best free oxford colleges to visit

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Prettiest Oxford Colleges To Visit, Prices + Map

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Thinking of visiting the Oxford colleges? The city is built around 38 of them, each with different entry prices and opening times. Since it’s slightly confusing, I’ll let you in on the prettiest colleges in Oxford as well as the cheaper ones to enter. With almost 800 years of history, the Oxford colleges make the city a captivating place to explore. Stick your head around a door on the High Street and find a whole little world, sometimes with a field of deer or the Harry Potter Great Hall inside. There are many famous Oxford colleges as well as plenty of hidden gems. If you’re spending a weekend in Oxford and want to see the best of the city, you won’t want to miss them. Even if you’re just visiting Oxford as a day trip , you can squeeze a couple into your itinerary. After living and working in the city for years, here are the best colleges to visit in Oxford …

OXFORD ESSENTIALS Oxford & Cotswolds Pocket Lonely Planet guidebook Accommodation:  Booking.com Activities:  GetYourGuide Getting there: Trainline / Busbud

Oxford University colleges map

Check out this Oxford University map which shows you all the Oxford colleges and university buildings spread across the city.

FAQ – are all Oxford colleges open to the public? The answer is no. You cannot freely wander into any college. However, all the ones included in this guide are open to the public. Stick to these and you won’t have any problems, plus they’re the prettiest colleges in Oxford anyway!

Visiting the prettiest Oxford colleges

Unless you have a month in Oxford, you probably won’t have time to explore them all . I’ve collated the most beautiful Oxford colleges to visit including their opening times and entrance fees. Be sure to plan your trip around these. Here’s my full visitor’s guide to the Oxford University colleges…

Want a local hand? Take this Oxford University colleges tour with a local guide !

Magdalen College (#1 prettiest Oxford college)

Magdalen College is one of the most traditional and pretty Oxford colleges to visit. Inside you’ll find an Instagrammable phone box and a whole field of deer inside the massive grounds. For an escape from the busy city, this is the perfect place for a leisurely walk.

Read next: 20 Instagrammable spots in Oxford

Magdalen’s grand nature is because of the ex-Bishop of Winchester who was Lord Chancellor of the University in the 1450s. He desired a grand college with room for 40 fellows and a choir. He got what he wanted: to this day, Magdalen is one of the most impressive colleges to visit in Oxford. Nine Nobel Prize winners and C.S Lewis (author of the Narnia series) have studied at Magdalen. Magdalen College is set slightly away from Oxford city centre, just beside Magdalen Bridge. The 10-minute walk is well worth it since not many tourists stray so far from the centre. When you visit Magdalen College Oxford, you’ll get the grounds almost to yourself!

Where: Towards the end of the High Street, beside Magdalen Bridge Boathouse. Entrance: £6, June-September 1pm-7pm, rest of the year until 6pm.

Balliol College (the second prettiest Oxford college)

Balliol College quibbles with Merton and University College about who is the oldest. While no one is quite sure, it’s known that Balliol was built in the 13th century. People also quibble over which is the prettiest Oxford college. IMO, it’s probably Magdalen then Balliol. Have you seen the wisteria window display? This Oxford college was founded by John de Balliol, a rich landowner from County Durham. It’s of the most famous Oxford colleges because of its alumni including Boris Johnson and John Wycliffe, the man who translated the Bible into English, who was the college master in the 1360s.

When visiting the Oxford colleges, Balliol is a must for its beautiful gardens. In spring months, wisteria wraps its way around golden window frames while daffodils and wallflowers grow below, giving the college a yellow and red colour pop. Balliol College has lots of quirky traditions although many of them have come to a halt in the modern day. It was one of the last Oxford colleges to compete in the annual tortoise race and was previously home to a society that saw students living one day of each term backwards. Balliol’s central location means it’s one of the best Oxford colleges to visit if you’re short of time. If you’re making your way down Broad Street, you can easily pop inside for a quick lap of the quad. Where: The entrance is on Broad Street near to the junction of St Giles and Cornmarket. Entrance: £3, 10am-5pm.

Christ Church College (the most famous Oxford college)

No guide to visiting the Oxford colleges would be complete without a little Oxford Harry Potter history! Christ Church College is the most famous Oxford college to visit, apparently because of a movie about a boy who goes to wizard school? To set the record straight, only a couple of Harry Potter scenes were filmed at Christ Church. The most famous is the scene in the Philosopher’s Stone when Harry, Ron and Hermione are greeted at the bottom of the staircase by Professor McGonagall. However, the dining hall at Christ Church is thought to be the inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall in the Harry Potter movies.

Read next: A self-guided Harry Potter Oxford tour

In other Oxford University facts , the real Alice in Wonderland (her father was the Dean of the college) actually lived at Christ Church, as did Alice and Wonderland author, Lewis Caroll. Christ Church is one of the largest Oxford colleges with over 600 students and its own cathedral where you can catch a daily evensong, one of the best free things to do in Oxford during your visit. Like many of the top Oxford colleges, it was male-only for centuries and only started accepting female students around 40 years ago. Where: St Aldates. Entrance: £15, usually between 10am-5pm depending on the season. See Christ Church rates and times . Yup, this is the most expensive college by a long shot.

University College

University College is another of the best Oxford colleges to visit due to its long history and pretty outside quad. The website declares they’re Oxford’s oldest college, however the main University website says they share the title with Balliol and Merton. We may never know the truth! Don’t miss the opportunity to wander the symmetrical quad at University College, knowing that famous alumni Stephen Hawking and Bill Clinton did the same during their studies. You can also pay a visit to nearby pub, the Turf Tavern, where Clinton allegedly smoked a spliff but famously ‘didn’t inhale!’. Where: High Street. Entrance: £2, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm outside of uni term time only.

New College

This is another famous Oxford college, full name The College of St Mary of Winchester in Oxford. With a mound island in the middle of the grounds, it makes you wonder how all the colleges fit in such a small city centre.

A little-known fact about New College is that Hugh Grant and Kate Beckinsale both studied there. Who could blame them? It’s easily one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford. More recently, the TV show His Dark Materials was filmed at New College. Author Philip Pullman studied at Oxford and based the novels in alternative universe Oxford so it only makes sense that the TV adaptation was filmed locally. In episode two, you’ll see the characters take off in airships from what they call Jordan College (a fictional place not named after any real Oxford college). The scene from Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire  where Harry turns Malfoy into a ferret was filmed beside New College Cloisters (the semi-covered walkways around the edge of the college). For fans of Harry Potter and His Dark Materials, New College is a must-visit Oxford college. Where: Enter on Holywell Street or Queen’s Lane. Entrance: Free from 2pm-4pm, October-March (Holywell Entrance), £5 from 11am-5pm the rest of the year (Queen’s Lane entrance).

Worcester College

Built in 1714, Worcester College is practically a brand new Oxford college! Actually, a college has stood on this patch of land since the 13th century but it used to be called Gloucester college, somewhere that no longer exists. Emma Watson, who played Hermione in the Harry Potter movies, studied at Worcester College just a few years ago. There are many contenders for the most beautiful college in Oxford but Worcester College has 26 acres of gardens, a wood and a lake. Who could argue with that? Since it’s just a 10-minute walk from the main bus and train station, it’s an easy Oxford college to visit and enjoy before heading home. Where: The corner of Worcester, Walton and Beaumont Street. Entrance: Free, 2-4pm.

Merton College

Merton College has its own chapel, loads of gargoyles and an apparently ‘haunted’ alley called Dead Man’s Walk. Sound similar to your uni halls? (NOPE).

Merton is another of the oldest and prettiest Oxford colleges, built to house 20 original fellows. During its 750 years of history, it’s hosted famous alumni like American poet, T.S Elliot, and author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R Tolkien. Merton College is hidden away on Merton Street (which runs adjacent High Street) making it one of the quietest and peaceful Oxford colleges to visit. This street is a personal favourite of mine with red and golden leaves lining the walls come autumn. Where: Merton Street. Be sure to check out some of the quirky buildings and doorways along the way. Entrance: £3 from 2pm-4.30pm, Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm at weekends.

Lincoln College

Lincoln College is one of the smallest and cosiest Oxford colleges. It may not be as impressive as Magdalen or Christ Church but it’s still worth popping inside especially since it’s free. Lincoln College can be found on Turl Street, one of the most photogenic streets in Oxford. Bikes lean against grand doorways and golden window frames. Make sure to grab a coffee at the Missing Bean, one of my favourite coffee shops in Oxford , just outside Lincoln College. Where: Turl Street. Entrance: Free, 2-5pm, Mon-Fri and 11am-5pm at weekends.

All Souls College

A final contender for the prettiest college in Oxford is All Souls. Founded by the King of England at the time, All Souls College is one of the grandest and wealthy colleges. Apparently, the entrance exam for students is one of the hardest in the world.

While a visit inside is awesome, I still think the best view is this aerial one from the top of University Church on High Street. Where: Catte Street. Entrance: Free from 2-4pm on weekdays and Sundays.

Tips for visiting Oxford colleges

• In winter, the colleges will shut when it gets dark – even if that’s before closing time.
• Remember that not all Oxford colleges are open to the public.
• Check for closure dates like Christmas on the individual colleges’ websites.
• Christ Church is busy and touristy so plan your visit early or late in the day, especially during summer and weekends.
• Budget more for the more famous Oxford colleges as they have higher entrance fees (listed above).
• Don’t wave a selfie stick around. Even in the prettiest Oxford colleges, the staff and students won’t be impressed!
• The list above isn’t a complete one – for all the colleges you can visit, see the Oxford University website .

Thanks for reading

I hope my guide has given you a good idea of the prettiest Oxford colleges to visit. Remember to use my Oxford University colleges map to navigate around. Have a fantastic trip!

Check out my other Oxford posts:

• Guide to backpacking the UK & spending tips
• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• The perfect Oxford day trip
• Where to eat in Oxford
• The best restaurants in Oxford with outdoor seating
• A self-guided Harry Potter Oxford tour
• 32 free things to do in Oxford
• Guide to Gloucester Green Oxford Market
• Oxford Covered Market visitors guide
• A guide to the food markets in Oxford
• Cafes and coffee shops in Oxford
• 12 best Oxford pub gardens
• 10 amazing Asian restaurants in Oxford
• My top 20 Instagrammable spots in Oxford
• Neighbourhood guide to Jericho, Oxford
• Jericho food guide, Oxford
• Where to find the best brunch in Oxford

See you next time for more adventures,

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Top 10 Oxford University Colleges to Visit

The University of Oxford is the oldest University in the English speaking world, and to date one of the best and most prestigious in the world with countless famous figures and great minds who studied there. Plan your trip to Oxford and check out our Top 10 University of Oxford colleges to visit.

Christ Church College

The castle-like Christ Church is arguably the most impressive Oxford college, and one of the most popular colleges to visit. The college is home to Christ Church Cathedral, and several Harry Potter filming locations.

New College

New College has it all – an impressive chapel, the oldest dining hall in the English-speaking world, beautiful gardens, castle-like cloisters, and the tree where Mad Eye Moody turns Draco Malfoy into a ferret in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!

All Souls College

All Souls  is the most elusive Oxford College and it takes no undergraduate students. In order to get in, graduate and postgraduate students apply for examination fellowships through “the hardest exam in the world”. Best view from University Church’s tower.

Magdalen College

Magdalen College is one of the biggest Oxford colleges, and its grounds are enormous. Magdalen Tower, one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks, looms over the college’s deer park, where a herd of deer have lived for over 300 years.

Exeter College

Exeter College , on Turl Street, is home to the most unique medieval chapel in Oxford. It’s one of the smaller Oxford colleges, but it has beautiful gardens and numerous literary connections. JRR Tolkien studied at Exeter, as did Philip Pullman.

Trinity College

On Broad Street,  Trinity College  is tucked away in its beautiful grounds, bordered by its extensive lawns. It is made beautiful by the intricate details of its architecture and statues, making this college look shyly majestic in the centre of the city.

Worcester College

Worcester College is one of the largest Oxford colleges, but is often overlooked by tourists, making it a perfect hidden gem. It boasts beautiful buildings, with walls covered with flowers, and even has an idyllic lake in its grounds.

Balliol College

Balliol College  is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, dating back to 1263. The college boasts a stunning chapel and large landscaped gardens that always seems to be tranquil and calm. Did we mention they have a collection of prized tortoises?

Keble College

Keble College was established in 1870 in memory of John Keble, a leading member of the Oxford movement and is now one of the biggest colleges at the University of Oxford with 800 students.

Lady Margaret Hall

Founded in 1879, Lady Margaret Hall is a relatively new Oxford college. The Hall prides itself on boldly breaking boundaries, so its striking red brickwork suits the college’s personality! The imposing and grand architecture is a sight to behold.

More great things to do

Blenheim Palace

Ashmolean Museum

Kelmscott Manor

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Stonor Park

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10 Best and Most Beautiful Oxford Colleges

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 8th March 2023  - Last updated: 25th February 2024

Categories Oxford , Oxford University , Travel , UK

Wondering which of the 39 Oxford colleges are the best and most beautiful? Here are the 10 best Oxford colleges as picked by an Oxford alumna!

Each and every one of Oxford’s 39 colleges has its own special charm and each Oxford student will be biased towards their own.

However, there’s no denying that some Oxford colleges are just a notch above the rest in terms of architectural and natural beauty.

Here are ten of the best Oxford colleges, which I have chosen based on the college grounds and buildings.

They also tend to be some of the oldest and richest colleges with the best facilities and most interesting histories.

If you have arrived at this Oxford colleges guide because you are a future applicant and trying to decide which college to pick, please read my post on the 8 Do’s and Don’ts When Choosing an Oxford College first.

This will give you application advice and help you figure out what is important to you before you get swept up in the pretty pictures.

Now begins this guide to visiting Oxford colleges! This is by no means an exhaustive Oxford college list, simply a list of some of the best Oxford colleges.

Magdalen College

Magdalen College is one of the best Oxford colleges to visit and steals the top spot for me on this list.

If I had to pick just one of these as the most beautiful Oxford college it would be this one.

Magdalen is one of the biggest Oxford colleges and the grounds are simply enormous.

There’s so much to admire from the numerous architecturally impressive buildings, Magdalen Tower, the cloisters, the deer park (yes, a DEER PARK) and the river running through. 

Poking out in the middle there is Magdalen Tower, which is one of Oxford’s iconic landmarks.

On the 1st of May every year, Oxford celebrates something called “May Day”. On this day, the Magdalen college choir sings from the top of the tower at 6am in the morning .

It’s a tradition for Oxford University students to go out partying the night before and stay up all night before gathering in front of Magdalen college in the early hours of the morning.

The crowds are usually made up of a mix of Oxford locals, keen tourists and many merry students. 

Magdalen College also has its very own deer park, which always reminds me of Richmond Park in London. It’s crazy to think that inside a university you could find a deer park !

This part of the college is called The Grove and is home to a herd of fallow deer that have been present in Magdalen College for over 300 years.

There are several dozen deer here so if you’re visiting Oxford in the Spring, make sure you pop into Magdalen to see the fawns!  

Magdalen College has many notable alumni including Oscar Wilde (author of The Importance of Being Earnest ), George Osbourne (previous Chancellor of the Exchequer), Ian Hislop (editor of Private Eye) and Thomas Wolsey (who founded Christ Church below).

Additionally, C S Lewis taught at Magdalen College between 1925 and 1954. Check out my literary tour of Oxford for more information about the famous authors who attended Oxford University. 

Address : Magdalen College, Oxford, OX1 4AU Opening Hours : Vary by season. Jan – June: 1pm to dusk or 6pm, whichever is earlier June – Oct: 10am to dusk or 7pm, whichever is earlier Oct – Dec: 1pm to dusk or 6pm, whichever is earlier Price : £9.50 adults, £8.50 concessions, £28 family ticket Website : www.magd.ox.ac.uk

Christ Church

Ah, Christ Church. Christ Church was my home for four years so I am slightly biased towards it but it is objectively one of the most impressive Oxford colleges in terms of architecture.

If you’re planning to visit Oxford University then Christ Church would be the one college I’d recommend you visit.

RELATED: How to Spend One Day in Oxford

Tom Tower featured below was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral in London, and it’s another iconic Oxford landmark. 

Each quad you visit at Christ Church is more impressive than the last and your final stop on any tour of Christ Church will be Peckwater Quad (below left).

Here you will find the best rooms in Christ Church and thus the ones that many students have squabbled over.

I was fortunate enough to live in one of the “Peck sets” in my second year at Oxford, sharing the set with one of my best friends.

My room was where the two windows on the far left in the middle are! I had amazing views of the quad and the library from my room, which is pictured on the right.

Christ Church library is absolutely enormous and is one of the best-stocked libraries in Oxford .

Unfortunately, the library is strictly for students only but you can check out my post on beautiful Oxford libraries here to get an insider’s look! 

Of course, one of the things that Christ Church is most famous for and, indeed, the reason that I applied to Christ Church , is the Harry Potter filming locations .

The Christ Church dining hall is the hall that the Hogwarts Great Hall is based on.

This also makes it one of the most popular Oxford colleges for tourists to visit.

Below you can see the Harry Potter steps which are used in the first and second Harry Potter films. Check out my Harry Potter tour of Oxford to find out exactly which spots were used and when! 

For more posts about Christ Church, check out these: Harry Potter Tour of Oxford University 15 Facts About Christ Church, Oxford 10 Reasons to Apply to Christ Church Inside Christ Church Dining Hall

Address : Christ Church, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1DP Opening Hours : 10am – 5pm (Monday to Saturday), 2pm – 5pm (Sunday) Price : £16 adults, £15 concessions (online prices), children under 5 free Website : www.chch.ox.ac.uk

Worcester College

Currently only open to prospective applicants, Oxford University students and alumni. Check their website for the latest information.

Worcester College is similar to Magdalen in that it boasts both beautiful buildings and beautiful grounds.

It’s another very large Oxford college though visited less frequently by tourists than the two colleges above.

This is surprising given that there is no admission price and it is one of the best free things to do in Oxford .

Worcester has surprisingly extensive grounds for a college in the centre of Oxford, 26 acres to be precise.

This is simply because back in the eighteenth century, this college was actually on the outskirts of the city. 

The library can be found above the arches of the entrance and I must admit that the beautiful exterior just may be even more beautiful than that of Christ Church library. 

The main quad is flanked on one side by medieval cottages which are remnants of “Gloucester College”, which originally stood here.

As you can see, the walls are covered with beautiful flowers and Worcester College Gardeners have been named the winners of the Oxford in Bloom competition numerous times.

Further into the college, you’ll find a lake. Yes, an actual lake. It’s an idyllic spot where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported away from Oxford to the Cotswolds beyond.

It’s astonishing that such a large private water feature could be in the middle of the centre of Oxford but that’s one of the many charms of Oxford colleges.  

Fun fact: The Worcester College gardeners even have their own blog where they post regular updates about what taking care of these extensive grounds entails! Check out the Worcester College Garden Blog here.

Address : Worcester College, Walton Street, Oxford, OX1 2HB Website : www.worc.ox.ac.uk

All Souls is the most elusive Oxford College and it takes no undergraduate students.

In order to get in, graduate and postgraduate students apply for examination fellowships through “the hardest exam in the world”, which is followed up with an interview if you are shortlisted. 

If you are granted a place here, you immediately become a fellow. That’s a pretty big deal. 

You can visit the college free of charge between 2pm and 4pm on weekdays and Sundays.

However, if you want the best views of All Souls, you’d be better off climbing the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, which is opposite the Radcliffe Camera.

Not only can you get the best views of the Radcliffe Camera here, but you can also see right into All Souls College.

The Codrington Library is one of the most beautiful libraries in Oxford but you can only gain entry if the tutor at your college refers you.

As such, most Oxford University students never step foot inside this library, which is a shame because it’s so damn beautiful!  

And yes, The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness is indeed named after this Oxford College.

Address : All Souls College, Oxford, OX1 4AL Opening Hours : 2pm – 4pm every day Price : FREE Website : www.asc.ox.ac.uk

Keble College

Keble College is an ‘acquired taste’ shall we say as it differs wildly from the other beautiful Oxford colleges on this list. It’s newer than a lot of the others too as it was built in 1870.

Its distinctive neo-gothic red brick design has always been somewhat controversial and people either love it or hate it.

I am one of those who loves it, though I can’t say I prefer it to the neoclassical and gothic architecture of the other Oxford buildings. 

The red brick design was actually so abhorred by the students at St Johns College, that they created a secret society.

Entry to said society required you to present a red brick to the society’s elders. If you managed to get either a white or a blue brick, you would be given an even more prestigious position.

