Oxford: A Day Trip from London to the City of Dreaming Spires

When in London… why not take a day trip to Oxford? Yes, the Oxford University, located in the city of Oxford, in… Oxfordshire County. 😊 This iconic college town is like no other. With its haunting blend of Gothic, Victorian, and Baroque architecture, coupled with a palpable sense of history and mystery, Oxford will have your jaw dragging on its cobblestone streets.

How to Get to Oxford from London

Getting from London to Oxford is a breeze, making it perfect for a day trip:

• By Train: Trains run frequently from Paddington or Marylebone Station, and the journey takes under an hour. Tickets are pricier than the bus, starting at around £35 roundtrip, but the convenience might be worth it.
• By Bus: The Oxford Tube is a great budget option. Running 24/7, buses depart every 10-20 minutes, round trips cost around £23 for adults, and take 1-1.5 hours.
• By Car: While driving is an option (under 1.5 hours), parking in Oxford can be tricky. On the upside, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the English countryside along the way.

Once you’re there, Oxford is one of the UK’s most walkable cities. You can also rent a bike, take public transit, ride-share, or try a quintessentially Oxford experience: renting a punt to glide along the river.

Oxford: More than a University Campus

Oxford isn’t just one enormous campus; it’s home to over 30 colleges scattered throughout the city. It’s also the second oldest university in the world (after the University of Bologna in Italy), with over 900 years of scholastic history! And the City of Oxford itself? It’s over 1,000 years old! That’s practically ancient (but no, dinosaurs weren’t roaming Oxford’s streets — we checked 😊).

For fans of dinosaurs, though, you’ll find some at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, along with the world’s only preserved soft tissue remains of a dodo.

This extinct bird, made famous by the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland book, ties into Oxford’s literary history. Lewis Carroll, a.k.a. Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, taught math at Oxford’s Christ Church College and penned his masterpiece right here.

For Alice in Wonderland Fans

Speaking of Alice, you can’t miss Alice’s Shop across from Christ Church College. The real Alice, who inspired the story, lived in Oxford about 150 years ago and frequented this little shop (it’s even mentioned in Through the Looking Glass).

Today, it’s filled with quirky souvenirs that any Alice fan — or Mad Hatter — would adore.

Off with their heads! If you’re wondering about capitalism’s role in all of this, know that Adam Smith, the “Father of Economics,” also studied at Oxford (although he wasn’t exactly a fan of his time there).

Pro tip: If you’re a fan of lists (or name-dropping), you’ll love perusing the roll call of famous Oxonians — from scientists to authors, actors, and even presidents.

For Harry Potter Fans

Potterheads, rejoice! Christ Church College is Hogwarts in disguise. The Great Hall at Hogwarts with its enchanting floating candles was inspired by the Dining Hall of Christ Church College! And, for the fans of Emma Watson (Hermione), guess what? — she’s an Oxford alum, too!

There are many Harry Potter-themed tours in Oxford, where your inner geek can truly thrive. We didn’t go inside, but the outside of Christ Church College had plenty of magic too.

For Curious Minds

There are so many fantastic places to explore in Oxford, and most of them have free admission (donations are always welcome)! Here are a few we want to put on your radar:

• Oxford University Museum of Natural History: As we mentioned earlier, this is perfect for natural history aficionados & dinosaurs’ fans! Free admission.
• Ashmolean Museum: The oldest public museum in the UK, it boasts an immense collection of art and archaeology. Be prepared to lose your Egypt-loving friends in its exhibitions for hours. Free admission.
• Pitt Rivers Museum: A mind-blowing museum of anthropology and human history. Don’t miss its virtual tour for a sneak peek! Free admission.
• History of Science Museum: A phenomenal collection of scientific inventions and devices through time, including an alethiometer from His Dark Materials! 😊 Free admission.
• Modern Art Oxford: A happy place for contemporary art lovers, featuring inspiring and thought-provoking exhibitions. Free admission.
• Museum of Oxford: Dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people, this museum provides an intimate look at the city’s rich history. Free admission.
• Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum: The oldest botanic garden in the UK, with over 5,000 different plant species from around the world. Adult tickets are under $9.00, making it an affordable and beautiful stop.

