Places To See In Oxford
Oxford is an ancient city in southeast England with roots stretching back to the 10th century. Well known for its university, this cultural center is a popular destination with museums, cathedrals, gardens and a castle for visitors to explore. Tourists of all ages will find many interesting things to do in Oxford, getting around is easy with taxis in Oxford.
The historic centre is where tourists will find a large concentration of theaters and shops, many housed in buildings that are centuries old. Cornmarket Street is a popular pedestrian mall running between Magdalen Street and Carfax Tower. Boswells opened in 1738 and is now the largest department store in the city.
St. Michael at the North Gate sits on the corner of Cornmarket Street and Ship Street. The Saxon tower was built in 1040 and represents the oldest surviving structure in the city. In medieval times, the city was enclosed with a wall and the north gate was previously located at this site. Nearby Bocardo Prison housed the Oxford Martyrs in 1555 and the cell door is kept on display inside the tower.
Oxford Castle is a massive medieval castle with buildings rated as Grade 1 listed properties. The stone structure replaced the original wood building during the 11th century. Much damage was done to the castle during the English Civil War but surviving buildings were used as a prison from the 18th century through 1996 when it was transformed into a hotel. Other buildings at this heritage complex have been redeveloped as shops and the courtyard is used for theatrical productions and markets. Visitors are invited to take a guided tour of the historic buildings.
Ashmolean Museum was constructed between 1678 and 1683 and became the first university museum in the world. The building on Beaumont Street contains collections of books, coins, zoological specimens, geological artifacts, fine art and pottery. The Museum of the History of Science is on Broad Street and possesses an extensive and important collection of scientific instruments dating from medieval times through the 19th century.
The Oxford Botanical Garden was established in 1621 and dedicated to growing medicinal plants. Today, the gardens sprawl over 4.5 acres and contain more than 8,000 plant species.
There are many interesting things to see and fascinating places to explore in Oxford. The city is easily accessible by air and rail and travellers will find Oxford taxis helpful for sightseeing excursions after they arrive.