Their aim was to take Keble down – brick by brick! 

Inside Keble’s Chapel is a famous painting by William Holman Hunt called The Light of the World. Another version of this painting hangs in St Paul’s Cathedral in London! 

Address : Keble College, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PG Opening Hours : 2pm – 5pm every day Price : FREE Website : www.keble.ox.ac.uk

Exeter College

Exeter College is on Turl Street, one of the most central streets in Oxford. The reason I love it is because of its numerous literary connections.

Fans of Phillip Pullman’s book The Northern Lights will be delighted to know that the fictitious Jordan College is actually based on Exeter College!

The film adaptation, The Golden Compass, does actually use some parts of the college as filming locations too. 

It’s one of the smaller Oxford colleges but Exeter has some beautiful gardens and the college’s proximity to Radcliffe Square means you can get amazing views of the Radcliffe Camera from the Fellows’ Garden.

Exeter College chapel is another of the college’s highlights. I love it because the architect drew inspiration from Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and you know I love anything to do with Paris. 

Famous alumni include writers J R R Tolkien, Phillip Pullman and Martin Amis, as well as Roger Bannister. Find out more in my guide to literary Oxford .

Address : Exeter College, Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DP Opening Hours : 2pm – 5pm every day (last entry 4:30pm) Price : FREE Website : www.exeter.ox.ac.uk

New College

New College is one of the largest and wealthiest colleges in Oxford, which is evident from a walk around its grounds. It’s also one of the oldest Oxford colleges, despite the name New College! 

You might recognise the cloisters you see below as they were used as a Harry Potter filming location in Oxford.

The tree you see on the left is the tree under which Mad Eye Moody turns Draco Malfoy into a ferret! 

RELATED: Harry Potter locations in Oxford

New College chapel is renowned for its extravagant interior, which dates back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The rows and rows of statues you can see below were added retrospectively in the nineteenth century and make for quite a unique feature of the chapel. 

In the grounds, there is a gateway which opens onto the garden that is modelled on the gates of the Palace of Versailles. Did I mention this is one of the richest Oxford colleges? 

Notable alumni include: Kate Beckinsale , Sophie Kinsella , Hugh Grant and Richard Dawkins. 

NB. Many people think the iconic Bridge of Sighs in Oxford is part of New College but that beautiful feature actually connects two parts of Hertford College. 

Address : New College, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN Opening Hours : Tuesday-Saturday inclusive (closed every Sunday and Monday) 1:30pm – 4:30 pm (last admission 4.15 pm) Price : Seasonal. £8 adults, £7 concessions. Website : www.new.ox.ac.uk

Pembroke College

The fact that Pembroke made it onto this list may strike some Oxonians with surprise but hear me out.

In the springtime, Pembroke College has some of the most beautiful displays of wisteria hysteria that I have ever witnessed.

The beautiful wisteria that covers the walls transforms Pembroke into some sort of flowery oasis that you can’t help but fall in love with. 

Pembroke is one of the smallest Oxford colleges but good things come in small packages, right?

The college chapel may be small but with the extravagant wall and ceiling details, it is absolutely stunning. 

A unique feature of Pembroke College is the modern bridge that connects two quads of the college that stand on different sides of a road.

Fun Fact: When J R R Tolkien was a Fellow here, he wrote The Hobbit and the first two books of The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Find out more in my literary tour of Oxford . 

Unfortunately, Pembroke College is only open to prospective students, alumni, members of the University or those with a connection to the college.

Trinity College

Trinity College is another Oxford college with extensive and beautiful grounds in the centre of the city.

However, unlike some of the other colleges, Trinity has a pretty small student body compared to the size of the grounds. 

The college has four large quadrangles walled in by beautiful buildings but a lawn and gardens too.

The back lawns can be seen through the gates opposite Wadham College on  Parks Road so you’ll often see tourists stopping there to take photos. 

The architecture blew me away every time I came here for a tutorial and I love all the intricate details and statues that make this college look oh so majestic. 

Trinity College was used as a filming location for the original series of Brideshead Revisited and also Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour. 

Address : Trinity College, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH Opening Hours : 10:30 to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm every day.  NB the Dining Hall is closed for lunch 12-2pm, however, the Chapel and gardens remain open. Price : £3 adults, £2 concessions Website : www.trinity.ox.ac.uk

Queen’s College

Queen’s College is the fifth richest Oxford College, which isn’t surprising given its extravagant entrance and front quad. 

The entrance to Queen’s College is on the High Street at Oxford and it’s very easy to rush on by without noticing the amazing statue surrounded by columns sitting atop its entrance.

Another reminder to look up from your phone screens because you never know what you might discover! 

The college library is one of the most beautiful Oxford libraries and it dates back to the seventeenth century.

Students are still allowed to study in the amazing Upper Reading Room, which seems simply incredible given its age! 

Check out this post for an insider’s look at eight more beautiful Oxford libraries .

Notable alumni include Tim Berners Lee – only the inventor of the World Wide Web – and Rowan Atkinson, the lovable Mr Bean! 

Address : The Queen’s College, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AW Opening Hours : Members of the public can arrange access by contacting the local  Tourist Information Office . Website : www.queens.ox.ac.uk

So there you have ten of the best and most beautiful colleges alongside many beautiful pictures to justify my choices!

Which do you think is the best Oxford college?

If you’re planning a day trip to Oxford , check out this free, interactive map of Oxford colleges to see where each is.

How to get to Oxford

By train .

There are regular trains from all major UK stations to Oxford. If you are coming from London, you will need to go via London Paddington. Oxford station is a little way out of the city centre but you can then take a bus or walk into town.

Book via the Trainline for the cheapest tickets.

If you’re planning to come by bus, aim to get off at either Oxford High Street or Gloucester Green bus station depending on your first Oxford destination.

The Oxford Tube is a super convenient and cheap bus service that’ll take you from the centre of London straight into the heart of Oxford. If you’re taking this route, I’d recommend getting off at the High Street so that you can walk to Radcliffe Square in just 3 minutes. 

Oxford is easily accessible via the M4, M25, M40 and A roads.

Where to Stay in Oxford

Pin for later! 

If you liked this post, check out:  Most Beautiful Libraries at Oxford University 15 Things You Didn’t Know About Christ Church A Literary Tour of Oxford Saltburn Filming Locations in Oxford 11 Best Places for Brunch in Oxford 21 Best Cafes in Oxford 10 Reasons to Apply to Christ Church 16 Quotes about Oxford

[ This article was first published in 2018 but was refreshed and updated in 2023 ]

Editor of What’s Hot?

The rights to all photographs in this post belong to whatshotblog.com unless otherwise stated.

Tuesday 14th of March 2023

OMG. Hard to decide which one I love most. All of these are giving me the regency drama vibe (one of my fave genres), so yeah, count me in the tours albeit virtual ones. https://www.aboutlifeandlove.com/

Sunday 13th of December 2020

where did u find these photos

They belong to me!

Wednesday 8th of January 2020

Such a great post! I've only visited the most famous colleges, Magdalen and Christ Church, so it appears I should plan another trip soon. Especially considering how many of those beauties are free to visit. Also, I'm slightly jealous as neither of the universities I've attended (did my bachelors at Staffordshire Uni and now doing my masters at the Uni of Westminster) are this pretty!

Saturday 4th of May 2019

Omg- I feel like you wrote this post just for me! I'm in love! I've dreamed of visiting Oxford to do a college tour since I was a little girl!! I was supposed to study abroad in England when I was a junior in college but 9/11 happened during my sophomore year and my parents didn't want me to leave the country. I'm still so bummed I missed that opportunity!

These photos are SO stunning! I need to go back to school so that I can attend one of these colleges - it would be so inspiring to be surrounded by all this beauty!

My Life Long Holiday

Finding the life and soul of travel even with the kids in tow

Visiting Oxford Colleges – The Ultimate Guide

Don’t tell me – you’re making a special trip to Oxford to see the Headington Shark right? The towns random piece of art reflecting some emotions of Chernobyl (a giant shark sculpture sticking out of a roof).

NO, OF COURSE NOT – YOU CAME TO OXFORD TO SEE THE COLLEGES.

The one with the famous dining room, the one with that Venetian-like bridge, the one with the wisteria? Oxford has been turning up on tv screens for years and immortalised in books for even longer. It’s the most beautiful city in the UK and I can totally understand why you would want to visit.

Choosing The Best Oxford Colleges To Visit

But, choosing the best colleges to visit in Oxford can be a time-robbing conundrum and if you’re only here for a short period you’re going to need a little help. Let’s face it – you’ll be kicking yourself later if you learn you were literally the other side of a wall or doorway and you missed an incredible piece of Oxford.

But worry not, we have been visiting Oxford for decades and we think we’ve worked out which colleges you ought to be putting on your bucket list.

There are 38 Oxford Colleges in total but we have you covered for the prettiest ones, the ones you can see for free, Harry Potter filming locations and other famous Oxford colleges with impressive alumni or fascinating histories. And to avoid any unconscious walk-by’s we’ve added a map of ‘ Oxford Colleges ‘ at the bottom to make your visit easier – just click the drop-down menu at the top left to save to your device.

Here’s our list of the best Oxford colleges to visit…

pin for later…

Christ Church College

CALLING ALL POTTER FANS…

Many people with a penchant for wizardry make the day trip from London to Oxford just for the Harry Potter locations. This makes Christ Church College the most popular and most recognisable spot in town. The Dining Room inspired the Great Hall at Hogwarts and the cloisters and the Bodley tower were actually used in the filming.

But make no mistake – all this Potter-patter makes Christ Church undoubtedly one of the busiest places to visit in Oxford and if you are interested in stopping by you might want to consider booking ahead. (See their website for details and booking info )

However, even before Harry had us hurrying to investigate, Christ Church has always been a popular place to visit in Oxford for several reasons…

The Dining Room especially stands to impress, with its walls of hung portraits of notable alumni like King Edward VII, Albert Einstein the Winklevoss Facebook twins, John Wesley and over a dozen English Prime Ministers. But as you walk into Christ Church make sure you take note of Tom Tower – the grand entrance designed by Christopher Wren, of St Pauls Cathedral fame. Signalling that the Great Doors are about to close, the Bells of Tom Tower go off 101 times every evening at 9.05pm, and you don’t need to be bound to the building to hear it!

Being one of the wealthiest Colleges of Oxford, Christ Church also has its very own picture gallery with works of art by Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Raphael no less. Amazingly, the students are allowed to borrow certain pieces to hang in their dorm-rooms for their duration – can you just imagine falling over last nights empties and straight into a Da Vinci!?

But my favourite fact of all about this wonderful Oxford college is that the real Alice of Alice in Wonderland lived here! Her family (her father was the Dean) were friends of Lewis Carroll and regularly took trips on the river together, where the tale of Wonderland began and Alice became the main character. Top tip : look out for the Alice stained glass in the dining room.

Just outside of Christ Church College is the sweet shop where Alice bought her sweets as a child ( Alice’s Shop ) and also a cute little cafe called Cafe Loco which gives a little nod to Alice and her far-out friends.

Where is Christ Church College? Tickets can be bought at Meadow Gate on the Broad Walk. At the Magdalen Bridge end of the High Street.

New College

Not new at all actually, unless you’re the type of person who has medieval mead in your amazon basket. New College is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, completed in 1386, older than the Azteks, China’s Forbidden City and Cher. And, I’ve got to say, if you’re the type of person who writes a tick-list of goals on January the first, or own a clip-board full-stop, in terms of a check-list, this is one of the Oxford colleges to visit that has it all.

For just £5 (the chapel is free to visit) you get to see some of the prettiest insta-worthy Oxford university gardens, Harry Potter locations, a stunning chapel, famous artworks, beautiful architecture and it even has its own mountain. It’s value for money for definite.

Pretty herbaceous borders line the ancient city wall (built 1200’s) and climbers and Wisteria enhance the already gorgeous college buildings – it’s an English-Garden postcard. Head to the New College cloister courtyard quadrangle to see the old Oak tree used as a seat for Malfoy in Harry Potter – The Goblet of Fire.

The ancient dining room is a highlight, Jacob Epstein’s ‘Lazarus’ statue stands in the chapel and so does an original El Greco (St James The Greater) – as far as colleges at Oxford go, this one has so much to take in. Plus, Hugh Grant went here, now what greater reason do you need?

Where Is New College?  Access is by Hollywell Street. See their website for opening times and ticket prices.

Magdalen College

Pronounced Mawd-lin, Magdalen is definitely one of the prettiest Oxford colleges you could visit. If you’re arriving in town via the High Street it’s also one of the first colleges you’ll see on your trip to Oxford. Being one of the wealthiest colleges in Oxford you can easily see why many a notable King or Prince have chosen it as their Bed and Breakfast for the night, it’s pretty impressive!

Magdalen also has a notable literary alumnus: Oscar Wilde, C.S Lewis and J.R.R Tolkein all walked these old cobblestones. In fact, if you take a stroll along the college’s Addison’s Walk it’s just a little bit awesome that you are literally following in the footsteps of good friends Tolkein and Lewis who used to promenade together – how cool is that!

Adjacent to the river, Magdalen often throws out an epic scene of low lying mist across its very own Deer Park. It’s a beautiful picture and if you are visiting Oxford in winter or spring you might want to make this your early morning stop-off for the best chances of seeing this beautiful scene. The deer are more likely to be in the riverside meadows during summer but have been rutting here for over 300 years.

Included in your ticket price (£7) is the opportunity to see the Dining Hall, Medieval Chapel, Old Kitchen Bar and the Cherwell riverside walk. By the way, the Old Kitchen Bar is the riverside seating area you can see from Magdalen Bridge and is a beautiful place to sit and watch the world go by with your beverage – I’m giving you that tidbit for free, it took me years to work out how to get access to that terrace!

Where is Magdalen College?  Entrance is via the lovely Victorian tower gateway on High Street.

Balliol College

Balliol is one of those Oxford colleges where history seems palpable. It reminds me of Christ Church and I’m sure if Christ Church wasn’t available, Balliol would have been the second choice for certain filming locations. It’s grand, it’s beautiful and it’s impressive, but with considerably fewer crowds than others.

Founded in 1263 it’s one of the oldest colleges in Oxford and also a great place to retreat from the crowds out on the pavement – there are more than a handful of nooks and crannies in the Balliol gardens and some very pretty spots amongst the wisterias.

The ticket price is only £2 but it has great Quads, a Great Hall and a great chapel – it’s a handsome all-rounder.

Where is Balliol College? Entrance is on Broad Street.

Which Oxford Colleges Are Free To Visit?

Several colleges at Oxford open their doors to the public for free at certain times of the day or week. They may not be as impressive as some of the ones with a ticket price but some have features that are definitely worth a little peek if you find yourself in the area. Here’s our recommendations and a few reasons why they are worth a visit…

All Souls College

The poet Matthew Arnold once labelled Oxford; 

‘that sweet city with her dreaming spires’

Because from places like Boars Hill, just west of the metropolis, the tall steeples are what fashion the Oxford skyline and All Souls College is the show-stopper.

In order to get in you have to take the hardest exam in the world, or just turn up between 2 and 4pm on week-days (all day on Sunday) and entry is free! 

Access includes a visit to the college front, the Great Quadrangles and the Chapel and it is definitely worth a look as you will more than likely find yourself at this popular Oxford location at some point anyway (it’s next door to the Radcliffe Camera). However, it’s the spires which make it glorious and you’ll get the best views of these from the top of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin across the way. (The church tower makes our list of Top Things To Do In Oxford and you can find out more details here )

The Gothic chapel of All Souls College is a particular highlight as are the unique angles of the Radcliffe Camera through the foliage of the gardens. You might not spend too long here but it’d be a shame to just walk on by.

The main entrance is on Oxford High Street.

Keble College

A little bit controversial, Keble College isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. It’s been called a Zebra, a humbug and a lasagne – but in my books, the latter is definitely not an insult! In any other town though, this Victorian piece of architecture in the Neo-Gothic style would receive the attention it actually deserved. In short, it looks nothing like the rest of the Oxford Universities!

Photo credits; Holly Hayes, Keble College – Flickr

For starters, it’s way younger, but that shouldn’t deter you from a quick peek. You’re more than likely going to be stopping by the Pitt Rivers Museum over the road if you’re visiting Oxford for the day (and if not, why not!?), so you may as well visit Keble.

Check out the Dining Hall and Common Room, both a bit reminisce of a posh grand-mothers house and easy to imagine a soiree with Queen Victoria. However, Keble is anything but stuffy – it’s probably the friendliest college you will visit and the more laid back atmosphere is noticeable. Meal-times are a big deal in this place; the University keeps food prices low and in turn students make it a priority to eat here, including 3 formal dinners a week. Rumour has it that Keble is the envy of other Oxford Colleges when it comes to dining.

The College also has a rather beautiful chapel too. And, all for free – just make sure you plan your visit between 2 – 5pm.

Entrance is on Parks Road, opposite the Pitt Rivers Museum

Exeter College

Exeter is the 4th oldest college at Oxford and has a few famous alumni including William Morris, Tolkein and Roger Bannister of 4-minute-mile fame.

Check out the pretty Fellow’s Garden and the spot where Inspector Morse had his heart attack on the lawn! It’s also a filming location for some scenes in The Golden Compass . The hall and chapel are also great too, the latter where a William Morris tapestry of Christ’s Birth hangs. Open for free between 2-5pm.

Entrance is on Turl Street.

Lincoln College

Worth a stop in Autumn-time just to see the beautiful red Virginia Creeper vines in the Quadrangles. Famous alumni – John Le Carre and Emily Mortimer and John Wesley.

Entrance on Turl Street.

Worcester College

A bit off the beaten path in Oxford, Worcester is a little hidden gem. It’s like a blend of stately home and quaint chocolate-box cottages, all set to a beautiful backdrop of gardens. Throw in a lake for good measure and you’ll find yourself in a city-centre secret place of calm. The college has won Oxford in Bloom a few times over the years – that should tell you something. And don’t miss the mosaics in the church, there’s a distinct Byzantian temple feel to it.

Entrance on Worcester Street, just along from the Ashmolean.

Corpus Christi College

The smallest College of Oxford University but also one of the cutest, Corpus Christi is famous for is annual Tortoise Fair, held in May. Over a thousand fans turn up to see the race between the college tortoises across the gardens. Don’t miss the Pelican sundial in the Quad and the scenic vista’s over Merton’s Field.

Entrance is on Merton Street and it’s open to visitors every day from 1.30 – 4.30pm.

TIPS FOR VISITING OXFORD COLLEGES

Open Doors Oxford is an event which takes place over a weekend in mid-September every year and makes several Oxford colleges open to visitors that usually charge an entrance fee. It’s a good time to visit if you want to see as many colleges as possible.

When you visit Oxford colleges it may be wise to check ahead of time to see if all the areas are open, sometimes libraries or halls are closed for events or other reasons. Also, some Oxford college tours need to be booked in advance.

Here’s our map of Oxford colleges worth visiting. Remember, if you want to save this map just click on the arrow in the top left corner and star or save.

More Places To Visit In Oxford

Of course, there is more to Oxford than the university. The city has a fascinating royal and political past which you can learn more about. Plus, it’s not short on great places to eat and a good handful of historically famous pubs. We’ve come up with a list of the best things to do in Oxford if you’d like to take a read – stuff you really shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting Oxford for a day.

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Best Oxford University Colleges: To Visit A Tourists Guide

Nestled amidst the historic charm of Oxford, a city renowned for its academic prestige and architectural splendor, lies a constellation of esteemed institutions that captivate visitors with their rich heritage and grandeur.

As travelers wander through Oxford’s winding streets, they encounter a plethora of experiences, from the melodious strains of music resonating from iconic venues to the haunting tales shared during atmospheric ghost tours. Amidst this tapestry of cultural richness, the city’s premier colleges emerge as beacons of academic excellence and architectural magnificence, inviting exploration and admiration.

While Oxford offers a diverse array of attractions, from the botanical wonders of the Oxford Botanic Garden to the historical charm of its traditional pubs, a visit to the city is incomplete without delving into the distinguished ambiance of its renowned universities. These venerable institutions, each with its own distinctive character and allure, stand as testament to Oxford’s status as a center of intellectual pursuit and cultural significance.

In this guide, we extend an invitation to embark on a journey through Oxford’s premier colleges, where centuries of academic tradition and architectural brilliance converge. From the imposing facades of ancient structures steeped in history to the tranquil gardens that offer a peaceful sanctuary, each college promises a glimpse into Oxford’s illustrious past and promising future.

Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of Christ Church , the intimacy of Magdalen , or the innovation of St. Catherine’s , we’ll unravel the highlights of these esteemed institutions, providing you with insights and recommendations to elevate your visit to Oxford. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the timeless allure of best Oxford university colleges, where history, scholarship, and beauty intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

Why Visit Oxford University Colleges?

Visiting Oxford University colleges is a must-do activity for anyone seeking an enriching experience. It allows you to catch a glimpse of the prestigious history and academic excellence associated with this institution. Here are a few reasons why you should consider exploring the colleges:

• – Rich Historical Background: The colleges boast a fascinating historical background, with some dating back centuries. When you step into these halls and libraries, you are transported back in time, giving you an opportunity to appreciate their remarkable architectural beauty.
• Cultural Significance: Oxford University has been the educational home to numerous famous figures, including renowned authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. By visiting the colleges, you have the chance to walk in the footsteps of these literary giants and completely immerse yourself in their world.
• Academic Atmosphere: Oxford University is known worldwide for its academic rigor and intellectual pursuits. By visiting the colleges, you can experience the vibrant intellectual culture firsthand and gain a true sense of the rigorous academic environment that this university offers.
• Unique Traditions: Each college within Oxford University has its own set of traditions and customs, ranging from formal dinners to May Day celebrations and rowing competitions. Witnessing these unique traditions adds an extra dimension to your visit, creating lasting memories.

Visiting Oxford University colleges offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in history, culture, and academic excellence. Whether you are a history enthusiast, literature lover, or simply curious about one of the world’s most prestigious universities, exploring these colleges will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.

10 Best Oxford University Colleges to Visit

Embark on a delightful tour of the most captivating Oxford University colleges! Prepare to be amazed as we unveil the top colleges that every traveler must visit. From the majestic Christ Church College to the enchanting Magdalen College, each sub-section will transport you to a world of academic splendor and architectural marvels.

Discover the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite charm that await you in these top Oxford University colleges. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the hallowed halls of academia!

1. Christ Church College

Christ Church College , one of the top Oxford University colleges to visit, is renowned for its rich historical and cultural experience. This esteemed institution, with its magnificent architecture and breathtaking landscapes, has been prominently featured in several popular films, including Harry Potter . When you visit, you will have the opportunity to delve into iconic attractions such as the Great Hall and the Cathedral . Additionally, the college boasts an impressive collection of art and artifacts. Regardless of whether you have a penchant for history, architecture, or simply wish to immerse yourself in the ambiance of this esteemed establishment, a trip to Christ Church College guarantees a truly memorable experience.

2. Magdalen College

Magdalen College is one of the top Oxford University colleges to visit. Known for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings, Magdalen College offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Oxford. Founded in 1458, Magdalen College has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. Visitors can explore the expansive gardens of Magdalen College , take a walk along the picturesque Addison’s Walk , or visit the famous Magdalen Tower for panoramic views of Oxford. With its impressive buildings and serene atmosphere, Magdalen College is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the historic Oxford University.

3. All Souls College

All Souls College is renowned as one of the top Oxford University colleges to visit. Established in 1438 , it boasts a captivating history and awe-inspiring architecture. This prestigious college is particularly recognized for its esteemed fellowship program, enabling fellows to entirely focus on research without any teaching obligations. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the picturesque Radcliffe Square , the very location where the college is situated, and marvel at the iconic Codrington Library . Ensuring you don’t miss out, take the time to wander around the college’s serene quad and embrace the tranquil ambiance. A helpful tip: When you visit the college, do not forget to discover the remarkable All Souls Chapel , showcasing elaborate stonework and magnificent stained glass windows.

4. New College

New College is one of the top Oxford University colleges that you shouldn’t miss when visiting. Here are some highlights:

• Architectural Beauty: Admire the stunning buildings and picturesque gardens of New College.
• Chapel: Marvel at the spectacular choir and stained glass windows in New College’s chapel.
• Library: Explore the impressive collection of books and manuscripts in New College’s library.
• Rich Learn about New College’s founding in 1379 and its role in Oxford’s academic heritage.
• Famous Alumni: Discover the notable individuals who have studied at New College, including writer J.R.R. Tolkien .

New College offers a fascinating glimpse into Oxford University’s prestigious history and is a must-visit for any tourist.

5. Pembroke College

Pembroke College is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious Oxford University colleges to visit. Established in 1624, it showcases a remarkable fusion of medieval and contemporary architectural styles. This esteemed institution boasts a lineage of impressive individuals who have walked its halls, such as Samuel Johnson and J.R.R. Tolkien. When exploring Pembroke College, visitors can admire the splendor of the chapel, meander through the picturesque gardens, and delve into the treasures housed within the Pembroke Library . A leisurely stroll along the enchanting Broad Walk presents an opportunity to witness the grandeur of the iconic Pembroke College Hall . Additionally, it is essential not to miss out on a visit to the Master’s Lodgings , an exquisite historical edifice offering breathtaking views of the Radcliffe Camera . Pembroke College ensures a truly immersive and enlightening cultural and historical encounter for all who venture to Oxford University.

Once you have immersed yourself in the captivating ambiance of Pembroke College, it is highly recommended to further explore the esteemed Oxford University colleges, including Christ Church College, Magdalen College , and St. John’s College . By submerging yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of these renowned institutions, you can truly grasp the essence of this extraordinary academic establishment.

6. Balliol College

Balliol College , one of the top Oxford University colleges worth visiting, has gained recognition for its rich history and contributions to academia since its establishment in 1263. Known for its intellectual and inclusive environment, this renowned college boasts numerous notable alumni, including Nobel laureates , prime ministers, and prominent thinkers. Visitors are captivated by Balliol College’s stunning architecture and picturesque gardens, which provide a glimpse into the prestigious academic heritage of Oxford University. A fascinating fact about Balliol College is that it was the first institution in Oxford to have a purpose-built library.

7. Brasenose College

Brasenose College is one of the top Oxford University colleges to visit. Founded in 1509, it has a rich history and stunning architecture. The college offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its beautiful gardens and learn about its notable alumni, such as the writer William Golding . Don’t miss the magnificent Chapel and the Old Quad , which dates back to the 16th century. Pro-tip: To make the most of your visit, check Brasenose College’s opening hours and admission fees in advance, as they may vary throughout the year. Enjoy immersing yourself in the history and culture of Brasenose College .

8. St. John’s College

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9. Merton College

Merton College, one of the top Oxford University colleges, offers a rich historical experience with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Founded in 1264 , Merton College is the oldest college in Oxford . Visitors can explore the iconic Merton Tower , Chapel , and Library . The college also boasts notable alumni , including famous authors and scientists. When visiting Merton College, be sure to check the opening hours and admission fees , and remember to behave respectfully. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a literature lover, or simply seeking beauty and tranquility, Merton College is a must-visit destination in Oxford.

10. Trinity College

Trinity College , one of the top Oxford University colleges to visit, is a must-visit destination. Founded in 1555, this renowned college is known for its historic architecture and beautiful gardens. When you visit Trinity College, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a rich cultural journey. Explore the world-class library, which is home to rare manuscripts and books. Don’t forget to admire the famous Great Gate and visit the chapel. Take a leisurely stroll through the spacious grounds and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to admire stunning architecture, Trinity College is the perfect place to be.

Historical Background of Oxford University Colleges

The historical background of Oxford University colleges provides valuable insights into the rich academic heritage of the institution. Dating back to the 12th century , the colleges were initially established as communities for scholars to live and study together. Each college has its own unique history, architecture, and traditions, contributing to the overall charm of the university. Some notable colleges with significant historical backgrounds include Magdalen College, founded in 1458, and Christ Church , founded in 1546. Exploring these colleges allows visitors to immerse themselves in the centuries-old academic legacy of Oxford University .

What is the History of Oxford University?

Oxford University has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over 900 years . What is the History of Oxford University ? It was founded in the 12th century and is the oldest university in the English-speaking world .

The university’s origins can be traced to scholars who gathered in Oxford in the late 11th century, attracted by the intellectual and cultural environment of the city. Over time, the university grew in size and reputation, attracting students from all around the world.

Today, Oxford University is renowned for its academic excellence and is considered one of the top universities globally . Its history is a testament to the enduring legacy of learning and knowledge pursued at the institution.

How Were the Colleges Founded?

The colleges of Oxford University were founded at different times throughout its long history. Each college has its own unique origins and stories behind its establishment. Some colleges, like University College , were founded in the 13th century by influential figures wanting to establish higher education institutions.

Others, such as All Souls College , were established to serve specific purposes, like providing prayers for the souls of deceased alumni. The founding of the colleges reflects the rich traditions and aspirations of Oxford University as an institution dedicated to learning and intellectual pursuits.

Guidelines for Visiting Oxford University Colleges

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a curious tourist, exploring the prestigious Oxford University colleges is a must-do on your list. To make the most out of your visit, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the guidelines.

From opening hours and admission fees to proper etiquette and respectful behavior, we will dive into the essential information that will ensure a smooth and enriching experience while exploring these iconic institutions. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating world of Oxford University.

Opening Hours and Admission Fees

When planning a visit to Oxford University colleges, it’s important to take into account the opening hours and admission fees . Each college may have different schedules and pricing structures, so it’s recommended to check the official websites or contact the colleges directly for their specific opening hours . This will ensure that you can plan your visit accordingly, allowing ample time to explore.

Additionally, most Oxford University colleges charge an admission fee for tourists. These fees contribute to the maintenance and preservation of these historic buildings. To budget for your visit, determine the admission fee for each college you wish to visit and plan accordingly.

Before your visit, it’s also advisable to check for any additional guidelines or restrictions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Taking into consideration the opening hours and admission fees , you can have a well-planned visit to Oxford University colleges.

Etiquette and Respectful Behavior

When visiting Oxford University colleges, it is crucial to adhere to proper etiquette and demonstrate respectful behavior. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

• Dress appropriately: It is important to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
• Be mindful of spaces: Take care to refrain from entering restricted areas and always be attentive to signs indicating private or sensitive areas.
• Maintain a quiet environment: Understand that many colleges are functional spaces where people work and live, so it is essential to keep noise levels low.
• Respect privacy: Show consideration for the privacy of students and staff by refraining from taking photographs without prior permission.
• Follow instructions: If college staff provide specific rules or instructions, it is crucial to comply with them in order to maintain a respectful environment.

By following these guidelines, visitors can ensure a positive and respectful experience while exploring the rich history and culture of Oxford University.

Notable Alumni of Oxford University Colleges

Discover the literary legends, influential politicians, and pioneering scientists who have walked the halls of Oxford University’s renowned colleges. From celebrated authors and poets to visionary scientists and political leaders, these alumni have left an indelible mark on the world. Join us as we delve into the captivating stories and accomplishments of Oxford’s notable alumni.

From the creative minds shaping literature to the trailblazers shaping our political landscape, we’ll explore the vast array of talent that has emerged from these esteemed institutions. Get ready to embark on a journey through history, culture, and intellectual brilliance.

Authors and Poets

Authors and Poets have long been associated with Oxford University, making it a haven for literary enthusiasts.

With a rich history of nurturing creative minds, the university boasts a renowned list of alumni in this field. J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous author of “The Lord of the Rings,” studied at Pembroke College . Poet T.S. Eliot was a student at Merton College , while Oscar Wilde attended Magdalen College .

These literary geniuses have left an indelible mark on the university’s culture and continue to inspire aspiring writers and poets today.

Fun fact: The Bodleian Library , located at Oxford University, is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It houses over 12 million books, including rare manuscripts and literary treasures.

Politicians and Leaders

When exploring the prestigious colleges of Oxford University, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture that has nurtured and shaped notable politicians and leaders throughout the years. Here are some influential individuals who have graced the halls of Oxford’s esteemed colleges:

• Sir Robert Peel – A British Prime Minister who studied at Christ Church College
• David Cameron – A former British Prime Minister who attended Brasenose College
• Theresa May – A former British Prime Minister who studied at St. John’s College
• Benazir Bhutto – The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, who attended Lady Margaret Hall
• Aung San Suu Kyi – A Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the State Counsellor of Myanmar , who studied at St. Hugh’s College

These are just a few examples showcasing the numerous politicians and leaders who have flourished and benefited from their education at Oxford University colleges.

Scientists and Innovators

Scientists and innovators have always had a significant impact on the long and esteemed history of Oxford University Colleges. Throughout the years, many notable alumni who are renowned for their groundbreaking contributions to various fields have emerged.

Among them are physicist Stephen Hawking , mathematician and logician Bertrand Russell , and biologist Richard Dawkins . These brilliant individuals have not only expanded scientific knowledge but also pushed the boundaries of innovation, leaving a lasting mark

. Their remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the deep-rooted tradition of intellectual excellence and relentless research at Oxford University . For those who have a keen interest in the intersection of academia and scientific discovery, it is imperative to explore the colleges and delve into the inspiring accomplishments of these exceptional scientists and innovators.

Final Thoughts on Experiencing Oxford University’s Rich History and Culture

Experiencing the rich history and culture of Oxford University is an absolute must for any visitor. The colleges of Oxford University provide a fascinating glimpse into centuries of academic achievement and tradition.

As you walk through the historic buildings and explore the beautiful gardens, you can’t help but experience the intangible sense of knowledge and accomplishment that fills the atmosphere. From the iconic Christ Church College to the picturesque Magdalen College, each college possesses its own unique charm and captivating stories to share.

Take a moment to marvel at the remarkable architecture, appreciate the stunning libraries, and imagine the brilliant minds that once graced these esteemed halls. Without a doubt, a visit to the colleges of Oxford University promises an incomparable experience immersed in history and culture.

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Visiting Oxford Colleges: The Best Colleges to Visit in Oxford

The gorgeous city of Oxford draws in academics and tourists alike for visiting Oxford colleges, exploring the city’s cobbled streets, and enjoying its hallowed halls of learning .  With over 40 colleges and Permanent Private Halls as part of the University of Oxford, there are plenty of beautiful and unique buildings and grounds to explore while in this university town.  But with so many options, how do you know which are the best colleges to visit in Oxford?

While there are many to choose from, there are several colleges that you should definitely make sure to see during your time in this city!  Some of these colleges require a fee to enter; others are free to visit.  But regardless of cost, seeing the colleges of Oxford will be an experience you will never forget.  Here are some of the most beautiful Oxford colleges to visit!

12 of the Best Colleges to Visit in Oxford

1. Christ Church College

When visiting Oxford, seeing Christ Church College should definitely be at the top of your list!  It is one of the best Oxford colleges to visit (and is definitely on the list of the most fun things to do in Oxford if you have kids with you !)

Besides being one of the grandest colleges at Oxford, Christ Church is as close as you’ll get to a real-life Hogwarts and was used as a filming site for the  Harry Potter movies .  Of particular note is the dining hall (which inspired the Hogwarts dining hall) and the entrance to the dining area (which is where Professor McGonagall met the first years in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ).

But of course Harry Potter isn’t the only literary connection here; long before Harry Potter even existed, a man called Charles Dodgson called Christ Church his home.  You may recognize his pen name, Lewis Carroll, and you will certainly recognize his most famous work— Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland .  While this is certainly a work of imaginative fiction, after exploring Oxford you will discover that echoes of Oxford infiltrate every corner of Alice’s adventures.

Yet even if you aren’t a literary fan, you will still stand in awe of Christ Church’s splendor.  Wander and explore the grounds for a small fee, or attend Evensong  in the beautiful cathedral for free…either way, this college will leave you with a sense of wonder!

Opening Times | Ticket Information | Cathedral Schedule | Location

2. Exeter College

On Turl Street you will find Exeter College—the fourth oldest college at Oxford University—which was established in 1314 by Walter de Stapledon.  Like most colleges here it was originally intended for religious purposes and educating clergymen.

This college provides excellent views of the nearby Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library…and has a lovely chapel with stained-glass windows that wrap around the walls.  You won’t want to miss these views—and bonus, this is a free college to enter!

Exeter is also a special college because of its literary alumni, including  J.R.R. Tolkien  and  Philip Pullman —both authors whose books are closely tied to the world of Oxford.  If you’re interested in learning more about the literary world of Oxford , this college is a good place to start.

Opening Times & FREE entry | Chapel Schedule | Location

3. Trinity College

This college, founded in the sixteenth century, originally chose its location because of its rural setting.  Now, ironically, Trinity stands in the heart of Oxford’s city center.

Trinity has a lot of open space, but is a relatively small college when measured by student numbers.  Their chapel is also unique with a beautiful scrolled floor that makes it stand out among the many chapels throughout Oxford.

Opening Times & Ticket Prices | Chapel Schedule | Location

4. Corpus Christi College

This college has one of the smallest student populations in Oxford, but it is still cute to see.  If you are around in May you will want to come here for the biggest event of the Oxford year—the Corpus Christi Tortoise Fair.  At this event, all the colleges across the university come together to race their tortoises (yes, many of the colleges keep tortoises as college pets!)  If you’re interested, check out more about this exciting event alongside other amazing  free things to do in Oxford !

Visitor Information & FREE entry | Chapel Schedule | Location

5. Magdalen College

When thinking of famous Oxford colleges, Magdalen is definitely high up on the list!  It is one of the prettiest and most memorable colleges and is definitely worth a stop during your time here.

Like many of the colleges, Magdalen is well-represented by famous literary minds.  In this case, the most famous author associated with Magdalen is  C.S. Lewis .

Lewis lived and worked here, and Magdalen is also home to one of his favorite walks (Addison’s Walk) which he frequented with his friend  J.R.R. Tolkien .  A visit to Magdalen allows you to literally walk in the footsteps of these great authors!

Make sure to stop by the chapel, which contains many intricacies that are delightful to see.  The wood-paneled dining hall is worth a stop as well.  Students and fellows still dine in this hall today!

Although there is a small fee to enter, it is worth the money to get to see these beautiful grounds and explore in the footsteps of some literary greats!

Opening Times & Ticket Information | Chapel Schedule |  Location

6. St. John’s College

St John’s takes the title for the wealthiest college in Oxford, and was officially founded in 1555.  If you decide to visit this college, look out for the super symmetrical arches and quadrangles!  St. John’s is free to visit and located close to the heart of Oxford, so you can stop by here easily during your time in the city center.

7.  Merton College

Merton College was founded in 1264 and is one of the three oldest colleges at the university—and the first fully self-governing college.  Interestingly, J.R.R. Tolkien taught here as a Professor of English Language and Literature during part of his Lord of the Rings period.

Another famous author and literary critic, T.S. Eliot , studied philosophy here as a graduate student. (And yes, he’s that T.S. Eliot whose poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats inspired the famous musical  Cats !)

There is plenty to see and do here at this historic college, and many fascinating and famous alumni to remember as you walk the grounds!

Opening Times & Ticket Information | Chapel Schedule | Location

8. Balliol College

Another of the oldest colleges at Oxford, Balliol was founded around 1263 and can certainly hold its own with the other amazing colleges at this university!

Although John I de Balliol was the original founder, when he died in 1269 his widow Dervorguilla—an independently wealthy woman—continued setting up the college, writing the statutes, and giving a permanent endowment to assure this college’s legacy.  This officially made her a co-founder of the college…and perhaps even a more important founder, as she clearly turned it into the college we know today!

Balliol has consistently shaped great minds and is a veritable treasure trove of famous alumni.  Alumni range from the bible translator John Wycliffe , to the political economist Adam Smith , to romantic poets like Robert Browning and Gerard Manley Hopkins , to authors like Aldous Huxley , and countless Noble Prize winners, politicians, and ambassadors.  (This is also the college of fictional detective  Lord Peter Wimsey !)  If you want to walk in the footsteps of people who have shaped our world, this is certainly one of the best places to do that!

9. The Queen’s College

Queen’s College is imposing and impressive, and so worth a visit.  The neoclassical architecture is a treat to see and some of the buildings inside were designed by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren.

Unlike the other colleges, this college requires members of the public to be accompanied by a guide from the Visitor Information Center .  So make sure you set up an appointment ahead of time so you are not disappointed when you want to visit this beautiful place!

Visiting Information | Chapel Schedule | Location

10. Keble College

Keble is one of the colleges that feels larger because of its remarkable amount of space in the main quads.  It is particularly distinctive because of its 1870s neo-gothic brick buildings that give it an almost gingerbread-house appearance.

This brick design has always been somewhat controversial, but it makes this college stand out as strikingly different from all the others in Oxford.  The chapel is also exquisite, with its use of elaborate mosaics and tiled floors!

This college is located near the Natural History Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum, so make it a priority to stop by here on your way to explore these amazing collections!

11. All Souls College

All Souls College is one of the most exclusive and wealthiest colleges at Oxford, and is a gorgeous place.  It also has a really cool library that is only occasionally open to the public, but the quads and the chapel are usually open for visitors.

