Oxford University, the Old Bodleian Library has been a center of scholarship since the early 17th century. Known for its striking medieval architecture, vaulted reading rooms, and the historic Divinity School, it offers visitors a glimpse into centuries of academic tradition. As part of the world-renowned Bodleian Libraries, it remains a symbol of learning, discovery, and the enduring power of the written word. 

It’s a legal deposit library.
Since 1610, the Bodleian has had the right to receive a copy of every book published in the UK (and later, the entire UK and Ireland). This means its collection is enormous and constantly growing.

It holds over 13 million printed items (and millions more manuscripts, maps, and digital materials).
The full Bodleian system is one of the largest libraries in Europe.

Books cannot be borrowed.
Readers must use materials on-site — a tradition reflecting its role as a research archive and its historic motto: “Quarta perennis” (“May it last forever”).

It contains some extraordinary treasures, including:

• Shakespeare’s First Folio

• A Gutenberg Bible

• Early maps and scientific works by figures like Galileo and Newton
  
  

The Divinity School beneath the Bod is the oldest surviving teaching room at Oxford (built 1427–1483) and often appears in films, including Harry Potter.

The Radcliffe Camera—affectionately known as the Rad Cam—is one of Oxford’s most photographed and beloved landmarks. Built in the 18th century as a science library, its elegant circular design and grand dome dominate Radcliffe Square, making it an enduring symbol of the university’s scholarly heritage.

Interesting facts:

1. It was one of the first rotunda-style libraries in England, designed by architect James Gibbs and completed in 1749.

2. The building is now part of the Bodleian Libraries, housing reading rooms and underground stacks connected to the Old Bodleian by hidden tunnels.

3. Its dome was inspired by classical Roman architecture, and inside, the reading rooms still serve hundreds of students daily—no tourists allowed beyond the entrance without a guided tour.

All Souls College and its neighboring church form one of the most atmospheric corners of Oxford’s historic center. Founded in the 15th century, the college is known for its graceful twin towers, peaceful quads, and its unusual status as a community of fellows rather than a traditional undergraduate college. Together, the college and its church create a quiet, contemplative space just steps away from the energy of Radcliffe Square.

Interesting facts:

1. All Souls is famed for its extraordinarily selective fellowship exam, once considered one of the most difficult academic tests in the world.
   
   

2. The college was established as a memorial to those who died in the Hundred Years’ War, giving the institution its distinctive name.
   
   

3. The adjacent church has long been intertwined with college life, with its bells and services forming part of All Souls’ centuries-old traditions.

Standing at the historic crossroads of Oxford’s city centre, Carfax Tower is the only remaining part of the 12th-century Church of St Martin. Its warm stone walls and old clock faces rise above the busy streets, giving visitors a strong sense of Oxford’s medieval history. Climbing the narrow stairs to the top rewards you with one of the best views of the city’s famous spires.

Interesting facts:

1. Carfax Tower is considered the exact centre of Oxford.
   All official distances to and from the city are measured from this point.
   
   

2. The tower’s bells were once used to guide daily life.
   They rang to mark curfews, special events, and important moments in the city. The Carfax Tower bells rang this year for civic and ceremonial events including St George’s Day, May Day, the King’s birthday and accession anniversary, VE Day commemoration, and the election of the new Lord Mayor.
   
   

3. The tower is 74 feet (about 23 metres) tall.
   City rules say that no nearby buildings can be taller, helping protect Oxford’s historic skyline.

During your excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit one of Oxford’s famous colleges. The specific college you visit will depend on availability and group size, so a particular college cannot be guaranteed. Possible colleges include:

1) Magdalen College
Founded in 1458, Magdalen College is famous for its beautiful deer park, medieval Great Tower, and peaceful riverside walk called Addison’s Walk. Literary fans may be excited to know that C.S. Lewis was a fellow here, and he often walked these paths while writing The Chronicles of Narnia. The college also appears in the Netflix film My Oxford Year.

2) New College
Established in 1379, New College is known for its impressive Gothic architecture, quiet quadrangles, and historic library. Fans of Harry Potter may recognise the cloisters and courtyard, which were used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Modern fiction readers may also find inspiration here, as the college’s historic rooms appear in contemporary novels set in Oxford.

3) Christ Church
Founded in 1546, Christ Church is one of Oxford’s largest and most famous colleges. It features a magnificent cathedral and grand dining hall. The college is closely associated with Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Christ Church also played a role in the Harry Potter films: the staircase used by first‑year students at Hogwarts was filmed here, and its Great Hall inspired the look of Hogwarts’ dining hall.

The Oxford Covered Market is a charming, historic indoor market that first opened in 1774, designed to bring the busy street stalls under one roof. Today, it is a lively hub of around 60 independent traders, selling a mix of traditional and modern goods.

Inside, you can browse for fresh food like meat, fruit, vegetables, and cheese, pick up artisan treats such as cookies and baked goods, and explore stalls offering gifts, jewellery, hats, soaps, and sustainable fashion. There are also cosy cafés and places to eat, making the market not just a place to shop, but a friendly spot to relax and soak up Oxford’s local character.