To learn more about visiting these incredible places, check out this guide on Oxford attractions. As you can see, you’ll need more than one day to truly experience all Oxford has to offer, so plan ahead!

Oxford Pubs: History Meets Hops

Did you know that there are over 100 pubs in Oxford? With its 35,000 students and 7 million annual visitors, the city knows how to serve up good times with great beer.

Here are a few standout spots:

The Turf Tavern

Known as Oxford’s “hardest-to-find” pub, The Turf Tavern has been a favorite since 1381 (possibly as early as the 11th century). It is an awesome bustling place for locals and visitors, who are in the know. The ghost at The Turf didn’t say hello, but with the warm vibe, great beer garden, and fantastic company, we hardly noticed!

The Turf Tavern has been popular throughout the ages, providing “Education in Intoxication” to Ernest Hemingway, Stephen Hawking, Elizabeth Taylor, Bill Clinton, and so many more.

The Eagle and Child

A.k.a. the “Bird and Baby,” this legendary pub hosted J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and their Inklings group. The Eagle and Child was the place where the pages of “Lord of The Rings” and “Chronicles of Narnia” were written and discussed. Isn’t this awesome?

While currently closed, The Eagle and Child is expected to reopen soon — fingers crossed!

Honorable Mentions

Definitely, The Bear. Step back in time to 1232 (est.) and awaken your inner Viking in one of Oxford’s oldest pubs, where wooden mugs and hearty cheers echo through its walls! And The Crown, a favorite haunt by William Shakespeare himself, this historic pub adds Renaissance flair to your pint.

Art & Atmosphere in Oxford

Oxford’s nickname, “City of Dreaming Spires,” coined by poet Matthew Arnold, perfectly captures the city’s mystifying charm. With limestone buildings cloaked in centuries-old soot, it’s a Victorian enthusiast’s dream.

Whether you’re into His Dark Materials, Discovery of Witches, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, or steampunk aesthetics, Oxford has a way of casting its spell on everyone who visits.

Wandering Oxford’s streets, you might stumble upon small, ancient cemeteries hidden amidst the hustle and bustle. These pockets of history are fascinating reminders of the city’s rich and layered past.

Oxford is full of unexpected surprises, being a treasure trove for art and architecture lovers, like Sheldonian Theatre (designed by Sir Christopher Wren), for example. It is guarded by a line of ‘emperor heads,’ each with its own peculiar expression. They’re an amusing yet slightly eerie touch to this iconic Oxford landmark.

And, don’t miss Antony Gormley’s rooftop sculpture, Another Time XI. This 7-foot-tall “Iron Man” watches over Broad and Turl Streets and makes for an unforgettable sight.

Magdalen College

On our first trip, our Oxford alum friends gave us a personal walking tour including the famous Magdalen College (pronounced Maudlin).

The courtyard of Magdalen College offers a serene escape, with perfectly manicured lawns framed by Gothic and Victorian facades. It’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like time slows down. Standing there, it’s hard not to feel like a character in a novel — one part scholar, one part time traveler.

The centuries-old wooden gate of Magdalen College feels like a portal to another time. Every notch and groove tells a story of the countless scholars and visitors who’d passed through.

Step into the Magdalen College Chapel to marvel at the vibrant painted glass windows, which bring biblical stories to life with stunning detail and craftsmanship.

And, check out our most favorite tree in Oxford,  the Magdalen Plane, a majestic tree that feels like it belongs in an enchanted forest.

Why We Want to Go Back to Oxford

We were initially skeptical about spending a whole day in a “university town,” but now we’re planning a return visit! At the top of our list for next time is a Bodleian Libraries tour, the awesome museums, a punting trip on the river, and more time to wander the stunning college grounds.

With London so close, a day trip to Oxford is practically a must. Whether you’re a history buff, literature fan, or just love wandering charming streets, Oxford has something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to London, don’t just “think about” a day trip to Oxford. Make it happen!

Have we inspired you to take a day trip to Oxford yet? For more travel ideas in the UK, check out our posts on a day trip to Stonehenge and mysterious artifacts in the British Museum, and if you are more into Scotland, we have a three-parter about Edinburgh, just for you! Don’t be shy, drop a comment below, and subscribe to our blog for more adventures abroad and locally in California.