This college was founded in 1438 by King Henry VI of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time.  Interestingly, All Souls has been a graduate college from its very beginning with only a few exceptions to accept undergraduates.

If you want to see this college, you’ll be delighted to learn it is free!  So at least pop by while you visit the central attractions in Radcliffe Square.

12. Worcester College

Worcester College has extensive grounds and is a lovely place to visit if you need to get away from the main city for a bit.  Sit by the large pond and watch the ducks swimming past, or wander along the paths.  This is the perfect place to while away the day!

Famous Worcester alumni include Richard Adams, of  Watership Down  fame, as well as producer and screenwriter Russell T. Davies of the  Doctor Who 2005  revival.  Definitely stop by for a leisurely stroll during your time in Oxford!

Tips for Visiting Oxford Colleges

While these are my top picks for the best colleges in Oxford to visit, there are so many more that you could see! Brasenose College, New College, Hertford College, University College, Lady Margaret Hall… the list goes on and on .

Being prepared and having a plan for which colleges you want to see when you visit Oxford is very important.  You can use the map links above with each of the colleges to help you navigate, or check out the University of Oxford’s searchable map .

It is also fun to take a free walking tour  led by real Oxford students.  These student tour guides know the ins and outs of the university workings, as well as lots of cool facts about the city and all the different colleges.  Taking walking tours can be an excellent way to learn about the history of the university as a whole and about some of the colleges in particular!

While in Oxford, you may also want to attend evensong at one or more of the colleges.  Evensong is a traditional evening church service and is held throughout the week at college chapels and cathedrals.  These are free to attend—so check out the chapels linked with each college to decide where you want to participate!

Looking for a place to stay in Oxford? Check out these great options!

• The Old Bank – Best views of Oxford
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Visiting Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful city of stunning architecture, history and culture. You'll find ancient and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, and plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax. Plus, the city centre is small enough to cover on foot, and only a few minutes walk from the main rail and coach stations.

Things to see and do at Oxford University

Oxford is not a campus university, so it is not all located on one site. It is made up of many different buildings, including academic departments, colleges and halls, located around the centre of Oxford. Many University buildings, such as gardens, libraries and museums, as well as many of the colleges, are open to visitors during the day, although please note that they may have varying opening hours, fees and rules for groups.

You can find more information, including opening times and fees, at the links below:

• Visiting the Colleges
• Visiting Museums, Libraries and Places of Interest
• What's on at the University
• Shopping at the University

To make the most of your visit, bring along a copy of our leaflet, ' Explore the University of Oxford ', which contains a map and information on opening times of colleges, museums and other places of interest. 

Tours of Oxford University

Oxford University does not organise tours but a city walking tour is offered by the Bodleian Libraries in association with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. The tours, all operated by Blue and Green Badge Guides, begin at the beautiful modern Weston Library before heading through the historic and famous streets of the city. Tours take around two hours and can be  booked through the Bodleian Libraries .

A number of independent operators also offer guided tours of Oxford. A range of general and themed tours are available, as are tours by cycle, rickshaw and bus. For a list of tour companies, please visit the  Daily Information  website. 

Please note that all operators are independent of Oxford University. Details are provided here for information only. 

Disabled access

The collegiate University is committed to improving access and is currently continuing to develop its Access guide . As more of our historic buildings are modified the Access guide will become more comprehensive. In the meantime, the Access guide is a helpful first point for information on accessible buildings. Where there are gaps in the information we suggest you contact the places you wish to visit directly.

Information for prospective students

If you're thinking about applying for an undergraduate degree and want to see more of Oxford, our Virtual Open Days are an excellent opportunity to see the University, get to know the city, and meet tutors and students.

Additional information for visitors to the city of Oxford

Experience Oxfordshire  offers advice on walking tours, accommodation, things to do in Oxford, and more.

• History of the University
• Oxford Glossary
• Oxford people

Special offers for alumni

Make sure to bring your Alumni Card with you and see our special offers on the Alumni website

Accommodation in Oxford

• Accommodation at the University and the Colleges
• Visit Oxfordshire - where to stay
• TripAdvisor - hotels near Oxford University

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Best Colleges to Visit in Oxford

I’ve spent a year living in Oxford (as a teacher) and also visited several times since I left as my Mom and my sister live there, and I am here today to help you to find out how to visit the best colleges in Oxford. There is no doubt that Oxford is one of the most beautiful and historical cities in England. Of course it is mostly famous for being home to one of the oldest and most prestigious Universities in the world. It attracts people from all over, many of them often ask me: What are the best colleges to visit in Oxford?

Disclosure : templeseeker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.co.uk, Get your Guide and other affiliated sites. Affiliate links may be used on this article on the best colleges to visit in Oxford, but they do not impact on the price that you pay and they do help me to get this information to you for free.

Confession – Why I did not Study at Oxford University!

Here’s my confession….I actually was going to apply to study religion and theology at Oxford, and went to the open day. I asked about clubbing and nights out in Oxford and one of the students said to me: ‘If you are going to base you university choice on that then maybe you should be coming here!’ OK, cue Manchester University for me! Manchester actually suited me well as a student (and I actually slipped a grade!), but I still always enjoy visiting the Oxford colleges as a tourist!

There really is something magical about visiting Oxford and the University colleges. I guess that’s why some of the buildings were chosen as a filming destination for Harry Potter!

What Architectural style are the Oxford Colleges Built in?

The Oxford Colleges are mostly built in the English early Gothic and Gothic Revival architectural styles, which was popular from the 12th-16th Centuries. It is the beauty of the gates, turrets and spires of the Oxford colleges that make the city so attractive to visitors.

Are the Oxford Colleges Open to the Public?

The great news is that most Oxford colleges are open to the public, although some are only open to guide tours that are pre-booked. Some colleges (such as All Souls) are free to get in while others you have to pay for. It is advisable that you visit this website for information on specific colleges and links to the individual college websites.

When should I visit the Oxford Colleges?

The best time of year to visit the colleges of Oxford is spring to early summer (April-June) or late summer (September) when it is less busy with tourists, but there are still students around to meet.

The academic year at Oxford University is divided into three terms:  Michaelmas term from October to December .  Hilary term from January to March .  Trinity term from April to June . So don’t go to the Oxford colleges outside of these times if you are hoping to meet students. Also, some colleges are not open to the public on weekends and so if you are coming to Oxford for just two or three days then weekdays may be best.

The weather in the spring and early summer will also be mild to pleasant making it a good time to visit in practical terms. At this time of year the beautiful flowers of Oxford will be in full bloom, making it the time of year for the best photographs!

I would not recommend visiting England between November and February due to the cold and unpredictable weather. Oxford is a walkable city and it will not be so fun doing this in the snow or pouring rain. Also there can be ice in the winter months and not everywhere gets gritted and so you run the risk of slips and falls!

Consider avoiding UK public holidays ( check UK bank holidays here ) and UK school holidays when you book (Oxford can be packed in half terms). Also you may want to avoid Christmas and Easter when it will be extremely busy and some of the colleges may be closed to visitors due to staff holidays. That is unless you want to visit for one of the festive services, of course! Oxford college chapels are very beautifully decorated during Christmas time.

How many Colleges are in Oxford University?

There are over 30 Oxford Colleges, so when you are visiting the Oxford Colleges, plan your time carefully – you probably won’t have time to visit them all!

How long to spend visiting the Oxford Colleges?

It would be easy to spend a whole week in Oxford visiting the castle, colleges, Churches and Museums. Most people will spend 3 days in Oxford and this should be enough time to visit the best Oxford colleges and other main sites of the city. However, if you are really pushed for time I have put together this intense itinerary on how to spend one day in Oxford which includes two colleges – Christ Church and Magdalen, and also the University Church.

Some of the Best Colleges to Visit in Oxford include All Souls College, Christ Church College, New College and Magdalen College (pronounced Maudlin). Here’s my top 10 Oxford colleges to visit as a tourist:

#1 All Souls College

The college was founded in 1438 and is located in the heart of Oxford, close to many other colleges and academic departments. It has a small and highly competitive student body, with most students being graduate students who are studying for advanced degrees. All Souls is also home to a number of distinguished academics and researchers, and it has a strong reputation for research and scholarship in a wide range of fields. Some of the college’s notable alumni include several prime ministers and other prominent politicians, as well as numerous scholars and writers.

The best thing about this college is that it is free to visit, so you can just rock up (as long as you avoid Christmas Day and other college holidays). No ticket is needed.

#2 Christ Church College

Christ Church is one of the largest and most prestigious colleges of the University, and is located in the heart of Oxford. Christ Church was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, and it has a long and rich history. The college has educated many notable figures over the years, including 13 British prime ministers and numerous other politicians, writers, and scholars.

The most famous part of the building is the ‘Tom Tower’ or Tom Gate, which is the gate to Christ Church College. It is a gothic style tower that was designed by Christopher Wren. The  The 7 ton bell  in the tower is known as ‘Great Tom’ and it chimes 101 times a night to signify the original scholars of Christ Church.

Christ Church is also home to the Cathedral of Christ Church, which is the seat of the Bishop of Oxford. You can book a tour of Christ Church College through Get Your Guide here .

Cost: Visit is by guided tour only – £12 on the door or £10 if you book online in advance.

#3 Magdelen College

Magdelen College (pronounced Maudlin) is located on the banks of the River Cherwell in the city of Oxford, and is known for its beautiful and historic buildings and grounds. The college was founded in 1458. Magdalen College is also home to a number of important cultural and artistic resources, including the Magdalen College Choir, which is one of the most renowned choirs in the world, and the Magdalen College Library, which contains a large collection of rare and valuable books and manuscripts.

Cost: Adults £9.50 (£8.50 concessions such as students and pensioners) or a family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children aged 7 or over) is £28.

#4 New College

It is one of the oldest colleges of the University, having been founded in 1379, and it is located in the heart of Oxford. New College was made famous as one of the filming locations of Harry Potter and its majestic hallways and beautiful widow arches make it easy to see why it was chosen for this.

You can book the Get Your Guide Harry Potter tour with New College Divinity school here .

#5 Trinity College

It is located in the heart of Oxford (located on Broad Street), and is known for its beautiful and historic buildings and grounds. The college was founded in 1555, originally as a training ground for Catholic Priests. It has a reputation amongst the students for having the best food in Oxford!

Cost: Adults £4, seniors/children £3.

#6 University College

University College is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges of the University, having been founded in 1249 by William Durham. To visit University College you need to book a guided tour in advance (maximum of 15 people per tour). There is a VR app which offers a virtual tour of parts of the College (with commentary). It is available from both the Apple App Store (search ‘Univ VR App’) and via Google Play.

Cost: £2 per ticket (free for children under 5 years old)

#7 Merton College

Merton College was founded in 1264 and is worth visiting for its beautiful gardens that are surrounded by the city wall. Merton College has medieval and 17th-century buildings, including a 13th-century chapel. There are guided tours of this college in the summer only for £5, which are worth it if you want to know more about the history of the college.

Cost: Adults £3, concessions £2 and free for children under 13

#8 Balliol College

Balliol (Pronounced Bayley-ul) college was founded in 1263 and is one of the prettiest of the Oxford colleges. It’s Alumni includes the former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Bojo!) The Chapel of Balliol college has beautiful stained glass windows and there are War Memorials displayed at The Chapel Passage. The great hall is another good example of an Oxford College Hall with Harry Potter Vibes!

Cost: £5 for adults, concessions and students £3

#9 Lincoln College

Lincoln is the smallest of the Oxford colleges, but still very beautiful and worth visiting, especially as it is another one of the best Colleges to Visit in Oxford that is free to get in. It’s compact and the buildings seen from the main Quad are covered in Ivy. You can go up the second staircase to see John Wesley’s room which is behind a glass doorway.

Tips for Visiting the Best Colleges in Oxford

• Check on the college websites in advance to make sure that they are open to the public and check the opening times – https://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/visiting-oxford/visiting-the-colleges .
• Spend at least 3 days in Oxford to visit the best colleges in Oxford.
• Oxford is a walkable city – good walking boots and a raincoat (just incase) are a must!
• Visit Oxford in the early spring or summer when then weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom.
• The best colleges to visit in Oxford are Christ Church College, New College and Magdalen College, so prioritise these and book in advance if you are on a limited time schedule.
• If you are on a budget the following Oxford Colleges are all free to visit: All Souls College, Lincoln College, Keble College, Kellogg College, Brasenose College, Corpus Christi College, Hertford College, Mansfield College, Nuffield College, The Queens College, St Hilda’s, St John’s, St Peter’s and Lady Margaret Hall.
• Exeter College is currently closed to tourists.
• Behave appropriately when visiting the colleges – no shouting or selfie sticks and remember to dress conservatively for visiting the Churches of Oxford .
• If you are a Harry Potter fan then I would highly recommend a Harry Potter guided tour of Oxford and the relevant colleges .

Further Reading

I hope you enjoyed my guide on the Best Colleges to Visit in Oxford! You might also like to book this Walking tour of Oxford and the University Buildings with Get Your Guide .

If you are spending time in this beautiful University city you might also find these Oxford travel guide helpful:

• Visiting the Churches in Oxford
• How to spend one day in Oxford
• Free things to do in Oxford
• Things to do in Oxford

Templeseeker

Hi, I'm Amy and I have over 25 years of travel experience. I love seeking out temples, Churches and other religious and historical buildings. My BA (Religions and Theology) and MA (South Asian Studies) were gained from the University of Manchester. When I'm not blogging about Europe, Asia and the Middle East you will find me at home in Liverpool with my husband and Blake the Patterdale terrier! Come and join me on my templeseeking journey around the world!

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Last Updated: 4th August 2022

Author: Adi Sen

• Getting started

Table of Contents

With 39 Colleges at Oxford University, it’s tricky to settle on one to apply to. 

Over your time at Oxford, you will spend a lot of your days in your college, having tutorials, writing essays late into the night or just hanging out with your friends. A lot of people get stressed about which college to choose, wondering if there is a ‘right’ college, or whether there is one they are more likely to get into than the others.

Each college has its own unique history and traditions. Some, like Balliol College, were founded in 1263 and in those many years since, countless traditions have formed and are still respected. Others, like Kellogg College, which was founded in 1990, have more modern ideas and Kellogg is known for its egalitarian ethos and lack of formality.

Although it’s important to not get carried away with the minutiae of every single college it is nevertheless essential that you pick one that is right for you!

Here is an outline of each of the 39 Oxford Colleges, as well as some advice and considerations to help you choose the right one before you make the final decision.

How Does the Oxford College System Work?

With the amount of choice and variety available, it may feel like the Oxford College system is a complex ecosystem. However, while it is a complicated system to run, it’s actually pretty simple for the students themselves. 

Colleges essentially act as mini-universities within the University of Oxford. They are all independent of one another, meaning the student experience from one college to the next could be very different. Some colleges impose rules and restrictions on who can join (such as female-only colleges), while other are open to anyone attending Oxford. 

Each college has a dedicated building, some of which you will find outside of the main campus. Each college is also responsible for holding its own social and formal events throughout the year, meaning your cohort here are the people you’ll likely be spending the most time with. 

Of course, the decision isn’t as serious as you may think; they aren’t prisons after all! You’ll be free to socialise with people from any other college, but the amount of time you’ll be spending at your own college means it’s important to choose one that you like the look of in order to get the most of your university experience. 

Oxford Permanent Private Halls

As well as colleges, some students at Oxford have the chance to attend Permanent Private Halls (PPH). The primary difference between colleges and PPHs is the size, with most PPHs admitting less than 100 students per year. As well as this, a large part of the identity of PPHs is their Christian background, although they still admit a diverse selection of students.  

PPHs are not typically considered a full part of the Oxford collegiate system due to their size (Regent’s Park College is the exception as it holds status as both a college and PPH). There are four PPHs at Oxford, these are: 

• Blackfriars Hall
• Campion Hall
• Regent's Park College
• Wycliffe Hall

Other colleges have previously held status as a PPH before converting to a full college, including Mansfield and St.Peter’s. 

All Souls College

While not a PPH, All Souls College is by far the most exclusive college at Oxford, with the vast majority of students never having a chance to be admitted. All Souls does not accept undergraduates and admits very few new members (named Fellows) each year. 

The All Souls website claims that there are roughly 107 fellows at All Souls, but very few of these are actual Oxford students. Oxford’s student figures state that only 10 Oxford students currently reside at All Souls, with the rest of the cohort coming from different backgrounds. 

All Souls primarily focuses on research in the fields of Humanities and Social & Theoretical sciences Many details about the college are publicly unavailable, though we know that all applicants for All Souls have to complete a unique admissions test to be admitted. 

What Do You Want From Your College?

This is the first question you should ask yourself before beginning your college search. Whilst all colleges offer excellent facilities (well-stocked libraries, a catered hall, scenic landscapes) there are ways in which they differ. Try thinking about the following questions to see what is important to you:

• Is it important for you to have a library that is open 24/7?
• Do you want to be in the centre of Oxford?
• Do you want to live in college all three years, or would you prefer to live out at some point?
• Would you like a college with a big student body, or a smaller one?

These are just some of the ways that colleges differ from each other. If you have a strong preference for one of these aspects, that might help inform your decision. You can find out answers to all of these questions on the individual colleges’ websites.

We’ll break down these questions and explore them further later on, but for now, let’s take a deep dive into each of the colleges currently operating at Oxford. The information below comes from current and recently graduated students of the colleges, so it is up to date, but the bar and food prices may have changed! (Many colleges have websites, which you can check out by clicking the name you want to learn more about).

The college system at Oxford is similar to that at Cambridge. If you’re applying to Cambridge, read our ultimate guide on choosing a Cambridge college .  

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All Oxford Colleges (A - Z)

Balliol college.

• Founded: 1263
• Size: Around 350 Undergraduates and 350 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Boris Johnson, Richard Dawkins and Edward Heath
• Pint Price: £1.70

College Living:

Accommodation is guaranteed for first and final years and there is a student bar (The Lindsay Bar) that has cheap prices with bar games such as table football and darts. The bar is run by students and all profits are reinvested to keep the cost of drinks down. Halls offer low-cost lunch and dinner and all rooms are near a kitchen/kitchenette so you can do your own cooking if you fancy it.

Sports and Reputation:

Balliol has a good record with sports, especially with their football team. The track where Roger Bannister ran the first 4-minute mile is nearby and the college offers financial support to any Blues level athletes. Balliol is known for its history of politics with multiple Prime Ministers as recent alumni. Although it is a fairly old college with a political reputation, students say that it is more welcoming and relaxed than the reputation indicates.

Brasenose College

• Founded: 1509
• Size: Around 350 Undergraduates and 200 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: David Cameron, Michael Palin and Duncan Campbell
• Pint Price: £3.00

Accommodation is within the college halls in first year. Brasenose Students (Brasenostrils) have the option of informal meals every day and formal meals three times a week at the college. The food is very good but also surprisingly affordable (a three-course meal is only £5).

Brasenose has a strong reputation for its location in the City. It is 10 meters from Rad Cam at the heart of Oxford University, and near some of the best bars and restaurants. You’re also close to the Exam Schools for those wanting an extra few minutes of studying during the morning of exams. The college offers a variety of sports and the gym is free for all college students. Students report that the college atmosphere is of ‘intellectual pursuit’ and the Oxford Barometer Survey for friendliness recently placed Brasenose in first place.

Christ Church

• Founded: 1546
• Size: Around 440 Undergraduates and 200 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: King Edward VII, David Dimbleby and 13 Prime Ministers (including Peel and Gladstone)
• Pint Price: £2.00

Students can live at the college for 3 years, all allocated via the usual random ballot. Students say that the bar is fun on event nights but off nights are hit and miss. Food is generally quite good at Christ Church, especially brunch which is an opportunity to eat lots of food for not much money. The college is known for being formal so expect a Formal every evening and two black tie guest dinners every month with spectacular four-course menus.

As indicated earlier, the college has a reputation for being rather ‘posh’. This is more fiction than fact but you may be placed in this category by members of other colleges until they realise that it’s not completely the case. Christ Church is brilliant for sport. There are amazing facilities for free use, such as tennis and squash courts, an Astro and it is in a great location as the college is based in a very central location.

Corpus Christi College

• Founded: 1571
• Size: Around 250 Undergraduates and 90 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Isiah Berlin, Thomas Nagel, and both Miliband brothers

Corpus Christi has a popular bar called the Corpus Beer Cellar (or BC) which has bar games and low priced drinks. College accommodation is offered to students for all 3 years and the food is said to be decent, costing around £2.50 for lunch and £3.00 for dinner and there are Formal Halls every Friday.

The college is one of the smallest in Oxford which means it generally has a more intimate and friendly atmosphere. Students become quite a tight unit and everyone knows each other which is rare for most colleges and for the UK university experience. College clubs include cricket, men’s and women’s football, netball, rugby and ultimate frisbee and the gym is free. Students also report that the societies are great fun at Corpus Christi such as drama and music.

Exeter College

• Founded: 1314
• Size: Around 350 Undergraduates and 260 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: J. R. R. Tolkien, Sir Philip Pullman and Sir Roger Bannister
• Pint Price: £2.50

College accommodation is guaranteed for 3 years but often people move out in second year. The bar is an asset to Exeter as it is a popular venue. There are many social events, open mic nights, karaoke, charity events which all tend to have an amazing atmosphere. At weekends, there is a roast dinner which goes down well with the college students and the dining hall caters well for vegetarians and vegans.

Exeter has a stunning chapel which featured in the film Dr. Strange and there are weekly choral Evensong services and a Christmas Carol service which students say should not be missed. The college is known for its friendly atmosphere and is less political than other colleges, which may be a relief for some students. Sport receives a lot of support from the college and has a sports day with Emmanuel College, Cambridge which even the most un-sporty students have fun getting involved with.

Green Templeton College

• Founded: 2008
• Size: Around 600 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: N/A
• Pint Price: £1.00

There is an opportunity for accommodation on-site but students report that it has an undergrad feel which may not be what postgraduates are looking for. There is plenty of accommodation off-site though and the rooms are spacious with nice facilities. The Stables Bar is said to be a good place to relax with mates or just to do some reading, and the college food is ‘rarely less than excellent’. Interestingly, the college is secular so there isn’t a college chapel.

As Green Templeton was recently established, there is not a big push for formality and formal dress is not required at the majority of dinners. The rowing team has had some success and there is a tennis court and a gym. The college offers many competitive teams which are ideal for postgrads looking to get involved in activities outside of study.

Harris Manchester College

• Founded: 1786
• Size: Around 100 Undergraduates and 150 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Roger Bannister, Peter Cruddas and Joseph Priestley
• Pint Price: N/A

Harris Manchester is actually the only all mature college at Oxford. Accommodation is promised to 1 st  and final year students and the rooms are situated in the college’s beautiful buildings and most have an en-suite. Sunday brunch is popular with students and food is generally around £1.80 for breakfast, £3.75 for lunch and £5.00 for dinner and for students living in the college, Formal Hall is included in the rent. The kitchens are brilliant because they suit a wide range of dietary requirements, including halal, vegan and gluten intolerant.

Harris Manchester students (Harris Mancunians) put on some great socials such as pub quizzes, open mic nights and ale festivals. The college has a good rowing team with many opportunities for new rowers to get involved. The societies are well suited for mature students, with a popular Wine Society and Music Society.

Hertford College

• Founded: 1282
• Size: Around 400 Undergraduates and 150 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Fiona Bruce, Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Evelyn Waugh
• Pint Price: £2.20

College accommodation is situated in the city centre, so it is close to bars, restaurants and entertainment, and the rooms are spacious with a gym on-site. The accommodation is also opposite Oxford’s main library (the Bodleian). The underground bar is popular most nights of the week and the food is more on the pricey side compared to other colleges at £4-5 for a main meal.

Recently, Hertford has had some success with women’s rowing and there are many clubs to get involved with. The college is known for being friendly with a strong sense of community. It is heavily liberal which may be more for some students who would rather not attend a very conservative college.

Jesus College

• Size: Around 350 Undergraduates and 230 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Harold Wilson, Magnus Magnusson and T.E. Lawrence
• Pint Price: £2.30

Jesus has accommodation for all degree years and one of the college annexes has a full sized rugby pitch. Students say that it can get cold in halls in winter but the college offers heating subsidies to offset the costs of leaving heaters on. The Jesus Bar has a karaoke machine, Xbox, PlayStation and a foosball table, and there are many college events held in the bar that nearly always reach full capacity.

Jesus is more laid back on the formalities compared to other colleges. It is thought to be the friendliest college and even the Principal attends sporting events to cheer on the college teams. Jesus College is not very political and is known to be all about inclusivity. This applies to sports too, even if you are not great at a sport or new to it, everyone is welcomed to join in and there’s always a good turnout of supporters to cheer the Jesus teams on.

Keble College

• Founded: 1870
• Size: Around 400 undergraduates and 200 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Imran Khan, Ed Balls and Andrew Adonis

Accommodation is guaranteed for first and second years. The college bar is known as ‘the spaceship’ and has a retro feel. Food is a good price which is ideal because only third years have access to a kitchen, so eating in Hall is a big part of college life. Formal Halls occur twice a week. Keble was founded as a Christian college so there are still some remaining traditions, for instance, Grace is said before formal meals.

Keble may appear as a very formal college (Formal Hall used to be every dinner until recently) but in fact, it is one of the more relaxed Oxford Colleges with traditions more focused on building a college community than enforcing old rules. The college is quite large which means that there are many sports and societies on offer for students, including more obscure ones such as ice hockey. The Keble rowing team receives good funding and it is respected across the University, with some of the crew rowing in The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

Kellogg College

• Founded: 1990
• Size: Around 1140 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Paul Bennett, Ruby Wax and Tom Mitchell

Kellogg is graduate only and it is the largest college by number of students. Even with so many students, it is thought to have the best accommodation in the University, with private gardens and student housing based in three Victorian mansions. The college has a new hub which has a café and meeting spaces. Formal dinner is held once a week and there isn’t a chapel due to how new the college is.  

Known for its egalitarian ethos, Kellogg boats a lack of formality with no high table separation between students and fellows. The college has a large international population and is thought of as very modern. Kellogg has a unique tradition of saying Grace in Welsh as the college was founded on St David’s Day. With a big reputation for sports, Kellogg has seen many famous sportsmen pass through the college including Olympians and international rugby players.

Lady Margaret Hall

• Founded: 1878
• Size: Around 400 Undergraduates and 200 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Michael Gove, Malala Yousufzai, and Nigella Lawson

As an undergrad at Lady Margaret, you are able to live in the college for three years. Everyone has access to a kitchen so you do not need to always eat at the college hall. The bar is open all week with happy hour lasting between 7pm till 9pm. Formals are every Friday and informal hall costs £2.50 for a main meal.

Lady Margaret is famous for being the first Oxford college to accept women exclusively and then the first to accept both men and women. This history is something the college is proud of and they strive for inclusivity and a welcoming environment. Following on from that, the college shows complete inclusivity in sports too, teams are very open for beginners up to Blues athletes.

Linacre College

• Founded: 1962
• Size: Around 550 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, David Kelly and Neil Ferguson

Linacre is graduate only. The college campus has great facilities such as a gym, conference facilities, study rooms and an amazing library. The common room has a Nintendo Switch, Xbox and bike maintenance kit and Linacre does not have its own chapel. Food is not served at the weekend but there are guest dinners every Tuesday and Thursday.

Linacre is known for being Oxford’s first graduate-only college and as a more modern college, it is relatively informal but there is still a college Grace said at the end of a meal. The college has a number of sports clubs, including the Linacre Ladies who Lift.

Lincoln College

• Founded: 1472
• Size: Around 300 Undergraduates and 320 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Dr Seuss, John le Carré and John Radcliffe

Accommodation is available for all years of your degree. The college bar, known as Deep Hall or ‘Deepers’, is a popular underground bar. Students say that the Lincoln has some of the best college food in Oxford with three meals a day in Hall and takeaway pizza from the bar in the evenings. There is an informal hall every evening and every other Thursday there is a Great Hall, which is smarter than the Formal Halls.

Lincoln has a reputation for being a warm and welcoming college. It has a balance of being progressive but still keeping some traditions. The students at Lincoln fundraise for two charities a month and they stress the importance of clubs and societies to have a strong sense of community. The sports facilities are great with a modern pavilion at the college’s sports grounds and a newly refurbished boathouse.

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Magdalen College

• Founded: 1458
• Size: Around 400 Undergraduates and 175 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Ian Hislop, Oscar Wilde and C.S. Lewis

Accommodation is guaranteed for all students for the entirety of their degrees. Rooms are a good price as they are subsidised by the college. Bops are held at the college bar called the Old Kitchen Bar, along with general meetings and karaoke. The food in Hall can get quite expensive as it is £4.00 a meal but there are kitchen facilities accessible for all students. Formal dinners cost £9.00 per person and on a Sunday Formal, the choir performs.

The college is old so naturally, it has its own traditions. For example, students are only allowed to walk on the grass in summer term (Trinity). Magdalen has a reputation for being an old and wealthy college that attracts mainly privately educated, conservative students. This may be the case for some students, but it should not put off others from applying. Admissions statistics are changing each year from improvements made by the college access and outreach teams. Students have free access to the Iffley Sports Centre and there is a variety of sports that students can get involved in such as ice-skating.

Mansfield College

• Founded: 1886
• Size: Around 240 Undergraduates and 170 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Adam Curtis, Pamela Sue Anderson and Chris Bryant

Accommodation is offered to all undergraduate students for the duration of their degree. The rooms are quite nice with most rooms being en-suite. Mansfield does not really have a bar. The college says they do but students say that it is never open. The college food is really good, especially for vegetarians and was voted the best for vegetarian food out of the Oxford Colleges. As the college is poorer than other colleges, food is not subsidised so can be quite expensive. A main meal usually costs around £5.

The college is quite informal with a high intake of state school students. It is really the only Oxford College where the ratio of state school students to private school students matches that of the general population so it achieves fair representation each year. The college is known for being more inclusive with little elitism. Students are often more progressive with less social exclusion based on politics. There is not a gym but students still have free access to other gyms. Rugby and football are played with Merton College on their pitches.

Merton College

• Founded: 1264
• Size: Around 290 Undergraduates and 240 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: T.S. Eliot, J. R. R. Tolkien and Roger Bannister

Merton offers accommodation for all years and has a cosy and cheap college bar. The college food is also cheap but there is lots of it, which students aren’t annoyed at. Merton is located 2 minutes from the High Street but tucked away enough to not hear a car pass.

The college is known for being fairly traditional with the requirement of wearing gowns for all meetings with the Warden and there is a Formal Hall six times a week. It is not known for being a sporty college but there is a small gym and tennis and squash courts with some sports fields and a pavilion. Merton has the unfortunate reputation of being a college ‘where fun goes to die’ due to the regular residence at the top of the Norrington Table.

New College

• Founded: 1379
• Size: Around 420 Undergraduates and 370 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Hugh Grant, Kate Beckinsale and H.L.A Hart

Accommodation is guaranteed to all first-year students with most of the rooms being en-suite. Most of first and second-year accommodation does not have access to kitchens but the food in Hall is said to be really good and students enjoy the opportunity to socialise with others over lunch and dinner. The bar has been recently renovated and is used as a café in the day. There are pub quizzes and darts competitions and the bar is a popular location for sports teams.

New College has a famous motto ‘Manners Makyth Man’ and is generally seen as a strong academic college which comes near the top of the Norrington table. The sports grounds are only a 5-minute walk from the main college site and there is a variety of different sports teams available to get involved with, including dancesport, cricket, hockey and netball.

Nuffield College

• Founded: 1937
• Size: Around 80 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Mark Carney, Michael Oakeshott and John Hicks

Accommodation is offered to first and second-year students. It is one of the smallest colleges, if not the smallest college and Nuffield is postgraduate only. The college is based right in the centre of Oxford which makes it a great location for bars, restaurants and entertainment.

Nuffield is known for being the hub for social science research at Oxford. Students tend to be very brainy (unsurprisingly for Oxford) and fellows and students engage in political questions, which apparently can become quite ‘lively’.

Oriel College

• Founded: 1326
• Size: Around 320 Undergraduates and 200 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Sir Walter Rayleigh, Alexander R. Todd and Rachael Riley

Oriel offers accommodation for the full duration of the degree. The food is priced around £4 for lunch and £6 for dinner and students say that the food is nothing special but still nice and they manage to cater to different dietary requirements.  The bar is not as big as other college bars, but it has a variety of bar games and a TV which shows live sports.

Oriel has a strong reputation for rowing success. The rowing programme is well funded with free coaching and state of the art equipment. The political atmosphere tends to be very conservative and there has been some controversy with the Cecil Rhodes statue in the college.

Pembroke College

• Founded: 1624
• Size: Around 350 Undergraduates and 250 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Samuel Johnson, Michael Heseltine and Pete Buttigieg

Pembroke offers 3 years of accommodation to undergraduates. The nicer rooms in the main site tend to have term-time only contracts. Hall food is ok, but students do not shout about it. The only meal they do really well is the famous college brownie. Interestingly, Wednesday Hall meals are meat-free. Similarly to the food, students say that the bar is not as good as other colleges but Pembroke is currently trying to improve the footfall.

Pembroke’s JCR is one of the richest in Oxford so they regularly donate to charities. Aside from this, the college tends to not be as well-known as other Oxford Colleges. Sports are important to the college, especially the rowing club which is also free, this is unusual for Oxford colleges.

Regent’s Park College

• Founded: 1927
• Size: Around 120 Undergraduates and 50 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: David Russell, Alfred Thomas and Michael Ward
• Pint Price: £1.50

Regents guarantees accommodation for first and third-year students only. The college bar was voted the best college bar in Oxford and it is very popular among students for its prices and character. Students do not praise the college food but say that although fairly terrible, it is still cheap with a number of vegetarian options. Regent’s Park College is actually a Permanent Private Hall rather than a standard college but due to its larger size, it is considered a full part of the Oxford collegiate system. 

Regents is very informal and has a friendly atmosphere with an active welfare team. It is fairly public school heavy and can be quite ‘posh and rowdy’ with the Bullingdon Club being founded there (apparently). Sport has improved in recent years and the netball, football and rugby team is joint with Mansfield and Merton.

Reuben College

• Founded: 2019
• Size: Around 200 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Too new for alumni

Accommodation for over 100 students is available at Farndon Court, while the college provides a number of catering, library and IT services. Students also have access to a full selection of sporting, social and recreational facilities, while the college also has close ties to the University’s Gardens and Museums.  

Reuben College is Oxford 39th established college and was created to meet the increasing demand for graduate student places at the university. The college can be found in the city centre, located within the University Science Area which suits the college’s heavy focus on STEM subjects and research.  

Somerville College

• Founded: 1879
• Famous Alumni: Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi and Dorothy Hodgkin

Sommerville accommodation is located close to the city centre and is offered to all undergraduates during their degrees. The college bar, called ‘the Terrace’ has indoor and outdoor seating which is great in the summer. They have a pool table and a selection of local beers. Hall serves three meals a day during the week with full meals costing around £4. There are some meat-free days to reduce the environmental impact.

Sommerville is known for being very relaxed and liberal and this goes for the tutorials too. The grass quad is large and you find many students sitting outside together during the summer months. The college has a variety of sports teams and lots of options for beginners. They even have a croquet club.  

St Anne’s College

• Size: Around 400 Undergraduates and 300 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Tina Brown, Danny Alexander and Sir Simon Rattle

St Anne’s offers accommodation for 3 years to its students and 4 th years normally live in college-rented houses. The college bar is popular during the weekends and after Formals, and it hosts many events during the year such as charity pub quizzes. The food has its own accolades as the St Anne’s Chefs have won awards in national competitions. They cater for a variety of dietary requirements and menus can be found online at the beginning of each term.

The college is less formal than most with only five Formals each term and no gowns needed to be allowed in. As St Anne’s is not the most well-known college, it does not have such a defined reputation but students say the college is very inclusive and there are many sports teams to get involved with, such as the tennis team and even a rounders team.

St Antony’s College

• Founded: 1950
• Size: Around 500 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Richard Evans, Thomas Friedman and Gary Hart

The college has 104 rooms which are mostly reserved for first years. All rooms have access to kitchen facilities so students do not need to just use the college’s catering. St Antony’s is graduate only.

The college is unusual because it focuses pretty on International Relations. Similar to most graduate only colleges, St Antony’s is fairly informal which is expressed in the shared use of many facilities between students and fellows, including open seating in Hall. The college has a variety of clubs and societies such as Yoga Society and the Brewing society.

St Catherine’s College

• Size: Around 500 Undergraduates and 420 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Peter Mandelson, J. Paul Getty and John Vane

Accommodation at St Catherine’s (St Catz’) was built more recently than most Oxford College’s accommodation. The campus has on-site accommodation and it is thought to be one of the largest with lots of great facilities. The JCR is the biggest in Oxford and has many activities inside including arcade games, Wii, Sky Sports TV and the college bar is said to be cheap and well-stocked. The college is fully catered in its cafeteria and there is Hall dinner which has a more interesting menu.

As St Catherine’s is the youngest undergraduate college, it has a more modern atmosphere although formality is still enforced with a strict dress code/code of conduct during Formals (no shouting and singing and a limit on alcohol). With a lack of tourists visiting the college, it tends to be a lot quieter than others. The college has a reputation for being a sports college and it is near some of the large sports grounds. The college has also seen a number of Olympians pass through its gates and row for the college.

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St Cross College

• Founded: 1965
• Famous Alumni: Jonathan Orszag, Tim Foster and Hermione Lee

The college has around 190 rooms which are reserved for first years as older years are expected to live outside of the college. Most rooms are en-suite and all rooms have a kitchen that is easily accessible. St Cross is based in the centre of Oxford which makes it great to access the city centre entertainment and university facilities.

Possibly known as the least formal college, students constantly mix with peers and leading academics. Facilities are shared between fellows and students and there is open seating in Hall. There are plenty of sports on offer for St Cross students and the college offers subsidies to help defray the cost of participation.

St Edmund Hall

• Founded: 1236
• Size: Around 400 Undergraduates and 250 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Al Murray, Keir Starmer and Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali

All first-years live at St Edmund Hall and they report that the food is really good with plenty of choices available, which is especially the case for Formals. Meals are expensive though. There is a small but very active religious community in the college and students and staff are both dedicated to running events and providing pastoral care.

St Edmund has a reputation around the University of being fierce sports competitors and a fairly boisterous atmosphere but students report that this can easily be avoided if it is not what you would like. The college is also famous for rugby with a strong rowing team too. There is a great deal of college support with many attending the team’s rugby matches throughout the year.

St Hilda’s College

• Founded: 1893
• Size: Around 400 Undergraduates and 170 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Susanna Clarke, Zanny Minton Beddoes and Val McDermid

St Hilda’s guarantees accommodation for all first and third-year students so second years tend to live out in shared houses together. There are shared kitchens in halls and all rooms are the same price to make it fair. The bar is great because of how cheap it is and the Entz team run themed bops with some wine and cheese tasting nights.

The college is the only one with round tables which makes it feel more sociable. Interestingly, St Hilda’s was the last college in Oxford to admit men which started in 2008. St Hilda’s has had recent success with sports such as rowing and netball and the men’s football team won cuppers last year. They have also had a few Blues athletes.

St Hugh’s College

• Size: Around 420 Undergraduates and 380 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Emily Davison, Theresa May and Aung San Suu Kyi
• Pint Price: £2.40

St Hugh’s guarantees accommodation for 4 years of study at a fixed price, which is rare. Students in later years are given the option of living in a student house that is still on site so students can get the house share experience. The bar serves drinks for cheap prices but is said to be fairly quiet as other bars, outside of the college, serve cheaper drinks. A full meal costs £3 and students say it is good quality and there is also a tea room that offers higher quality breakfast and lunch for £5.

Hugh’s is known for not being in the best location as it is a 20-minute walk to the town centre but only 5 minutes by bike. Students become used to this very quickly so it is not seen by those attending the college as an issue. The college tends to be fairly left-wing and the sports teams are not in the top of most leagues but there is a great turn-out of college supporters to each event so they make up for it. You can also often find a student game of football happening on the lawns during summer.

St John’s College

• Founded: 1555
• Size: Around 450 Undergraduates and 200 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Tony Blair, Philip Larkin and Victoria Coren

St John’s offers rooms for all years for undergraduates and for some postgraduates too. The accommodation is said to be really nice with character (wooden beams and large kitchens). The barman is a French sommelier and there is a variety of cocktails on offer with frequent open mic nights. Food is served every day, three times a day with Formals four days a week. Guest dinners are reported to be fantastic with unlimited Prosecco and a professional photographer on hand.

John’s is known for being the richest Oxford college and for being fairly formal. There is a well-supplied wine cellar and stunning architecture. Although thought of as a ‘posh’ college, there is still a good state school intake and the atmosphere is very inclusive and not too political. With more money comes better sports facilities and John’s has squash courts, multiple gyms and it is based near the training grounds for rugby and football.

St Peter’s College

• Founded: 1929
• Size: Around 350 Undergraduates and 100 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Ken Loach, David Davies, Hugh Fearnley-Whitingstall
• Pint Price: £1.80

St Peter’s gives students the opportunity to live on-site for two years and then move into one of the College-owned properties in the final years. The college bar has been voted as the best of any college and it is very affordable which makes it popular. Food is said to be good by the students with many mains on offer and apparently, the steaks are really tasty. For vegetarians, there are many options and similar to the steaks, students say the tofu stacks are great.

The college is fairly informal and is one of the smaller and newest colleges. St Peter’s shares sports grounds with Exeter and Hertford which has two cricket pitches and pavilions and two rugby and football pitches and much more. This allows students to socialise with other colleges and graduates too, especially for those who want to row as you will share a boathouse with Sommerville, Wolfson and University College.

The Queen’s College

• Founded: 1341
• Size: Around 400 Undergraduates and 75 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Henry V, Oliver Sacks and Tony Abbott

Accommodation is guaranteed by Queen’s for the duration of all undergraduates’ degrees. The architecture is beautiful, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor. Students say that although there are kitchens, most people tend to eat in the dining hall. The common rooms are great with games and areas to relax and socialise. The bar is popular and situated in the basement which gives it a catacomb-esque feel.

Queen’s has earned a reputation as being a fun and friendly place to study and live. The location is just off the high street so there is a party atmosphere and the college is known for its music with an excellent/prestigious choir and a jazz band. Queen’s has one of the world’s oldest boat clubs and two heated squash courts (apparently the best in Oxford).

Trinity College

• Size: Around 300 Undergraduates and 100 Postgraduates
• Famous Alumni: Dame Sally Davies, Bonnie St. John and Jacob Rees-Mogg

Similar to other colleges, Trinity offers accommodation to students on-site for the first two years and then students live out in a college-owned property in their final years. The bar (Trinity Beer Cellar) is an underground bar that is well known for its whisky collection. Although they may be biased, Trinity students say that the food is the best in Oxford and the steak and brie night is always booked up on a Monday night.

Although fewer in student numbers, Trinity does not feel like a small college. Students say that the reputation of being small, stuffy and old fashioned is not actually true and there is a big sense of community. There is a famous triathlon, located in the Beer Cellar (table football, darts and pool) and the college sports teams have success with netball, rugby and hockey.

University College

• Founded: 1249
• Famous Alumni: C.S. Lewis, Percy Shelley and Stephen Hawking

Accommodation is guaranteed for all undergraduate years. There are three bops each term and a famous toga party (sheets not included) held in the College bar. Formal Hall happens three times a week with Sunday being the busiest as it is free entry for the choir.

University (Univ) hosts a fantastic summer ball every year which students report being the best night of the year. The college is situated off the high street making it a great place to get involved with city activities. The college strongly encourages students to take part in sports to form friendships and teamwork whilst improving health and wellbeing. Lawn tennis is available and the college has an iconic boathouse.  

Wadham College

• Founded: 1610
• Famous Alumni: Christopher Wren, Michael Foot and Rosamund Pike

Wadham offers accommodation on-site for first and third years. The college food is priced low to be more accessible and lunch costs £2-4 and furthermore, half the menu is always vegetarian. Interestingly, Wadham doesn’t do Formals but there are still guest nights when college students can bring their friends and families. The college bar has regular bops for LGBTQ+ students.

Wadham has a reputation for being incredibly liberal and progressive, students say it can be fairly imposing but the inclusivity makes it a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The college was the first to fly the rainbow flag for Pride. Wadham has a Gaelic Football Cuppers side and the same with trampolining too. They have also had success with ultimate frisbee.

Wolfson College

• Founded: 1966
• Famous Alumni: Chris Whitty, Richard Ellis and Alison Gopnik
• Pint Price: £2.90

Wolfson boasts the most modern accommodation in Oxford with rooms overlooking the quad, punt harbour and college gardens. The college bar is said to be excellent and is one of the cheapest in Oxford and it holds a number of bops each year. The college has an amazing wine cellar to suit the more mature college members and students can request special wines.

The college is famous for being informal and is loved by those who avoid pomp and circumstance. There is a strong egalitarian ethos and no high table so students mix with fellows during social events and for dinner. Wolfson is sometimes nicknamed ‘the Berlin Wall’ for the radical political atmosphere and the bar is home to the Communist Part Party which is a popular bop. Wolfson has a day of sporting contests every year against its sister (and enemy) Darwin College, Cambridge and the college is competitive with sports in general.

Worcester College

• Founded: 1714
• Famous Alumni: Rupert Murdoch, Russell T Davies and Elena Kagan

Worcester guarantees accommodation for three years of your degree but there is sometimes the option to extend it for fourth years. Students say that the college bar has a great atmosphere and although small, there are regular quiz nights and karaoke events. Hall serves meals three times a day with a tasty brunch on Sunday and Formal Hall happens four times a week.

The college is known for being a tight-knit community and for being a friendly college without a particular political orientation. The atmosphere is very informal and everyone is on a first-name basis. Worcester is great with beginners sports and has many teams, including rowing, that do not require any experience to join.

Practical considerations when choosing An Oxford College

In your Oxford application, make sure you think about the practical sides of university life such as location. Although Oxford is a very small town, the colleges are sprinkled all over. Choosing a college that is further out from the centre might not be a problem if you are a keen cyclist, however, if you would like to be able to wake up and cross the road to get to lectures etc. it is worth choosing one of the central colleges like Jesus College.

Furthermore, with location, libraries are a huge part of Oxford life and, therefore, you should make sure that the college you are applying for is near to the library you would need.

Oxford Colleges from the City Centre

Naturally, there are quite a few differences in the way the colleges look. This can depend on the age of the college (there is a difference of over 600 years between the oldest and youngest) so if you would prefer a more venerable institution, this should be considered.

Some colleges are traditionally seen to be more attractive (for example Christ Church for the grandeur) however this does all come down to personal preference, and it is important to visit the colleges to see which you like the look of. Although this might seem like a more superficial consideration, it is nevertheless an important factor!

Accommodation

Accommodation across your years at oxford.

Accommodation does differ somewhat between colleges. A lot of colleges will offer college-run accommodation for all three years of a standard undergraduate course, but in many cases, second years at least will be in an annexe outside the main college and in some cases, a mile or more away. If you’ve picked your college based on its fab city centre location, then this might be rather disappointing.

As you consider how to choose an Oxford college, you might also want to consider the price of accommodation (some Oxford colleges are more expensive than others and you don’t usually get much choice as a fresher) and whether you’d be able to stay over the holidays, particularly if you’re coming from a long way away. Many colleges let their rooms to conference guests or to interviewees during the holidays.

Finally, consider kitchen facilities and the reputation of the college food. A lot of colleges don’t provide ovens in their student kitchens and this can be tricky if you’re trying to self-cater, particularly for specific dietary requirements.

UniAdmissions Tip

Utilise open days! To properly develop an idea of what living at an Oxford college is like, make sure you utilise open days and get on the accommodation tours. You’ll be able to ask lots of questions to current students about what student life is like.

Accessibility

As Oxford suggest on their website , it is important to consider accessibility. Most colleges have facilities and accommodation for disabled students. However, with the age of the buildings in the city, some areas of some colleges aren’t accessible for students with mobility issues. If you feel this will affect you, please contact Oxford’s Student Welfare Team for advice.

College Size

When thinking of how to choose an Oxford college, college size is another consideration as there is quite a disparity between colleges so it is important to decide whether a large environment suits the extrovert in you, or if you would favour a close-knit community.

Largest Oxford Colleges By Student Numbers

Some colleges have a small and homely feel which often means that everyone knows everyone. Others are quite large, often meaning that it is easier to get lost in a large group. Either one has its advantages or disadvantages depending on what you prefer. Before you make your Oxford application, make sure to have a look at the number of students per year in the Oxford prospectus or on the Oxford website .

You may also want to consider which colleges are best for international students. We explored this topic in our Oxbridge Colleges for International Applicants Guide , so be sure to check it out if you want to know the best colleges for overseas applicants.

College Food

Oxford University colleges are a hub for eating and sleeping, so you might want to think about what sort of arrangements will suit you best. Fortunately, students have recently told us how much the eating options have improved over the last few years meaning that whether you are vegan, vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, there will always be options for you at each college.  

As we mentioned earlier, utilise the open days to ask questions about food. Some suggestions to consider are:

Prices of food and accommodation. How much is the average meal? What are the kitchen facilities like at the college accommodation if you would rather be self-catered? How frequently is food served? Is it self-service or a sit-down meal each time? This might be particularly useful to think about for those who are keen to get involved in extra-curricular activities which may take place over mealtimes. Or perhaps you may just have a preference for one or the other!

Understanding Oxford Academia

Academic considerations can be good motivations for choosing one college over another. Some of the main differences might be as follows:

Have you perhaps read a book or article by an academic and are keen to be taught by them? Do you know that the fellow at your chosen college specialises in an area that you are interested in? Or, perhaps you are even just keen to be part of a larger intake for your subject, and you know that one college takes a bigger cohort each year.

If you are making an Oxford University application for joint honours, this might be particularly applicable as it can help to apply to a college which has often taken students for particular combinations. This is for both organisation and support reasons. It will be easier to coordinate your chosen subjects if there is someone who has studied the combination ahead of you that you can ask for advice!

It is possible to have tutorials at other colleges if your own does not have a tutor to suit your specific interests, so this is not the most important factor. However, it will help your application if the tutor who interviews you has interests in alignment with your own, and it is worth checking this before you decide.

Extracurricular interests at Oxford

Make sure you look on individual college websites to see what the general co-curriculum scene looks like, such as sport, talks, drama, music, and art. This will give you a good idea of what a college is like before starting your Oxford application.

Oxford University Sports

College sport is a key part of college life, and different colleges have different levels of sporting prowess. If you are interested in rowing or rugby, for example, it might be worth choosing a college with particular enthusiasm and history for these sports.

Oxford University Societies

Societies play a large part in students’ lives at Oxford. For example, drama is an interest that varies between colleges, with some colleges having their own theatres for their students to use. Therefore, if you have a particular passion, choosing a college with a reputation for that passion would be a good thing!

Open Applications

Remember, you can always make an ‘open application’. This means applying to Oxford with no preference for a college. You will be allocated a college at random to interview at, leaving the choice of college up to chance. This does not give you an advantage or disadvantage in the application process.

What To Avoid When Choosing An Oxford College

Here are some of the things you must avoid when considering how to choose an Oxford college.

Applying To The Same College As School Friends

At UniAdmissions, this is something we always suggest that you avoid. Not only are you making it more competitive for each other, but Oxford generally does not accept two students from the same school onto a course in the same college. They do this for a number of reasons such as avoiding cliques from forming instantly and to try to accept students with more varied backgrounds.

Oxford Stereotypes

Don’t buy into the Oxford stereotypes and let them put you off applying to a college. Sometimes, the very brightest minds, who may never even have realised they could fall under this bracket, lack the confidence, the self-belief, or sometimes, the desire to apply to these prestigious , albeit highly traditional, institutions.

They’ll see the Daily Mail’s photographic features of students enjoying extravagant May Ball events, raucous drinking society gatherings, or dressed in flamboyant academic gowns, and think “that’s not me”.

Here’s a secret: those who see these things and think “that is me” are incredibly rare – and these activities may either be entirely optional or occur very infrequently. They don’t reflect the daily reality of life at individual colleges, so don’t be put off by these quirks alone.

Applying Strategically

The college you apply to rarely makes a difference to your chances of getting into Oxford. If you are a good candidate, but the college you apply to is already full for your subject, you will be sent to interview at another college. This makes the system fair, meaning you don’t have to apply tactically.

Follow The Norrington Table

The Norrington Table is used to judge all of Oxford colleges’ academic standing. However, this should be taken with a pinch of salt as there have been problems with measurement and its variability. Don’t let the table be your deciding factor, particularly if you only look at the last couple of years as it will vary significantly across the space of a few years.

Final Considerations And Conclusion

In truth, you will likely be happy at whichever college you end up in.

The hours the college library is open, how good the bar is, and whether or not you have to wear gowns to dinner may all seem like trivial issues or big deciding factors, but ultimately, it’s all about what you personally want from a college. You might even be offered a place at a college different from the one you applied to. 

Take your time now to research the colleges, check out the college pages and visit the colleges during open days to see if they suit you and your interests. It is well worth the time and can guarantee a more positive experience at Oxford.

Worried about your Oxford chances? The success rate for Oxford is below 17%, but our Oxbridge success rate is 57%.

Applying to Oxford is incredibly competitive, so it’s important to give yourself the best chance of success. We help you craft the perfect Personal Statement , achieve a highly competitive Admissions Test score and teach you how to Interview effectively – covering all areas of your Oxford application for every subject.

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University Colleges

Oxford University is actually a collection of 38 separate colleges which all operate independently and have mini campuses all over the city centre. Some of the colleges date back to the 1500s and quite a few are open to the public. There are two colleges we’d particularly recommend visiting. The first is Christ Church which is the largest college, has a dining hall (pictured below) which was the inspiration for the hall at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies and its chapel is Oxford Cathedral. The second is New College which has beautiful gardens containing the old Oxford city wall, a historic chapel, an attractive dining hall and cloisters which were used for a memorable scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. If you don’t want to self-tour around the university colleges, you can take a guided tour instead. The Oxford University Walking Tour gets great reviews, lasts around 100 minutes and visits 9 colleges.

The busiest college for visitors is Christ Church which is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.15pm and Sundays from 2pm to 4.30pm. It’s also the most expensive at £10 for adults in July and August, falling to £8 the rest of the year (2018 prices). You enter via the beautiful Christ Church meadow which is free to visit during daylight hours and offers a lovely view of the river and Oxford. Follow the signs after you’ve paid you entrance fee and you’ll arrive at a small cloisters area surrounding a water feature. The next location is the stairway to the dining hall mentioned above. It tends to be quite cramped in the hall as there are usually some group visits there too, but you get a sense of the size of the place and what it must be like when the benches are occupied at meal times. Next you get to see the quadrangle which is the largest one at Oxford’s colleges, before a trip inside Oxford Cathedral. The church is lovely and if you don’t want to pay to visit, you can come to a service instead. Finally, you exit via a path which takes you past the rest of the colleges buildings.

As mentioned above, if you only have chance to visit one college in Oxford, we’d recommend New College (pictured above). The entrance for summer opening (Easter to October) is on the picturesque New College Lane which starts with the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Adult admission is £5 (2018 prices) and for us, this college sums up Oxford. Firstly, you’ll be wowed by the quadrangle which is very attractive, but the next stop is the cloisters, complete with an ancient Oak tree, which were used as a Harry Potter movie location when Mad-Eyed Moody turns Malfoy into a ferret. The area is instantly recognisable and we just sat on the benches and relaxed. The chapel is the next stop and there’s plenty to see, before a trip to the dining hall. Lastly you get to wander around the college gardens which are large and are bordered by some of the only bits of remaining Oxford city wall. The college is open 11am to 5pm (Easter to October, via New College Lane gates). The college also opens from October to Easter for a few hours in the afternoon – 2pm to 4pm via Holywell Street gates.

Another college we liked was Exeter College (pictured above), which was part of the University & City Walking Tour. Once again, the layout is similar to the others with a grassed lawn surrounded by a quadrangle including the dining hall and chapel. The dining hall here is like a mini-version of the one at Christ Church and the chapel is very pretty inside with very tall windows based on Saint Chapelle in Paris. This is also the college where Inspector Morse dies in the British TV series after a musical performance in the chapel. If you’re not on the walking tour, the college is open to visitors daily from 2pm to 5pm and admission is free.

Most of the Oxford University colleges allow visitors at certain times of the day and many are free or have only a small admission charge. There’s a full list on the Oxford University website linked below. You can also admire many of the collages without going inside, so walk under the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ (pictured at the top of the page) at Hertford College and peep through the metal gates of Trinity College to get a good view of the gardens.

LOCATION & MAP

The 38 colleges are spread all around the city centre of Oxford. This map shows Christ Church, the biggest and most-visited college, but you can move it around and zoom in or out to see the location of the others:

MORE ON VISITING OXFORD UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGES

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The 6 Most Beautiful Oxford Colleges (UK)

By: Author Ella

Posted on Last updated: 17th January 2024

If you’re visiting Oxford, I’m going to guess it’s for one thing – exploring its world-famous university and its delightful colleges! There are 45 Oxford colleges in total, and each has its own unique history and charm. From colleges like Balliol and Merton, established in the 13th century, right up to Reuben College, established in 2019, there are so many factors to consider when choosing which colleges to visit that it can get a bit overwhelming!

Of course, in an ideal world, you’d be able to visit them all, but realistically most visitors only have time to see a handful of them. When choosing which Oxford colleges to visit, you’ll need to keep a few different factors in mind. These include the entry price, how beautiful it is, how busy it gets and whether or not the college will be open to visitors when you plan to visit.

I spent a full week at Oxford when I applied for an undergraduate palace there, and my best friend also attended Oxford for four years. Needless to say, I’ve visited a respectable amount of the colleges and know which ones are the best to visit! Not all Oxford colleges are created equally, and I’m here to help you with your search for the ones that you can’t miss out on.

What are the Oxford Colleges?

The University of Oxford , unlike most universities in the UK, has no central campus. Instead, numerous colleges collectively form the university. On being accepted at the university, a student is assigned a college. It is here that they will live, socialise and usually take the majority of their classes.

Each college usually has its own dining hall, a common room and of course, student accommodation. Some colleges are more exclusive than others (there’s a big debate around certain Oxford colleges which accept almost exclusively privately-schooled students), and some colleges are for graduate students only.

How to get to Oxford from London

Presumably, you’ll be visiting Oxford from London, which is a really easy day trip! On any given weekday, there are around 118 trains from either London Marylebone or London Paddington train station to Oxford.

The journey takes around 1 hour, and return tickets purchased on the day cost £28.10. If you book in advance, you can score return tickets for as little as £10! From the train station, all the colleges in Oxford are within walking distance. If you’re in a rush, use the City Sightseeing bus to get around the top tourist sights.

Phew! Now that that’s out of the way, here are the prettiest colleges in Oxford which you absolutely need to visit!

1) Magdalen College

Founded in 1458, Magdalen is one of the wealthiest colleges in Oxford. This isn’t surprising when you first see its immaculately kept lawns and gorgeous grounds. For literary fanatics, Magdalen was the college of such icons as J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde and C.S. Lewis!

Entrance to the college costs £7, but you can easily spend ages exploring its gorgeous grounds and taking in its breathtaking architecture, so the entry price is well worth it. The large Magdalen Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford, and is an essential photo stop !

Once you’ve admired the buildings of Magdalen, take a stroll along Addison’s Walk, a tranquil footpath along the river inside the college grounds.

Magdalen’s position opposite the river offers an amazing opportunity to sit on the grass and watch the world go by. Magdalen also has its very own Deer Park! The deer have been roaming this area for over 300 years, but you have the best chance of seeing them in summer when they tend to hang out in the riverside meadows.

Don’t be caught out – you should (confusingly) pronounce Magdalen as  Mawd-lin . Mispronouncing it is the easiest way to reveal yourself to be a tourist! It is open from 10 am to 7 pm or dusk, whichever is earliest.

2) Balliol College

My personal favourite of all the colleges, Balliol is one of the oldest and most centrally located colleges in Oxford. Its ancient charm is nothing but alluring! Stepping through the gates of the college, it’s hard to imagine all the hustle and bustle happening on the other side of the walls in Oxford city centre. The grounds of Balliol feel like their own peaceful world!

The college was founded in 1263 and has produced many UK Prime Ministers, including Harold MacMillan, Edward Heath and Boris Johnson. Literature fans will want to know this college was also home to authors Aldous Huxley and Graham Greene, and the poets Matthew Arnold and Gerard Manley Hopkins.

Balliol is imposing, impressive, and (thankfully) less crowded than traditional favourites such as Christ Church college. Another perk of visiting Balliol college is that entrance costs only £3. This is a veritable bargain in comparison to the more popular colleges! Entry is from 10 am to 5 pm or dusk, whichever is earliest. Here’s a great walking tour of the Oxford Colleges with a guide.

3) Christ Church College

Undoubtedly the most iconic college, Christ Church is THE Oxford college to visit if you only have time for one. It’s gorgeous, it’s impressive, and it’s huge! That being said, given its popularity you’ll probably have to compete with hundreds of other tourists to get those sought-after perfect photos!

There’s a chance you might find Christ Church familiar, and that will be because it was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. The most popular place to visit for Potter fans is the dining hall, which inspired the Hogwarts dining hall.

You’ll also recognise the steps up to the dining hall, which is where Professor McGonagall welcomed the new first years when Harry arrived at Hogwarts. Harry Potter aside, Christ Church is also home to the iconic Tom Tower, an Oxford landmark designed by world-renowned architect Christopher Wren (who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral).

Of course, everywhere you go in Christ Church will blow your mind with its staggering beauty, so you should plan to spend an hour here at the very least! To explore in full, you’ll have to pay to enter the college, which costs between £7-9 (depending on what time of year you visit).

Opening times can often change at short notice, so it’s best to check their website for up-to-date information. You can also take a Harry Potter walking tour of the colleges and city which also includes a visit to the Bodleian Library.

Since the college is so popular with visitors, there’s an option to buy your tickets online in advance. I highly recommend doing this as the ticket queue, especially in summer, can be intense. Besides, if you’re only visiting Oxford for one day you don’t have time to lose!

4) Worcester College

To get off the beaten path in Oxford, take the stroll out to Worcester College . As it’s not as centrally located, you’ll escape the manic tourist crowds at the more popular Oxford colleges. That isn’t to say Worcester College doesn’t have just as much to offer visitors!

It’s another one of the larger Oxford colleges, boasting 26 acres of grounds. The college’s gardens have also frequently won the Oxford in Bloom competition. What’s more, entry to Worcester College is completely free, and visitors are welcome between 2-4pm daily. 

The main quad of the college is next to a set of medieval cottages which are the remnants of Gloucester College, which was active between the 13th and 16th centuries. Further into Worcester, you’ll find a lake where students gather around to study, catch up with friends or just get away from the pressure of their studies for a while.  Again with the weird pronunciation, pronounce Worcester as Wuss-ter .

5) All Souls College

The most mysterious and most exclusive of Oxford colleges, All Souls is also one of the wealthiest of Oxford colleges. Taking no undergraduates, and granting all accepted applicants with instant fellowship, getting a place at All Souls is like finding a golden ticket.

The gruelling admissions process is regularly referred to as “the hardest exam in the world”! It’s no surprise so many people want a coveted place in All Souls though – the college is drop-dead gorgeous!

Luckily, visitors to the college can easily side-step that admission ordeal by simply turning up to the college between 2-4pm on weekdays, or anytime on Sunday. Surprisingly, entry is free! Many visitors are intimidated by the exclusivity of All Souls, but there’s a certain thrill about exploring such a greatly revered college!

Fans of the beloved All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness will probably realise that the trilogy is named after this college, which is where one of the main characters, Matthew de Clairmont, is a fellow.

Read More : Amazing Cambridge Bookshops and Cafes

6) New College

New College is another Harry Potter filming location, which draws a decent amount of visitors, but it’s also much more than that! Despite its name, the college was actually founded in 1379, making it a piece of living history. Just don’t be surprised if you see visitors wearing the iconic red and yellow Harry Potter scarves!

Like a lot of Oxford colleges, New College looks pretty small and unassuming from the outside. It’s only when you enter that you get an idea of its sheer size and grandeur! For Insta-worthy settings from start to finish, you don’t need to look any further than New College. Entry is £5, and entry to the college chapel is free.

The college chapel has exceptionally lavish interiors, and countless statues! It’s definitely worth stopping by before you pay your entry fee. Inside, the gates welcoming you to the college gardens were inspired by Paris’ Gates of Versailles! The college is open to visitors from 10.30 am-5 pm Easter-October, and 2-4 pm in winter.

Of course, as you may have noticed by now, Oxford has  a lot  of beautiful colleges. What makes New College unique, though, are the stretches of the old town wall which run through the grounds. For another unique experience , you can even stay overnight in the college when the university is on a break!

There are so many beautiful colleges which didn’t make this list but are definitely worth your time. Merton, Brasenose and Jesus colleges, to name just a few, are also especially gorgeous. This means that you really can’t go wrong when choosing which college to visit.

No matter where you go, I’m sure you’ll be blown away by how beautiful Oxford colleges are (St Catherine’s college aside). You’ll also come away trying to imagine what it must be like studying there. I bet it’s a lot more enjoyable exploring the colleges with no essay deadlines, though!

I hope you enjoyed this list of prettiest Oxford colleges, if you enjoyed it then please consider sharing.

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Best Colleges to visit at Oxford University

There are lots of Colleges to visit in Oxford. Thirty nine constituent colleges and six permanent private halls in total! Naturally, as a visitor to Oxford you will want to go in at least one of these forty three iconic buildings but choosing which ones to visit is harder than the cinnamon challenge. Well don’t fret. We at Footprints Tours have compiled a list of the top 5 best Colleges to visit at Oxford. It will also tell you about opening times and costs to ensure your visit to the colleges goes ahead without a hitch. These are all Colleges that we visit on our Oxford University Walking Tour .

1. Trinity College

Opening Times -Monday to Sunday -10:30 – 16:00 or dusk. Whichever comes first

More College Info Here

2. Balliol College

This College is indisputably one of the top colleges at Oxford to visit. Not only is it one of the oldest Colleges to visit in Oxford (1263), it also gave us four well known Prime Ministers (H.H. Asquith, Edward Heath, Harold MacMillan and Boris Johnson). The list doesn’t end there though as amongst others, Balliol is the former College of Adam Smith, Aldous Huxley and Richard Dawkins…The College itself benefits from a stunning chapel, a huge dining room and a beautiful garden which covers a large portion of the Colleges grounds. Most important of all though is the Colleges collection of prized tortoises!

Opening Times -Monday to Sunday -10:00 – 17:00 or dusk. Whichever comes first

More College Info Here – Why not visit this College with a student guide to explain it all, on a private tour .

3. New College

New College is the ultimate College for the person who wants to find all of the Oxford Highlights in one place. The College has a stunning garden with the original city wall running around its boundaries. If you like Choral music, New College is the best for it. The choir here are world renowned and in fact have won two grammy awards! Most noteworthy is The Chapel, also is the home to some incredible art, including a two metre high sculpture of Lazarus, sculpted by Jacob Epstein, and an original El Greco! By the way, it is sometimes lent out to the Ashmolean so don’t be concerned if you rock up to see it and all you can see is an empty frame!

Finally, the icing on the cake… New College was also used in the filming of Harry Potter! If you don’t want to pay the fees for Christ Church but you want your fix of Potter, New College is definitely one of the best Colleges at Oxford to visit. If you are a fan of Harry Potter, check out this College on our Footprints Harry Potter Tour of Oxford .

Opening Times -Easter to October -11:00 – 17:00, October to Easter -14:00 – 16:00

More College Info Here – Why not visit this College with a student to explain it all, on a private tour .

4. St Johns College

Now this College really is something special. It currently stands as the wealthiest College in Oxford with financial endowments of over £442.2 Million. The College has quite a lot of grounds open to the public so its a great College to visit and you’re hoping to get a real sense as to the goings on in Oxford. Notable Alumni of the College include the likes of Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of Thailand Abhisit Vejjajiva, and the poets A.E. Housman, Philip Larkin and Robert Graves. St. John’s College opens is grounds to the public most afternoons so it is certainly one of the best Colleges to visit at Oxford.

Opening Times – Monday to Sunday – 13:00 – 17:00 or dusk. Whichever comes first

Why not visit this College with a student to explain it all, on a private tour .

5. Christ Church College

Without a doubt, Christ Church is the most recognisable college at Oxford, having given England Thirteen Prime Ministers and of course being the site of the Grand Stairwell in Harry Potter. Christ Church is without a doubt, one of the grandest colleges at Oxford and actually encases Christ Church Cathedral (The Diocese of Oxford) within its walls. Along the walls of the Dining Room are portraits of just some of the many notable alumni who studied at the College. This includes the likes of William Pitt, the Founder of Pittsburgh, John Locke, the Philosopher and Charles Dodgson, who most people know by the name as Lewis Carroll… With so much going for it, it is certainly one of the best Colleges to visit at Oxford.

The only thing putting it at number five however, is the fact that it can be a bit of a tourist trap. The college tends to charge quite extortionate fees for entry and tends to be rammed with people trying to take pictures of the Harry Potter locations. Whilst definitely a worthwhile visit, these are things that must be considered before heading over to this iconic college.

Opening Times – Monday to Saturday – 10:00 – 17:00, Sunday – 14:00 – 17:00 More College Info Here – Why not visit this College with a student to explain it all, on a private tour .

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You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on our Oxford University Walking Tour!

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Tour price - free, please click on the book now to fill our tour booking form and get instant booking confirmation., join our famous, fun and informative premium walking tour of oxford university, city & the old bodleian library. go inside historic colleges to see where now oxford university students live and study, visit old chapels, 13th century & 15th century lecture halls, exam hall, oldest graduation venue & the great dining hall for free. tour timings - 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm from monday to sunday. we have space available for our daily tours. please fill our book now form. tour duration will be between 90 minutes to 100 minutes and involves less than half a mile of walking. is this tour free – yes it’s a free tour we do not charge any fixed price like others. other tour companies charge £25 per person for this same tour. our donation based tour offers visitors fair pricing in which visitors can pay as they like. this is fair pricing for visitors, where you pay the price that you are confident in and at the end of the tour according to your happiness. our tour guide will take visitors inside many oxford university buildings and historic colleges for free. be inspired, be informed. we also offer premium private oxford university tour. all our private tours can be tailored at the start to ensure you get exactly what you want from your time with us. about us - since 2012, premium oxford university walking tour guides have experience of providing "mind blowing oxford tour" to visitors everyday. all our guides are highly educated university students & alumni, highly experienced and passionate about oxford's history..

Join our excellent free tour to uncover the inspiring historic stories of Oxford University, Old Bodleian Library and Oxford City while visiting the oldest colleges which were established between 1249 and 1264. Go behind the huge gates and high stone walls to see where University of Oxford students live. Our tour guide will help you discover the distinctive collegiate structure, unknown secrets of famous alumni and weird traditions of the University of Oxford.

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Go inside the oldest lectures halls with our university educated guide and understand how students lived and studied here centuries ago? Learn how the old teaching traditions and methods are influencing this world-leading centre of learning, teaching and research known as University of Oxford? And also learn why Oxford is called "the City of Dreaming Spires"? Find why locals and students rioted for many centuries in Oxford?

Your friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide will show you around the ancient colleges and with cobbled streets, you will be entertained on the way with unknown anecdotes about the many Oxford University famous students and academics who have walked down these same lanes in times gone by.

Visit Harry Potter filming locations , see Inspector Morse sights, discover Narnia Inspiration, explore Alice in Wonderland site, visit Mordor inspiration of Lord of the Rings, uncover most Haunted site in Oxford with Premium Oxford University Walking Tours.

Premium Walking Tour of Oxford University, Old Bodleian Library & City tour Price – Yes It’s a Free tour! Other tour companies charge £25 per person for this same tour.

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Our tour includes visiting the old colleges, old lecture halls, old graduation venues, the old exam school, the old Bodleian library, the Weston library, old school quads where lecture were given earlier and historic chapels for free.

There is a £2.50 optional entry fee for Medieval Lecture hall known as School of Divinity which was also used in Harry Potter movie.

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Tour starting point - Please meet your guide opposite TSE NOODLE Restaurant No.8 Ship Street, Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) and join Premium Oxford University Walking Tour. .

Our guide will come 10 minutes before the tour starts at the tour starting point.

Tour Duration - Our tour takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours approx with less then half-a-mile of walking and seating arrangements to leave you with happy feet.

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Tour Description –

• Discover Oxford’s history, traditions and walk in the footsteps of famous members like J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis
• Visit old colleges,old school quads, lecture halls, exam hall, graduation venue for free
• Explore Oxford with a knowledgeable University educated guide
• Go inside 800 years old Oxford University sites and visit world-famous sites like School of Divinity, the Bodleian Library, Bridge of Sigh and Christ Church meadows.
• Learn about unique Oxford University traditions, ceremonies, mysterious legends, student life and much more!
• Visit Narnia through the wardrobe.
• Discover the inspiration of Alice in Wonderland.
• See J. R. R. Tolkien's world of Middle-earth, Mordor.
• Go inside Harry Potter filming locations.
• Follow the footsteps of world famous Inspector Morse.
• Uncover the secret of the historic Tower of Five Orders.
• Visit the Old Bodleian Library Quads.
• Our tour guide will show visitors the oldest lecture halls.
• Our tour includes visiting one of the Oldest Colleges & Chapels.

Visit Harry Potter filming sites, Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland & Lord of the Rings sites on a Free Tour. Visit Inspector Morse filming sites with us.

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Since 2012, Premium Oxford University Walking Tour guides have experience of providing "excellent tours" to visitors everyday. Premium Oxford University Walking Tour guides are passionate about Oxford's inspiring history. Your friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Guide will be highly trained and University educated.

Premium Oxford University Walking Tour guides will be happy to help with any questions. Our tour guides will cover all the interesting topics about Oxford’s glorious past, historic landmarks and dark secrets.

With our University-educated guides, you will walk the walk through thousands years of Oxford’s history from early Saxon time of small Oxford Town to its present world famous city of learning. Our guides will lead you through historic landmarks of Oxford’s amazing historic stories.

Our guides are University educated with years of guiding experience and local history knowledge. With our guides you can go behind the closed doors where Oxford University members can go.

Which sights will be covered on a Premium Oxford University Walking Tour and what you will see?

• Visit 800 years old Oxford University sites with Oxford University Walking Tour.
• Why we do not charge £25 per person like other tour operators?
• Our guides are highly passionate about Oxford’s history. We have been giving excellent tours since 2012 everyday, otherwise we would have been long gone by now. We believe that all the visitors visiting Oxford should know about the history of Oxford.

Where does this tour starts from and when you can join this Premium Walking Tour of Oxford?

• Our tour starts at 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm Everyday. Please fill our booking form for more information on where the tour starts from and please fill our Book Now or Contact Us Form .
• Tour starting point - Please meet your guide opposite TSE NOODLE Restaurant No.8 Ship Street, Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) and join Oxford University Walking Tours.
• Premium Oxford University Walking Tour guide will come 10 minutes before the tour starts.
• Please do not go inside the Church to ask about our tour because people sell tickets for other tour guides.
• Meet your friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Guide who will be highly trained guide and travellers who are visiting Oxford.
• Walking distance - Your tour will cover less then half-mile of walking (stopping every so often to admire the architecture and learn about the quirky university traditions) and not travelling further than a 10/15 minute walk away from the City centre. Tour Price – Free. Our free tour is a completely free tour and we do not ask visitor to pay anything for this free tour. Our free tour duration will be 90 minutes. Visitors can also switch from our free tour to our donation based tour or private tour for £140. Our private tour will be just for your group. Discover Oxford University with a expert tour guide. Large groups of over 6 visitors are required to take permission before joining our tour. However, when our free tour is fully booked then we can offer visitors a fixed price tour for £6 per person with other visitors.
• Take memorable pictures when we go inside the 13th Century Oldest Lecture and Examination Hall of University of Oxford and all other sites.
• Weather - Tours go ahead whatever the weather, however we do advise you to come prepared and warmly dressed for winter with comfortable footwear.
• Parking - We recommend the Park and Ride service or Westgate Car Park on Thames Street, Oxford OX1 1TR. Please allow at least 30 minutes for the journey into the City Centre.
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• Take pictures of iconic Oxford University sight's during the tour.

Discover Historic Sights With Premium Walking Tour of Oxford

Discover Oxford’s unknown historic traditions during Premium Walking Tour Of Oxford, visit exhibitions, museums and beautiful gardens. Visit the famous colleges and to take some memorable pictures. Premium Oxford University Walking Tours will make your time well spent in Oxford and walk cobbled stones paths. Find What to do in Oxford? By filling our Book Now Form via this website you will be deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions below.

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Call Us – Oxford University Walking Tour, the easiest way to explore the iconic Oxford landmarks and explore all the world famous sites and hidden gems of historic Oxford University and City. Book Now

Learn about the unknown traditions and historic events which influenced the formation Oxford University. Our guides will enlighten you with detailed history of Oxford University and City. Our Oxford Walking tours includes a visit inside School of Divinity and famous St Mary’s the Virgin with Gothic style of architecture.

Walk the halls of one of the most historic and world famous Oxford University on a 2 hour premium walking tour of Oxford University, City & The Bodleian Library. Go inside the amazing oldest and famous colleges with insights of student life and their experience in Oxford University.

See all the famous landmarks in the heart of the University like Bridge of Sighs, Radcliffe Camera, University Church of St Mary, Christ Church and Trinity College. Learn about famous students of Oxford University, hear anecdotes and experience secret traditions.

Tour Highlights -

Discover famous Oxford University landmarks like Bridge of Sighs, Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church College, Trinity College, University Church of St Mary.

Explore magnificent Bodleian Library, Old School Quads, School of Divinity, Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford University Printing Press, The New Bodleian Library.

Blackwells bookshop, The Emperor’s Heads, 1000 years old city wall, Oxford Martyrs, Museum of History of Science, All Souls College, Exeter College, Jesus College, Brasenose College, New College, Balliol College, Duke Humphrey’s Library, Harry Potter filming locations and much more!

Who can join this tour and what you can expect?

• Everyone can join this tour. Tour duration is usually between 90 minutes to 2 hour Premium Walking Tour of Oxford is designed to take you behind the high walls and closed doors of world famous Oxford University.
• This Premium Walking Tour of Oxford University departs everyday at 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm. Tour starting point - Please meet your guide outside No.1 Ship Street Restaurant, Oxford OX1 3DA, next to St. Michael Church on Ship Street (Postcode is OX1 3EY) and join Oxford University Walking Tours.
• Using University Graduates as guides, the walking tour unfolds the drama behind the ancient university in a interesting and enjoyable way.
• With small intimate groups, the guides give special attention to everyone while answering all the questions and concentrate on the diverse history of Oxford University. Book a Premium Private Walking Tour of Oxford University from £130 for 1 to 19 visitors. Entry fee is not included inside the paid sites of Oxford University. Visitors will be to required to buy there entry fee.

Please note that entry to all Oxford University buildings are subject to availability and our tour guides can only take visitors inside Oxford University buildings where visitors are allowed. We cannot take visitors inside the rooms where students live or study. Explore Oxford’s unique history while going inside oldest colleges and also discover equally about history of Oxford City. Learn about famous Oxford graduates who are now world leaders and their less known experiences in University of Oxford. Also discover academic traditions and ancient ceremonies at Oxford. Above all visit all the Magical sites of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and the Hobbit in Oxford. And also the famous “finishing story of a stand-off” between an intelligent professor and a naughty student. Join our excellent free tour to uncover the inspiring historic stories of Oxford University, Old Bodleian Library and Oxford City while visiting the oldest colleges which were established between 1249 and 1264. Go behind the huge gates and high stone walls to see where University of Oxford students live. Our tour guide will help you discover the distinctive collegiate structure, unknown secrets of famous alumni and weird traditions of the University of Oxford.Tour price - There is no fixed price of this donation based tour, you can donate what you like at the end of the tour according to your happiness, our suggested donations that visitors can pay is as low as £5 per person or £10 per person or £20 per person according to your happiness at the end of the tour or during the tour or before the tour starts. However, when our donation based tour is fully booked then we can offer visitors a fixed price tour for £6 per person with other visitors. Visitors will be required to pay before the tour starts for the fixed price tour or during the tour when our tour guide will ask you to pay or we will ask for donations at the end of the donations based tour. If our donation based tour is fully booked then visitors can always go by themselves to see Oxford University. Our tour price is very low when compared with £20 to £25 per person charged by some other people. What is the meaning of Free on our website? Free means that visitors are free to pay as they like and visitors are free to choose whether or not to leave a donation. Free also means that we are going to share historic information about Oxford during the tour for free and for the same tour other tour operators charge £20 to £25 per person. Free also means that we will take visitors inside the historical sites of Oxford University. Free also means that visitors are free to take pictures during the tour. Free also means that our tour guide will share free information with visitors about all the sites of Oxford University which can be visited by visitors after our tour. Free also means that our tour guide will help visitors to locate Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford for free unlike other tour operators who charge £35 per person. We offer a free tour to visitors and we do not charge anything before the tour starts and we do not prosecute any visitors for not donating anything. Thank you for booking our tour. We have different types of tour. Our most popular tour is our free tour. Tour Price – Free. This is a completely 15 minutes free tour and we do not ask visitor to donate anything for this free tour. Pay As You Like Tour duration – 90 minutes. Tour timings – 11 am, 2 pm and 3.45 pm everyday. Discover Oxford University in 90 minutes. Please click here for more information on free tour.

Review sent by Sharon (London) on 11th March,2017 – The Historic Oxford Walking Tours

Scholars Walk Oxford Walking Tours have many sites which can be very modern and sometimes hundreds of years old. The most important thing that we liked about our guide was that our guide was University graduate and very friendly. Our guide Allan took us inside many beautiful colleges and commentary was also very interesting due to facts about the colleges and unusual traditions.There is no other better way of learning about the Oxford’s history then joining Scholars Walk Tours. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Sometimes too much history becomes a little boring but our guide was managing the group of different ages very well. Scholars Walk Tours guide helped many members of our group to realise how Oxford University works? Our knowledgeable guide also discussed about the rivalry between the colleges and local gossip with many unknown Oxford University secrets.

There was lots of information about J.R.R. Tolkein, C.S.Lewis and Harry Potter. Our guide took us to Tolkein’s college in Oxford University and we also visited Harry Potter filming location. This tour is a must for everyone who will visit Oxford.

Review posted by Adrian (USA) on 5th March, 2017

Great Experience with Oxford Walking Tours guide who was knowledgeable about local Oxford history and also charmingly funny. Our guide introduced us with excellent Oxford student experience, urban legends and university culture. We also learned about British history of Oxford, especially during the English civil war and time flew very quickly.We visited many interesting sights like The Old Bodleian Library with lots of details about student life in Oxford University and student traditions.

With Scholars Walk Tours, we enjoyed many great sights with historic tales of Oxford students and our guide was excellent with people in our group. Our guide gave all the answers and we were all very happy. We took lots of picture with the statue of the Third Earl of Pembroke and also visited School of Astronomy.

When we visited the Old Schools then we felt like students of Oxford University and we experienced how students felt hundred of years ago. We also saw School of Medicine and historic School of Rhetoric. All the text on the top of these schools were written in Latin with faces of old students next to entrance.

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Free Magical Walking Tour of Oxford Harry Potter fans and Muggels are welcome to walk on the footsteps of Harry Potter. Visit the Harry Potter sites in Oxford. Our Magical tour of Oxford also includes visiting The School of Divinity and beautiful dining hall in a historic college.

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15 Free Things to Do in Oxford: Budget-Friendly Options

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If you’re simply spending some time exploring Oxford – perhaps you’re a huge Potterhead like me – then you’re in luck. There are plenty of free things to do in Oxford and ways to visit this magnificent and historic city on a budget. 

Oxford is a beautiful English city , but it can be expensive. And, I mean very expensive – pricier than London expensive. Locals actually complain because housing is the same price as London, but there’s no London weighting to ease the cost!

But it’s also historic, beautiful, and fascinating, and the architecture is gorgeous. It’s one of my favourite places to visit in the UK , alongside Devon and Bath .

So, whether you are looking to soak up some history, explore fascinating museums, or just want to relax in a beautiful park and try some traditional English food, Oxford has it all.

Here are the 15 incredible places to visit in Oxford for free. They’ll give you a taste of everything the city has to offer without breaking the bank. Enjoy!

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1. The Ashmolean Museum

One of the best free museums in Oxford, the Ashmolean is home to one of the world’s finest collections of art and archaeology.

With collections spanning almost two thousand years. Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum is the world’s first university museum, Britain’s first-ever museum, and one of the best things to do in Oxford for free.

The museum is housed in a beautiful classical building inspired by Greek architecture that was first erected in 1678–1683.

The main attraction features a huge collection of art and archaeological items from the Greek period to the Ancient Egyptian era and all across Asia too. Everything is categorized by country.

You can literally walk through global history, marvel at stunning Chinese artefacts, explore exotic relics from India, and then explore Ancient Rome and the antiques discovered at Pompeii.

The museum is bright and airy, making it a perfect destination for an hour or two of free sightseeing. Admission to Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum costs nothing.

This makes this one of the top things to do in Oxford on a budget.

2. Visit the Pitt Rivers Museum

Another of Oxford’s free museums, the Pitt Rivers Museum is home to Oxford’s world-famous collection of archaeological and anthropological items.

The museum has a huge variety of artefacts from the culture around the world as well as displays of ancient human evolution and a rather curious collection of shrunken heads.

If you’re looking for one of the best free things to do in Oxford, then this should be pretty high on that list! It’s one of those things that you think should cost money but doesn’t.

The Pitt Rivers Museum was founded by General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers. He was a renowned archaeologist who donated his collections to create an educational resource for generations ahead. In 2011 he became only the sixth person to have a portrait hung in the National Portrait Gallery.

The museum is relatively small and easy to explore, making it perfect if you’re new to Oxford or want an alternative break from sightseeing.

Located to the east of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, you actually have to go through that museum to access it. But they’re both free to enter, so this just gives you a little more to explore! 

The Pitt Rivers will leave your brain buzzing with knowledge for days! Admission costs nothing, so why not indulge?

3. Explore Radcliffe Square

Arguably one of Oxford’s most famous sights , Radcliffe Square is home to the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Libraries.

This will give you a true taste of its historic past. But be aware this area can get pretty busy and there are often tourists taking photos all day long!

The Square was named after an original benefactor of the University: John Radcliffe. The university library stands on the site where he once lived as Chancellor.

In addition to being home to some of Oxford’s most famous buildings including Christ Church College, Corpus Christi College, and All Souls College.

It also serves as a meeting point for people from around the world who want their picture taken by our iconic landmark building. It’s easy to see why Radcliffe Square is one of the top free things to do in Oxford.

4. Walk through the Bodleian Library Grounds

It’s free to explore the grounds, see the exhibitions, and walk through the famous exterior facade of the impressive Bodleian Libraries. One of Oxford’s most historic buildings, they house a priceless collection of rare books and manuscripts including Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook.

If you need some inspiration, then this is one of those places where knowledge comes alive at your touch. Just be warned that it can get very busy on weekends.

If you have £2.50 to spare, then you can pay to enter the neighbouring Divinity School. It’s located on the grounds near the libraries.

For Harry Potter fans , this was where Harry recovered after his first run-in with Voldemort in the Philospoher’s Stone as well as the hall where McGonegal taught the students to dance in the Goblet of Fire.

5. Walk Under the Bridge of Sighs

Located right next to the Library grounds, the Bridge of Sighs is Oxford’s famous stone bridge. It is most commonly seen in movies – and should not be confused with the one in Venice or the one in Cambridge !

The Bridge of Sighs was constructed by Thomas Nevile, Master of Trinity College, to link two colleges. You can’t go inside it even if you want to because it’s reserved for students and university staff. However, you can walk under it and admire the architecture.

6. Visit The Museum of History and Science

For those interested in both the past and developing the future, the Museum of History and Science will provide hours of free entertainment.

Unlike many museums in Oxford, this one is very hands-on with lots to explore. From interactive exhibitions on natural sciences to those about history, there’s something for everyone!

The museum has a huge variety of exhibits which allows you to enjoy your visit even if it rains outside. Home to over 20,000 items, this museum is open from noon to 5pm, every day except Mondays.

7. Explore the Modern Art Oxford

For fans of art, this is one of the best free things to do in Oxford. The Modern Art Oxford gallery houses a collection of post-war and contemporary art. It includes paintings by well-known artists such as Picasso.

Located at 30 Pembroke Street, you’ll find it hard not to be impressed with this elegant building housing the museum’s permanent display.

You can find the occasional live performance here, as well as a cafe and shop. Exhibits change often, make sure to visit the website before you go and check what is currently on display.

8. Walk Around Christ Church Meadow

For fans of exploring the outdoors, there are some beautiful walks to be had around Christ Church Meadow. With a variety of trees and wildlife, this is one of Oxford’s most scenic areas.

This makes it perfect for those looking for free things to do in Oxfordshire which offer peace and tranquillity.

A popular place with tourists, the meadow offers plenty of photo opportunities whether you’re looking at animals or watching students playing sports on its lush green grass.

This area also provides easy access to Corpus Christi College – home to The Cloisters; an amazing medieval space that can’t fail but impress even the most ardent visitor.

9. Discover the Covered Market

One of the best things to do in Oxford, the Covered Market is alive with the hustle and bustle. The only remaining Covered Market in Britain, it is a wonderful place to go for some free things to do in Oxfordshire that offer culture.

This market was first constructed by architect James Gibbs in 1774 – since then there have been many modifications made; from roofing changes due to fire damage to being bombed twice during WWII (once on each side).

Today, you can find anything you need: food stalls selling fish & chips or locally-produced sausages are just a few examples, among dozens of others including fresh produce, clothes, handicrafts, and more.

Of course, it’s free if you’re window shopping. But if any of the trinkets in the windows or food items tempt you, you may end up spending a few pounds!

10. Sample Free Fudge at the Fudge Kitchen

If you’re a bit of a sweet tooth, the Fudge Kitchen is an absolute must. This small store on 5 Broad Street has been producing handmade treats for 35 years. As well as fudge, they serve up truffles, chocolates, and all sorts of other goodies too! 

The staff are very friendly – so don’t be afraid to ask them what they recommend. There’s nothing quite like enjoying some tasty local produce while taking a break from sightseeing. But once again, you may end up spending money on their delicious treats!

11. Tour the City Streets

Footprint Tours Oxford offers a range of free walking tours, giving a comprehensive overview of the best free things to do in Oxford.

Whether you’re looking for something family-friendly or more aimed at adults, there are options available that cover everything from history and architecture. For those who are new to Oxford, this can be especially helpful as it will give insight into what makes the city so unique!

The tour takes about two hours and it usually finishes close to where it started. It provides a great introduction to all aspects of life in Oxford; not just sightseeing spots but also culture and natural beauty! If you’ve got time on your hands and want to learn more about the city, this is a great free thing to do in Oxford.

12. Be Amazed by the Shark Attack House

A rather curious sight in Oxford, if you make your way to Headington, you’ll find this 25-foot long 400-pound shark that has taken a nose dive into someone’s house. Literally.

For 28 years, the house at Number 2 New High Street has been home to the infamous headless shark sculpture. For its creator and Oxford College graduate, Bill Heine, The Shark Attack House is a work of art that comments on how we live with danger and risk in our lives.

It is an expression of discontent, anger and desperation erected exactly 41 years after the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki.

This free thing to do in Oxfordshire has been one of its most unusual tourist attractions since 1988. So if you are looking for something different and quirky then be sure to visit while you’re here. It’s around a 50-minute walk from the city centre.

There are plenty of buses that can take you there, as well.

13. Wander the Thames River Walk

No, I’m not getting confused with London . Going for a walk along the River Thames is one of the top free attractions in Oxford.

Oxford’s green, leafy banks of the Thames River are a sight to behold. Packed with flowers and trees on both sides it is an enchanting walk that you can take for free.

The Oxford University Boat Club regularly uses the river as their training ground, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

You’ll find all sorts of boats out here including some pretty impressive rowing eights in full uniform as they go about their routine practice sessions before events or competitions.

A great place for families and dogs, this stroll offers something peaceful and calm in a city full of life and excitement.

14. Visit the Free Colleges

Yup, you read that right! Although they’re certainly not the most popular colleges to visit in Oxford, there are plenty that you can visit without paying a penny.

The first one to mention is All Souls College. This is Oxford’s oldest college and was founded way back in 1438. A fantastic free Oxford attraction, it’s the grandest free college to walk around, so definitely worth a visit. There’s also:

• Exeter College,
• Keble College,
• Corpus Christ College,
• St Catherine’s College,
• Mansfield College,
• Wadham College,
• St John’s College,
• Kellogg College,
• Lady Margaret Hall, and more.

Although they’re not as well-known as Christ Church College, for example, you’ll find some beautiful architecture that is well worth the visit.

15. Visit the University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Last but not least, one of the best free things to do in Oxford is exploring St Mary’s Church. Dating back to 1385, it has a rich history and atmosphere that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

The church is a fantastic way for visitors to get a feel for what life was like when they built this church all those years ago.

Be sure to check out the stained glass windows which were made around 1465 by John Rayne (a man who studied with William Morris). He also designed many other churches including one in nearby Mildenhall.

Entrance into the church itself is free. But if you have a few pounds spare, you can also climb to the top of the tower, for spectacular skyline views over the city.

Final Thoughts on The Best Free Things to Do in Oxford

I love Oxford. In a similar way to how I feel about Cambridge , I love that there are so many wonderful free things to do in the city.

The paid attractions are also well worth it, and Oxford is a wonderful city to spend a weekend or take a day trip to.

All in all, if you’re looking for budget tips for your next trip to Oxford, I hope you found plenty of inspiration.

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a full-time travel blogger and content creator and the founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy from her career as a Content Marketing Specialist, she embraced her passion for exploration and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

From her roots near Cambridge, UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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Visiting Oxford, its University, Pubs, and Museums

Are you planning a visit to the beautiful city of Oxford ? Perhaps you’re ready to start University. Or you like Harry Potter , Inspector Morse , and ghost stories . Or you’re just looking for day trips around the Oxfordshire area. On this site, you can explore Oxford’s history, find tours, and research what to do and see in this incredible city. 

Must-See Oxford Attractions

Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford Castle is a partly ruined Norman medieval castle on the centre of Oxford. The castle then became a prison which closed in 1996.

The Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre was designed by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon.

Old library (Duke Humfrey’s)

Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester, founded the Duke Humfrey’s Library in 1447 after donating 281 books to the library.

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.

Top Free Oxford Attractions

Curated by Yisela A.

Oxford University University Museum of Natural History

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Modern Art Oxford

Alice’s Shop

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Free self-guided walking tours.

If you prefer to explore at your own pace and delve into the charm of Oxford independently, consider embarking on a free self-guided walking tour . I’ve created a few options based on places I enjoy visiting!

Oxford Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Plan a Visit at Your Own Pace

If you’re visiting Oxford just for the day, you might want to explore the city and its colleges and museums at your own pace. Here’s how.

Free Self-Guided Tour: Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of Archaeology

The Ashmolean is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological museums. Plan your visit, what to see, best treasures, and when to go.

Oxford Free Self-Guided Museums Waking Tour (+ Map)

Oxford Neighbourhoods Self-Guided Walking Tour and Map

If you’re moving to Oxford (or within it) and you’re feeling adventurous, here are some walking tours to get familiar with the neighbourhoods.

Oxford City Centre Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Explore at Your Own Pace

This Oxford City Centre walking tour will allow you to see the city’s highlights. An ideal self-guided tour if you’re in Oxford for just a few hours.

Other Tours and Experiences

If you enjoy a pre-planned wander, though, you will probably prefer some of these experiences offered by various reliable companies in Oxford. For instance:

Other experiences:

Can’t see this widget? Use this link instead.

Harry Potter in Oxford

If you love the Harry Potter books or movies, you’re probably well aware a lot of the latter were actually filmed in Oxford. And there’s little doubt Hogwarts takes enormous inspiration from the University, too. So, if you’re visiting and you like the series, you should definitely check these out:

All of Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations and How To Visit Them

A lot of Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Oxford. Explore the exact locations, what they were used for, and how to visit them.

Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ The Great Hall

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s The Great Hall in Christ Church, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.

Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ Hospital Wing

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Hospital Wing or Infirmary, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.

Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ Staircase

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Staircase in Christ Church, Oxford. Tickets, opening times, and all the must-see details.

Oxford Ghost Stories

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Ghost of Amy Robsart at Cumnor Place

Oxford ghost stories: the ghostly librarian at duke humfrey’s library.

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Phantom Cavalier of St. John’s College

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Spirit of Sir Thomas Bodley

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Ghostly Choir of New College

Latest stories & articles about oxford.

We LOVE Oxford and everything it has to offer. People come to the city for different reasons, though, so we’ve created a few guides that can give you ideas to plan your visit. For example, you can explore Oxford Harry Potter filming locations or places that are ideal for a date. Or you can do a deep dive into the University and its traditions – some of which will probably surprise you (turtle racing? Yep. That’s a thing!). Take a look at some of our articles below.

Visiting The Uffington White Horse from Oxford – Full Guide

If you’re visiting Oxford and like history, you should definitely consider visiting this 3,000-year-old white horse hill figure in Uffington!

Are Oxford Students Allowed To Work? Guidelines & Restrictions

Oxford students are generally allowed to work, but there are some restrictions and guidelines they must follow. Here’s what they say.

All of Oxford’s Michelin Star Guide Restaurants (Ranked!)

Oxford boasts several restaurants recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide, offering a diverse array of cuisines and fine ingredients.

Oxford’s Top 5 Modern Buildings for Architecture Enthusiasts

Oxford is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, but it also boasts several modern buildings that are worth seeing.

Everything You Need to Know to Visit Blenheim Palace From Oxford

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In the Footsteps of Genius: Oscar Wilde’s Oxford Journey

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The University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the leading academic institutions in the world – and the home of many unique traditions. If you want to learn more about the University, its different colleges, fun facts, ceremonies, terms, and much more – follow the links below!

Oxford Quadrangles: What Are They and Why Are So Popular in Colleges?

Most Oxford University Colleges are built around one or more quadrangles. But what are they, exactly? And how did they become so popular?

What is the Oxford University Tortoise Race and Fair?

The Tortoise Race is the chance for Oxford University Colleges pets to prove their mettle against rival schools. Facts, history, how to see one.

What is it Like to Study at Oxford University (and Live in Oxford)?

Living and studying in Oxford is quite the experience. The city has a vibrant social life and endless activities and things to explore. Take a look!

J. R. R. Tolkien at Oxford – Hobbits, the Inklings, and the University

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How Do You Get Into Oxford University? Is It Hard? What Grades Do You Need?

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Oxford University Formal and Informal Halls. What and When Do They Take Place

Traditional collegiate colleges like Oxford and Cambridge hold formal and informal dinners many times a year. Learn more about this tradition.

Oxford Colleges

The University of Oxford has 39 semi-autonomous constituent colleges and six permanent private halls . Some of them include:

Lady Margaret Hall

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The Queen’s College

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Wolfson College

Wolfson College is an all-graduate college affiliated with the University of Oxford in England, located near the River Cherwell.

Exeter College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Exeter College is the fourth-oldest college of the university.

St Anne’s College

Founded in 1879 and granted college status in 1959, St Anne’s College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England.

Things to Do in Oxford

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The Old Parsonage Hotel

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The Shop of Secrets

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The Christ Church Regatta

The Christ Church Regatta is a boat race held annually at the University of Oxford. Novice crews of eight rowers represent each college. The race takes place during the seventh

Aidan Meller Gallery

Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.

Arcadia Bookstore

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Everything about Oxford and its surrounding areas, including places to see, things to do, and information about all the colleges, libraries, and museums. 

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Regular Season Matchup vs. Georgia Bulldogs 'Will Tell All' For Ole Miss Rebels in 2024

Ben king | jun 20, 2024.

• Ole Miss Rebels

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels have created a ton of buzz this offseason after scouring the NCAA Transfer Portal for some of the best talent on the market. After recruiting elite defensive players, big pieces along the offensive line, a new running back committee, and an electric wideout in Juice Wells, the Rebels have received favorable rankings in nearly every preseason poll released this offseason.

Ole Miss is extremely talented on paper, and it would not be far-fetched to say this is the greatest roster assembled in program history, but can the Rebels put it all together on the field? Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin have their eyes set on their first-ever playoff berth, but you can only get there if you make it through the regular season. Yes, the Rebels would have technically made the new 12-team playoff format in two of the last three seasons, but every fan knows that anything can happen in this sport.

With the SEC now division-less, Ole Miss no longer has to worry about facing the Alabama Crimson Tide annually, which certainly gives them an edge in 2024. However, Alabama has been replaced by an even greater foe in 2024: the Georgia Bulldogs. With Ole Miss' schedule looking favorable in 2024, Georgia is the only real contender on the docket this season, along with a difficult road trip to LSU. This matchup will offer the Rebels a chance at revenge for the beatdown they suffered in Athens last season, and it will also be a great test to see how ready Ole Miss is for the postseason .

The SEC Unfiltered podcast took time on Thursday to talk about Ole Miss' sky-high aspirations and how crucial its matchup versus UGA is in 2024.

"You didn't revamp your roster to beat Kentucky, Arkansas, Furman, Middle Tennessee State, South Carolina, or Oklahoma," Chris Phillips said via SEC Unfiltered . "You did it to win a game like this against Georgia... We're gonna find out what this [Ole Miss] roster is all about. Is this superstar roster truly living up to the hype, or was the gap too wide to make up in just one offseason even with the portal additions?

"That game late in the season against the Georgia Bulldogs in Oxford will tell all for the Rebels."